--- title: "R-Value Homes — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/r-value-homes-pfvwus-pf~25513555 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~25513555.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "R-Value Homes" category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/cd430a1b00e76465_3448-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO Box 17, Clarksville, Michigan 48815, United States" latitude: 42.8302 longitude: -85.2494 phone: "(616) 299-3654" website: http://www.rvaluehomes.com rating: 5 review_count: 23 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 73 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # R-Value Homes Original Houzz profile: [R-Value Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/r-value-homes-pfvwus-pf~25513555) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Clarksville, MI - **Serves:** Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Muskegon, Holland, Owosso, Ionia, Grand Haven, Howell, Charlotte, Greenville, Hastings, Rockford, Allegan, Wayland, Lowell, Cedar Springs, Lake Odessa, Saranac, Fennville, Freeport, Woodland, Clarksville, Ada, Alto - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (23 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2017–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves R-Value Homes builds custom homes of uncompromising comfort, health, and durability. Our transparent process ensures consistent quality and meticulous attention to both your wishes and needs. Integrity is our foundation, and our experienced team of trade partners are carefully selected so you can trust both our people and our process. The amazing performance of our homes showcases our passionate commitment to excellence, and the belief that building better is not only possible; it is the responsible thing to do. Jake Vierzen started R-Value Homes in 2004, after 10 years at a Michigan based commercial concrete contractor, where he began as a laborer and quickly moved into the position of a poured wall foreman. Jake was raised in a large family on a West Michigan dairy farm; where long hours were the norm, complaining was taboo, and both conservation of energy and stewardship of resources were a way of life. His experiences on the farm working with machinery and high performance engines would converge to change the path of his career! Growing up, he also enjoyed reading, so naturally he read a lot to keep up on industry knowledge, and follow trends. Once he heard of Insulating Concrete Forms, he immediately knew it was for him! Insulated Concrete Forms are high-performance, conservation, stewardship, durability, and concrete all wrapped into one! ### Services Provided - New Home Construction - Custom Homes - Energy-Efficient Homes - Multigenerational Homes - Green Building - Project Management - Universal Design - Sustainable Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Construction Management - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Grand Rapids - Lansing - Kalamazoo - Battle Creek - Muskegon - Holland - Owosso - Ionia - Grand Haven - Howell - Charlotte - Greenville - Hastings - Rockford - Allegan - Wayland - Lowell - Cedar Springs - Lake Odessa - Saranac - Fennville - Freeport - Woodland - Clarksville - Ada - Alto ### Typical Job Cost $400,000 - 2000,000 Investment starts at $250/sq.ft. for new homes. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | R-Value Homes | | Address | PO Box 17, Clarksville, Michigan 48815, United States | | Phone | (616) 299-3654 | | Website | http://www.rvaluehomes.com | | License Number | 2102184775 and 2101174377 | | Followers on Houzz | 73 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — www.facebook.com/RValue - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/r-value-concrete - Blog — www.rvaluehomes.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [R-Value Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/r-value-homes-pfvwus-pf~25513555) - **Website:** http://www.rvaluehomes.com - **Phone:** (616) 299-3654 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - American Concrete Institute certified concrete technician - Reward ICF trained installer - Logix ICF trained installer - Nudura ICF trained installer - 2008 ICFA Excellence award in both "Sustainability" and "Large Residential" - 2007 Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association "Exemplary Project" - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2017–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Home Builders Association of Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/home-builders-association-of-michigan-pfvwus-pf~1477551635) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 23 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 46.0 - Value: 46.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — James Felgner, June 2023** > My wife and I interviewed several builders for our ICF home that we had designed. We wanted a summer home that was what super-efficient, with zero step entry, and designed for when we are older. > > Ultimately, we chose R-Value Homes because Jake and is employees/partners are very honest and hardworking. They worked with us to keep the project on budget and completed it in the time frame that was estimated. The build quality is superb. > > Also, Jake's experience and expertise in building net zero and high efficiency homes is undeniable. The build quality and overall solid feel of the home is impressive. We couldn't be happier about how it turned out. > > You can stop looking for your builder, this is the one. **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > Thank you James! It was a real pleasure to work with you! **★★★★★ — David Gross, March 2023** > We have been in our home now for about 1.5 years and are very happy with it. The house was designed by Eric Hughes, modifying plans of his LEED Platinum certified River Escape house. We were looking for an efficient, zero-step home, which would be easy to maintain. It is Greenstar Certified and has a HERS score of 11. > Jake Vierzen of R-Value Homes built the house using ICF walls to provide a strong, insulated and very efficient structure. We love the passive solar design which provides lots of light. Construction Manager Harold Bell was fabulous. Got the house built on time and within budget, despite many supply chain problems caused by covid. They all did an excellent job guiding us through the home building process and keeping us informed along the way. Eric and Jake listened to what we wanted and did everything they could to achieve our goals. Workmanship is impressive. Any issues that we had were handled promptly. **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > Thank you very much David. It was an honor to build your home! **★★★★★ — Michael McCracken, Aug. 2021** > Here’s why R-Value Homes is the best. We had a minor HVAC issue last night at 9:00 pm. Called Jake, who built our house over 2 years ago. He said he could be out first thing in the morning. He was at our house right when he said he would be and fixed the issue in minutes. A few hours later he sent us a follow up email with 3 different options to make sure the issue doesn’t happen again. The service and professionalism is beyond expected and so appreciated. We can’t say enough good things about R-Value Homes! **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review. I was such fun working with you! **★★★★★ — Janette Bremer, Dec. 2020** > Had a great 1st house building experience and would recommend Jake to others planning on building a specialty home. Thank you **★★★★★ — David Paulus, Dec. 2020** > I am the engineer for a small custom window company that often supplies windows and doors for R-Value homes. I have been to their job sites many times and the quality of their work is impeccable. As an engineer it is apparent to me that Jake Vierzen (the owner) has educated himself very well in the building sciences and he applies it in the homes he builds to optimize comfort, longevity and energy efficiency. He pays the attention necessary to details for airtightness. If I were building a home in western Michigan he would be my builder of choice. **★★★★★ — Michael McCracken, Dec. 2019** > Having R-Value Homes build our house was the best decision we could have made. Jake’s expertise, attention to detail, and honesty were invaluable. It’s amazing to have been moved into the house for months now and still be able to ask questions and have small things in the house adjusted. He made the very overwhelming process of building a house much less overwhelming. We never thought we could have a home that was both environmentally friendly and energy efficient while still obtaining a modern design. We would highly recommend him to anyone interested in building a home. Any future projects that we have will definitely be done by R-Value Homes. **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > Thanks so much Mike; it was fun working with you guys! > And what a great photo! **★★★★★ — 42 North \| DESIGN…at your doorstep®, Sept. 2019** > We greatly enjoy working with R-Value Homes! Their professionalism and ability to get the job accomplished every time is a testament to how much they care about the client. The team at R-Value Homes is incredibly honest and hardworking and is truly dedicated to getting the job done correctly! **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > Likewise, the experience working with you has been a true partnership! **★★★★★ — Kate Brock Interiors, Sept. 2019** > I had the privilege to work with R-Value Homes on the Spring 2019 Parade of Homes. We called this home the modern concrete home because of it's unique modern design and use of concrete throughout the home. I was the interior designer on the project and Jake was the builder. Working with Jake was wonderful because he is SO knowledgable, professional and extremley organize!. Both my clients and I were so pleased with R-Value Homes and would be delighted to work with him again in the future. **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > Thanks Kate. working with you has been an excellent experience for R-Value Homes as well! **★★★★★ — John Kuiper, Aug. 2018** > I conduct the energy ratings and testing for R Value Homes. Of the hundreds of homes I test each year, none perform better than the those that Jake builds. Home energy professionals like to say "Build Tight, Ventilate Right" and that's how R Value builds efficient, healthy comfortable homes. **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > That means a lot coming from you John. Thank you for your partnership! **★★★★★ — HU-634713403, Aug. 2018** > I've worked with Jake now for a few years as an electrical contractor he definitely knows his stuff when it comes to ICF Construction, he's also very knowledgeable in all aspects of an energy-efficient home. He make sure that we as a construction "team" provide the best quality product for the customer **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > Thank you Dean, I appreciate your contribution to each project's success! **★★★★★ — Va Nia, Aug. 2018** > Working with RValue Homes was amazing. Jake is very detail oriented and creative. He always returned our communications quickly and stayed on top of all the different people in our home. RValue Homes surrounds itself with excellent craftsman as well- from the people who worked on the interior wall framing to the final trim guys- they were very trustworthy and we enjoyed talking with them everyday we stopped by the house while it was being built. Having an ICF home for the first time, we have had a lot of questions and Jake has been thorough with his descriptions and answers to our questions. We love our new home and would not change a thing. **Comment from R-Value Homes:** > You guys were fantastic to work with. Thank you for your review; I am humbled. **★★★★★ — William Bradford, Oct. 2017** > We were very satisfied working with Jake while building our new house. He helped us in making decisions on alternatives and on saving money on choices. He finished the house ahead of schedule and only slightly over the original estimate. We would wholeheartedly recommend Jake and would happily work with him on another project. ## Selected projects - [Knockadoon Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/knockadoon-hill-pj-vj~7744900) - Location: Rockford, MI - Photos: 42 - [Slainte](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/slainte-pj-vj~7823443) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: This custom "barndominium" was designed and built for a family of four. The wife has severe allergies, unlike any we've encountered before, making her extremely sensitive to air quality, and especially mold. To mitigate the potential for leaks, the home was designed without a basement, and to minimize the penetrations through the roof. The garage slab is lower than the house so washing the cars doesn't threaten anything in the home, yet a generous ramp maintains the zero step of the rest of the… - [Wildflower Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wildflower-farmhouse-pj-vj~7446606) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 36 - Description: Beautiful Black and White Modern Farmhouse in West Michigan. - [Burken Punt](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burken-punt-pj-vj~7425008) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 39 - Description: This West Michigan home features our specialty, Insulated Concrete Forms below grade. Above grade, we implemented a fantastic improvement on stick framing known as T-Stud. Stunning Modern-Classic Exterior, Beautiful Main Living Spaces, Smart Modern Kitchen, Energy Star™ appliances and fixtures, hybrid heat pump/natural gas furnace, spacious laundry and luxurious bathrooms! - [Bos Meer Huis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bos-meer-huis-pj-vj~7573894) - Location: Glenn, MI - Photos: 16 - Description: This single level accessible home was awarded Zero Energy Ready Home status from the Department of Energy, a rigorous certification that ensures health and efficiency levels are far beyond a typical home! Designed and built for an empty nest occupants, the home focuses on healthy air, next level efficiency, low maintenance, and ease of access for aging occupants; while maintaining flexible living spaces and attractive design. Featuring waxed concrete floors, ICF foundation, Energy Recovery Venti… - [Oak Meadow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oak-meadow-pj-vj~7474182) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This project began as an existing unused barn on the client's property. They wanted to convert it into living space for a mother-in-law who spent summers with them, and winters out of state. We began by removing the existing concrete floor so that we could run plumbing and electrical, but also insulate under the slab and install vapor barrier and radon mitigation system. From there we installed a ceiling air barrier, new windows, insulated everything, re-sided, and created a beautiful healthy ho… - [Caritas Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/caritas-retreat-pj-vj~7204618) - Location: Shelby, MI - Photos: 24 - [Modern Concrete Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-concrete-home-pj-vj~5788488) - Location: Fennville, MI - Photos: 30 - [Vastu Shastra Sanctum](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vastu-shastra-sanctum-pj-vj~7140300) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 22 - Description: Passive solar, ICF walls, net-zero with two PowerWall batteries, frost protected shallow foundation, polished concrete, radiant heat, and all electric custom home, designed using ancient Vastu principles. This home was awarded Silver certification through the GreenStar program! - [Peace of Mind III](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peace-of-mind-iii-pj-vj~6722447) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 69 - Description: Modern, barrier free, and passive solar design. Features sustainable and highly energy efficient materials, aging-in-place features, ICF walls, loft design, plus solar panels and battery for net-zero performance. - [Modern Farmhouse meets Sunlight](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-meets-sunlight-pj-vj~5234086) - Location: Georgetown Township, MI - Photos: 36 - Description: This healthy home focused on tons of natural light, durability and longevity, comfort, and health. A modern adaptation of a farmhouse with high ceilings and open floor plan which make things very light and airy; enhancing the enjoyment of it's simple beauty. Zero step entry and large spaces allow the use of a wheelchair if that is ever needed. The use of Insulating Concrete Form walls, Passive solar design, air-source heat pumps, Heat Recovery Ventilation, and triple pane windows all contribute… - [Energy Miser II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/energy-miser-ii-pj-vj~6706494) - Location: Cedar Springs, MI - Photos: 25 - [Thornapple River Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thornapple-river-retreat-pj-vj~6471038) - Location: Hastings, MI - Photos: 32 - [Prickly Pear Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prickly-pear-sanctuary-pj-vj~5234701) - Location: Fennville, MI - Photos: 26 - Description: A one level aging in place home designed to last for generations; ensuring healthy, comfortable, low maintenance living. This passive solar home is net-zero, and all electric (gas free) using and air to water air source heat pump warming radiant floors. - [Modern Farmhouse Energy Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-energy-remodel-pj-vj~2631514) - Location: Lowell, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: We removed the siding, replaced a lot of rotten OSB, added 2" of exterior insulation with the seams sealed with Dow Weathermate and/or Zip System tape, replaced all windows with high performance Strassburger uPVC windows featuring molded in trim with an integral J-channel, and Azek cellular PVC corner trim with an integral J-channel for clean lines. Then we resided with 8" horizontal lap vinyl siding. The finishing touch was a galvalume metal roof for the porch. - [Clarksville Farmhouse Empty Nest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clarksville-farmhouse-empty-nest-pj-vj~2230328) - Location: Clarksville, MI - Photos: 19 - Description: This home was designed and built for aging-in-place accessibility; once the kids had all moved out. No basement means no stairs for those with bad knees, or who are wheelchair bound Passive solar design coupled with Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) walls and air sealing ensures comfort year round, with consistently low energy bills. - [Onekama LEED Platinum](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/onekama-leed-platinum-pj-vj~974225) - Location: Onekama, MI - Photos: 5 - Description: Frank Llyod Wright inspired LEED Platinum passive solar home uses Insulating Concrete Forms to heat for free when the sun is out, yet block the sun during the summer to keep things cool. - [Old World Meets Modern Methods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-world-meets-modern-methods-pj-vj~973677) - Location: Ann Arbor, MI - Photos: 5 - Description: The large home used thick ICF forms for exterior walls; even adding a radiused turret to create a mini-castle look. The round wall theme is carried inside to the staircase featured prominently in the foyer. A large brick arch greets guests through a set of massive double doors. - [Rustic Farmhouse for Those Who Love the Sun](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-farmhouse-for-those-who-love-the-sun-pj-vj~973661) - Location: Clarksville, MI - Photos: 27 - Description: Insulating Concrete Form ICF home with triple pane windows, passive solar design, 5 star + Energy Star rated, 0.62 ACH 50 blower door test, HERS score of 43 without using solar or wind. - [Mio Custom "Concrete Log" Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mio-custom-concrete-log-cabin-pj-vj~973698) - Location: Mio, MI - Photos: 11 - Description: A LEED gold certified project using Insulating Concrete Form walls, colored concrete floors, geothermal heat pump, and radiant heat for comfort and durability. [See all 25 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/r-value-homes-pfvwus-pf~25513555) ## Ideabooks - [brick wall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34336037/list/brick-wall) — 19 ideas - [concrete countertop](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107996206/list/concrete-countertop) — 12 ideas - [Porch ceiling ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92909094/list/porch-ceiling-ideas) — 14 ideas - [wood exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81915216/list/wood-exterior) — 1 idea - [C. Vierzen Design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72684961/list/c-vierzen-design) — 13 ideas - [red exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69113021/list/red-exterior) — 16 ideas - [island](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34336379/list/island) — 4 ideas - [window seat](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34335284/list/window-seat) — 2 ideas - [master bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32017822/list/master-bedroom) — 1 idea [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jacob-vierzen) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the flooring?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi! What is the flooring? Looks like concrete with some type of epoxy finish. Thanks A: The floor is polished concrete with a 3/8" aggregate. **Q: fireplace wall material** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, what’s the material on the fireplace wall? Is it just paint color? A: Yes, it is painted drywall. Sherwin Williams SW 7062 "Rock Bottom" **Q: can you tell me what the support is for the small overhangs are?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I am also looking for more info on that awning support bracket. I suspect they are custom built. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*