--- title: "Bay Area Contracting, Inc. — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/bay-area-contracting-inc-pfvwus-pf~436706422 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~436706422.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Bay Area Contracting, Inc." category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/84c39fea01927643_8871-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "PO Box 6445, Traverse City, Michigan 49696, United States" latitude: 44.8162 longitude: -85.5751 phone: "(231) 941-0014" website: http://www.bayareacontracting.net rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 120 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Bay Area Contracting, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Bay Area Contracting, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/bay-area-contracting-inc-pfvwus-pf~436706422) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Traverse City, MI - **Serves:** Traverse City, Chums Corner, Acme, Old Mission, Williamsburg - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2024), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves We are a family-owned business, and "family" is the essence of everything we do. Launched in 2007, Bay Area Contracting has grown year over year because of our focus on quality and strong client relationships. Our clients become family and by learning about them and building that relationship, we are able to successfully build a home that suits their lifestyle and aesthetic. Bay Area Contracting has built over 135 homes since 2007, and each year we increase our annual volume by improving processes, building relationships with sub-contractors (many of whom work exclusively with BAC), and by adding staff to support our efforts. ### Services Provided - New Home Construction - Custom Homes - Home Remodeling - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Energy-Efficient Homes - Project Management - Pool House Design & Construction - Sustainable Design ### Areas Served - Traverse City - Chums Corner - Acme - Old Mission - Williamsburg ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Bay Area Contracting, Inc. | | Address | PO Box 6445, Traverse City, Michigan 49696, United States | | Phone | (231) 941-0014 | | Website | http://www.bayareacontracting.net | | License Number | 2102185008 | | Followers on Houzz | 120 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/BayAreaContracting ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Bay Area Contracting, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/bay-area-contracting-inc-pfvwus-pf~436706422) - **Website:** http://www.bayareacontracting.net - **Phone:** (231) 941-0014 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Numerous Grand Traverse Region Parade of Homes awards, Peoples Choice Awards, Grand Traverse Region Small Business Top 10, Voted Red Hot Best of Northern Michigan by readers of Traverse Magazine, Dean was recognized as one of the top 40 in business under the age of 40 for the region. - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2024), for Design. **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 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Jay and Maureen Berger, Dec. 2016** > We finished our custom home project in April 2016 and we are just now (December 20116) circling back to write our review for Dean . . . he’s fantastic!! The other reviews are spot on – he does have a “childlike enthusiasm”, he is “honest and reliable”, he does “work with the same group of outstanding subcontractors” which leads to quality predictable results. > > Two of our favorite quotes really apply to Dean: > > –“Your first and foremost job as a leader is to raise your own energy level and then to help orchestrate the energies of those around you.” Peter Drucker > – “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Harry Truman > > Dean is high energy and his enthusiasm is contagious. He communicates well with the client and his team and he is well respected by everyone. We really admired his ability to manage his team and push them without stretching them beyond their limits. > > Dean works non stop and kept us in the loop every step of the way. We really appreciated his shared calendar and frequent text message updates. When there was a bump in the road Dean was a steady hand and helped us navigate our options or fixed things without us even knowing about it. > > Dean’s services are in demand and he’s worth the wait!! We highly recommend Dean for anyone building a custom home and we’d use him again in a heartbeat. **★★★★★ — Clutter Funk, June 2016** > We had an amazing experience working with Dean and Bay Area Contracting. Dean outlined everything before we started. This was our first building project, and his team made it so easy. We knew exactly what the cost would be and there were no surprises along the way. And the project finished on time!! We are beyond happy with the quality of work and the professionalism of his employees and subcontractors. We would highly recommend Bay Area Contracting!! **★★★★★ — jvh1, March 2016** > We could not have been more pleased with our decision to have Dean build our lakefront home. His boundless energy and childlike excitement for his work is contagious. He makes it fun. He clearly has strong relationships with all of his subcontractors and holds his team to the highest of standards. He is fully invested in the project with regular communication and availability. Our project remained on budget. Dean is a problem solver, always looking to find a solution that is in his client's best interest. **★★★★★ — nwpmap, March 2016** > Bay Area Contracting built a home for us on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Glen Arbor. Dean was absolutely transparent in all aspects of the project. Planning, execution and follow up set the mark for the standard of an award-winning contractor. We heard terror tales from friends who had a terrible experience with their contractor, and we were searching for a professional with conscience and integrity. We found those qualities in Dean and his entire team. We genuinely enjoyed building our house and would describe the experience as fun. > > He built a house to with stand a hurricane, and it did. This past summer, a weather anomaly hit Glen Arbor with 100 mph winds. Our house took the storm head on and did not incur any damage. No roofing, siding or window compromises. I highly recommend Bay Area Contracting. **★★★★★ — pgray1954, Feb. 2016** > Dean and his team made building our dream home fun! Dean’s knowledge of construction, his excellent project management and his fantastic team made the building process very enjoyable and we couldn’t be more happy with our beautiful home. We cannot say enough about Dean’s attention to every aspect of the construction process. He truly wanted to ensure that we, the homeowners, were satisfied with every aspect of our home. When there were trade-offs to be made, Dean would explain our options, the impacts –if any--to timeline and budget and then made sure we knew how long we had to make our decision. Dean has identified a team of high quality suppliers and skilled sub-contractors. The subs are respectful, hard-working craftsman who are proud of their work, and this shows in their finished product. Dean is a hard-working, fair and honest business-man and these attributes are reflected in the way that he treats his clients, employees, suppliers, and sub-contractors. > We especially loved working with Marty Rhein, BAC’s exceptional designer. Marty invested the time to understand our likes and dislikes, our design sensibilities and our overall vision for our home. Marty then worked closely with us to make sure that each detail of our home was aligned with this vision. > We would recommend BAC without reservation to anyone considering new home construction or renovation. We are very grateful and delighted that we are a part of the BAC family! **★★★★★ — ghab85, Feb. 2016** > BAC (and Dean specifically) has been most responsive and ultimately successful in completing the construction of our home. We are indeed "living the dream" in our home. Dean is honestly invested along with us. BAC should be considered at the top of your list. **★★★★★ — heydlauff, Feb. 2016** > Dean finished our new house this past December. We are absolutely thrilled with the end result, and had a great overall experience throughout the process. You hear horror stories of building, and we had no such experience. Dean was true to his timeline and pricing without sacrificing the craftsmanship he is known for. We are grateful for Dean and Team BAC. **★★★★★ — jlooyenga, Feb. 2016** > Dean and his team were great to work with. 5 years after our home was constructed it still feels like new! Exceptional craftsmanship! **★★★★★ — mitchellblue, Feb. 2016** > Dean is exceptional. The best quality, highest level of customer service, on time, on budget, and exceeding all expectations. I highly recommend Dean and his team. > > Mitchell & Rebecca Blue **★★★★★ — Heidi Hamlin, Feb. 2014** > Dean is an awesome contractor who listens to what you want. I have seen alot of his work and its top notch. ## Selected projects - [West Bay Waterfront Walkout](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-bay-waterfront-walkout-pj-vj~2674158) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 51 - [Classic Kitchen Refresh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-kitchen-refresh-pj-vj~2779124) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Hello, Gorgeous!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hello-gorgeous-pj-vj~2345125) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: This mid-century-style walkout, set amid park-like surroundings directly on West Bay, needed a full remodel to open up its interior spaces, making them more functional and taking full advantage of the property’s gorgeous water vistas. The home’s original 1950s-60s style and design were also in dire need of a makeover. It began in the kitchen with a stainless steel farmhouse sink and matching high-end appliances, high-gloss white cabinetry, a white subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and… - [From Northwest to Up North](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-northwest-to-up-north-pj-vj~2345111) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - [Year-Round Appeal on West Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/year-round-appeal-on-west-bay-pj-vj~2345119) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 28 - Description: Farmhouse or summer cottage? This welcoming 2-bedroom, 2200-square foot custom home on Old Mission Peninsula borrows elements from both styles. Red vinyl lap siding and shingles, offset by crisp white trim, provide a striking contrast to the surrounding trees and water in every season. Walls of windows afford unobstructed views of West Bay. The open and airy interior offers its own contrasts with a white background accented in blue, as well as varied ceiling heights that define the kitchen, dini… - [Remodel: Lakemore Retreat Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodel-lakemore-retreat-cabin-pj-vj~2345108) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 40 - Description: The Cabin is the third addition to Lakemore Retreat on Arbutus Lake, following the Lodge and the Cottage. Unlike the latter two, this 1515-square foot beachfront structure and its adjacent “bunkhouse” were not new builds, but renovations of an existing property. Between them, they have 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. Although the style may be labeled “rustic cabin,” and the exterior cedar siding is original, the landscaping is all new, and the interiors are anything but rustic, featuring a custom stonew… - [New Construction: Lakemore Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-lakemore-cottage-pj-vj~1536235) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 21 - Description: Get away from it all on the shores of pristine Arbutus Lake in the comfort of this charming 2700 square-foot post-and-beam cottage, offering 3 spacious levels of fun and relaxation. The lower level features a carpeted family room with wet bar, pool table/game room, locker room, full bath and laundry. The main floor kitchen opens up to a 2-story great room with a flagstone-veneer fireplace, a bright and airy sunroom, and a hallway leading to 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The 3rd-floor loft adds an… - [New Construction: Lakemore Retreat Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-lakemore-retreat-lodge-pj-vj~1536553) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 33 - Description: Urban chic meets Northern Michigan casual in this 2700 square-foot, 3-story retreat on Arbutus Lake that displays quality craftsmanship and custom design throughout. High-end finishing materials like rustic oak plank and natural stone flooring, granite countertops, ceramic tile, and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, lighting and hardware combine beauty with practicality, while 3 full bathrooms, 4 bedrooms with sink vanities, and a sleeping loft ensure convenience and flexibility. For lively indoor act… - [New Construction: Lake Leelanau \#2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-lake-leelanau-2-pj-vj~321420) - Location: Lake Leelanau, MI - Photos: 19 - Description: 1,955 main square feet finished and 1411 lower square feet finished – total 3,366 square feet finished 4 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath Extraordinary vistas abound at this hilltop property. To your left, magnificent views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands, to your right, a large, modern-rustic home that says “Welcome” the minute you lay eyes on it. It begins with the grand peaked-roof front entryway created with natural stone, genuine tree-trunk supporting columns and a stamped concre… - [Remodel on East Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodel-on-east-bay-pj-vj~1532419) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 13 - Description: The new owners of this modern lake home, originally built in 2002, had recently become empty nesters. They wanted their new surroundings to reflect this change, as well as their own tastes and furnishings, which tended toward, classic coastal style. To achieve this, they requested a complete remodel of the main floor's interiors, including the kitchen and living room, the mud room and laundry, and the master bath and powder room. - [New Construction: Modern Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-modern-bungalow-pj-vj~892801) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 39 - Description: Thanks to soaring ceilings, windows that afford panoramic views, and maximum use of space, this 3-bedroom, 3.5 -bath, 21st century-style bungalow on Arbutus Lake feels much larger than its 2,500 square feet. Every modern-day amenity has been accommodated, including a chef’s kitchen with pro-style appliances, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware, granite countertops, in-floor radiant heat, a state-of-the-art media/game room, a computer and craft area, an outdoor shower, and a fabulous four-sea… - [Rebirth of a Lakefront Casual](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rebirth-of-a-lakefront-casual-pj-vj~2345122) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Rebirth of a Lakefront Casual - [New Construction: Waterfront Walkout](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-waterfront-walkout-pj-vj~641025) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - Description: 4,800 Sq Ft Home w/Walkout 4 Bedroom + Office 3 Full Baths 2 Half Baths This 4,800 square-foot traditional walkout ranch blends beautifully with its serene, wooded location on Arbutus Lake. An expansive glass-railed deck, a cozy screened-in porch, and a large stamped-concrete patio all offer outstanding water views and sunsets. The home’s spacious interior features 4 bedrooms (plus office), 3 full bathrooms and 2 half-baths, plus a media room, exercise room, and even a lower-level “lake gear” st… - [New Construction: Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~1532356) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 21 - Description: Peek-a-boo views of East Bay are just the beginning of all the great amenities in this cheerful and practical family home. The modern farmhouse style is carried throughout this 2,050 square foot home, from classic white siding and shake accents outside to the rustic maple flooring inside. A bright color scheme on the main level is warm and inviting and includes unique focal points such as a vintage refrigerator. Though the kitchen is the heart of this home, the house also features a main floor l… - [New Construction: Intimate Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-intimate-beach-house-pj-vj~979790) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: 1440 Sq Ft beach home 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Designed to take advantage of its spectacular location, this 1440 square foot home offers an airy, window filled open living area, beautiful white kitchen with granite island, 2 bedrooms, and 2 full bathrooms. Two more bedrooms, bathroom, craft room, and additional living area with wet bar are found in the walkout lower level. Vinyl plank floor tile, polished concrete, and wool carpeting were beautiful and functional choices. This home features an energ… - [New Construction-Lake Leelanau](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-lake-leelanau-pj-vj~321375) - Location: Lake Leelanau, MI - Photos: 28 - Description: 2,120 main square feet finished and 1,516 lower square feet finished with a total 3,636 square feet finished 3 Bedrooms + Office 2 Full Baths 1 Half Bath If ever there were a dream setting for a home, this is it. And the design and layout of this energy-efficient, Craftsman-style walkout, perched on a high ridge just south of Leland, take full advantage of the stunning views that unfold from nearly every room. Lake Michigan’s Good Harbor Bay, the Manitou Islands, and endless treetops spread out… - [New Construction: New England Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-new-england-cottage-pj-vj~979931) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: 2,500 Sq Ft, Lakefront home 3 bedrooms +bunk room 3 full baths + 2 half baths The exterior of this 2,500 square-foot New England cottage-inspired home on Arbutus Lake is a mix of slate-grey siding, classic white trim and rustic stone. A 20-foot-wide custom fireplace is the focal point of the interior, which also features a designer kitchen with granite countertops, a study, and a second-floor bunkhouse for visiting grandchildren, as well as 3 more bedrooms, 3 baths and 2 half-baths. In-floor rad… - [New Construction; Ultimate Entertaining Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-ultimate-entertaining-home-pj-vj~1532248) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 16 - Description: Built for family gatherings and entertaining, this 3038 square foot home is highlighted by its open inviting kitchen with massive granite island. The adjoining sunroom and great rooms’ sliding doors lead to a lanai-like screened porch with stamped concrete flooring and skylights. Two main level master bedrooms share a unique master bath. Downstairs, two additional en-suite bedrooms and large hobby room provide plenty of space for family and friends. Energy efficient vinyl windows as well as viny… - [New Construction: Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-lake-cottage-pj-vj~639696) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: 2,322 Sq Ft Cottage 3 Bedroom + Bonus Room 3 Bath Inspired by the lake, sky, and trees around it, this striking 2,322 square-foot, 3+ bedroom, 3 bath home features a color palette in a refreshing mix of blue, white, yellow, and green hues, underscored by warm wood flooring and decking. Back to back natural stone fireplaces complete the merging of indoor and outdoor spaces between the great room and adjoining 3 season room. A covered wraparound porch, large windows, and an open floor plan allow v… - [New Construction, Underwood Ridge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-underwood-ridge-pj-vj~351851) - Location: Traverse City, MI - Photos: 17 - Description: 5,000 Sq Ft Home on 3 Floors 4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom Perched on a lofty ridge overlooking both bays on Traverse City's Old Mission Peninsula, this 3-story, 5,000 square foot, shingle and stone charmer would be equally at home on the New England coast. Inside, the creative use of color, pattern, and materials strikes a perfect balance between elegance and casualness. In the formal living and dining rooms, traditional moldings, columns and furnishings meet robin's egg blue walls; granite, marble, and… [See all 41 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/bay-area-contracting-inc-pfvwus-pf~436706422) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153080262/list/wish-list) — 1 idea [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bac1980) ## Community Q&A **Q: Exterior Colors** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the exterior colors of this home? A: Thank you for your interest in our project! The siding is LP Smart Side wood Composite siding in Tile Red with Natural Cotton trim. Hope this helps! **Q: Cabinet color** *(in Photo Questions)* Looks great! Are you able to share the blue cabinet color? Thanks! A: Thank you! The Perimeter cabinets are Brookhaven Vintage Deep Sky (Inset Lockport Door). Hope this helps! **Q: Flooring** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of wood and stain did you use? A: Thank you for your interest in our project. This is Ferno- Valencia Oiled Finished Oak by Casabella. Hope this helps! **Q: Paint** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the outside paint color? A: Thank you for your interest in our project! The siding is LP Smart Side wood Composite siding in Tile Red with Natural Cotton trim. Hope this helps! **Q: Red cottage** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this a red cottage design http://www.theredcottage.com/browse-designs/cottage-house-plans/ A: No it is not. **Q: What color are the cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: They're white. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*