---
title: "Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/exemplar-carpentry-and-home-renovations-pfvwus-pf~562839519
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562839519.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations"
category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1683b18e0594331e_0461-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "Howell, Michigan 48843, United States"
latitude: 42.6159
longitude: -83.9248
phone: "(810) 623-2169"
website: https://exemplarcarpentry.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 31
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 64
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations

Original Houzz profile: [Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/exemplar-carpentry-and-home-renovations-pfvwus-pf~562839519)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers
- **Location:** Howell, MI
- **Serves:** Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, South Lyon, Howell, Whitmore Lake, Brighton, Milan, Chelsea, Dexter, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Grass Lake, Hartland, Gregory, Hamburg, New Hudson
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (31 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2020), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves
- Houzz Research - Insider

We proudly serve Washtenaw County, Livingston County and the surrounding areas. We will work with you to complete your project no matter the size or budget. We have the knowledge, reliability and reputation that you can count on. We provide our customers with the top building materials, great service, workmanship and cleanliness that you expect and deserve. The job is never done until you are satisfied.

### Services Provided

- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Basement Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Bathroom Remodeling
- Tile Installation

### Areas Served

- Ann Arbor
- Ypsilanti
- South Lyon
- Howell
- Whitmore Lake
- Brighton
- Milan
- Chelsea
- Dexter
- Fowlerville
- Pinckney
- Grass Lake
- Hartland
- Gregory
- Hamburg
- New Hudson

### Typical Job Cost

$100 - 150,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations |
| Address | Howell, Michigan 48843, United States |
| Phone | (810) 623-2169 |
| Website | https://exemplarcarpentry.com |
| License Number | 2101199708 |
| Followers on Houzz | 64 |

**Social profiles:**
- Blog — http://exemplarcarpentry.com/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/exemplar-carpentry-and-home-renovations-pfvwus-pf~562839519)
- **Website:** https://exemplarcarpentry.com
- **Phone:** (810) 623-2169

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Builder's License

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2020), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 31 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Achilleas Anastasopoulos, Oct. 2019**

> We hired Matt last summer for a moderate-sized project including:
> supporting a sagging wall in the living room,
> drywalling three rooms,
> putting a ceiling on the laundry room and
> painting the entire house (3500sqft) including cabinets.
>
> Matt and Dennis did an excellent job in all the above.
> They were very helpful with ideas and went out of their way to accommodate our summer vacation plans.
> Matt was very professional, reassuring, and overall a great general contractor.
> We were so satisfied that we ended up giving them the paint job, although this was not in the original plans.
>
> I highly recommend their services.

**★★★★★ — HU-950035850, June 2019**

> Matt was open to our continuous adjustments to materials and plans. He offered much useful advice without interference with our style preferences. His workmanship and attitude were excellent. Shows up as planned, ready to go.  We will hire him for other projects.

**★★★★★ — Debra Repine, June 2019**

> We had the guest/ kids upstairs bathroom remodeled and Matt did a great job. He is meticulous in making sure things are done right.  We would not hesitate to have him do our next project.

**★★★★★ — Allison McElroy, Jan. 2019**

> Matt and his team are doing two complete bathroom renovations for us, replacing everything right down to the studs.  We usually are DIY types, and this is the first time we've hired out any of our renovation work.  Exemplar Carpentry came highly recommended from a co-worker of mine, and we couldn't be happier with their work.  Matt listened to our needs and wants, offered great suggestions and tips, and moved quickly from start to finish.  Matt and his team are very professional, responsive, dependable, very tidy and they do absolutely beautiful work.  We're loving the first bathroom, and are they are working on the second right now, which I'm sure will be just as gorgeous!

**★★★★ — David Gidley, Dec. 2018**

> We chose and hired Exemplar after we saw the great work they did on my son's house remodel.  They provide excellent value for the money.  Our project had a lot of finished wood work and this is a specialty of Matt Sayers.  Exemplar is not a design-build firm but we knew what we wanted and Matt helped us flesh out the design. Exemplar is easy to work with. I would give them 4.5 stars rating if that was an option.

**★★★★★ — Alex Gidley, Jan. 2018**

> My wife and I hired Matt to remodel our kitchen, and throughout the entire process Matt has been nothing short of exemplary. To start, he was always easy to reach, whether it was via email, phone, or text. After we had a few larger companies (full "design & build" firms) come out to give us an estimate on our kitchen project, we were almost scared off from doing the project altogether. However we found Matt through Houzz, and figured we'd give him a shot. Right off the bat, his prices seemed much more reasonable. Other reviews, his website, and pictures of past projects gave us good confidence and him, and in the end we could not have been happier hiring Matt to do our project.
>
> Our kitchen project may have been one of the most complex kitchen jobs he's taken on, and he handled everything extremely well. Matt and his team took down multiple load-bearing walls, dealt with plumbing issues, a weird roof structure that resulted in Matt having to modify a couple cabinets (home is from the 1950s), a week and a half delay to have our floors refinished, and too many mid-project changes (from my wife and I) to count. And yet, he was very professional about everything, and very upfront about cost and timing impacts.
>
> Possibly best of all, Matt clearly has a knack for this line of work. Not only are his carpentry and general remodeling skills of the highest quality, he demonstrated multiple times a good eye for what will look good, and what may not look as nice. He was always willing to do whatever we, the customer, wanted, but every now and then he would say something like "you can definitely do that, but I personally think it would look good if you did this instead..." and every single time he was right.
>
> One last point to make - we felt that Matt truly cared about our project. We never felt that our home was "just a job" to him, it always seemed more than that. Case in point, through no fault of his own, we had a major plumbing leak in our basement while he and his team was at our home. He and his team spent the entire day, drenched in water, moving our belongings (including a huge stack of books) upstairs and away from the water. He immediately called the city to send someone out to shut off the water (we had a couple water valves fail, so he couldn't shut it off from the basement), and he called a company to come out and deal with the flooding. Due to his quick actions, our belongings were saved from any severe damage, and the "flooding" ended up being only a minor inconvenience instead of a disaster.
>
> Ultimately, hiring Matt to do our kitchen was probably the best decision we made all year. Next up, a bathroom remodel, and we will 100% be sure to have Matt take on that project as well. My wife and I fully recommend Exemplar to anyone who wants to remodel their home.
>
> Pictures coming soon!

**★★★★★ — Patrick Bernwanger, Dec. 2017**

> Exemplar and Matt Sayers crew did an excellent remodel of two full bathrooms in our Brighton, Michigan condo. The attention to detail and quality finishes stand out. We got lucky, we heard about Matt from a tile company we used for a fireplace remodel. We did our homework and went through several quotes, Exemplar seemed like the right choice and we were rewadred with a job well done. The project was completed at the cost quoted and we couldn’t be happier. Thanks Matt!

**★★★★★ — Jac Brown, Nov. 2017**

> Matt and his guys always strive to do the right thing and do the best job possible.  I was very happy to see that this was true of everything, not just the finished surfaces.  Matt is very knowledgeable and has deep experience in building and renovation.  All of the guys work hard to achieve the highest quality.  Matt was flexible and willing to work on those little extras that come up during the job.  Everything came in on budget and, although there were minor delays, I never felt worried about it because communication was good.  I would happily recommend Exemplar to others and contract them for any future job.

**Comment from Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations:**

> Thank you very much Jax! I'm glad that you are happy with the final results. I look forward to working with you again down the road.

**★★★★★ — Pam Arlt, July 2017**

> We are so happy with our new kitchen!  Matt is very meticulous in both his work and the work of his crew, as can be see by the pictures.  Communication with Matt throughout the project was excellent.  He was prompt in responding to any questions that we had.  The cost of the project did not change from the original estimate.  Matt even went with me to the tile store to pick out the back splash, and he interceded on our behalf when we had some issues with the company who installed the counter top.

**Comment from Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations:**

> Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you are happy with the completed work. I look forward to working with you again in the future.

**★★★★★ — Bridget Lynn, June 2017**

> Exemplar Carpentry did a great job finishing our basement.  Matt and his team are talented, professional and fast.  We would absolutely recommend them to others.

**★★★★★ — Jayne Malpede, March 2017**

> Matt did an outstanding job on our kitchen remodel and was great to work with. We plan to use him again to upgrade our staircase.

**Comment from Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations:**

> Thank you for the continued work. I will see you in August!

**★★★★★ — Gerald Behrends, Feb. 2017**

> Great job.  Very professional.  Completed job in a timely manner.  Very pleased with the end result. Would highly recommend him.  Plan on using him for other jobs on my house.

**Comment from Exemplar Carpentry & Home Renovations:**

> Thank you Jerry. You did a wonderful job selecting the tile! One of my favorite backsplash's to date. Thank you for the work and I look forward to working with you again.

## Selected projects

- [Brighton Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brighton-kitchen-pj-vj~1197901)
  - Location: Brighton, MI
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: This total kitchen remodel, down to the studs. Our team handled the full design and renovation, including re-routing plumbing and electrical to accommodate the new floor plan. We also opened up the wall to the living room and put in a new door to the laundry room. We were working to accommodate for existing dining table in the kitchen. We chose to go with formica countertops for budget, aesthetic and durability reasons.
- [Brighton Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brighton-master-bath-pj-vj~1191752)
  - Location: Brighton, MI
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Major bathroom remodel, the original bathroom had a jacuzzi tub. We adjusted this space to remove the jacuzzi tub to accommodate for an expansive walk in curb-less shower, making it accessible for all generations of the family.
- [Saline Stairway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saline-stairway-pj-vj~1311134)
  - Location: Saline, MI
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Removed the existing oak balusters and handrail. Painted the remaining woodwork. Stained and installed new oak handrails and installed new iron balusters.
- [Ann Arbor Master Bath Renovation with Jacuzzi Tub, Ceramic Tile and Dual Shower](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-master-bath-renovation-with-jacuzzi-tub-ceramic-tile-and-dual-shower-pj-vj~1182280)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: This bathroom was a total renovation, we even had to remove the subfloor because of rot. We removed the jacuzzi and re-installed in a different location. Removed the existing small shower and replaced it with a top end ceramic tile walk in shower with a dual shower head feature. We did everything from start to finish on this, framing, spray foam insulation,plumbing, electrical, drywall install and finishing, priming and painting, finish trim and tile work.
- [Ann Arbor Interior Doors, Trim, Kitchens and Tile Floors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-interior-doors-trim-kitchens-and-tile-floors-pj-vj~1182222)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: This job is a multi-unit student housing project. We did all of the tile work in the bathroom and laundry area. Installed all of the cabinets in the kitchens and bathrooms. Hung all of the interior doors. We also installed all of the base molding door and window casing and all closet shelving
- [Ann Arbor Basement Trim and Tile](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-basement-trim-and-tile-pj-vj~1182032)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Small entry are tile installation, fireplace tile surround, radius base molding, finish trim
- [Ann Arbor Glass Subway Tile Basement Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-glass-subway-tile-basement-bath-pj-vj~1182083)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Ann Arbor Glass Subway Tile Basement Bath 6/6/13 This is a truly luxurious basement bathroom. The shower features include glass subway tile top half, with a glass border row, white subway ceramic tile on the bottom half, a glass tile shower floor dual shower heads and a granite bench seat. We did everything from start to finish on this job. Electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, trim work, framing and tile installation
- [Ann Arbor Hardwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-hardwood-pj-vj~1182207)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: We removed the existing flooring and trim and installed new pre-finished oak hardwood flooring and updated pre-primed base molding and ¼ round shoe molding. We also did drywall repairs and primed and painted the walls.
- [Ann Arbor Screened Porch and Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-screened-porch-and-deck-pj-vj~1182369)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: We demolished the existing deck and disposed of it. Dug all of the footings and even had to collapse a cistern where one of the posts happened to be placed. The substructure was built with pressure treated lumber and besides the stained knotty pine bead board ceiling everything else on this porch and deck is western red cedar. We did all of the framing, roofing and painting. A beautiful finished porch to spend your evening on or enjoy a quiet weekend breakfast outdoors.
- [Ann Arbor Ceramic Shower with Jacuzzi Tub Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-ceramic-shower-with-jacuzzi-tub-renovation-pj-vj~1182051)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: We updated all of the framing, electrical, plumbing and drywall for this spacious bathroom. Installed a new jacuzzi bath with tiled tub deck and built and installed the ceramic tile in this shower. The ceramic tile floor and finished trim was also installed. All Drywall, plumbing, electrical and painting were also taken care of by us.
- [Ann Arbor Guest Bathroom Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-guest-bathroom-remodel-pj-vj~1182117)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: We replaced everything except for the bathtub in this guest bathroom. All framing, drywall, electrical, plumbing, tile, painting and trim work were completed by us with all of the client’s specifications met.
- [Ann Arbor Half Bath and Entry Closet](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-half-bath-and-entry-closet-pj-vj~1182147)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: We gutted the existing entry closet and ½ bath and provided this new and updated bath and entry area . We provided all plumbing, electrical, drywall, tile work, painting, trim work and wainscotting, along with installing all of the fixtures and shelving.
- [Northville Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northville-basement-pj-vj~1191793)
  - Location: Northville, MI
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: This is a beautiful basement. Truly one of a kind. This was my first basement job on my own. We were responsible for the framing, drywall and trim.
- [Howell Turning a Closet into a Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/howell-turning-a-closet-into-a-bar-pj-vj~1200174)
  - Location: Howell, MI
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Moved wall in between two closets and updated framing. Installed tongue and groove beadboard paneling on walls. New shelves were custom built. Electrical was updated. Granite countertops and a new glass french door were installed. This project transformed an unused living room closet into a highly functional living room bar.
- [Chelsea Bedroom Before and After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chelsea-bedroom-before-and-after-pj-vj~1191783)
  - Location: Chelsea, MI
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: This job started with total demolition down to studs and subfloor. Framing updates came next, removal of one window while adding another, removal of existing closet and adding a walk-in closet and changing the door entryway. All electrical was updated and cable coax was installed to accommodate a wall mount T.V. All new paint from Sherwin-Williams, new pre-primed 6-panel doors, new pre-primed finger jointed pine trim, ceiling fan, closet shelving and carpet.
- [Tounge and Groove Porch Ceiling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tounge-and-groove-porch-ceiling-pj-vj~1191829)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: One of our first jobs and in Traverse City’s historic district. We stained and installed the tongue and groove knotty pine beadboard to the front porch of this beautiful downtown TC home.
- [Whitmore Lake Basement Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whitmore-lake-basement-bathroom-pj-vj~1191833)
  - Location: Whitmore Lake, MI
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: This was a start-to-finish basement bathroom. Starting with demolishing the concrete floor to add the drains needed for the shower, toilet and vanity sink. Our sub-contractors took care of the electrical, plumbing and drywall finishing, granite countertop and custom glass. All framing, tile work, finished trim, drywall installation, under cabinet lighting, floating vanity installation and painting were completed by Matt and Exemplar Carpentry
- [Ann Arbor Basement With Bathroom/Kitchen/Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ann-arbor-basement-with-bathroom-kitchen-bedrooms-pj-vj~1191850)
  - Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  - Photos: 96
  - Description: This walkout basement comes complete with a huge living area 2 bedrooms a full bathroom and 2nd kitchen. This was an unfinished basement used only for storage. Now it is a second complete living area. We completed all of the framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall installation and finishing, ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, ceramic tile shower walls with glass accent pieces, priming and painting, suspended ceilings, laminate flooring, kitchen cabinets, and trim work
- [Whitmore Lake Bathroom Before and After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whitmore-lake-bathroom-before-and-after-pj-vj~1191836)
  - Location: Whitmore Lake, MI
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: This bathroom is possible to complete in just 5 days. We had to, it was the only bathroom in the house. We didn’t cut any corners but we worked day and night on this project to get it done as soon as possible to get the homeowner back in his house. All new plumbing, electrical, drywall, paint, exhaust fan, bathtub, vanity, sink, countertop, medicine cabinet, mirror, towel bars and a ceramic tiled bathtub surround with four custom built and tiled corner soap dishes.
- [Brighton Hardwood and Painting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brighton-hardwood-and-painting-pj-vj~1191765)
  - Location: Whitmore Lake, MI
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: This was our first job of many for this customer. We removed all of the existing carpet and disposed of it. Removed the finished trim and saved for re-installation at the proper height after the floor installation. Drywall repairs were done. All living room walls were primed & painted and pre-finished oak hardwood flooring was installed. The finished trim was re-installed, caulked, nail holes filled and re-painted.

[See all 42 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/exemplar-carpentry-and-home-renovations-pfvwus-pf~562839519)

## Ideabooks

- [kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58641618/list/kitchen-ideas) — 13 ideas
- [Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66876056/list/backsplash) — 6 ideas
- [landscaping ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58641641/list/landscaping-ideas) — 2 ideas
- [exemplarcarpentry's tile ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51363148/list/exemplarcarpentry-s-tile-ideas) — 4 ideas

[See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/exemplarcarpentry)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Is the tub the Jacuzzi Fusion model?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Very nice built in!

A: I'm sorry but I don't recall what type of tub that is. That job was a few years ago

**Q: Remodel** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi, how do contact someone for a quote?

A: call me at 810 623-2169 or email @ matt@exemplarcarpentry.com

**Q: Ceiling tiles** *(in Photo Questions)*

where can these tiles be purchased?

A: CBM on Carpenter Rd. in Ann Arbor

**Q: Basement** *(in Photo Questions)*

What brand are the ceiling tiles?

A: USG

**Q: What kind of vanity is this?  (wood? where from? stain color?)** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Also a location in Ann Arbor

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*