Meadowlark Design+Build

Our 85 year-old house needed updates in layout/function, infrastructure and windows. We wanted the project to be professionally managed and interviewed several design/build firms. We chose Meadowlark based on its commitment to customer satisfaction, how we connected with all of their people, and examples of past work. The designers took time to understand our personalities, goals and vision-enabling them to present options that saved us time while keeping the home’s character intact. They did onsite pre-construction “recon” to improve design and prepare for hidden surprises. Our project manager expertly oversaw construction—providing daily updates and regular review/decision meetings. He ensured the work matched our expectations. There were issues with materials/measurements/quality—mistakes happen. In every case Meadowlark acknowledged the issue, offered real solutions (not excuses) and made it right. This peace of mind greatly reduced the stress of a major remodel. Our collaborative efforts resulted in a beautiful, functional, comfortable home. We highly recommend Meadowlark. The people are outstanding and experts at what they do. They want clients to be completely satisfied and have fun. They value feedback and actively work to improve their processes. Craftsmanship and quality is top notch. Remodeling is expensive. Meadowlark offers a premium service and product, and their pricing reflects that. We consider the investment we made with Meadowlark to be an exceptional value

Meadowlark was not our cheapest option, but they turned out to be the best and well worth the money. Everything about the process was clearly communicated, and the project came in under budget and ahead of schedule. The process included not only planning and construction, but designing right from the beginning. Our project was mostly an exterior facelift. All of our windows (except the basement) were replaced, the siding on the front of the house was replaced, and the front porch was rebuilt. The trim around the roof was replaced along with all of the soffits, and some exterior lighting was replaced. Working with the designers was a real pleasure. They listened well to our needs and hopes, and presented us with options that matched (and inspired new ideas) without overwhelming us with too many options. There was one error in the initial design, but when it was discovered, they took full responsibility and made it right without passing the additional costs on to us. They keep their promises, and that’s important to me. The trades people were some of the best. I thought some of the contractors I spoke with before were good, but these people saw important details the others had missed or misinterpreted, and explained things so clearly. The project manager was so attentive and communicated so well, with daily email updates and answering all of my questions. He even answered questions I hadn’t asked because I was publishing a blog about the project and he was following it. They went the extra mile and then some. They even gave us a gift of a bench for the front porch. It was not part of the project, but they saw a picture I had mocked up showing how I might use the new porch. I would recommend Meadowlark to anyone willing to pay a bit more to avoid the problems of most contractors, and who want to work in a fun collaboration with real designers.

This past spring and summer we had the pleasure of working with Meadowlark Builders, as they helped us conceptualize and actualize a redesign and remodel of our kitchen and living spaces. We knew immediately after meeting with Jen and Melanie that we wanted to work with Meadowlark, and throughout the entire process we were never disappointed. From design to completion, we felt thoroughly involved and communicated with through each phase of our home's transformation. The design team was incredibly thorough and sensitive to our budget while always displaying imagination and creativity to help us envision what we could do with our space. The design selections (from layout, to cabinetry, to lighting, and so on) were distinctive and creative, and while we were provided a number of options, we never felt overwhelmed. Amber was particularly helpful in matching our specific taste(s) to color schemes and fixtures, so that we were ultimately in love with our choices. During the construction phase, our project manager, Jason, was always - that's worth repeating, ALWAYS available whenever we had any questions or concerns. He elicited great confidence from us and consistently demonstrated empathy and respect regardless of our questions or concerns. There was never a time we did not feel he was at our disposal ,and he was able to shepherd our remodel from conception to actualization and, amazingly, did so ahead of schedule! . We have been in our new space for over 4 months (this review is very overdue!) and we can honestly say that it is everything we imagined and we are still in love with the transformation. We have and will continue to recommend Meadowlark Builders whenever we meet folks who are thinking about or needing to remodel their home(s), but perhaps more importantly, we know exactly who we will work with when it comes time for our next project.

Meadowlark first helped us with renovating our newly purchased home five years ago (bathroom, hardwood floors, home color pallet, basement insulation, structural changes) and they have continued to partner with us on home improvement as our needs have evolved. The design service is simply excellent. They really took time to understand our vision for the color and feel of the space to create something beautiful, functional and unique. Everyone we interacted with was responsive, innovative, considerate, and committed to getting the job done correctly. We have been able to go back to them for advice and they always take time to help. Working with Meadowlark takes the stress out of home renovation process.

Finished Basement Project schedule quoted 14-16 weeks, actual 52 weeks. Due to improper cabinets ordered, then poor quality cabinets, and NO RECOVERY plan from the Program Manager along with other things. We went with Meadowlark to reduce the burden on ourselves to manage the project, but had to manage all the details just to get it done when if finally was.

My family relocated to Ann Arbor for work at the University. I discovered Meadowlark while touring the Burns Park and Ann Arbor Hills neighborhoods with my realtor. Their signs were prominent, the project construction sites were clean, and their website showed their work done on historic homes. After our initial meeting I knew I could trust them with the remodel of our 1890's Victorian. This was my third major renovation project and I found their design and construction process clear and simple. They really listened to my thoughts about the space and were able to help me strategize on design and develop a reasonable budget. Despite normal construction delays and changes the entire process was seamless. I was so happy with my initial experience that I have since worked with them on two additional projects. Their quality of work is superior - matching the quality of their staff and subcontractors. See our project: Fit for a Queen

A wonderful company to work with complete with professional, dedicated, and knowledgeable staff. They recently completed an addition for us on our almost 100 year old home and seamlessly integrated the new space in with the old. I can not recommend them highly enough.

Simply the best. We began working with Meadowlark in 2015, initially to help us scope and budget for a number of interconnected projects, and ultimately to design and build out an exterior remodel of our small Cape Cod in Ann Arbor. We couldn't be happier with the final result, and couldn't have achieved that result without Meadowlark. At the design phase, they accounted for our preferences and vision, while steering us away from choices that would have detracted from the house's aesthetic. During the build phase, they selected top-notch contractors that worked with us on the job site to improve the design in real time, correct unforeseen issues as they popped up, and execute the project with precision and finesse. When I walk through and around the house now, I see dozens of small things that they suggested (or simply did without us asking) that few other builders (perhaps no other builder in this area) would have thought to do--e.g., extra width on certain exterior trim pieces, insulating the home's basement bond as part of the larger insulation project, adding the double-post look on the front porch, and others. These details and choices add up to a finished product that looks better than we believed it could. Meadowlark was not the cheapest option, but they told us up front what we were going to spend, and finished the project on time and on budget. And even though we spent a bit more up front, the choices they made and their efficient project management likely saved us thousands along the way, and simply transformed the exterior of our home.

Living up to their reputation, Meadowlark did our first floor remodel while staying on schedule and on budget. Their meticulous planning process really paid off. We did a complete first floor remodel of our 1970's house (complete with a 1970's kitchen) with the intention of updating and getting more space in the kitchen, opening up the other living spaces and improving the view of our patio and backyard. The design that they came up with was innovative and highly functional. It also included moving a bathroom and creating a mudroom, drop zone and pantry -- all within the existing space. We replaced the floors, trim and some walls. We really couldn't be happier with the finished product. The build process started on time and stayed on schedule. The staff subcontractors were really nice and made it possible for us to stay in our house during the 4 month process. They kept the space clear and honored our schedule - not arriving until we left for work and finishing before we got home. They were especially nice to our large and overly-friendly dog. The staff at Meadowlark became like family -- our dog still gets super excited when they stop by. Also, they live up to their warranty! Six months after the job was finished, we've had a couple of things that needed to be adjusted and they happily came out and fixed them. P.S, The dog still misses them.

I contacted Meadowlark regarding an update of our kitchen. We are in the beginning stages of a plan and trying to find a independent designer to help us with the most cost effective method to pull us out of the 80's and into the 21st century. Melissa was very quick to reply, knowledgeable and extremely helpful in getting us started in the right direction.

We gave Meadowlark quite a challenge: Take a modest little brick house and turn it into a spacious, light-filled beautiful home--while we were still living in DC and the house (and Meadowlark Builders) were in Ann Arbor. We knew wanted more space, everything new, lots of windows with a style that reflected our "eclectic" taste and retained some of the features of the 1950s era house. We worked with a wonderful team who helped us establish a communication system that worked very well thanks to their dedication and flexibiltiy plus iPhone photos, long emails and lots of conference calls. The project manager, designer and on-site manager were exceptionally professional and clearly committed to creating the best possible home for us. Everyone who worked on the house was highly skilled as well as respectful of our needs and desires. And when the house was finished, everyone was proud of the home we had created together. We always recommend Meadowlark to anyone who is considering building or remodeling.

Meadowlark recently completed a complicated re-model on our home that is an extraordinary success. Our assigned job boss, John Crawford, was terrific in many respects but most importantly in the following two ways. He made an early engineering/design suggestion that actually advanced our goal of opening up our space and saved us money. Second, he staged the roof removal and replacement sequence in a way that made the two of us sleep better but did not slow the project down. He was a pleasure to work with in every way. Every Meadowlark employee who came into our house was not only a highly skilled professional but as well someone who respected the fact that we two were living and working in the same space.