Business Details
22 Years
experience
Custom Home Builders & Sustainable Remodeling Experts
Founded in 2004, Meadowlark Builders has established itself as a nationally recognized leader in custom home building and remodeling. Our team of experts combines innovative design with sustainable building practices to deliver spaces that reflect each client's unique vision. With over two decades of experience in Southeast Michigan, we prioritize a collaborative design-build process that ensures every project aligns with both aesthetic goals and functional needs. Our commitment to quality is underscored by a 3-year workmanship warranty and recognition through industry awards.We specialize in creating energy-efficient homes that meet rigorous standards, including LEED Platinum and Passive House certifications. Our holistic approach integrates client input at every stage, from initial concept to post-construction support, ensuring a seamless experience. By maintaining long-term relationships with trade partners and emphasizing transparent communication, we consistently exceed client expectations while contributing positively to the communities we serve.
Services
Custom Homes
Remodeling
Green Building
Revive+Restore
Whole Home Remodels
Custom Additions
Exterior Remodels
Historic Home Remodels
Kitchen+Bath
Basement Remodels
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in custom home building and remodeling.
- Our team holds LEED Platinum and Passive House certifications for sustainable construction.
- We provide a 3-year workmanship warranty on all projects.
- Our collaborative design-build process ensures seamless project execution.
- We serve Southeast Michigan with deep local market knowledge.
Associations and certifications
- LEED Platinum
- Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)
What people say
Excellent work
Communication
Quality of work
Attention to detail
Creative solutions
Services
Custom Homes
Crafting bespoke residences tailored to individual lifestyles through a collaborative design-build process. Our custom homes integrate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and innovative architectural solutions. Clients benefit from our 3-year warranty and certifications in LEED Platinum and Passive House standards. The design phase typically spans 6-8 months, followed by 12-15 months of construction, with transparent budgeting and timeline management throughout.
Whole Home Remodels
Comprehensive home transformations addressing structural updates, modernization, and functional improvements. Projects typically require 3-5 months of design and 4-6 months of construction, with phased implementation to minimize disruption. Our team specializes in historic home preservation while incorporating contemporary amenities, maintaining strict adherence to client budgets and sustainability principles.
Green Building
Specialized eco-conscious building practices achieving LEED Platinum, Passive House, and Net-Zero certifications. Services include energy modeling, renewable material sourcing, and advanced insulation techniques that reduce energy consumption by up to 90%. Our experts guide clients through cost-benefit analyses of sustainable features, balancing upfront investments with long-term savings.
Revive+Restore
Cost-effective cosmetic updates preserving existing layouts while modernizing aesthetics. This service focuses on cabinetry refinishing, fixture replacement, and surface material upgrades with minimal demolition. Projects typically complete in weeks rather than months, offering budget-friendly solutions starting at $15,000 while maintaining our signature design quality.
Historic Home Remodels
Expert restoration combining period-appropriate craftsmanship with modern functionality. Our team works closely with Ann Arbor Historic District Commission guidelines to maintain architectural integrity while implementing energy-efficient systems. Services include original material sourcing, traditional construction techniques, and adaptive reuse solutions that honor historical significance while meeting contemporary living standards.
People
Melissa Kennedy
President
Leading Meadowlark's strategic direction with 15+ years in residential construction leadership, focusing on sustainable business growth and client satisfaction excellence.
Jennifer Luce Hinesman
Design Director
Bringing 18 years of architectural design expertise, specializing in creating functional spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with energy-efficient solutions for custom homes.
Doug Selby
Co-Founder
Co-founded Meadowlark in 2004 with a vision for combining craftsmanship and sustainability, leveraging prior experience in chemistry to innovate eco-friendly building material applications.
Kirk Brandon
Co-Founder + CFO
Providing financial leadership grounded in 25+ years of accounting expertise, ensuring transparent budget management and long-term business sustainability since co-founding in 2004.
Timothy Risk
Architect
Specializing in custom home design with 12 years of experience creating award-winning plans that integrate innovative spatial solutions and energy-efficient building systems.
Questions
What differentiates Meadowlark's design-build approach?
Our integrated process combines design and construction teams under one contract, reducing costs by 15-20% while maintaining timeline accuracy through collaborative problem-solving from concept to completion.
How does Meadowlark handle historic home renovations?
We employ specialized craftsmen familiar with period materials and techniques while incorporating modern systems that meet 21st-century efficiency standards without compromising architectural integrity.
What green building certifications do you achieve?
We deliver projects meeting LEED Platinum, Passive House Institute US (PHIUS), and Net-Zero Energy standards through advanced insulation, renewable energy systems, and sustainable material sourcing.
Can I make changes during construction?
Our phased approval process allows design adjustments up to 30 days before affected work begins, with transparent cost impact assessments to maintain budget control.
What post-construction support do you provide?
We offer a 3-year workmanship warranty, annual maintenance check-ins, and priority service access for any post-project needs through our dedicated Encore Coordinator team.
How are project timelines managed?
Using our proprietary scheduling system, we maintain 95% on-time completion rates through pre-construction material procurement planning and weekly progress accountability meetings with all trade partners.
