Last updated on November 1st, 2024 at 07:07 am

Home remodeling projects each come with their own unique array of challenges and needs, leaving owners with the heavy task of having to look for the perfect contractor that can take on their ideas and visions. This list showcases 14 of the best general contracting firms in Detroit. These firms were chosen based on their extensive experiences, excellent portfolios, and countless industry awards. Several of these firms have been featured in a multitude of publications and also offer their own list of specialty services.


Meadowlark Design + Build

3250 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Meadowlark Design + Build is the by-product of its founders’ love for primitive living skills and fine woodworking; they left their former careers in pursuit of these passions. Meadowlark has grown to include over 60 skilled industry experts and craftsmen. From kitchens, exteriors, and additions to whole home remodeling and custom homes, the firm has set itself apart from most firms in its area for its excellent sustainability efforts in almost all of its homes. The firm uses innovative solutions and designs and has been recognized by numerous organizations and publications for its work. Some of these awards include Master Design Awards and Chrysalis Awards, as well as features in magazines such as Professional Remodeler, Remodeling Magazine, Forbes, and House Beautiful. The firm has also been featured on HGTV.

Its work is often distinguished for its penchant for traditional and timeless themes. It is regarded for its excellent custom finishes, cabinetry, and high-end detailing. Our editorial team was especially impressed by its attention to detail.


MainStreet Design Build

555 South Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009

As its name suggests, MainStreet offers its clients a comprehensive range of design-build services which allows it to keep the entire process in-house. This lessens the challenge for homeowners in terms of having to look for additional subcontractors or professionals. In addition, it adheres to the best and latest industry standards, and maintains affiliations with organizations like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). It has also had its work featured in publications like Remodeling Magazine. Featured below is one of the firm’s most impressive projects. 

Completed back in 2021, this project is located in Birmingham. It entailed having to work on an extensive renovation. The project’s exterior update elevated the home’s existing architecture. Its second-floor addition also gives more space to the master suite and now houses a master bath.


LUXE Homes Design + Build

360 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, MI 48009

Operating out of its office in Birmingham, LUXE offers is clients excellent design-build packages. It is the proud recipient of over 190 industry awards and is highly regarded for its luxury residential construction services. The firm offers its clients over five decades of combined industry experience. Its design operations are overseen by co-founders John and Donna VanBrouck, who together have worked on the design of over 1,500 homes. As for its construction, co-founders Bryan and Rachel Leith lead the charge. Bryan won the prestigious Young Builder of the Year during the 2020 Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan.  

Some of the firm’s most impressive accolades include 12 Detroit Home Awards in 2021 alone. In fact, it is a proud nine-time winner of the top award of “Best Overall Home” and a six-time winner of the Reader’s Choice Award in the annual Detroit Home Design Awards. It has also been featured in publications like Detroit Design Magazine.


Templeton Building Co.

735 Forest Ave. Suite #204, Birmingham, MI 48009

Templeton Building extends its services throughout Birmingham and the surrounding areas. It has been in business since 1980 and takes great pride in its over 80% repeat clientele rate. It is affiliated with the American Insitute of Architects (AIA) as well as the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan. The firm’s services include both extensive remodels and ground-up construction work. Its portfolio also depicts several impressive historical renovations and commercial endeavors. Featured below is one of the firm’s best residential projects. 

Finished back in 2016, this project is located in the heart of Birmingham. It features an excellent loft theme that showcases floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-concept floor plan. Some other great details include its concrete finishes and wood touches.


Matthew G. Strickfaden and Associates, Inc.

34665 Brittany Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335

Established in 1983, Matthew G. Strickfaden and Associates extends its services throughout Michigan and has had the opportunity to work in some of its most sought after communities and neighborhoods. It can take on both residential and commercial projects and is personally overseen by its founder and namesake. Strickfaden draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience in both home building and custom remodeling. He makes sure that each project that he and his team take on receives the benefit of his talent and expertise.

The chosen project above is one of the firm’s most impressive projects. For this home, its team opted for a recurring theme of straight lines. It also made use of floor-to-ceiling windows as well as a functional open-concept floor plan.


M.J. Whelan Construction

620 N. Milford Rd., Milford, MI 48381

M.J. Whelan Construction offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of custom home construction and renovation services. It has had the opportunity to work in some of the best neighborhoods throughout Michigan and specializes in timeless and traditional architecture. It is highly regarded as one of the area’s premier builders and has since been noted for its excellent kitchens and home additions. Featured below is one of the firm’s best projects.

This home showcases an elegant farmhouse cottage theme. For this, the company had to work on an addition that now features a breathtaking new kitchen and laundry room over an extended basement. The addition is a blend of vintage and modern elements.


PRM Custom Builders

7457 Franklin Rd. Suite #230, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

PRM Custom Builders is a full-service residential contracting firm that showcases expertise in luxury custom home building and renovations. It works out of its office in Bloomfield Hills and offers stellar residential construction project management work. It has secured solid relationships with some of the area’s best and leading architects and interior designers, which assures clients of the quality of its projects. At the firm’s helm is its owner, Paul Mooney. Under his leadership, the firm’s projects can be found in the best communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield, Beverly Hills, and Royal Oak. He holds a building construction management degree from Michigan State University and makes sure that each project that the firm takes on receives the benefit of his experience. 

The photo above best embodies the firm’s talent and expertise. Completed back in 2019, this project cost roughly around $2 million. It features a great modern farmhouse theme. Some of its best details include its outdoor living spaces and custom pool.


Kastler Construction

425 S. Main St., Clawson, MI 48017

Kastler Construction has been in business since 1996 and is experienced in every aspect of the residential general contracting process. It has secured a solid reputation as being one of Southeast Michigan’s premier construction firms. It is highly regarded for its kitchens and bathrooms, in addition to its home additions and ground-up construction work. The firm is personally led by its founder and owner Rick Kastler. Under his leadership, the firm has become recognized for its excellent design-build packages. Featured below is one of the firm’s most impressive projects.

Located in metro Detroit, this project entailed having to work in a home addition. The clients wanted to craft a first floor that would also include various amenities. The home’s main floor now contains its master suite and bath, a great and spacious living room addition, and a large kitchen.


MacLeish Building

650 E. Big Beaver, Cornerstone Village, Suite F, Troy, MI 48083

MacLeish Building is a family-owned business that has been around since 1890, making it the oldest company on this list. It is highly regarded for its new homes, condominiums, extensive remodels, and outdoor living spaces. Its portfolio also showcases several stellar communities and expertise in the design-build process. The firm is the proud recipient of countless distinctions from the Building Industry Association. It has also been featured in publications like Better Homes and Gardens. Leading the firm is a father-and-son duo, Dan and Dan Jr. MacLeish. Featured below is one of the firm’s best projects.

Located in Rochester Hills, this project is a beautiful duplex-style condominium. Its best features include its wood-paneled flooring and minimalist touches. It also opted for an excellent open-concept floorplan that unites its living, kitchen, and dining areas.


Sterling Development Corporation

2382 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Sterling is a leading luxury residential development firm. It draws inspiration from over two decades of industry experience and specializes in building and renovation projects. It primarily focuses on working in and around the Birmingham and Bloomfield areas throughout Oakland County. Its extensive services include site planning, architectural drawings, construction management, general contracting, interior design, and maintenance. The firm works with the best and leading local and national architects and oversees every aspect of the entire process. Showcased below is one of the firm’s most impressive projects.

Located in Chesterfield, this project showcases a beautiful contemporary theme. For this, the firm’s team opted for stucco exteriors and large floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Some other great details include its contemporary interiors, high-end finishes, and minimalist touches.


Budman Denton

32432 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073

Budman Denton is a premier full-service master remodeling firm. It works out of its office in Royal Oak and specializes in home additions, bathrooms, kitchens, master suites, and lower-level renovations. The firm draws inspiration from five decades of combined industry experience and makes use of only the best and latest industry technology and techniques. It is the product of the vision of its leaders, Robert Denton and Neal Budman. Denton is a master carpenter with nearly three decades of industry experience and has had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the best craftsmen in the country. As for Budsman, he previously held the position of CEO of Budman’s Remodeling, one of the oldest renovation firms in the country. 

Since the firm’s inception, it has worked on nearly a thousand projects. Its work is often distinguished for its great floorplans. It is also noted for completing all of its projects on time and within the agreed-upon budget.


Christopher Thomas Construction

616 South Rochester Rd., Clawson, MI 48017

Christopher Thomas Construction has been in business since 2008 and is led by its president and CEO, Matthew Stroud. While finishing his degree in architecture from Lawrence Technological University, he obtained his contractor’s license and established the company. It is a family-owned business that extends its services throughout Southeast Michigan. The firm is highly regarded for its home additions, bathrooms, and kitchens. It also works on commercial projects. Featured below is one of the firm’s most impressive remodeling projects.

Located in midtown Detroit, this project features a transitional theme. For this, the team had to work on both its kitchen and mudroom. Some of its best details include its wood finishes and custom cabinetry.


Kellett Construction Company

81 West Long Lake Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Operating out of its office in Bloomfield Hills, Kellett Construction has been in business since 1978. It is an award-winning company that has had the opportunity to work all across Southeastern Michigan. The firm’s founder, Dave Kellet, Sr. was inducted into the Home Builder’s Hall of Fame in 2004, voted the Home Builder’s Association (HBA) Builder of the Year, and is a past president of the HBA. Currently, the firm is now on its second generation of builders and is led by Tom Kellet, who first joined the company back in 1983. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and is well-versed in the best and latest technology. Featured below is one of the firm’s best projects.

Completed back in 2016, this project is located in Birmingham. It features excellent contemporary interiors and timeless exteriors. Some of its best details include its shingled roof and wood touches.


Hemphill Builders

2370 Lake Angelus Ln., Lake Angelus, MI 48326

With over four decades of industry experience, Hemphill Builders is a premier custom home builder that works in and around Southeast Michigan. It was founded by Jerry Hemphill, who established the company back in 1979. The firm’s team assists its clients throughout the entire process and is highly experienced in a wide range of architectural vernaculars. Its portfolio depicts an excellent array of accessory dwelling units, custom homes, home additions, home restoration, pool houses, and extensive remodels. Featured below is one of the firm’s best projects. 

Labeled in its portfolio as the Van Elsander residence, this project showcases elegant brick exteriors, arches, and trellised windows. For this, the firm’s team opted for custom finishes and English-inspired touches.

Author

  • Blaine has served as Editor at General Contractors Magazine for six years, drawing from over ten years of experience in construction and real estate. His comprehensive understanding spans commercial construction, architecture, and home builds, cultivated through diverse roles in the industry. With four years at BuildZoom and a background as a licensed real estate agent, Blaine possesses a unique perspective that enriches his editorial work. His dedication to delivering informative content is underscored by his extensive tenure in the field, ensuring that readers receive valuable insights into the dynamic world of construction and home design. Expertise: Commercial Construction, Commercial Remodeling, Home Design and Build Key Highlights: Over 6 years of experience writing and editing in the construction space, Editor at General Contractors Magazine, Previous experience at BuildZoom and Keller Williams Realty Education: Ohio University, Bachelor of Science in Human and Consumer Science - Minor in Business, 120+ Hours of New Jersey Real Estate Education, 120+ Hours of Arizona Real Estate Education

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