This is a publication produced by the Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan (HBANM), a 53-year-old nonprofit organization that promotes and supports the building trades industry in Emmet, Charlevoix, Otsego and Cheboygan Counties. The HBANM provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for any business associated with the construction industry.
If you are looking for home services, please use our members who sign a code of conduct and are vetted by our organization. HBANM members are listed on pages 29 to 33 in this magazine. You may search our membership by type of business and name at www.HBANM.com
The Board of Directors of the HBA of Northern Michigan
Lyn Ann Reid, Executive Officer HBA of Northern Michigan 455 Bay Street, Petoskey, MI 49720 info@hbanm.com | 231-348-9770
This interview, by Janet Chambers, was with Lindsey Thompson (pictured above), a kitchen and bath designer with Preston Feather Building Centers and Design Showrooms.
Q: What are the main design trends today?
We are seeing a trend towards more lighter woods in kitchens and warmer tones. Quarter-sawn white oak has been very popular. This is very different from the 1990’s when red oak cabinets were installed.
Painted kitchen cabinets are still trendy, but the tones are different. We see more shades of green, like sage tones or deep green. Kohler even offers different types of green fixtures and appliances are available in green for the homeowner who is very committed to this color.
Cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling are still in vogue. We try to maximize storage space and go up as high as we can.
At the 2024 Kitchen and Bath show in Las Vegas, many kitchen cabinets were displayed with no hardware and could be opened using push latches or other methods. This gives the cabinets a clean, modern look. New design elements also include back plates under the hardware to give them a different look. Finishes are still the same with black, chrome or brushed nickel as popular choices. Polished nickel hardware now comes in lighter tones.
Q: What’s trending in countertops and appliances?
Quartz is still reigning supreme as far as countertop material goes. Homeowners like softer colors versus the stark white quartz in the past. Some of the materials have a color fleck in them that will pick up cabinet colors or other accents in the room.
Backspaces made of tile are still quite common. The tile world is so large it is an area where homeowners can really get creative with designs and different colors. Homeowners today also like quartz countertops that flow up the wall from the counter.
Another hot trend is colored appliances. If the kitchen has neutral countertops and cabinets, then you may see colored appliances. Stainless steel will be around forever with white appliances making a comeback. For instance, a homeowner may select a stainless-steel oven with handles and knobs in a brushed steel or in color.
Invisible induction cooktops are the newest trend, especially in small kitchens where counter space is limited. These units mount under the countertop in a specially cut cavity and the induction heats right through the countertop to inductionapproved pots or pans. Your burners are totally invisible.
Induction stoves and cooktops, which tend to be higher priced, are being selected over gas appliances as they are cheaper to run and more efficient. In states like California, gas appliances may be outlawed in the future. Gas appliances also don’t work well in high altitudes.
Q: What trends do you see in lighting?
In the lighting world, we are seeing more intricate lighting. The cabinet makers are cutting channels within the cabinets
and drawers for accent lights. It’s nice to see the cabinet makers and lighting vendors talking to one another. Even some deep cabinets have lighting, which is helpful for our aging customers. Lighting is also now softer and more subtle.
Q: Are there any new ways to make kitchens more functional?
Sink stations where the sink has built-in drain boards, cutting boards or an ice bucket insert, are popular. These features create a functional workstation for the homeowner, especially when entertaining. Islands can include a refrigerator drawer which is great for entertaining.
Homeowners want to maximize their storage space to make life easier. They also appreciate a calm space that is clean and efficient. Appliances need to be easy to access but tucked away in cabinets. Refrigerators may be custom-covered to look like cabinets. Coffee stations are being added to kitchens and to guest bedroom spaces for easy use. And appliances are being installed flush to the countertops so they don’t stick out where they can be bumped into.
A home to be proud of ...
Building a home with Corble Builders is about more than just craftsmanship; it’s about understanding and realizing the unique desires and visions of future homeowners. With our extensive experience and skilled craftsmanship, we can turn your ideas into reality. We listen closely and tailor each project to perfectly meet your needs.
Your home is more than just a building — it’s a place where memories are made and dreams come true. Our work is driven by a passion and deep commitment to creating a home where you feel completely at ease. And you don’t have to choose between quality and cost. We deliver outstanding craftsmanship and excellent results at an affordable price.
When you build with us, you’re investing in a partnership based on trust, professionalism, and a dedication to creating a home you can be proud of.
Lake Michigan Home Remodel
by Nancy Christie
Remodeling this 6800 square foot mid-1990’s Town and Country home to fit the needs of its twenty-first century owners required skill and experience. Black Birch Design Build worked closely with the owners to envision how the various changes would fit within the footprint of the original structure.
Named the Bay Watch house, the owners, both working professionals, knew exactly what they wanted: a redesign that included destination spaces for both adults and children along with many spaces for entertaining. They pictured a secluded oasis for themselves on the first floor with the kids on the second floor. Additionally, given the house’s lakeside location, they wanted to capitalize on the lake view, something that was lacking in the original structure.
Stage 1: Down to the studs
While the build strategy can sometimes be done in phases so the homeowners can remain on the premises, this wasn’t an option for this project, explained Justin Roberts, Black Birch principal. “When we opened up a wall, we would find issues that needed to be corrected. Once we got started, the scope of the project changed dramatically. We had to take each room down to the studs plus remove almost all the windows. As a result, the homeowners moved into a rental house during the remodeling.”
It was a tall order but one that designer and general contractor Black Birch Design Build was eager to undertake. Given the extensive scope of the work, the company brought in Bill Bath, owner of Corble Builders, an experienced builder whose company could handle the demolition, all the carpentry, and custom-made built-ins.
All told, the project took nearly two years from design to completion. They turned a typical suburban home with little curb appeal and a dysfunctional floorplan into one that has many architectural features and supports the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
One of the issues uncovered involved shoring up joists that had been compromised by a previous company, and, even more critically, load-bearing points throughout the home were reassessed by a structural engineer and fixed.
“We installed structural beams for the entire house which was a time-consuming process,” said Bath, adding, “At one point we had a structural column going all the way from the basement through each floor to the roof.”
Other changes included removing the circular staircase, replacing the HVAC and plumbing, and adding both exterior insulation and batt insulation to the interior walls. The 4-inch-thick granite stones on the exterior of the original double-sided fireplace in the living room were removed by masonry specialist Dino Goss of Anzio Inc. He also replaced the fireplace interior with dark refractory stone, a new gas fireplace and glass doors.
Stage 2: Room redesign
Each space in the home was remodeled to suit the homeowners’ unique vision. The first-floor primary suite gave the parents a private space away from the activity hub, and included a his-and-hers closet, spacious bathroom, and access to a private deck. Adjacent is the wife’s office complete with a generous work space, treadmill, TV and sitting areas.
The children’s area on the second floor included a shared loft space to a play room for the two boys and a separate loft for the daughter to her own ‘hangout room’. “The kids also have their own ‘Captains Watch’ to look out at the lake,” added Matt Chaperon, Black Birch principal.
well as installing a hot tub and expansive deck. The lower level under the deck includes seating and dining areas, a fireplace and ceiling heaters to offset chilly nights.
Stage 3: Custom-designed elements
The kitchen was also completely remodeled. A high-end range and two dishwashers were added, as well as a large island to provide an entertaining space with plenty of seating. An expansive bifold door provided egress to the deck and lake beyond.
“The original kitchen had no view of the lake and lacked access to the outside,” said Chaperon. “Now there’s a great physical and visual relationship between the house, the yard and the water. The parents can watch the children on their playset while enjoying the view.”
Other unique features in the home are a wine room, workout room, sauna and golf simulator—the latter requiring an 18-inch excavation into the basement’s concrete floor to accommodate club swings, noted Chaperon.
Outside, Black Birch created multiple entertaining spaces as
Brittney Vidosh of Parker Jones Interiors collaborated with the homeowners to design the kitchens, bathrooms and builtins. The custom furniture and built-ins, including built in bunk beds and dressers in the children’s rooms, were constructed onsite by Corble Builders. Large exterior corbels—the curved decorative trim on the house—was also custom-made by Corble Builders who created specialty jigs to form the pieces.
Now the newly remodeled home has wonderful flow from the front entrance through the house and out to the rear entertaining area and lakeside, with plenty of family and private areas to meet everyone’s needs. “This is a home you really have to walk through to appreciate the space,” said Bath.
Designer & General Contractor: Black Birch Design+Build blackbirchdesignbuild.com
Builder: Corble Builders | corblebuilders.com
Interior Designer: Parker Jones Interiors | parkerjonesinteriors.com
Finding Home: Kirsten’s Journey to Homeownership
Kirsten Aho stood in her new living room, sunlight streaming through the large windows, illuminating the fresh paint and bare walls that awaited her personal touch. She breathed a big sigh of relief as she took it all in, the reality of homeownership slowly settling over her like a warm blanket. In April, she had traded the uncertainty of renting for the promise of a space that truly belonged to her.
“It’s a little intimidating to think about the responsibility,” she admitted to herself, running a hand through her hair. The thought of budgeting, saving, and planning for the future stirred a mix of excitement and anxiety within her. “But it is fun to decorate and put my home together,” she mused, glancing at the stack of boxes begging to be unpacked. “And this is certainly a much better financial position for me than renting.”
The journey to this moment hadn’t been easy. Kirsten had faced many challenges to get to this moment. Initially, she had worked with a bank to get a mortgage. The bank had offered her a USDA Rural Development loan, but the interest rate was still close to the market rate. As she crunched the numbers, she realized that a significant portion of her monthly payment would go toward interest, and not to paying down the principal.
“I was scraping the bottom of the barrel,” Kirsten said. She recalled bidding on a house with a flooded basement and losing out to another buyer. Then there was the summer cottage with sloping floors, which also slipped away due to a cash offer from an investor. “It was crazy; both of those houses still needed a lot of money before I could even live in them. I’m actually glad I lost both bids!” she reflected.
Feeling defeated, she turned to Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity. “They helped me find a direct USDA loan with a much lower interest rate,” she explained. A requirement was that the house had to
be habitable to qualify for the loan. As she scoured the listings, it became painfully clear that nothing in her price range met that requirement. So, with her realtor’s encouragement, she made the decision to build with Habitat.
The excitement of owning her own home filled her with a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time, she felt like she was truly taking control of her future. “I have always lived somewhere that belonged to someone else. Maybe there were fewer headaches, but I also felt more constrained and I certainly wasn’t building up equity,” she reflected. Now, as she stood in her living room, she realized, “I’m paying myself instead of paying someone else.”
Kirsten smiled, envisioning the spaces she would create—a cozy reading nook by the window, vibrant plants lining the windowsills, and walls adorned with art that spoke to her journey. She reached for a paintbrush, ready to add her personal flair to the walls. With each stroke, she transformed the space into something uniquely hers.
In that moment, Kirsten understood that home was not just a place; it was a canvas for dreams, a foundation for growth, and a testament to her perseverance.
The Habitat Team is happy to inform businesses and individuals about Habitat’s homeownership programs. Tours are available of the Meadowlands subdivision upon request.
For more information contact: northwestmihabitat.org 231-348-6926
Trends in Outdoor Living
by Janet Chambers
Nothing beats sitting by a fire with your friends and family while watching a sunset or enjoying a great meal outdoors. To increase comfortable living, homeowners are upping the game with better quality outdoor furniture.
According to Scott Ludwiczak with Renewit Deck Supply, “Homeowners are focused on stylish furniture that is durable enough to withstand our Northern Michigan climates.”
Scott notes that homeowners are looking for outdoor furniture that blends well with the design of their home and deck. Furniture trends have moved from just functionality to more versatility and style. Chair cushions offer deep seating and thicker cushions. The popular Sunbrella® fabric won’t fade over time and repels water so cushions can be left uncovered outside.
“We have outdoor furniture lines made from extruded aluminum allowing for an endless array of colors. The newer faux wood materials are available as dining or coffee tables with a live wood-edge,” said Scott.
Self-standing fire pits come in many choices that use either natural gas, propane or wood. Some are also smokeless. Wood fire pits can be added to a composite deck by including an inlaid stone inset under the fire pit. Concrete cast firepits often come with a glass top that can be used as a coffee table when the fire is not lit. “Manufacturers have gotten very creative in hiding the propane tank used for firepits. The cabinets often look like furniture to blend nicely with other furniture,” commented Scott.
With outdoor cooking on the rise, manufacturers have designed all types of grills, from pellet grills and smokers, to standard gas grills with many features. Meat can be flavored using wood chips like hickory or apple wood. Smart phones can tie into new technology that monitors meat and grill temperatures.
When planning an outdoor kitchen, it’s a good idea to discuss your ideas with an outdoor kitchen specialty company. They can suggest special grills, refrigerators and other appliances, along with counter tops and cabinetry specifically made for the outdoors.
Renewit Deck Supply has offices in Charlevoix and Traverse City. They carry decking supplies, grills, firepits and several types of high-quality outdoor furniture.
renewit.com
photo
An Inspiring Northern Michigan Landscape
by Vanessa Matelski, Drost Landscape
It’s the middle of August and the sun hangs low in the sky. There’s a gentle breeze coming in from the lake, carrying with it the sound of waves and the smell of a bonfire. Laughter, loud and boisterous, makes its way from the pool to where you sit on the patio. There’s a cold drink in your hand, pizza in the oven, and smiles in the voices that surround you. This is exactly what the landscape was made for.
Located on the shores of one of Michigan’s many lakes, this landscape leaves out nothing. When you arrive, the first thing that strikes you is the size of the space. It’s a huge lot, but the careful design makes it look bigger without spreading everything out.
Like many lakeside properties, the original lay of the land included a rather significant slope from the home
to the water. This slope became an integral part of the landscape design; the layout of the space certainly wouldn’t be the same without it.
Layered gardens wrap around the lakeside of the home, with winding paths, short stairways, and little patios tucked among thick plantings and statement trees. A water feature, arguably the most visually impressive element across the whole landscape, begins near the front door and runs underneath the home before cascading dramatically away. A bridge passes over it, and steppingstones are placed at different points within.
But the landscape wasn’t designed to simply stun—it was also created for fun. An elevated tee box faces towards a large putting green, forcing your shot across the lawn and the winding stream of the water feature. And, yes, there is a sand trap to one side.
In the opposite direction is the pool with a built-in sun shelf and fountains, as well as a spa and an expansive patio area. On this patio the interior of the home comes outside, as wide windows swing open and a firepit crackles, splashing warmth and light on the surrounding sofas.
The lawn is expertly kept, the soft green grass perfect for games of tag, fetch or Simon Says. As you near the lake, grass gives way to sand, and another firepit stands ready for late night stories and stargazing.
The shoreline is constructed from stones of varying sizes, ensuring wave energy from passing boats, heavy storms, or shifting ice doesn’t damage the landscape beyond.
Looking at the landscape, it’s easy to see how it won the highest awards given by both the National Association of
Landscape Professionals and the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. However, being in the landscape is something different. When you’re in it, you don’t just see the design, the details, or the descriptions.....you see the possibilities.
This award-winning landscape was built by Drost Landscape, based in Petoskey, Michigan. Drost has been providing Northern Michigan with a wide variety of landscape design, construction, and maintenance services for over 30 years.
To create your own Northern Michigan retreat, contact Drost Landscape at drostlandscape.com.
Create space for more
Giving families more peace of mind for over 30 years. To see our full list of services, visit us online at www.drostlandscape.com.
Together, we can balance our carbon footprints with Michigan-made renewable natural gas and carbon offsets
Ever wondered what happens to water waste once it leaves your home? It ends up in water resource recovery facilities where it is cleaned, then recycled into our non-drinking waterways. How about garbage waste? It ends up in landfills where it is compacted and crushed, then left to decompose.
DTE Energy partnered with the Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) to recover pipelinequality renewable natural gas (RNG) during the waste decomposition process. To address garbage waste, we worked with a landfill in Canton, MI, to recover renewable natural gas during decomposition. RNG is created from decomposing waste, which is
then cleaned up and added back to the natural gas energy grid. This gas was typically burned off, but now it is repurposed, recycled and reused.
Enrolling in programs like DTE’s Natural Gas Balance supports the development of RNG projects like these, as well as others throughout Michigan. Beyond RNG projects, Natural Gas Balance also promotes sound forest management across the Upper Peninsula, including areas near Pictured Rocks and in Marquette County.
A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases made in order
to compensate for emissions made elsewhere, balancing your net carbon footprint. All carbon offsets are being sourced from forest projects here in Michigan.
Natural Gas Balance gives you an easy and affordable way to address your greenhouse gas emissions. For a small monthly fee, between $4 and $16, natural gas customers can balance up to 100% of an average home’s natural gas emissions while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Let’s make a difference, together.
Learn more or enroll online at dteenergy.com/naturalgasbalance.
Building vs Remodeling
by Jeff Grantham, CGR CAPS, GMB, CGP Grantham Building and Remodeling, LLC
Deciding whether to build a new home, renovate your own home or purchase a home that needs renovation is not an easy choice. Some factors include interest rates, a lack of available homes to purchase and an economy that keeps all the contractors in Northern Michigan extremely busy. Deciding between these options will affect not only your project’s budget and timeline, but also the finished product.
Both scenarios start with selecting the right lot or home to renovate, establishing a budget and teaming up with an architect for the design. Next comes hiring a builder or remodeler who will hep you in selecting the myriad of finishes like flooring, siding, cabinetry and fixtures, to name a few. This process can be overwhelming but rewarding.
Advantages of building new include having more control over the design to make it truly yours. Fewer surprises arise when building a new home, so your budget is much easier to control. You’ll appreciate that today’s homes are more energy-efficient and maintenance-free, which can free up your money and time for the fun things to do “Up North”.
Advantages of remodeling include personalizing that home in the right location and capitalizing on local character and history. If you plan to replace cabinetry and flooring, or install a fireplace or walk-in shower, you have the option to upgrade insulation, wiring and plumbing while the walls are opened up. These upgrades can make your home just as safe and energy efficient as a new home. Since you’re changing some rooms and not building from the ground up, the timeline is typically shorter to remodel than building a new home.
The drawbacks to building a new home can include a shortage of available lots, adhering to newer and more costly building codes, and a shortage of skilled labor that may lengthen the timeline. All of these can add to the overall cost of the home build.
The drawbacks to renovating an existing home include the prolonged disruption to your living spaces, especially if the kitchen or bathrooms are getting renovated. Existing homes may have unknown structural or mechanical issues that need to be remedied before finishes can be installed.
The key to a successful building or remodeling experience is to engage early with a knowledgeable contractor who has specific experience in the scope of your project.
What’s New in FLOORING
Grey carpeting has taken a back seat to richer hues, more vibrancy, and pattern as homeowners look to enhance their living spaces. Bold and expressive choices include playful textures, patterns that pop, and bold colors. While grey was popular for many years, it is viewed as being more clinical and lacking warmth.
Homeowners and professional designers are now choosing more inviting hues, such as terracotta or peach fuzz, the 2024 Pantone® Color the Year. Flooring materials are now focused on the timeless elegance of stone tile and the the natural warmth of wood tones for sophisticated elegance.
Patterned floor tiles are still popular if used sparingly in flooring and walls. Installed patterned tiles can make a room look dated when fashion trends change, so use them only for spots of color and interest.
Wood flooring is making a strong comeback, especially in darker rich hues. Laminate and other man-made materials still offer significant choices in color, texture, and price.
photo credit: Edgewater Design Group / Jacqueline Southby
Keep the Cold Out
Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer can be an ongoing challenge for homeowners. Upgrading your insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs. We can insulate your existing home, garage, outbuildings or office, and we also work on new construction.
• Free consultation on the best insulation for your project: spray foam, batt, cellulous, fiberglass or hybrid product applications.
• Licensed and insured.
One Location. Four Showrooms.
Surface Sources. Round the Hearth. Natures Landscape. Mason’s Market.
Our experts are here to help you choose the best natural or cultured stone, brick, or tile for inside and outside your home. Stop in our showroom to see the industries finest wood, gas, and electric fireplaces and stoves. We also offer hearths, fireplace doors, mantels, and gas logs. Ask about our installation and service team!
To enhance your outdoor living space, we offer freestanding and built-in grills, outdoor kitchen cabinetry, outdoor heaters, materials for fire pits, gas fire tables, and more.
We are proud to be your local source for expert advice, quality tools, and specialized equipment rental to complete your project.
We are a locally owned and operated Michigan-based Property Restoration company that provides 24/7 emergency disaster service for homes and businesses. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of buildings that have been damaged by water damage, flooding, wind, storm, fire, and smoke. Our commercial and residential projects include mitigation, remediation, restoration, and reconstruction. We can manage and plan multi-phased jobs while they are occupied and fully functional.
Supporting Young Professionals in the Building Industry
The Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan (HBANM) has a wonderful program that supports young professionals, or those under age 45. “With the average age of a builder in Northern Michigan at age 60 plus, it is important that we seriously support the new talent in our industry,“ said Jeff Grantham, board member of the Home Builders Association of Northern MIchigan.
The Young Professionals Program (YP) is designed to support younger builders, contractors, and aligned professionals by offering opportunities for them to grow their connections and skills. YPers have access to experienced members who are happy to share their skills and knowledge in an effort to assist YPers in achieving more success in their careers. Special events and educational programs are offered by the local organization as well as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Membership for YPers in the HBANM is only $100 a year and includes membership in the HBA of Michigan and the NAHB.
Build for the Future (BFF) is another program in Northern Michigan that promotes careers in construction. Janet Chambers heads up this initiative, which is aligned with the HBANM and funded by the Robert Jensen Dau Foundation.
Chambers’ work for BFF includes meeting with high school students and young people, attending career and job fairs, and connecting builders and aligned professionals with young people interested in learning about
careers in the construction industry. BFF sets up job shadow opportunities, in person meetings between professionals and young people, as well as disseminating information throughout the community on the program.
For information on the Young Professionals Program contact info@hbanm.com.
For more information on careers in construction and Build for the Future, visit: www.Build4theFuture.com
Orville (OJ) Creary, owner of Pristine Cut Carpentry, is a new Young Professional with the HBA of Northern Michigan.
Elevating every moment.
When you step into your kitchen, what do you aspire to do? Master a new cooking technique? Serve food even your pickiest family member will eat with enthusiasm?
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances are meticulously crafted to achieve a higher standard of performance, dependability, and style—so you can raise the bar on every meal you make.
Your future kitchen starts with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, featured at
Choosing the Perfect Windows
by Joe Abdou
When embarking on a home construction or renovation project, the selection of windows is a critical decision. Not only do they impact the aesthetics of your home, but they also play a vital role in energy efficiency, security and overall comfort.
When selecting windows for your home, there are several important considerations. If you are using a designer or architect, it’s a good idea to consult with them on the aesthetics of the windows with the overall home design. Clean lines, elegant details, and a variety of finishes, can complement diverse architectural styles.
Windows today come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and configurations to suit any architectural vision including traditional or contemporary designs. The durability and energy-efficiency of your windows is also essential, especially in our harsh winter conditions in Northern Michigan.
Also investigate the hardware on the windows and how they lock.
To help in cleaning windows, some windows tip out or have mechanisms that allow for easy exterior washing from the inside of your home.
Windows come in many styles and materials. Casement windows are ideal for ventilation and maximizing natural light while awning windows are perfect for top-floor rooms or areas where rain or wind may be a concern. Double-hung windows are a classic choice, offering flexibility in ventilation and easy cleaning.
Sliding windows are often used in areas where there are large openings. And finally, fixed windows are used primarily for aesthetic purposes, providing unobstructed views.
Material choices include wood, fiberglass or clad wood. Fiberglass offers the most durability and lowest maintenance.
The type of glass you select for your windows also plays a role in energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass reduces heat transfer to improve energy efficiency. Solar control Low-E glass blocks solar heat gain, keeping your home cool in summer while triple-pane glass provides superior insulation and noise reduction. There are also many types of specialty glass with features like privacy, security or soundproofing.
By carefully considering these factors, you will find the best windows for your budget, home design and climate.
About the author: Joe Abdou is with Thomas & Milliken Millwork, a manufacturer and distributor of millwork, windows, doors and siding with showrooms in Petoskey and Traverse City.
tmmill.com
What are portable storage units?
Portable storage units are now available in Northern Michigan. These units are large metal boxes, similar to shipping crates, that can be taken to any location. Builders and homeowners like the units to store materials or household items while a home is under renovation, especially if items need to be moved quickly after water or fire damage.
Traditional storage methods involved packing up furniture and household items, loading them on a truck, and then unpacking them at a storage rental unit.
Tamara Weidlich from Northland Self Storage said, “Portable storage has reduced the number of times items need to be touched, such as moving items room to room when painting, or off site for renovation. Storing items right on site can reduce labor as well
as potential damage caused by moving items several times.”
Tamara said that
Northland Storage has been asked to help with some unique situations.
“An organization in Boyne City was constructing a new baseball field and used portable units to store construction materials such as bases and equipment, until their facilities were built. Raven Hill Discovery Center also used a unit to create a “pop up” museum when road construction prevented access to their location.”
Portable storage can be ideal for businesses to store inventory before the busy summer season or for Christmas merchandise.
For more information on portable storage, please contact these members of the Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan:
Boyne Country Propane Charlevoix Rod & Gun Club Eikenhout, Inc.
Emmet Brick & Block
Harbor Brenn Insurance Agency Home Depot
Kilwin’s Chocolate Leafguard Holdings, Inc
Michigan Propane Gas Commission
North Central Michigan College
Northern Michigan Property
Northland Self Storage
Renew It Deck Supply
RSVP Volunteers
Trevarrow, Inc.
WKLT
Experience a smoother custom build
NORTHERN MICHIGAN STYLE
Preston Feather’s role on your building team has never been as vital as it is today. Partner with us at the earliest stage of your project for a smoother build and exquisite quality. We partner with the most talented builders, architects and designers of our region to build the gorgeous homes that have come to define Northern Michigan Style. Tour our design showrooms online or in person, and let’s talk about how Preston Feather can benefit your custom build.
BUILDING CENTERS & DESIGN SHOWROOMS TRAVERSE CITY | PETOSKEY | HARBOR SPRINGS | GAYLORD
