Grand Haven is where Homes by Gary Katt Inc. is rooted. For more than two decades we have built, renovated, and restored homes along this stretch of the Lake Michigan coast — from the historic neighborhoods near downtown to the lakefront and dune properties that define the community.
Building in Grand Haven means working with coastal conditions that most inland builders rarely encounter: sandy dune soils, high water tables, lake-effect wind and moisture, and shoreline regulations that involve both the City of Grand Haven and the State of Michigan (EGLE) when a parcel sits near the beach or the Grand River. We understand these conditions because we have built in them for twenty years.
Whether you are planning a new custom home on an empty lot, a major renovation of an older Grand Haven home, a second-story addition, or fire damage restoration, we bring structure-first thinking and local experience to every project.
Coastal Grand Haven parcels often sit on sandy dune soils with a high seasonal water table. Foundation design must account for bearing capacity, drainage, and frost depth — not assumptions borrowed from inland builds.
Projects near Lake Michigan or the Grand River can trigger state shoreline permitting through EGLE in addition to city zoning. We coordinate both so your project stays compliant and on schedule.
Western exposures carry wind-driven rain, humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles that stress siding, roofing, and flashing. We specify materials and detailing built to hold up on the coast.
Grand Haven has a stock of century-old homes near downtown. We evaluate existing framing and foundations before renovating, so updates don't hide structural problems.
New homes built around your vision, designed for the coast and built to last.
Learn MoreTransform an existing home with structural updates, modern features, and improved function.
Learn MoreHouse raising, second-story additions, and complex structural improvements.
Learn MoreStructural repairs, complete rebuilds, and insurance claim advocacy.
Learn MoreTwo decades building in West Michigan's coastal conditions — dune soils, lake-effect weather, and shoreline regulations.
We evaluate foundations, framing, and load paths before we build — so additions and renovations last.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and a member of the NAHB and HBA Lakeshore.
Yes. We build new custom homes on empty Grand Haven lots, including lakefront and dune parcels. We handle site evaluation, foundation design for coastal soils, permitting through the City of Grand Haven and EGLE where required, and full construction through final walkthrough.
Absolutely. Many Grand Haven homes near the historic downtown were built in the early 1900s. We assess the existing structure — framing, foundation, electrical, and plumbing — before renovating, so your update is built on a sound structure rather than covering up problems.
Yes. Lakefront and dune lots in Grand Haven require special attention to soil bearing, erosion control, wind exposure, and shoreline setbacks. We have built on these conditions for over twenty years and coordinate the required state and local permits.
We serve the entire City of Grand Haven and Grand Haven Township, including the downtown historic district, the lakefront and dune areas, and residential neighborhoods along the Grand River.
Gary Katt is Simply the Best if you want a builder you can trust with your home or your business ....The KattMann as his friends and clients call him ....has all the experience and shows up early and gets the job done with a reasonable and competitive fee for all his expertise... he is second to none.
Gary is a skilled craftsman, with an excellent team of sub-contractors. His work is of the highest quality, with competitive pricing. We are currently working with Gary on our forever new home. Gary has been our choice for several years. You will not be disappointed. A true professional.
Gary Katt is solid, knowledgeable and has assisted in remodeling/stand-alone projects. Very fair and always willing to assist. I've utilized Gary since 2009.
Gary has done numerous projects for us over the years. He is a very conscientious, hard worker and his assistant, Jim is a great compliment to his team. Additionally, Gary is a very kind person and interesting to speak with. You'll find that he's a pleasure to work with.
I had Gary at my house so many times. Each time I was always pleased with the results. He would let me know exactly what was going on. I was pleased will all the work done. Gary is the first person I call for everything to be done on my home. Dorothy Corradi
Great builder, great quality at a good price. Will definitely use again as work is needed.
Gary Katt is Simply the Best if you want a builder you can trust with your home or your business ....The KattMann as his friends and clients call him ....has all the experience and shows up early and gets the job done with a reasonable and competitive fee for all his expertise... he is second to none.
Gary is a skilled craftsman, with an excellent team of sub-contractors. His work is of the highest quality, with competitive pricing. We are currently working with Gary on our forever new home. Gary has been our choice for several years. You will not be disappointed. A true professional.
Gary Katt is solid, knowledgeable and has assisted in remodeling/stand-alone projects. Very fair and always willing to assist. I've utilized Gary since 2009.
Gary has done numerous projects for us over the years. He is a very conscientious, hard worker and his assistant, Jim is a great compliment to his team. Additionally, Gary is a very kind person and interesting to speak with. You'll find that he's a pleasure to work with.
I had Gary at my house so many times. Each time I was always pleased with the results. He would let me know exactly what was going on. I was pleased will all the work done. Gary is the first person I call for everything to be done on my home. Dorothy Corradi
Great builder, great quality at a good price. Will definitely use again as work is needed.
Share a few details about your Grand Haven project and start the conversation about your next home.