West Olive is the rural heart of Ottawa County — orchard country and agricultural land that's increasingly home to custom builds on large acreage, with quiet access to Lake Michigan's beaches at North Beach and Olive Shores. For homeowners who want space, privacy, and room to build exactly what they envision, West Olive is one of the most appealing communities on the West Michigan coast.
Building in West Olive usually means working with larger lots, private well and septic, and Ottawa County's building department rather than a city zoning office. The soil ranges from sandy near the lakeshore to heavier inland clays, and the dune properties along the Lake Michigan shore carry their own shoreline and erosion considerations. We evaluate all of this before the footprint is set.
We have built custom homes and handled renovations and additions in West Olive for over twenty years, and we bring the acreage-building experience and structural expertise that these projects require.
West Olive offers some of the largest lots on the West Michigan coast. We design homes that take advantage of the space — including outbuildings, shops, and room for future expansion.
West Olive falls under Ottawa County's building department rather than a city. We pull the correct county permits and coordinate inspections at each phase.
Larger West Olive lots use private well and septic, and soils range from sandy near the lakeshore to heavier inland clays. We evaluate soil bearing, drainage, and septic capacity before designing the foundation.
Properties near the Lake Michigan shore in West Olive sit on dune soils with erosion and setback considerations. We coordinate EGLE shoreline permits where required and design foundations suited to the dunes.
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. West Olive's large lots are ideal for custom builds, and we design homes that make the most of the space — including outbuildings, shops, and room to grow. We evaluate soil, drainage, and well and septic capacity before finalizing the footprint.
Yes. We build on the dune properties near North Beach and Olive Shores, coordinating EGLE shoreline permits where required and designing foundations suited to sandy dune soils and erosion considerations.
West Olive falls under Ottawa County's building department, not a city. We pull the correct county permits and schedule inspections at each phase so the project stays compliant and resale-ready.
Yes. Most West Olive lots use private well and septic. Before finalizing a new build or addition, we confirm septic field capacity and well setbacks so the project fits the lot.
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.
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