Buffum Homes

3.2 (9 reviews)

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Mike W.

7 months ago

My wife and I completed our custom home build with Buffum Homes, and I cannot fully express how pleased we have been with the whole process with their team. This was a project for us nearly a year in the making as we interviewed different builders and toured different developments. Buffum stood out from the start with their responsiveness, quality and attention to detail. Being able to get in at the beginning of the new phase in their Planters Ridge development was a bonus as we were able to get the exact home site we wanted. We started the process with Josh Buffum who walked us through the design phase, costs, contracting, etc. and was always patient and responsive in enduring our many questions (we don't build a new home every day!). We then moved to the build process and our project manager, Brian, was simply stellar. He regularly went above and beyond in supporting our build. With significant building experience himself, he was not only a project manager but also a valuable advisor and advocate for us through the whole process. If something needed to get done, Brian made sure it got done. We simply could not have done this project without him. I have to also mention Lindsey in the Buffum office who managed our account charges and summary, among other things, through the process. She was an invaluable resource for us and was always available to answer any of our questions. And you won't find a more upbeat and friendly person in the company! We also used Buffum Homes to sell our current home. Norm Buffum stepped in at that point and provided similar stellar support answering our many questions and helping us navigate the selling process, all while getting us an above asking price offer! I could go on, but suffice it to say, we wholeheartedly recommend Buffum Homes to anyone considering building or purchasing a new home! A great company and even better people! read more

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Josh B.

Thank you for your kind words, Mike! Was a pleasure working with you…

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Josie R.

7 months ago

Buffum Homes sets the standard for high-end construction. They seamlessly incorporate the latest modern trends while ensuring every property features a unique, custom touch. For anyone ready to move into a quality-built dream home, look no further! read more

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Josh B.

Thank you for these kind words, Josie! We appreciate you taking the…

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Tammy T.

3 years ago

I would highly recommend this amazing builder, Buffum Homes when considering building your dream home or any home for that matter. I had worked with them for years and only witnessed the highest level of integrity and honesty and a strong desire to complete a job over and above expectations. This company continues to grow in all the right directions and with all the right leadership! Is any company perfect? Probably not, but there is a difference between a company striving and growing to be the very best at what they do or one that makes excuses. I have NEVER experienced Buffum Builders doing anything but keeping their word through it all. And that is something I respect about them. You'd be blessed to have Buffum Builders spearheading your next project! read more

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Jessica P.

4 years ago

First, I would like to start by saying this is a TOUGH industry. Unfortunately, this company doesn't accept much ownership of mistakes. They very rarely admit mistakes, mostly blame others (their own PM's, their subcontractors, the industry, etc.). I think it is important to have actionable customer service, sometimes a phone call and excuses is just not enough. In the spirit of a short review I will only highlight two major issues, despite the reality of a pattern of mistakes and a leadership that values markup over customers and employees. 1. The wrong trusses were engineered, installed, and not noticed in THREE different places. It changed the front elevation, master ceiling, and rear elevation. While Buffum did fix the mistake at their cost, the issues in my mind caused many more problems with delays, a lot of stress, and an overall disappointment that the general contractor that we trusted was relying on their own customers to catch such a massive issue. Well I'd like to say that was the only major issue, it was not. At time of final settlement, we had to audit their work. We found SEVERAL duplicate charges. This again was corrected, but an unrealistic expectation to rely on your customers to do your work for you. What if we paid thousands of more dollars simply because they didn't check their own work? I will conclude by saying that I would NOT recommend this builder. While they do have a few great people working for them, it doesn't make up for the overall direction of the leadership. I know several others with similar experiences, and a handful of realtors that will not recommend Buffum any longer. read more

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Jon A.

3 years ago

As a Realtor working with families relocating to the West Michigan area, Norm and Josh Buffum have been great to work with and very accommodating for my clients. Every real estate transaction has its hurdles and working with builders can be difficult in this market with so little inventory. They can be inflexible and hard to communicate with knowing that a buyer will come along eventually. Norm and Josh have made my clients feel respected and appreciated and allowed them to make changes to the home so that is personal and unique to them. read more

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Derek M.

3 years ago

We had multiple concerns through the entire build process. We tried to work with Norm and Josh but we constantly spun saying they would take care of the problems. Now that we are moved in a paid we keep seeing and being supprised with small and major problems on a brand new custom build home. We are being ignored, treated like we did something wrong. And now probably stuck eating their contractors poor workmanship. We have drywall sheets split in half on our cathederial ceilings that were replanted 6 times already that I know of. Light switches going bad after two months having to be replaced by me. Slider screens that are built so poorly they are shaving plastic off the slider frame when opened. Siding installed overlapping in both direction. Facia installed with huge holes where they are not cut properly. And tons of bugs entering our home from who knows where. Ladybugs are taking over the windows in the unfinished basement. We have only had occupancy for 2 months. I'm scared to discover what's next. The house passed code with code violations. And these were brought up and excuse after excuse was given from the owners and im still waiting for them to admit responsibility and fix them. We worked are hole life to get this. It's a tough pill to swallow. Don't make the mistake we did. read more

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Diana C.

5 years ago

While living in the opposite side of the state, my husband and I started looking for homes in the Grand Rapids area. We worked with Norm as a realtor and he helped us find the perfect home, and was able to get us the best deal based on what he saw while we toured the house. His experience as a builder gave us better insight on red flags to look for while looking at homes. Norm went above and beyond to help us get everything in order, even while we were living two hours away. It was a great experience to work with them! read more

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Josh B.

Thank you for these kind words Diana!

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Sharon K.

7 years ago

Poor quality homes. Extremely difficult builders to work with. Our uncle is a builder from out of state and when he walked through our home the first time he couldn't believe the issues he was seeing. So, so frustrated with Buffum Builders. Their homes lack quality (and are NOT cheap) and the people lack integrity. Can't stress enough how awful our experience has been. read more

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Josh B.

Hey Sharon, we have no record of any contact from a Sharon K the past…

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Extremely D.

9 years ago

This company has been such a pain to work with. I will say they build beautiful homes, BUT after living in one for a few months, it is obvious how cheaply it was built and how Buffums cut corners where ever and when ever they could. If this wasn't bad enough, they are horrible at honoring the one year warranty. Good luck getting them to respond to emails and phone calls. We've talked with neighbors who have also purchased homes from Buffum and everyone has the same complaints. Spare yourself! Horrible, horrible company. read more

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Josh B.

Hey Extremely D, we have no record of any contact from you the past…

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More info about Buffum Homes

144 44th St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Directions
(616) 538-4663
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.BuffumHomes.com

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Does Buffum Homes take credit cards?

No, Buffum Homes does not take credit cards.

From the Business

Specialties

Custom Home builder in Grand Rapids, MI. Higher quality homes built at an affordable price.

History

Established in 2000.

Buffum Homes has been building beautiful quality homes for over 20 years, and has made hundreds of Grand Rapids families happy throughout the years

Meet the Business Owner: Norm B.

Norm has been in the construction industry for over 30 years, and loves helping people design and build their dream home!

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Eastbrook Homes

(24 reviews)

Eastbrook Homes should have been a 5 star experience. It's what they advertise, and what I trusted…read morethey would provide. Eastbrook homes let us down with our unscrupulous realtor, Kurt Suidinski. He was a 1/5 star experience. Kurt gives off terrible vibes because he is disingenuous, deceptive, and will say anything for a sale. He is greedy and has (point blank) told me lies that he later on denied. Come to find out after moving in, almost *everyone* has a Kurt story. Let me tell you, none of them are good. I think what I despise most about Kurt was how he disrespected me and low key bullied me/ gaslighted me when I challenged him on why he didn't cut my realtor in on her hard earned portion of the sale. I distinctly remember him telling me, "I should go home and have a glass of wine, and let the men (meaning he and my husband) handle this." When I queried if he was acting this way to avoid splitting the commission, I remember commenting on why his ears were turning beat red? I guess someone has blood pressure issues. Thank God, Kurt told me to stay out of it. My husband went to the Vice President of sales and got my realtor her commission. Thanks for leaving it to the men, Kurt. Great suggestion! Honestly, I was so disillusioned with Eastbrook as Kurt was the first point of reference, the newly hired interior designer was not very helpful. I basically picked out the whole house myself in 3 hours or less. It would've been fun to have someone to bounce ideas off of, but oh well. Chad, the building manager saved the day. I was initially leary thinking all the employees at Eastbrook were Kurt incarnate but Chad reassured me he was different. Chad lived up to his promise and gave *excellent* customer service. He's a nice and straight to the point kind of guy that is approachable, easy to talk to and genuinely wants the customer to be happy. He does a great job managing the contractors and has an eye for detail. Chad was a 5/5 star experience. Thanks Chad! If I could do it again, I would have found a different realtor. I hear good things about Jonah, he was kind on closing day and we appreciated Kurt's absence, as it made the closing a more joyful experience for us. Jonah and Chad could easily make Eastbrook a 5 star experience. Too bad Kurt got in the way with his dishonesty and greed. Oh well. The whole community at Lowing Woods has a "Kurt story" yet he's still working there. I suppose it's a good ole boys club and I should just shut up and have a glass of wine per Kurt's instructions. Ewww. Thanks to Chad, Jonah and the Vice President of Eastbrook that forced Kurt to do the right thing. We appreciate the 30 day paint touch up as part of the Eastbrook promise and the year warranty which we used to replace warping deck wood and a few other minor fixes in the house. We love our house and our community. Overall, happy to have worked with Eastbrook regardless of the rough start with Kurt. Avoid Kurt from the beginning and you'll have a much better experience. Good luck with your build!

We are a four time Eastbrook builders client. They have brought up communities on many levels in…read moretheir neighborhoods and the communities. Eastbrook builders homes stand the test of time. That's why they've been around since 1967.

Forest Hills Homes

(1 review)

Matt of Forest Hills Homes is a quality builder and great to work with. We purchased the home he…read morebuilt and have lived and loved it for 2 years so far. It is beautiful and well thought out, but it was also so well built, we have had no problems. The mud room and playrooms have been great for our growing family, and the flex room with en-suite bath has been invaluable for us as we have been forced to work from home since the pandemic. This new year we hired Matt to come back and complete our unfinished basement. Together we designed our ideal space and have a basement of our dreams, with a beautiful bar, including a butcher block island and open shelving, a custom fireplace, and beautiful tiled rain-shower bath. The craftsmanship is top quality. Matt is easy to work with and adapting to a few changes I made along the way. We are so thankful for our forever home.

Eagle Creek Homes

(2 reviews)

Our home (condominium) was built less than 2 years ago. Recently, we had water seeping into our den…read morecoming up from the foundation. After 2 foundation inspections from foundation specialist, they determined our neighbor's garage slab was laid incorrectly, and because we share that wall, it was seeping into our den and up into our home. When we contacted Eagle Creek Homes, they were dismissive and took NO responsibility. They directed us to our insurance company, who went on to deny our claim. We are stuck with ~ $10,000 worth of work on our new home and Eagle Creek has ignored our pleas for assistance. Buyer BEWARE.

Listed an open house for a home and cancelled just prior to start time. A clear ploy to get…read morepotential buyers to drive to a development under construction that did not have home ready for an open house. Deceitful tactic and a colossal waste of my family's time.

Woods Builders Homes

(1 review)

I am writing this review to warn anyone who is thinking about working with Woods Builders Homes…read moreInc., and specifically its owner, Jon Wood. I did not hire this company to build a home for me, so I cannot speak to the quality of their construction. What I can speak to, in detail, is my direct experience dealing with John Wood as a businessman -- and based on that experience, I would never trust this man or this company with something as important as a home. Woods Builders subcontractors have repeatedly crossed onto our private property to access his job site. This happened multiple times. There was no permission given, no easement, no legal right to do so. I contacted him about it. Twice. Calmly. Directly. What followed was one of the most frustrating and disillusioning interactions I've ever had with someone in business. Jon Wood acknowledged that his subs were wrong. But in the same breath said he can't control them. Yes you can Jon, you pay the invoice they send you for the work they do for YOU! He also told me things that were later proven to be false. Not once, not twice, but three separate times. Each time I challenged him with evidence of his lies the story changed. Eventually, after being cornered by facts, he admitted that he had not been telling me the truth. Let that sink in. This wasn't a misunderstanding. This wasn't a miscommunication. This was someone who knew he was in the wrong, knew he was crossing property he did not have the right to use with cranes, cement trucks, heavy equipment and chose lies instead of owning it. That tells me everything I need to know. If someone will lie to me about something as basic and verifiable as simple facts, what will they do when you are a customer with a contract, money on the line, and a house being built? If someone is willing to ignore property boundaries and act entitled to land that isn't theirs, how will they treat your boundaries, your budget, or your concerns? I cannot speak to their craftsmanship. But I can absolutely speak to their character. And based on my direct experience, Jon Wood has demonstrated: A willingness to trespass when it is convenient A willingness to lie when confronted A willingness to only tell the truth after being caught That is not the behavior of someone I would trust to run a project that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Building a home requires honesty, transparency, accountability, and respect -- not just for clients, but for everyone affected by the project. In my dealings with Jon Wood, I saw none of that. If this is how he treats someone who isn't even his customer, imagine how difficult it would be to deal with him once you are financially and contractually tied to him. There are many builders in the Grand Rapids area. You have choices. Based on my experience, I strongly suggest choosing someone who respects property lines, tells the truth the first time, and doesn't need to be caught before being honest. I would never hire Woods Builders Homes Inc. I would never trust Jon Wood with my property, my money, or my home.

From the owner: Hand-crafted Homes Since 1996.read more

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John B.

3 years ago

I recently had the privilege of working with Buffum Homes to build my dream home, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, Buffum Homes demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. First and foremost, the craftsmanship that went into building my home was truly outstanding. Every detail was meticulously executed, resulting in a residence that not only met but exceeded my expectations. Buffum Homes' dedication to excellence is evident in every corner of my new home, from the solid foundation to the exquisite finishing touches. Throughout the construction process, communication was seamless. The Buffum Homes team kept me informed every step of the way, ensuring that I was always aware of the progress and any important updates. They were responsive to my questions and concerns, providing valuable insights and guidance whenever needed. One of the standout qualities of Buffum Homes is their ability to transform a vision into reality. They listened attentively to my ideas and desires, offering expert advice to enhance the design and functionality of my home. Their commitment to understanding and fulfilling their customers' wishes sets them apart. Not only did Buffum Homes complete the project on time, but they also managed it with exceptional efficiency. Their project management skills kept disruptions to a minimum, allowing me to maintain a sense of normalcy during the construction process. In addition to their technical expertise, the Buffum Homes team was an absolute pleasure to work with. They were not only professional but also friendly and approachable, creating a collaborative and positive atmosphere. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and their willingness to go the extra mile made the entire experience enjoyable. Today, I am living in my dream home, thanks to Buffum Homes. If you are searching for a homebuilder with an impeccable track record of quality, communication, and customer-centric focus, look no further. Buffum Homes has proven themselves as true masters of their craft, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I wholeheartedly recommend Buffum Homes to anyone looking to bring their dream home to life. Thank you, Buffum Homes, for making my dream a reality! read more

Ashley P.

8 years ago

Buffum builds beautiful homes and do stand behind their work! I hear the local Home Builders Association has given them many awards for outstanding work on their Parade Homes for many years and you can see the difference in the homes they build. I have a friend that has built three homes with Buffum and they have said they have wonderful things to say abut their team, their integrity, and their dedication to doing great work for their clients. I do plan to use them for an upcoming home project and have no reservations at all about doing business with Buffum. I know we will get a beautiful home and we are looking forward to our next project with Buffum. read more

Amanda J.

5 years ago

Very happy with my experience at Buffum!! They build BEAUTIFUL homes and were really great to work with. They made the process seam easy by helping me and directing me along the process, and answering all my questions! They are very quick and helped me move into my home sooner than I thought possible! These guys are very efficient, get things done quickly but do things right and with high standards. Quality of the home and customer service are a five star rating for me. read more

Jordan M.

3 years ago

Buffum Homes is a top-notch homebuilding company! From start to finish, their professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding. The team kept me informed throughout the process, addressing any concerns promptly. The craftsmanship and quality of my home are exceptional, exceeding my expectations. Buffum Homes delivers on time with integrity and transparency. If you want a great home and a stress-free experience, I highly recommend Buffum Homes! read more

Leanna B.

2 months ago

I highly recommend Buffum Homes as a premier builder in West Michigan. Their quality is incredible and their designs beautiful. My experience with Buffum Homes has been wonderful, they are great people and care about the customer experience. Their floor plans are functional and make sense for every day living. If you are looking for a high-end builder who creates visually appealing spaces with sound quality, look no further than Buffum Homes! read more

Joni S.

5 months ago

As a real estate agent, I've toured and shown multiple homes built by Buffum Homes, and the quality consistently stands out. Their craftsmanship, thoughtful layouts, and attention to detail make their homes both functional and visually impressive. They take a client-focused approach to custom building and it shows in the final product. Buffum Homes is a solid choice for buyers looking for a well-built, personalized home in West Michigan. read more

Mike W.

9 years ago

Proud to be in such a beautiful Buffum built house...they answered all my questions, were very helpful, and were able to make a few of the changes that I requested as well...really happy with how it turned out, and the quality and craftsmanship really turned out the way I envisioned it would...this is the reason why I came to them in the first place, and they certainly delivered!!!!! THANKS A MILLION TO BUFFUM for this wonderful house!! read more

Jenny B.

2 months ago

Buffum Homes is a fantastic builder in West Michigan. Their designs and layouts are thoughtful, functional, and beautifully done. The quality of finishes and attention to craftsmanship truly stand out in every home they build. They're always a go-to recommendation when I have clients looking to build or purchase a spec home because I know they'll receive a high-quality product and great overall experience. read more

Justin S.

7 years ago

Buffum Builders is an incredible home building company. Norm and Joshua have been absolutely outstanding to work with. I couldn't imagine a better group of people to walk me through building a custom home. The attention to detail and quality of their work makes them stand out over any home building company I have seen. 5+ stars. read more

Fritz B.

6 months ago

As a realtor, I see a lot of homes, and these stand out for the right reasons. The quality is there, the layouts make sense, and the finishes hold up -- whether it's a spec home or a full custom build. Easy builder to work with and someone I'm comfortable recommending to clients without hesitation. read more

John M.

7 years ago

I'm extremely pleased with my Buffum Home. This is the second home I'm building with them, and they continue to exceed my expectations... They have great hearts, a wonderful team, and answer all questions I had during the build. What a great experience. Would highly recommend! read more

Judy B.

3 years ago

I just wanted to express my thanks for our beautiful home! Buffum Builders built it 19 years ago and we have loved every minute in our home. As a matter of fact we just can't bring ourselves to think about moving. Every detail is quality! Thank you for building our dream home! read more

Robin S.

3 years ago

Great builder! 1. Loves people. 2. Proud of their business. 3. Tries everything in their power to make everything the way you want it. If you are looking for a builder with integrity and the skills to produce your dream, this is the business to call. read more

Madeleine A.

5 months ago

Buffum is one of my go to builders in the greater Grand Rapids area. They have a great team that is incredibly helpful and build stunning homes with high end finishes. You will not be disappointed working with Buffum on your next build. read more

Amanda Elaine H.

3 years ago

If you're looking for quality, Buffum Homes is your answer! Unbeatable custom touches, beautiful finishes and amazing team. I have lived in a few Buffum Homes throughout my life and the quality never wavers. read more

Lauren B.

4 years ago

I love Buffum homes! They built my dream home. They are honest, kind, and great to work with! Building a house can be stressful but the team really care and helped me through the process. Highly recommend! read more

Rachel B.

6 months ago

Buffum Homes really sets the bar for high-end construction. They blend modern design with custom details so every home feels unique. If you're ready for a quality, move-in-ready dream home, check them out! read more

Jacob H.

4 months ago

Buffum Homes has amazing custom homes! Luke has been extremely helpful with getting information to my clients and going through the options they have. Highly recommend them and their homes are beautiful! read more

Jordan D.

7 years ago

What a solid company. I've been in my Buffum built home for 3 years now, and their quality still shows. I'll be contacting them again when my wife and I have the means to build our final dream home. read more

Melissa S.

5 months ago

LOVE working with them~ as a realtor, I cant say enough great things! their design, their quality and their ease of working together! They are the "go to" builder I recommend for my clients! read more

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