Downs Construction, LLC

09/03/2026

Church of the Resurrection | Structural Repair & Restoration

This project at the Church of the Resurrection presented us with a rather unique challenge.
Over time, water pe*******on had caused deterioration to several glulam beams, requiring us to take a careful and methodical approach to determine the proper solution. We brought in an engineer, worked through the permitting process, and developed a repair plan that would address the structural concerns correctly and safely.

Over the past several days, our team has been hard at work temporarily shoring the walls, removing the deteriorated beam, removing the cantilevered overhang at the front of the building, and transitioning that area back to the roof edge.

Projects like this aren't always about simply replacing what's damaged. Sometimes it's about understanding why the failure occurred, finding the correct engineering solution, and executing the repair properly.

We're currently waiting on one component part to arrive so we can finish up the final details. Once it arrives, we'll complete the exterior touch-up painting, install the new gutter, and this project will be wrapped up.

Another challenging repair, another opportunity for calculated craftsmanship and doing the job right. 🔨

08/28/2026

This one goes out to my Kalamazoo Renovation team, led by Josh Edwards. They are restoring a large duplex that caught fire in Kalamazoo.

Josh Edwards has been doing a tremendous job leading his team, and I’m grateful to know I can call on him when I need to. His work ethic and ability to get things done are a huge asset to us.

And then there’s Joshua Jeffries — my upcoming protégé and master in the making.

I’ve got big plans for this guy in the future. I truly believe he has what it takes to become a great leader of one of our crews someday, and because of that, we’re investing a lot of time, training, and knowledge into him.

We’re not just building projects — we’re building people.

I believe the investment we’re making in Joshua is going to pay off. He’s hungry, he’s willing to learn, and he’s putting in the work. Those are the qualities I look for when I’m trying to develop someone into a great leader.

Joshua, keep soaking it all in, keep asking questions, keep working hard, and keep pushing yourself.

Your future is what you make of it, and I’m excited to see where this takes you.

To the entire Kalamazoo Renovation team — you guys have put in a tremendous amount of work, and I’m proud of you.

Keep pushing. Keep building. Keep growing.

I also want to thank Kevin Miller for his work in getting us up to this point with demo, framing repairs and drywall installation and finishing. Looking good Kevin!

We appreciate you guys! 💪🔨

08/28/2026

Shout out to Rick Olmstead at Olmstead Construction. I am not afraid to promote a veteran and legend. He also does allot for his community.

When I first started in this business, one of the hardest things for me was not having somebody I could reach out to when I needed insight or guidance. A lot of times, it feels like everyone is competing against everyone else, and there isn’t much teamwork or willingness to help one another.

A couple of times, I reached out to Rick because I’ve always respected him. He’s been around this industry for a long time, he’s experienced, and he’s somebody I looked up to. Every time I called, he stopped what he was doing, took the time to talk with me, gave me insight, shared his experience, and answered my questions.... He didn’t have to do that, but he did. And honestly, it meant a lot to me.
So when the opportunity came around where Rick needed a hand, there was no question — we were there!

When push comes to shove, when it really matters and you need someone you can rely on to pull through-we never come up short.

We only had about two days’ notice to get in there and take on a job that had already been in preparation for a long time. To put it in MMA terms, it was like stepping into the cage with two days’ notice against a competitor who had been training for 12 weeks. 😂

We got in there, took a few lumps to the head, figured things out as we went, and fought our way through it. But in the end, we won the fight.
That’s what I believe this industry should be about.

Competition is healthy, but helping each other, sharing knowledge, having each other’s backs, and being willing to step up when someone needs a hand — that’s teamwork.

Rick helped me when I needed it, and when he needed us, we showed up.

I’m proud of our crew, proud of the work we put out, and grateful that we had the opportunity to return the favor.

Tile and beam — done. 🔨💪

Sometimes it’s not about who’s competing against who. Sometimes it’s about two contractors coming together, doing what needs to be done, and getting the job across the finish line.

08/18/2026

With multiple jobs going on simultaneously all over the place, I really want to take a minute to give a huge thank-you to my team for pulling this one off in just two days.

My team works hard, and more importantly, they work really well together. Those of you who follow us, watch what we do, and see the work firsthand know exactly what I’m talking about.

This was a 12-square roof with a five-layer tear-off, full re-deck, dry-in, and complete re-roof — all in two days. The rear was a two-pitch, so we installed a glass-infused underlayment and torch-down from the rear for proper protection.

The yard was picked up and left spotless. Every detail was made tight, crispy, and beautiful.

We’ve got a couple finish-up pieces tomorrow and the gutters go back on, and this one is DONE.

This is a roof I can absolutely stand behind. Proud of this team and the work they continue to put out.

Downs Construction — built right, done right. 💪🏠

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

From Start to Finish

From the beginning stages to the final completion, this addition in Emmett Township turned out absolutely beautiful.

Today, we signed everything off and then sat around the table for another 45 minutes to discuss the experiance and that moment really meant a lot to me. It’s not every day you get to experience a project that goes as smoothly as this one did—and even better, have customers who know that you genuinely cared about their home and their project from day one.

We’re grateful to know we’ll be back as they continue to grow and improve their home.
Super grateful for my team and everyone who helped make this one such a great experience. This is why we do what we do. 🏠💪

08/09/2026

When “done” doesn’t mean done right 😱

About a month ago, a customer called us after her new deck was flagged by the building authority. The contractor claimed to be licensed and had pulled a permit — neither was true. Within the 1st photo you can see the customers knee/hip at the rail height (dangerous and low).

After inspecting it, we found serious safety and code issues: improper framing and footings, incorrect stairs, drywall screws holding the spindles, and handrails only 26–30 inches high.

We removed the unsafe deck, downsized the replacement to help control costs, reused materials where possible, and rebuilt it properly and to code.

A lot of our work involves fixing other people’s mistakes 🤷

Thank you Josh for stepping in on a Sunday to help me address a safety issue.

08/09/2026

Another composite deck upgrade underway! 🔨

We’re reinforcing and rebuilding the stairs in two separate locations to meet the requirements of the new composite decking, while transforming the existing wood decking with a clean picture-frame design, adding pvc risers to each step and to the stair stringer sides, picture-frame steps, and hidden fasteners for a seamless finish.

My craftsman team are installing the miters and spacing flawlessly I also most note how spotless our job sites are every day.

Quality details make the difference. We’re looking forward to showing you the finished product! 👀

08/08/2026

From start to finish — full circle.

This project was about more than installing siding. It was about restoring confidence in a customer who had been let down before and showing what a quality experience should look like.

From wrapping and sealing the existing T1-11, to the porch and garage additions, new soffit and fascia, roofing tie-ins, electrical coordination, inspections, and every detail in between — our team stayed focused on doing it right.

The result was a flawless Everlast siding installation and, more importantly, a customer who felt heard, respected, and confident in the work.

Sitting down together at the end, talking through the finished project, and sharing a hug with the customer brought everything full circle.

Quality work matters. The experience we leave behind matters just as much.