Finding Reliable Contractors in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor's unique mix of historic homes, university buildings, and modern developments requires contractors with specialized knowledge and proven expertise. Whether you're renovating a Old West Side Victorian or updating a newer home in North Ann Arbor, choosing the right contractor is crucial for quality results and project success.
🏠 Best Roofing Contractors
⭐ Elite Roofing Michigan
Rating: 4.9/5.0 (500+ reviews)
Services: Roof replacement, repairs, storm damage, historic homes
Certifications: GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster
Top-rated roofing contractor serving Ann Arbor for 25+ years. Specialists in historic home roofing, HDC approvals, and insurance claims. 24/7 emergency service and lifetime workmanship warranty.
Why Choose: Top 3% nationwide certification, expert historic preservation, free drone inspections
Ann Arbor Roofing Company
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Established local business with 30+ years experience. Good for standard residential roofing.
See our complete Best Roofers in Ann Arbor guide for detailed comparisons.
🔧 Best Plumbing Contractors
⭐ J&M Plumbing
Rating: 4.8/5.0 (350+ reviews)
Services: Repairs, installations, water heaters, drain cleaning, remodels
Family-owned Ann Arbor plumbing company known for honest pricing and quality work. Experienced with older home plumbing systems and modern upgrades.
Pricing: $125-175/hour • Emergency service available
Terry's Plumbing
Rating: 4.7/5.0 (280+ reviews)
Long-standing Ann Arbor plumber serving both residential and University properties. Good for emergency repairs and maintenance.
Pricing: $135-185/hour
Matheson Plumbing
Rating: 4.5/5.0 (200+ reviews)
Reliable service for routine plumbing needs. Good pricing and availability.
Pricing: $115-165/hour
⚡ Best Electrical Contractors
⭐ Hiller Electric
Rating: 4.8/5.0 (400+ reviews)
Services: Panel upgrades, wiring, lighting, EV chargers, generators, smart home
Premier electrical contractor serving Ann Arbor and SE Michigan. Licensed electricians experienced with historic homes, code compliance, and modern electrical systems.
Pricing: $140-200/hour • Emergency service 24/7
Washtenaw Electric
Rating: 4.6/5.0 (250+ reviews)
Local electrician specializing in residential service upgrades and remodeling work. Good for panel upgrades and whole-home rewiring.
Pricing: $125-180/hour
Mister Sparky Ann Arbor
Rating: 4.4/5.0 (320+ reviews)
National franchise with local ownership. Good for routine electrical repairs and installations. Upfront pricing.
Pricing: Flat-rate pricing per job
❄️ Best HVAC Contractors
⭐ Lakeside Heating & Air Conditioning
Rating: 4.9/5.0 (450+ reviews)
Services: AC installation/repair, furnace service, heat pumps, ductwork
Top-rated HVAC contractor in Ann Arbor with factory-certified technicians. Carrier and Lennox dealer with excellent service and fair pricing.
Why Choose: 24/7 emergency service, financing options, maintenance plans
Crystal Heating & Cooling
Rating: 4.7/5.0 (380+ reviews)
Family-owned HVAC company serving Ann Arbor since 1970s. Trane dealer with strong service department and maintenance programs.
Flame Furnace
Rating: 4.5/5.0 (520+ reviews)
Established regional company with Ann Arbor service. Good for furnace replacement and AC installation. Competitive pricing.
🎨 Best Remodeling & General Contractors
⭐ Forward Design Build Remodel
Rating: 4.9/5.0 (200+ reviews)
Services: Full remodels, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, historic renovations
Premium design-build firm specializing in high-end remodels and historic home renovations. Award-winning work with architectural services in-house.
Best For: Full-scale renovations, historic homes, custom kitchens/baths
Steeh & Harding
Rating: 4.7/5.0 (180+ reviews)
Well-established Ann Arbor remodeler known for quality craftsmanship. Excellent kitchen and bathroom renovations, whole-house remodels.
Meadowlark Builders
Rating: 4.8/5.0 (150+ reviews)
Green building specialists focused on sustainable, energy-efficient remodeling. Perfect for eco-conscious homeowners.
Kowalski Builders
Rating: 4.6/5.0 (160+ reviews)
Full-service general contractor for additions, renovations, and new construction. Good balance of quality and value.
🪟 Best Window & Door Contractors
⭐ Wallside Windows
Rating: 4.6/5.0 (500+ reviews)
Michigan-based window manufacturer and installer. Custom windows made locally, good warranty and service. Competitive pricing.
Renewal by Andersen
Rating: 4.5/5.0 (400+ reviews)
Premium window replacement with excellent product quality. Higher pricing but top-tier performance and warranty.
Window World of Ann Arbor
Rating: 4.3/5.0 (280+ reviews)
Value-focused window replacement. Good option for budget-conscious homeowners seeking quality improvement.
🏗️ Best Concrete & Foundation Contractors
⭐ Reliable Structural Solutions
Rating: 4.8/5.0 (220+ reviews)
Foundation repair specialists serving Ann Arbor. Expert in basement waterproofing, crack repair, and structural stabilization.
A1 Concrete
Rating: 4.6/5.0 (180+ reviews)
Quality concrete work including driveways, patios, sidewalks, and garage floors. Fair pricing and good workmanship.
🌳 Best Landscaping & Hardscaping
⭐ Twin Oaks Landscape
Rating: 4.8/5.0 (250+ reviews)
Premier Ann Arbor landscaping company. Design-build services, maintenance, hardscaping, and installation. Award-winning designs.
Landscape Creations
Rating: 4.7/5.0 (200+ reviews)
Full-service landscape contractor specializing in patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and plantings.
Cutting Edge Property Maintenance
Rating: 4.5/5.0 (180+ reviews)
Reliable lawn care and landscape maintenance. Good for ongoing service and seasonal cleanup.
🎨 Best Painting Contractors
⭐ CertaPro Painters of Ann Arbor
Rating: 4.7/5.0 (300+ reviews)
Professional painting company with excellent project management. Interior and exterior painting, color consultation, detailed prep work.
College Pro Painters
Rating: 4.4/5.0 (150+ reviews)
Budget-friendly exterior painting using student crews supervised by experienced managers. Good value for straightforward projects.
💡 How to Choose the Right Contractor
✓ Verify Credentials
- Michigan contractor license (check at michigan.gov/lara)
- Liability insurance ($1M minimum) and workers compensation
- BBB rating and complaint history
- Manufacturer certifications for specialized work
✓ Get Multiple Quotes
- Obtain 3-5 written estimates for comparison
- Ensure quotes are detailed and itemized
- Be wary of significantly low bids (often red flags)
- Compare warranties and materials quality, not just price
✓ Check References
- Request 3-5 recent Ann Arbor references
- Visit completed projects if possible
- Read online reviews on multiple platforms
- Ask about challenges and how they were resolved
✓ Review Contracts Carefully
- Get everything in writing before work begins
- Ensure scope of work is detailed and specific
- Confirm payment schedule (never pay 100% upfront)
- Verify warranty terms and duration
- Include timeline with completion date
✓ Ann Arbor-Specific Considerations
- Historic District Commission (HDC) requirements for historic homes
- City of Ann Arbor permit requirements and inspections
- HOA approvals if applicable
- Contractor familiarity with older home construction
- Understanding of local building codes
🚩 Red Flags to Avoid
⚠️ Warning Signs:
- ❌ Requests full payment upfront
- ❌ No written contract or vague agreements
- ❌ Pressure to sign immediately
- ❌ Can't provide insurance certificate
- ❌ No local references or portfolio
- ❌ Uses only P.O. Box address
- ❌ Offers "leftover materials" deals
- ❌ Won't pull proper permits
- ❌ Cash-only payment demands
💰 Average Project Costs in Ann Arbor (2025)
Typical Price Ranges:
| Roof Replacement | $9,000 - $17,000 |
| HVAC System Replacement | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel (Mid-Range) | $35,000 - $75,000 |
| Bathroom Remodel | $12,000 - $30,000 |
| Window Replacement (Whole House) | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Siding Replacement | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| Basement Finishing | $20,000 - $50,000 |
Prices vary based on project size, materials, and home condition. Historic homes typically 15-25% higher.
Start with Your Roof - Ann Arbor's #1 Contractor
Elite Roofing has been Ann Arbor's trusted roofing partner for 25+ years. Whether you're planning a full home renovation or need immediate roof repairs, we're here to help protect your most important investment.
Why Start with Elite Roofing:
- ✅ Free comprehensive roof inspections
- ✅ Expert guidance on project planning
- ✅ Historic home specialists (HDC experience)
- ✅ Coordinate with other contractors
- ✅ Insurance claim assistance
- ✅ Lifetime craftsmanship warranty