"The choir room looks great and the Director is as pleased as a “little kid” with a new toy."

Harry Robertshaw
The Casas Adobes
Congregational Church

"The high quality of your work on this major project gives me the confidence to say that we will definitely utilize your services again in the future, as well as recommend Dakota Builders to other organizations."

Jerome Beillard, Executive Director
People with Aids Coalition of Tucson

From the May 19, 1999 Southern Arizona Home Builder magazine.

The founder and owner of Dakota Builders is a master of self-deprecating humor, a pugnacious pussy cat, and one of the most dedicated community activists you’re likely to meet in this lifetime. But don’t tell him that, because it would spoil the tremendous daily effort he puts into seeming to be Peck’s bad boy.

“The first thing I tell anyone who works for me is: If you don’t like people, and if you don’t like people peering over your shoulder as you work, then this remodeling business ain’t for you.” And, Greg Miedema means it too.

“Remodeling is a different kettle of fish altogether,” Greg says, suppressing a grin. “People know their homes, feel comfortable in them, and because they’ve thought  their project out as carefully as they can, they’re often on hand to tell you how to do it. But, I like the challenge of renovating, upgrading and turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse, despite all the sidewalk supervision and some of the surprises you contend with along the way.”

“Then there’s the matter of the While-You’re-At-It-Clients. You know, ‘While you’re at it, why don’t you put the washer and dryer on the other side of the room…’ That  the floor is tiled and there’s no plumbing over on the wall suggested doesn’t seem to make a difference, but any change order with the adjusted price gives them the vapors. Oh yeah, the dryer in question is always gas, and the gas line isn’t remotely near the new location either. But here’s the strange part: putting an appropriate team together and accomplishing a client’s vision in what is a proscribed and usually confined space is a challenge I really enjoy. And when it comes out better than even the client dreamed, it’s the best kick in the world!”

We did a little research, and here’s what some of his clients have to say:

 “From the very first contact, Greg was the most helpful contractor we spoke with, and we never, never had a problem getting hold of him at a moment’s notice.”

 “Your crew was always very courteous and considerate of our needs. Thanks again for the great addition.”

“We love our new kitchen! We owe this to the professionalisms of all involved at Dakota Builders.”

“It was really important to us that the renovation area would be cleaned up each and every night, as my mom has difficulty seeing, and our nightmare was the possibility that she’d fall. Your people were kind and courteous o her, and what’s more, they left the area as neat as a pin at each day’s end. They did more than they had to do, and we’re extremely grateful. The new stall shower is terrific, and I don’t know how you all managed in such a small bathroom!“

According to the NAHB, and due to a strong economy, more people than ever before are upgrading their best investment—their home. For a number of reasons, such as enjoying their location not being able to leave business or familial commitments, people are renovating and expanding.

“There’s also this consideration:” Greg adds, “The costs of just moving per se are considerable, and that money saved can be thrown at the bottom line as well. It’s something to think about if you’re content in your location and the investment is in keeping with you locale. Remember, I’ve been involved in the construction business for more than 19 years, and remodeling is my specialty. During lean times everyone is a remodeler, but I’m someone who has studied this particular aspect of the profession from every angle.”

As Greg’s business grows, he’s spending more and more time going from site to site, managing and coordinating each project.

“I also spend many hours with clients, as their input is crucial to a successful progress. Naturally, my goal is to be the more of a coordinating owner, and have the large, permanent staff that can act in a more independent manner. For now, there’s no job too big or too small, and we’re licensed, bonded, and fully insured. As general contractors, Dakota Builders can take any project and provide for all phases of construction. I’m proud of the highly skilled in-house people we do have, and the network of reliable sub-contractors to facilitate all construction requirements someone could need.”

Well, Greg, as SAHBA’s Remodeler of the Year, and as someone who has passed all the NAHB requirements for his CGR, you’re well on your way.

Congratulations, and don’t forget, as board president of the Christmas in April organization, Chairman of SAHBA’s Remodelers Council, a volunteer builder for our Home Show, and one of the Salvation Army’s salvations, you’ve got places to go and people to see in the next few weeks. What’s the hold up, kiddo???????