Regarding Empire Builders and Ken Karbel, I would highly recommend this company and this owner/builder for any job. As a home owner whose house has been gutted and remodeled throughout and who has worked with other builders I can say honestly that this was one of the most pleasant, least stressful and best organized and executed projects. I only wish I had known about Empire Builders earlier on in the remodeling.

Ken pays careful attention to the crews and companies he subcontracts to do an entire job which in this case involved a roof tear off of the entire house and a new roof to include the new garage. The workers were respectful and respectable and good at their work.

Ken is a great communicator and was consistently available to speak to me and quick to return calls when we missed each other which matters a lot to me. His building experience was very helpful when I had questions about doors and windows and other little items that matter in how a space gets used by the homeowner according to their preferences. My job also included a new entry door from the garage into the house and that was carefully and masterfully managed in a wall space that wasn’t much wider than your average door. I’m pleased with how that turned out.

Another factor I appreciated very much was how hard Ken worked with me to get me a great finished product that fit my budget. I often can’t believe it when I look at what I got for the money. I am completely satisfied with the entire job and the finished product. Thanks Ken!!

— Beverly

 

We hired Ken and Empire Building to install custom cabinets for our kitchen remodel.  The job also involved removing closets and walls as well as re-configuring a half bath.  Ken and Mike gave us a fair price for the project. Ken was able to recommend people to help with the architectural planning as well as the plumbing, all of whom worked with Ken previously and held the same high standards. Ken and Mike made every effort to contain the dust from the construction area and cleaned up thoroughly at the end of each day.  Ken did not hesitate to consult with us regarding details to be sure that every aspect of the job was done in the exact manner that we envisioned.  The workmanship is second to none.  The job was completed in the time projected. We absolutely LOVE our new kitchen and everyone who sees it wants to know who did the work.  We have hired Empire building again, this time for a patio addition, which involves everything from cement work, to window installation and roofing.  Whatever your home remodel project is, indoor or outdoor, we highly recommend Ken and Empire Building for your home improvement needs.

— Tim and Erika Tokarz

Dear Ken,

Just want to drop you a note to tell you how happy we are with the extraordinary job you and your team did on our living room and bedroom. Given the obstacles you were challenged with early on in the project, your ability to hit the desired timing was not only appreciated but frankly pretty amazing as well. The crews that you brought into our home were professional, friendly and very effective at their job. We are very pleased with our beautiful addition and want you to know that Empire will have the first opportunity to quote any construction projects we may have in the future. Thanks again,

— Mary and Dan MacArthur

My experience with Ken has been a little different than most. We hunt together and have had much fun together. The process in that we came to use Ken was a bit different also. I had talked with a number of builders about a pergola  on the top of the patio. Once I had called Ken his suggestion was to build a full roof and tie it into the house. I am glad we went that way. Not only was the work started in a timely manner but once he started after getting the permits he finished in a timely manner. We not only think it is great and the workmanship and quality are great but everyone who sees it agrees. My neighbor thought so much of it he built just like it but smaller and the other neighbor has been down to review and comment how nice it is. We are very satisfied with both the look and the quality of the work that was completed. We would more than happily recommend Empire for any work.  Thanks Ken

— Ken A Smith

 

Hello Ken,

Wanted to drop you a short line thanking you for the following.
The T1-11 boards you replaced for me in my Rochester Hills home in 1995  is better than new, thank you for finding the additional problems the rotten boards caused , The repair was done and on time.
Nothing worse than the false promises made by other contractors (that never showed up). Your team was well informed and came ready to work with materials on hand.
Your second job for me was  replacing my Mother-in-laws roof 1999, No surprises there either, everyone was on time and a well-managed crew. I have seen other roofers and the mess they made was shocking, again your team cleaned up , NO NAILS or unsightly debris.

Ken it seems like I’m writing a book, 2005 the work done on the custom made window cover for my daughter’s bedroom turned out great  Thanks.

 

2006 The elevator shaft you did was nice work, the trim and paint looks good.
I will continue to pass your name around as one of the good guys.

— James D. Gumro

I used Empire Construction for vinyl siding on my house.  Ken and his crew were very professional and honest.  The job site was clean at the end of each day which I appreciate having small children.  I have referred Empire to others and they were very satisfied with their work.  I will use Empire in the future for my needs.

— Mike