About Platinum Custom Homes

Built with Integrity, Built on Reputation, Built to Last is more than just a catchy motto...

Platinum Custom Homes is truly a company that gets down to the basics. "The basics mean being truthful, honest and financially responsible. It means you never make promises you cannot keep," says Bob Meringa, co-founder of the company. "Solid business principles are essential to building a solid company. We pay the consequences in life and in business for poor decisions and improper management.”

Meringa and Raredon grew up only blocks from each other in Kentwood, MI, but it wouldn't be until years later when their paths would cross. Meringa's father has been a builder and remodeler for over 40 years, and Bob attributes much of his success from those early years working with his dad. "My dad had a hammer in my hand at the age of two," Meringa laughed. "He taught me that any job worth doing must be done right! Dad really paid attention to details and truly cared about his customers. I saw first hand how many of his customers not only became life-long customers but also good friends.

That's the type of attitude I wanted for my company." In May of 1996 Meringa obtained a Building Construction Management degree from Michigan State University and has been building homes as long as he can remember. "I have a deep passion for working with people and strive to deliver a home tailored specifically to the needs of each customer." said Meringa.

Tim Raredon has also been in the building business for several years. Tim has a real skill in business and working with people. "I just love it. I love meeting with customers and helping them turn their dreams into reality. I take great pride in my work." When asked how he and Bob decided to team up he replied "It just seemed like a good fit. Bob and I are both very driven and have a passion for working with people. We have similar views on how people should be treated and how a company should be run. We seem to compliment each other well. It only seemed natural that we team up to do something we love."

Bob and Tim's wives grew up together in Hudsonville, MI as close friends. It was through their wives that they met. They quickly learned they share many of the same values and characteristics. It was five years later that they would team up and begin building together under the name of Platinum Custom Homes, LLC. "Platinum is the rarest, most durable and most valuable precious metal you can find. It just seemed like a perfect description for the company our husband's were forming," said Amy Meringa.

Platinum begins its building process by finding out what the customer is looking for. They then work with a designer to ensure that practicality and costs are measured carefully. They work closely with each customer to ensure a pleasant home building experience every step of the way. "We realize we're not perfect, but at the end of the day we want our customers to be able to trust us. We want them to know that we will always do the right thing and deliver on what we've promised," says both Meringa and Raredon. On time, on budget and of the highest quality are absolutes in the home building business today. However, integrity, value, reputation and relationships are often overlooked. Platinum Custom Homes delivers on all of the above and is committed to building a company that will last for future generations! Platinum Custom Homes has a reputation for quality custom homes in every price range. From starter/entry level homes to executive estates, our commitment to each customer is the same. "On time, within budget and of the highest quality."

Our Mission:
To provide an outstanding home building experience. We will be a leader in the industry by interweaving quality and value in every home we build.

Purpose:
Our purpose comes from a deep passion for building homes. We love working with customers and watching their ideas become reality as we deliver each new home on time, within budget and of the highest quality.
Philosophy:
To honor God and to serve others through the way we conduct business. This not only means our homeowners but our community as well.

Beliefs:
Customers: We will provide value to our customers in every home we build by realizing our customers are our business. We will exceed customer expectations by doing right things right the first time.

Suppliers/Contractors & Realtors : We will treat our partners with the same honesty, integrity, dignity and respect that all people are entitled to. We will require of them the same standards of excellence, customer sensitivity, and ethical conduct we demand from ourselves.

God: We believe in a God who created all people in His image. This means each person is valuable and deserves to be treated with respect. We believe that God is in control of this company and allow Him to guide our decision making. We also believe God gave us a mind to use, a passion to work and principles to follow.

Truth: We believe in the power of practicing the truth, not just preaching it.



Our team has Fun!
Front Row L-R: Mary Porter (Administration), Amy Meringa (Marketing), Bob
Meringa (Co-owner), Shirley DeRuiter (Interior Designer- Concepts)
Back row L-R: Jennifer Fortuna (Professional Design Coordinator- Platinum), Mike Handlogten (Master Carpenter), Tim Raredon (Co-owner)

"Building a new home should not only be stress-free, but it should be FUN!"