If the walls of S & S Homes could talk, they'd have one heck of a story to tell. For over 60 years, this family-owned business has been building dreams across southeast Michigan - surviving recessions, adapting to industry changes, and always maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. What started as a small Spagnoli family operation has evolved into S & S Homes, a trusted brand known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Anthony (Tony) Spagnoli, the third-generation owner of this legacy business. Talking with Tony, you really get a sense of that history and the values that has driven S & S homes. Tony's story is one of adaptability, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of perfection - qualities that have allowed S & S to not only survive but thrive, even in the face of major industry challenges.

How It All Started: A look back to 1962

It all started when Tony's grandfather and father founded the company back in 1962, starting out with spot building projects in the Dearborn and Brownstown areas. "They just had this old-school mentality, you know - an iron fist, Italian father kind of thing," Tony chuckled. "But they built a solid reputation for quality work."

Tony himself has been around construction sites since he was old enough to pick up a hammer – literally. He learned the trade from the ground up, joking that he was the "best sweeper this side of the Mississippi". You can tell that old-school mentality and attention to detail are still a big part of how they do things at S & S Homes

A Growing Business Thrives

Over the years, the business transitioned into larger residential developments, with the company's first big venture in the late 70s, a 200-lot subdivision in Northville. "It was just before the massive recession in the 80s, so that was a real test," Tony recalled. "But they were able to strike a deal with the bank that kept our interest rates at 12%, while everyone else was at 17%. That's what really catapulted the company forward."

An Unexpected Turn: From Builder to Renovator

Like many builders, S & S was forced to adapt when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. "We had just finished up the engineering plans for our latest development, Charleston Corner, and were gearing up to start construction," Anthony explained. "But then material costs went through the roof, and everything got turned upside down."

And then there was a persistent friend with a kitchen in need of an upgrade. Tony decided to do the project and despite his initial hesitation ("we're builders, we're not renovators"), that first project opened the floodgates. It turns out their decades of experience and the strong network of skilled tradespeople they had cultivated over three generations were perfectly suited for the renovation boom. Tony emphasized that they could "tap into this massive resource (that we've built over three generations) of all these tradesmen".

Rather than let the business languish, the S & S team pivoted their focus to home renovations. "We couldn't put the genie back in the bottle," Tony said. "After doing that first kitchen renovation, the word spread, and we started getting tons of requests." Leveraging their deep bench of skilled tradespeople, the company was able to quickly assemble a renovation division to meet the surging demand.

Raving Fans with Realize Dreams

And what do their customers think of them? Well, their Houzz profile tells a pretty clear story. S & S has an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars with 21 reviews! They've even won the "Best of Houzz" award five times. They're listed as a Top 5 Remodeling company in Metro Detroit by Home Builder Digest. That kind of consistent positive feedback speaks volumes about their work and how they treat their clients. Tony mentioned that most of his clients end up becoming friends. And many become repeat clients. That's the sign of a company that truly cares about the people they work with.

The Secret to a Successful Transformation

Tony credits the company's custom home building experience as a key advantage in the renovation space. "I was always used to being a contractor and doing custom work," he explained, "so putting together the right contracts and managing those projects was a natural fit for us."

Our personalized approach allows S & S to provide a level of service that many homeowners crave. "We're not going to be the lowest bid, but you're going to get what you pay for," Anthony emphasized. "We use high-end products and work with the best tradespeople." And if a client's vision doesn't align with the realities of their home, Anthony isn't afraid to push back. "I'll tell them flat out if it doesn't make financial sense. We want you to make money on this, not lose it."

It's Not Always Been Easy

No, it hasn’t always been easy. The economy has thrown them plenty of curve balls, but through it all, Tony has learned the importance of adaptability and embracing change. "It's been an interesting ride the last five, six years," he reflected. "But you've got to just keep rolling with the punches. If you can't laugh at yourself anymore, that's the day to hang it up."

And  the team at S & S Homes have remained focused on their core values: building lasting relationships, delivering exceptional craftsmanship, and always putting the customer first. It's a philosophy that has not only helped them survive industry upheavals, but thrive in the face of adversity.

Advise to Homeowners

Before I left Tony I asked him what advise he had for someone thinking of doing a remodel. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Do your homework and get a few bids: It's always smart to talk to a few different contractors to get a good sense of the scope of work and pricing. S & S Homes welcomes this because Tony feels that when people talk to him directly, they benefit from his 30+ years of experience.

• Be financially responsible: Think about what makes sense for your situation and your budget.

• When you work with S & S Homes, expect quality work. They aim for a high standard in all their renovations and use products they trust.

• Don't be afraid to ask for advice, and be open to their professional opinions. Tony mentioned that they will tell you if a design idea might not be the best in terms of return on investment, but ultimately, they want to make your vision a reality – make your dreams come true.

• An informed client is easier to work with. The more you know about what you want and the process, the smoother things will likely go.

Great advice for all of us, thanks Tony.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a local, experienced, and highly-regarded team for your next home renovation in the Detroit Metro area, S & S Homes definitely sounds like a company worth checking out. Whether you're considering a full-scale renovation or just looking to spruce up your southeast Michigan home, S & S should be at the top of your list. With their personalized approach, attention to detail, and wealth of industry expertise, you can trust that your project is in good hands. After all, this is a name that has been building dreams in the Detroit area for generations turning homeowner dreams into reality, one project at a time!

You can find more about their work and see some beautiful project photos on their Houzz page and the S & S Homes website.