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Built in Kalamazoo. Rooted Here for Over 50 Years.

Some companies talk about being part of a community. Watts Homes & Construction has spent over five decades proving it.

From one builder with a vision to a third-generation family business, our story begins and continues right here in Greater Kalamazoo, MI.

Where It All Began

Harry Watts arrived in Kalamazoo in 1954 with a strong work ethic and a clear goal—to build something of his own. He spent years working in the construction trades, learning the craft from the ground up. In 1972, he was ready. Watts Construction Company was founded, and his three sons joined him from day one.

When Harry passed away in 1974, his son Don stepped forward to lead the company. Alongside his wife, Joyce, Don continued to grow the business—all while raising the next generation of Watts builders.

Three Generations. One Standard.

Don and Joyce’s children, Joy and Matt, were part of the business long before officially joining the company. After college, both came on board and built impressive credentials of their own.

 

Our Story, by the Numbers

Years serving the greater Kalamazoo area

0 +
Generations of the Watts family
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of families who have called a Watts home their own
0 s

1

Standard of quality — from Harry’s first build to the homes we’re working on today

  1. 1954
  2. 1972
  3. 1974
  4. 1992
  5. 1995
  6. 1998
  7. 2000
  8. 2003
  9. 2005
  10. 2007
  11. 2008
  12. 2011 2
  13. 2013
  14. 2015 2
  15. 2016
  16. 2018
  17. 2019
  18. 2022
  19. 2023 2
  20. 2024
  21. 2026 2
  1. 1954

    Harry Watts arrives in Kalamazoo and begins working in the construction trades.

  2. 1972

    Harry started Watts Construction Company. His three sons join him, making it a true family business from the start.

  3. 1974

    Harry passes away. Don Watts takes over the company alongside his wife Joyce and continues building the business — and their family.

  4. 1992

    After graduating from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Joy joined Watts Homes & Construction full-time.

  5. 1995

    After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction Management, Matt joined Watts Homes & Construction full-time.

    Matt and Joy also received their Michigan builder’s licenses that same year.

  6. 1998

    Joy Watts receives her Real Estate License in the State of Michigan.

  7. 2000

    Matt Watts receives his Real Estate License in the State of Michigan.

  8. 2003

    Joy Watts earns her Real Estate Associate Broker's License in the State of Michigan.

  9. 2005

    Joy Watts received Business Leaders under 40 in the Western Michigan Business Review Magazine.

  10. 2007

    Award-Winning Design Begins- Recognized with the Parade of Homes Best Interior Elements & Design Features award.

  11. 2008

    Multiple Parade of Homes Honors-Earned three awards: Universal Design, Interior Elements & Design Features, and Best Kitchen — Condominium.

  12. 2011
    1 of 2

    Parade of Homes Recognition- Watts Homes & Construction was recognized for Curb Appeal & Landscaping Elements, highlighting the home’s exterior design and thoughtfully integrated landscaping.

    2 of 2

    Nancy Tolmacs- Joined the team in office administration and accounting support.

  13. 2013

    Multiple Parade of Homes Awards- Watts Homes & Construction received honors for Best Curb Appeal, Favorite Home — 4,000+ Square Feet, and Best Landscaping Elements.

  14. 2015
    1 of 2

    The company is renamed Watts Homes & Construction — reflecting the full scope of what we do for the families we serve.

    2 of 2

    Richard “Rick” De Boer- Joined the team in home design and estimating.

  15. 2016

    In January 2016, we began construction on our model home in Cottage Pointe, marking the start of a new chapter for Watts Homes & Construction and our continued growth as a local home builder.

  16. 2018

    Dalton Risner- Joined the team supporting job-site operations and material delivery.

  17. 2019

    Parade of Homes Recognition- Watts Homes & Construction was recognized with the Best Interior Elements award, honoring the home’s interior design and craftsmanship.

  18. 2022

    Joy Watts was President of the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors.

  19. 2023
    1 of 2

    Completed construction on the final two condominium units, marking the completion of the Hunters Creek development.

    2 of 2

    Began development of the Wesley Farms neighborhood in 2023 and broke ground on the first home in 2025.

  20. 2024

    Joy Watts was honored as Realtor of the Year by the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS®. That same year marked several important milestones for the Watts organization, including joining GKAR, Michigan REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®, as well as becoming members of the Better Business Bureau and Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce.

  21. 2026
    1 of 2

    Built the final home in the Riverview Hills neighborhood, marking the completion of the community.

    2 of 2

    Officially opened Wesley Farms neighborhood in Kalamazoo, MI.

Proud Members Of

– Home Builders Association of Western Michigan — since 1981
– Home Builders Association of Michigan
– National Association of Home Builders
– Chamber of Commerce
– Better Business Bureau Accredited Business
– Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors
– Michigan Association of Realtors
– National Association of Realtors

"From the moment we met the Watts team, they were extremely receptive to our needs. We were making a long distance move and they made it easy for us every step of the way. We now have a beautiful home near our grandkids!"
Wanda Tozer

Let's Build Something Together

Call Watts Homes & Construction today at 269-345-3859. We'll be happy to help you build the home of your dreams.

Lets talk!