Harry Watts arrives in Kalamazoo and begins working in the construction trades.
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
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+
Generations of the Watts family
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of families who have called a Watts home their own
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s
1
Standard of quality — from Harry’s first build to the homes we’re working on today
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1954
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1972
Harry started Watts Construction Company. His three sons join him, making it a true family business from the start.
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1974
Harry passes away. Don Watts takes over the company alongside his wife Joyce and continues building the business — and their family.
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1977
Began construction of the Merry Brook single family home neighborhood in Comstock, MI. The neighborhood was completed in 1992.
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1986
Began construction of the Hunters Run single family home neighborhood in Comstock, MI. The neighborhood was completed in 2026.
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1990
Began construction of the Fleetwood single family home neighborhood in Galesburg, MI. The neighborhood was completed in 2002.
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1992
1 of 3
In 1992, Watts Homes & Constrution joined the Better Business Bureau and became an accredited business.
2 of 3After graduating from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Joy joined Watts Homes & Construction full-time.
3 of 3Completed construction of the Merry Brook single-family home neighborhood in Comstock, MI.
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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. -
1996
1 of 2
Began construction of the Hunters Place single-family home neighborhood in Comstock, MI. The neighborhood was completed in 1999.
2 of 2Joined the Greater Kalamazoo area Chamber of Commerce
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1998
Joy Watts receives her Real Estate License in the State of Michigan.
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1999
Completed construction of our Hunters Place single-family home neighborhood in Comstock, MI.
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2000
Matt Watts receives his Real Estate License in the State of Michigan.
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2002
1 of 2
Won Parade of Homes Awards in the following categories:
- Best Floor Plan
- Best Overall Presentation
- Best Floor Plan
- Best Interior Merchandising
- Interior Elements
- Kitchens2 of 2Completed construction of the Fleetwood single-family home neighborhood in Galesburg, MI.
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2003
1 of 2
Began construction of the North Peak single family home neighborhood in Parchment, MI. The neighborhood was completed in 2006.
2 of 2Joy Watts earns her Real Estate Associate Broker's License in the State of Michigan.
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2005
Joy Watts received Business Leaders under 40 in the Western Michigan Business Review Magazine.
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2006
Completed construction of the North Peak single-family home neighborhood in Parchment, MI.
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2007
Award-Winning Design Begins- Recognized with the Parade of Homes Best Interior Elements & Design Features award for homes up to $250,000.
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2008
Multiple Parade of Homes Honors-Earned three awards: Universal Design, Interior Elements & Design Features, and Best Kitchen — Condominiums priced $350,000 - $500,000.
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2009
Began construction of the SouthPointe Trails single family home neighborhood in Otsego, MI.
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2011
1 of 2
Nancy Tolmacs- Joined the team in office administration and accounting support.
2 of 2Parade of Homes Recognition- Watts Homes & Construction was recognized for Curb Appeal & Landscaping Elements, highlighting the home’s exterior design and thoughtfully integrated landscaping for homes priced between $500,000 - $700,000.
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2012
Won Parade of Homes award - Condominiums valued at up to $250,000: Best Kitchen; Best Interior Elements and Design Features; Best Master Suite.
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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 for homes over $500,000.
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2015
1 of 2
Richard “Rick” De Boer- Joined the team in home design and estimating.
2 of 2The company is renamed from Watts Construction Company to Watts Homes & Construction — reflecting the full scope of what we do for the families we serve.
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2016
In January 2016, we began construction on our model home in the Cottage Pointe Condominium neighborhood, marking the start of a new chapter for Watts Homes & Construction. Cottage Pointe Condominiums in Richland, MI is a “free-standing” condominium community and is located just off C Ave.
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2017
Two “Awards of Excellence” wins For Best Interior Elements and Features - up to $350,000 and Best Master Bedroom Suite - up to $350,000 .
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2018
1 of 2
Watts Homes & Construciton joined the Greater Kalamazo Area Association of Realtors, Michigan Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
2 of 2Dalton Risner- Joined the team supporting job-site operations and material delivery.
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2019
Parade of Homes Recognition- Watts Homes & Construction was recognized with the Best Interior Elements award, honoring the home’s interior design and craftsmanship for homes priced $200,000 - $300,000.
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2022
Joy Watts was President of the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors.
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2023
1 of 2
Began development of the Wesley Farms neighborhood in 2023 and broke ground on the first home in 2025.
2 of 2Completed construction on the final two condominium units, marking the completion of the Hunters Creek development.
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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.
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2026
1 of 2
Officially opened Wesley Farms neighborhood in Kalamazoo, MI.
2 of 2Built the final home in the Riverview Hills neighborhood, marking the completion of the community.
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
Call Watts Homes & Construction today at 269-345-3859. We'll be happy to help you build the home of your dreams.