About Den Herder Custom Homes | West Michigan Builders

About Us

At Den Herder Custom Homes, we believe a house is more than a set of walls, it’s a place where life unfolds. That’s why we don’t just build custom homes. We build spaces that reflect the people who live in them. For us, it all starts with a story, your Story.

Founder, Builder, and Big-Picture Thinkers

Sean’s been building and flipping homes for years, but his passion has always gone deeper than real estate. It’s about creating homes with meaning, places that reflect how families actually live, grow, and care for one another. He started working in construction at 17, driven by a work ethic that still shows up every day on job sites and in client meetings. Over the years, through raising a family and building a business, Sean discovered what he loves most: helping people shape homes that truly fit the way they live.

Alongside him is his wife, Rachel DenHerder, a Realtor with a keen eye for guiding families toward the right property and vision. Together, they make a strong team, Sean bringing the builder’s expertise and Rachel bringing the market perspective. This balance allows Den Herder Custom Homes to guide clients seamlessly from finding the perfect location to designing and building a custom home that reflects their lives.

That shared belief in creating homes with purpose became the foundation of Den Herder Custom Homes.

Get in Touch

or contact Rachel at rachel@616realty.com or 616-262-0354

1. Discovery & Vision

We start with who you are, not just what you want. We talk lifestyle, family dynamic, long-term goals, and what truly matters to you.

2. Budget Clarity First

No surprises. Before any sketches, we align on a clear, realistic budget. We walk you through allowances, upgrades, and trade-offs so you can make smart, confident choices from the start.

3. Collaborative Design

Once the vision and budget are in place, we bring in our architect. Together (builder, client, architect) we create a plan that balances beauty, function, and feasibility.

4. Transparent Build

We communicate clearly and often. No hidden change orders. No over-promising. Just steady updates, reliable answers, and a job done right.

5. Personalized, Homes

Every home we build is designed for now and later. Whether it’s space for aging parents, room for kids to grow, or simply a place to stay rooted long-term, we think ahead so you don’t have to rebuild in five years.

6. Relationships That Last

The relationship doesn’t end at move-in. Our clients know they can reach out months or years later. We build homes we’re proud of, and we stand behind them long after the last nail is in place.

Why We Do What We Do:

Traveling and experiencing how families live in other cultures, especially multi-generational households, was a turning point. It made something clear: home is more than a product. It’s a vessel for connection, legacy, and shared life.

1

We believe homes should evolve with your family, not limit it.

2

We care about affordability without sacrificing quality.

3

We take time to understand your story, your rhythms, and your priorities.

4

We treat every build as if it were for our own family, because that’s the only standard that feels right.