About us
At West Harbor Contracting, LLC, we build more than homes—we build a foundation for your future. As a premier custom home builder and general contractor serving Traverse City and Northwest Michigan, we specialize in attainable and full-service residential construction, including demolition, site development, and ground-up new builds for both custom homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). We understand building a home is both a major investment and a personal journey, so our hands-on, collaborative approach ensures your home reflects your lifestyle, design vision, and long-term goals. If you’re seeking a build partner who values craftsmanship, integrity, and a well-managed process, West Harbor Contracting is ready to build for your future.
Your team
Richard Socks
chief operating officer / owner
Richard grew up in metro Detroit in a family construction business. He began building custom homes and developments in Traverse City in 2002 and now proudly calls it home. Richard loves turning raw land into lasting homes, working personally with clients, and building efficient,
high-quality spaces.
Melissa Kilbourn
chief executive officer / owner
Melissa grew up in Suttons Bay and loves living and working in Northwest Michigan. A licensed builder with an eye for quality and timeless design, she brings nearly 10 years of executive corporate experience to run West Harbor with seamless organization, clear communication, and a customer-first approach.
Our building process
01
Discovery & Planning
We discuss your project scope, design goals, location, budget, timeline, and financing to ensure everything starts on solid ground.
04
Construction & Coordination
We manage surveying, permitting, HOA approvals, and construction—keeping the process organized and from start to finish.
02
Design Kickoff
Once drawings are complete, we hold a kickoff call to review plans for pricing and dive into selections, features, and all the details.
05
Completion & Care
​After completion and move-in, we handle occupancy and stand behind our work with a one-year guarantee.
03
Pricing & Pre-construction
We present a detailed bid, collaborate with your architect on refinements, and finalize the construction schedule and trade partners.
