We looked forward to building a lake home in Wisconsin once we discovered Green Lake and its beauty.   After choosing The Maplewood subdivision, we needed to find a builder.  We asked around town for a recommendation for a general contractor, and Mike Jankowski's name was consistently mentioned.  He showed us several recently completed projects which included both remodeling and new construction.  Needless to say we were very impressed with his quality craftsmanship.  In any line of work attention to detail is what gets good results, and Mike and his crew concentrated on every fine point throughout the construction process. 

We had built a home in Crown Point, Indiana about 20 years ago, and we were concerned about building a second home so far away.  Mike and his wife, Julie, made everything run smoothly.  We communicated with Mike easily via cell phone, e-mails, photos, etc.  They were extremely patient with our many questions and concerns.  Since product selection has changed over 20 years, Mike's suggestions on building materials and Julie's assistance with design and decorating guidance was most welcomed.  Without question all of Mike's subcontractors were equally experienced, extremely well versed on their product lines, and their bids were on target.  Everyone made building our lake house stress free. 

Our home was finished in December 2008, and we love it.  Having a builder from Green Lake gives us the comfort to ask Mike or Julie to stop over at the house when we are out of town to accept a deliver, unlock the house for a service man or turn off the alarm.  They have put our minds at ease that someone is watching over our home since we live hours away.  We have had many, many compliments from our extended family members, friends, neighbors and many Green Lakers.  We highly recommend Jankowski Construction and would have them build another home again.  We found them to be honest, dependable and provided quality craftsmanship.  Mike built us our lake dream home, and anyone is welcomed to view the finished product including the "fish house!"

Dr. Fred & Mary Klepsch
Crown Point, IN

Maplewood Estates, Green Lake

Dear Mike,

We would like to thank you for helping us achieve our new "dream" home.  We have built homes in the past and sworn that we would never put ourselves through that ordeal again.  From the first phone call to the point where we have lived in our home for almost two years, the experience has been an unqualified pleasure.

We were extremely happy with the design of the home and your creative suggestions for enhancement. 

We wanted a home uniquely suited to our lifestyle and not once did we hear the words "You (we) can't do that."  Your construction methods were concentrated on quality, longevity, and ease of maintenance with minute attention paid to detail, fit, and finish.  The job was completed on time and on budget.  Your crews worked everyday as opposed to some builders who might disappear for a few days to work on another job.  Not once did we hear offensive language on the job.  The crew members were friendly and pleasant to the point where we now consider them to be good friends.

Follow-up has been exceptional.  We were and still are always able to reach you and get prompt service and direct answers to our questions.

Without reservation, we would recommend Jankowski Construction to anyone who desires to have a true custom home built with extreme attention paid to quality and detail.

Very truly yours,

Bill and Arlis Kentnich
Green Lake, WI  54941

Green Lake Conference Center

Harold Mitchell was Director of Operations at the American Baptist assembly, now called the Green Lake Conference Center.  He employed Mike's team for work at the Conference Center and later for personal work on our own home on the grounds.  He would not have considered anyone else.  Mike was someone we could depend on.  He did excellent work at a fair price.  He is a man of integrity and ability.  Harold passed away in 1995, but if I were ever to need a contractor again, my only choice would be Mike and Jankowski Construction.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Harold Mitchell
Green Lake, WI

Our first impression of Mike was right - he is a hard-working, trustworthy and more than capable contractor, worthy of the type of project we wanted to get going on.

After we bought our Green Lake homesite, we had plans drawn up for our vacation home, and Mike took our project from start to finish.  Mike and the crew were reliable and we knew they had the expertise needed to respond to our demanding set of plans.  We thoroughly appreciated his professionalism and positive attitude.  It truly was a joy to watch it happen.

Our lake home is much more than we hoped it could be!  It is a beautiful, well-crafted and fabulous destination for us, our family and friends, with lots of room to hang out and enjoy this beautiful area of Wisconsin.  We know that it is built to last.  If we had a chance to do it again, we would turn to Jankowski Construction.

Mike's ability as a contractor is evident in the quality of construction, and in the workmen who choose to stay with his crew.  It was a pleasure to work with Jankowski Construction.

*******Laura and Eric Schulz

Wildwood Ln. - Green Lake
      and
Winnetka, IL

It was indeed a special honor to be selected by Eric and Laura as they are also a general contracting family in the Chicago area, "Harold O. Schulz CO, Inc."

Mike & Julie & Crew

Several Years ago we began a daunting project of upgrading and adding on to an old venerable lake home on Green Lake.  Our desire was to increase the living space, modernize the facilities and structure, while at the same time retaining the warmth and charm of the home.  An architect gave us an outline plan, but it wasn't until Jankowski Construction Ltd, ("Mike"), got involved that the plan became a reality.  Because of his experience, and ability to understand our desires, and translate them into concrete actions, our home, as we dreamed and imagined it, came into being.

Early on it seemed like there would be too much complexity fitting modern things and current best thought into an aged, old, stone structure, but somehow "Mike" always had an answer.  Best of all, we achieved our dream home below our cost target.  Our contract with Jankowski Construction spelled out in clear detail what we wanted and what we could expect.  Then without anguish, the specifics of our agreement were modified several times during the building process as and when unseen difficulties arose.  Never did these perturbations diminish the high degree of commitment and professionalism given us by "Mike".  In no small measure was his ability to deal with the many local subcontractors whose skill and commitment were equally essential to the success of our project.  In the end, and surprisingly unlike an earlier experience of ours, and too our great satisfaction, the product was delivered to us as promised, on time, and on cost target.

Today we consider our home a unique beauty, and while it does not compare to many of today's large expansive homes, thanks to Mike, it has a charm that brings wide-eyed compliments from just about all who come to visit.

Our satisfaction with this experience has led us over the years to call on "Mike" and Jankowski Construction Ltd, whenever a construction project arises.  As always we have walked away with complete satisfaction.  Without hesitation therefore, we wholeheartedly recommend Jankowski Construction Ltd, "Mike" to you.

Sincerely,
John and Bev Wilson

Forest Ave, Green Lake

I am one of many people in the Green Lake area that have enjoyed a terrific working experience with Mike Jankowski and his team.  Mike takes a "hands on" approach to his work and it is valuable to have someone with his experience working day to day with the team.  I also found Mike to be very creative when the situation required the proper cost/benefit comparison.  Mike has a solid reputation from many years of leading a very high quality construction business.

Over the years, I have referred a number of my friends to Mike Jankowski and his team.  All of us have benefited from the straightforward and honest approach Mike takes to his business.  It has been rewarding to know a person that puts so much pride into their customer experience. 

Tom W.

Forest Ave. Green Lake
Wilmette, IL

Article submitted to the Green Lake Reporter by Tom W. of Forest Ave upon the completion of his lake home renovation:

A Perfect '10'

As I was growing up, I remember my father would always pay careful attention to professionals who took pride in their work.  He would say that it was always better to wait a little longer or pay a little more and work with people who would do the job right.

From my own experience, I can say that it has become increasingly more difficult to locate those few people who still want to do the job right.  All too often we are vulnerable to working with the new generation of trades people who seem to be motivated by money.  For everyone who shares my frustration, I have some great news for you.

Among many fine things I have discovered about Green Lake, one is the quality and character of the people.  Furthermore, I have found true professionals who really do take pride in their work.  They are Mike Jankowski, Mike Brooks, Rod McDonald, Kea Krueger, Murray Sandleback, Dan Braaksma and Steve Stahl.  The next time you find yourself comparing the merits of one contractor versus another, I urge you to consider pride as an important criteria.  In this category, each of these professionals scores a perfect 10.

The Jankowski Construction team is who you would want to build your dream home in the Green Lake area.  Their craftsmanship and attention to detail is something you rarely find these days.  They stand behind their work and are extremely talented.  We wish they could have built our home in Chicago.

Bob and Patty Huffman
The Boulders
Illinois Ave. - Green Lake, WI
Glenview, IL

During the past twenty two years Mike has served us well, always with a cheerful personal interest and in a professional manner.  In "finishing" our basement and adding an addition to our home, his choices of design and materials, as well as workmanship, have been excellent.  Other projects Mike has done for use, likewise, have won the test of time and beauty.

We strongly recommend Mike Jankowski, really a "nice guy", as your builder.  He remains ours.

Miriam and Ben Kaplan
Chicago

Dear Mr. Jankowski,

I would like to thank you for helping me with the planning of my Eagle Scout Project.  Without your help I would have had a very difficult time designing my information board.  I have completed the building part of my project and have moved on to the paper work.  If you would like to see the completed sign it is located in the parking lot of the Town of Ripon town hall on Douglas Street.  Thank you again for your time and help, it is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Tyler M Johnson
Eagle Scout
Troop 735
Ripon, WI

When Sunset Point Condominiums were completed in 1995 we were already looking forward to future projects with Mike Jankowski.  Our condos were done on time, on budget and the craftsmanship was excellent.  Each time we drive by, we look with pride at what Mike and his team accomplished.  A job well done!

Ed and Jacquie Liedtke

Mike Jankowski built our original home in Green Lake in 1989.  Since that time Mike and his crew have done every major and minor improvement to the home.  Major jobs include enclosing a deck that ran across the back of the home on the lake side.  It turned out absolutely beautiful.  You would never know that it was an addition.  Most recently Mike and his crew added a deck to the added room.  His design and execution is of the highest standard of excellence.  His attention to detail is outstanding.

Over the years many friends have visited us as you might expect with our being on the lake.  We have always been delighted with their gracious comments regarding the beauty of the home.

Charlie Hunter
W1240 Spring Grove Rd.

You can only remodel an old lake cottage so many times before it becomes like Forrest Gump's chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get.  SO we were apprehensive when our daughter turned eight and realized her room was too small and too dark for her and her doll Kirsten.  She determined life would be delightful with a sunny window seat where she could snuggle up with a book, her cat and Kirsten.  Thank you, Mike, for making it happen.  Cantilevering the dormer off the Mansard roof was an engineering masterpiece.  After eighteen years, everything remains rock solid.  Our daughter still lounges in the warmth of the sunny window seat, but now with a cell phone, a new cat and a stuffed orangutan.

Ann and Barry Rogers
County A - Green Lake

We chose Mike on the recommendation of his Green Lake High School math and science teacher, who happened to be a master carpenter in her spare time, herself; she told us that Mike was a really smart guy.  We were also impressed by homes he had built in both the Green Lake and Princeton areas; each home was highly individualistic and showed fine craftsmanship throughout.  Mike went out of his way to make our home affordable, without sacrificing the spacious country feel we wanted.  For just one example, he found us rustic pre-finished rough-sawn wood siding that has not needed painting in the 22 years we have lived here.  His employees -- two of whom have been with him since before our home, which shows their loyalty - showed equal attention to detail and general helpfulness.  One built custom cabinets and a two story loft bookshelf, with an attached ladder, from pictures we had clipped from a magazine.  Another showed me how to lay the oak floor in our Great Room and Kitchen (Mike let us do some of the work!).  Overall, although building a house is supposed to be a really stressful event for young couples, Mike's intelligence and empathy made the experience one of our favorite memories, and we expect to live in the beautiful house he built for us forever!

Mark Lindquist & Diane Mockridge
Ripon, WI

April 5, 2010

For over 35 years Mike and Julie Jankowski have run a construction business that has produced outstanding results for their customers in the Green Lake area.   In our personal experience, Mike Jankowski, Julie Jankowski, and their very talented crew remodeled our 50s ranch house on Green Lake to add a second story and beautiful pitched-roof living room to meet the needs of our expanding family.    Everyone who has looked at the results has been blown away by the quality and attention to detail that was the result.

In addition, since we were living in the home during the major remodeling, we we able to see first hand Mike's consistent willingness to make adjustments throughout the project.   His crew's consideration of our family's needs was much appreciated.

Jankowski Construction's local knowledge of artisans who can add value to the project cannot be duplicated.

We believe that anyone with a building project in the Green Lake area would be making a BIG mistake by not hiring Jankowski Construction, Ltd. with its talented team.

Respectfully,

Peter and Jocelyn Hoeper

4/1/2010

At the time of our request for contracting services..we were involved with considerable travel in our own business.   ..and therefore not present for any plans or details as it related to our desired project.  Our only basic request was to build a garage..40x50 with sleeping quarters.   We did specify complete insulation and finished walls..and "no maintenance" outer panelling.  What we got can only be described as..you've heard of the "Taj Mahal".. Mike/Julie, & crew delivered what we call the "Garage-Mahal".   Our neighbors and friends who see this structure all marvel at the detail.   The quality of workmanship in the windows was specially outstanding..after all, this was just a garage, and exceeds what we have in our homes in Florida and Green Lake!

Finally, after a couple years, we still marvel at the apparent creative ingenuity on the part of Mike and his crew to design the layout with window positions and appropriate drainage..all without our input..since we have no building or construction knowledge.    So should we require more contracting, I would have every confidence in consulting  Mike, Julie, and their crew to get the job done in a timely and efficient manner.

Ron and Shirley Powless
W 2812 Oak Terrace Lane
Markesan, Wisconsin   33912

Eleven years ago Mike did a remodel on our newly purchased lake home.   Mike helped us develop a sound plan, he had numerous ideas and suggestions.  Today everything remains in good condition.

Dr. K. W. Piernot

After purchasing a lot in Green Lake my primary concern about building from a distance was, who can I trust to build what I want without being there every day to inspect the results.   I had heard of Mike and Julie Jankowski thru friends and was able to see several projects they had done.

The house plan I wanted to build was not quite right for the lot.   Thanks to Julie she found a similar plan that worked perfectly.

Any time I had a question for Mike in the building process he was prompt in returning my calls.

I felt well guided thru each phase of construction.   Mike and Julie use a very "hands-on" approach.

When I had to change my move-in date up by two months, due to a quick sale of my out of state property, Mike and Julie were more than ready to make it work.

Compared to my past experience of new home building this was much more personal and enjoyable with a true concern for attention-to-detail.

Many people have commented, "What a beautiful home!".

Thank you,

S. A. Shook

It was time to fulfill our dream of building a year round home on the grounds of the Green Lake Conference Center.

Mike met with us in the winter months, guided our plans and visited other homes with us to explore ideas. One we espically valued was his suggestion to use a south facing clearstory on our house in the woods. It has a year round benefit.

Due to a prior commitment, Mike could not build the house by the time we finished our plan.

A few years later it was time to finish our walk-out level. Mike did a wonderful job of advising on the layout of bunk room, TV family room, storage-work room, and utility-laundry room, then making it happen. We've spent many enjoyable hours in these functional, well finished rooms.

Mr. & Mrs. Grant Reichard

Carpenter Lane, Green Lake Conference Center

"Mike Jankowski is the only contractor we have used in Green Lake for the last 18 years. He has rebuilt our lake house one project at a time. We are confident Mike will provide excellent quality at fair prices, maintain character of our design choices and complete the work to our satisfaction."

Phase 1: New Second Floor & Roof, New Bathroom & New Kitchen

Phase 2: Built-in Bar

Phase 3: New Garage

Paul & Chris Predick

County Road A

Mt. Prospect, IL