Call 616 490 2487 for a free estimate to restore your Lake Michigan property

Why Choose DRS?

Skills & Experience

Nick and Sherri have been building together since they married in 1988. After 30 years in education and leadership, they founded DRS to return to hands-on work. As a seasoned husband-and-wife team, they combine years of trust, teamwork, and hard work to customize every project. Always eager to grow, Nick and Sherri stay sharp by getting coached themselves, knowing there’s always room to level up and deliver even more for their clients.

Business & Personal Values

At DRS, we’re all about integrity, respect, and honesty—whether we’re in the office, buying materials, or working with clients. We use straightforward, fixed-price contracts (no hidden surprises), keep client info confidential, and update clients every step of the way. When we make a mistake, we own it and fix it. Inside the company, we constantly help each other grow, solve problems, and keep things positive. Our sites are tidy at the end of each day, and clients frequently praise our crew’s respectful attitude and solid work ethic.

Custom Designs

We know that no two clients (or properties) are alike, so we take time to listen to each client’s vision, needs, and budget. We also measure each property multiple times, assess its unique geological and historical features, and even scout for potential erosion trouble spots from wind, water, and human use. All of this intel helps us create a completely customized dune service that’s as unique as your property and vision.

High Value

We’re not the cheapest lakeshore contractor, and we’re not ashamed of that. We value durability, functionality, and beauty because lakeshore work should look great and last for a generation or more. With our knowledge of dune geology and ecology, we deliver the most erosion-resistant solutions. We partner with trusted local subcontractors and vendors, and we select tough materials that can handle southwest Michigan’s weather. Building inspectors across a dozen townships can vouch for us—we’ve had a 100% pass rate on final inspections for 18 months! And even with all our success, we’re always looking for ways to make our work even better.

One-Stop Shop

At DRS, we make lakeshore projects easy by handling everything under one roof. No need to juggle multiple contractors—we take care of it all! From submitting permit applications (townships, HOAs, Michigan state) to offering a wide range of services with our skilled team, we’ve got you covered. And for those specialty tasks (like rock revetments or welding), we’ve built strong partnerships with trusted experts who deliver top-notch work. With DRS, you get a seamless experience from start to finish so you can relax while we handle the heavy lifting.

Questions to Ask a Contractor

We believe our lakeshore services are the best value in southwest Michigan, but here are smart questions to help you choose the right team for your project:

1. Are you licensed and fully insured, including liability and workers' compensation? Protect yourself from risk - any reputable contractor should have the proper coverage and be glad to show you

2. Do you follow the Michigan Building Code? What is your final inspection pass rate? Look for a track record of passing inspections on the first try—this speaks to quality and professionalism.

3. Can we contact your three most recent clients? Recent references offer the most accurate insight into a contractor’s current performance and communication style.

4. How much experience do you have with lakefront or dune projects? Lake Michigan dunes are globally unique--your contractor should understand the challenges of erosion, access, and dune preservation.

5. What health and safety measures do you take to protect my property and your team during the project? Site safety protects everyone involved and reflects a contractor's commitment to professionalism.

6. Do you handle all necessary permits, including those required by the township, HOA, and the state of Michigan?Permitting is complex and involves a lot of knowledge; an experienced contractor should guide or manage the entire process for you.

7. What immediate and long-term challenges do you anticipate with this project? A knowledgeable contractor should identify potential issues up front and help you prepare for them.

8. How does the geology and drainage of my specific property affect your design and construction plan? Each dune property is different--a good contractor should assess your property’s unique features, not just apply a one-size-fits-all approach.

9. What is your typical timeline for a project like this, from start to finish? Contractors should set clear expectations around scheduling, so you’re not left guessing.

10. How flexible are you in adapting your standard process to fit our goals, design ideas, and budget? Customization should be part of the plan—not a challenge.

11. Where do you source your materials? Ask whether they rely on local suppliers or big-box sources, and whether their materials can withstand the lakeshore climate.

12. Do you provide written, fixed-price contracts with clear terms and no hidden costs? Experienced contractors avoid surprise fees with a transparent, fixed-price agreement.

13. Who will manage the project day-to-day, and how will you communicate progress? Consistent, experienced on-site supervision and at least weekly communication ensures the work is done right, questions are answered quickly, and any issues are addressed in real time.

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