Yankee Custom Builders - Building the Contemporary Home
Justin Meneguzzo is the owner and principal of Yankee Custom Builders, which was established in 2015. Dedicated to the craft of building fine residences that endure for generations, Justin’s expertise in managing and building custom projects—working in tandem with the client, highly regarded architects, engineers, designers, and allied trades—is becoming well known in the Northeast. He notes, “It was always my goal to have my own company. I wanted to bring the best industry practices to be on par with the craft of construction. I grew up working in a family-run business and my parents were terrific mentors. I also had great experiences early in my career working in high-end construction. Everything I love about building and working with good people has completely shaped Yankee Custom Builders and our growing reputation. We are all about service, quality, and attention to the client.”
Regarding his focus on specialty residential construction Justin says, “Homes are such personal backdrops for living, raising families, and making memories. We are extremely adept at navigating the inevitable challenges and complexities inherent to the home building process. It is our job to make the process fun, exciting, and full of possibility. We succeed because we are a precision management firm that promotes forward thinking, excels in communication, and provides comprehensive professional services.” Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, the company is on the rise and is known for its ability to make homebuilding a positive experience for all involved.
Whether a new home, addition or renovation, Yankee Custom Builders primarily works in the Fairfield and Westchester Counties area, where the building traditions and recognized regional styles of New England run deep. For a contemporary Farmhouse in Greenwich, the design takes cues from the local agrarian architecture. At once familiar and modern, the seamed metal roofs and vertical and horizontal cladding ground the structure to the land. A variety of openings for windows and doors are distinctively divided into square lights to reinforce both the traditional scale and contemporary application. Built for a couple who envisioned plenty of room for multi-generational gatherings, the main floor includes a bunk room and entertainment area designed specifically for the grandchildren. Justin observes, “While there is constant and fascinating change in the industry, what doesn’t change is the excitement we have for realizing special places like this for our clients.”
Another project that exemplifies what Yankee Custom does best is located in Rye, New York. Built in 1994, a rambling shingle-style waterfront estate is reimagined to accommodate the needs of a large family. The compound includes a golf hole, pool, tennis court, and auxiliary buildings. The existing traditional house is transformed inside with an open plan that is welcoming, bright, and frames expansive views. Outside, a new outdoor bar, grill area, and covered porch now provide clear connections between the house and garden.
Six acres of undisturbed land in New Canaan, Connecticut offered the inspiration for a new family compound. The design for the house and auxiliary structures—a barn with an upper-story apartment and a garage— is traditional to this landscape but the glass passageway that connects the buildings is an unexpected integration that draws in the surroundings. Large window openings further blur the boundaries of inside and outside to maximize the views. The interior features an intricate floating staircase—a feat of engineering and craft— and customized paneling provide continuity throughout the family areas.
While beautiful images of completed projects capture the imagination, there is so much experience and expertise behind the results. “We work with the best architects, engineers, designers and craftspeople. Our combined efforts raise the bar every day for every project.” Yankee Custom also prides itself on pairing the artistry of craftsmanship with sophisticated new technologies. Justin notes, “It cannot be understated how the business is transformed with skilled implementation of Procore and other tools. We keep up with emerging technologies so that we can handle volumes of information and the constant communication necessary for custom projects. Technology helps diminish headaches and permits us the time to devote to relationships with the client, architect, and our team, all of which creates the best projects possible.”
“In sum, we make sure that everyone has what they need, that we have a conducive working environment, and that the clients know that we will take care of them; they can always call. We want them to be happy with the process of building their dream home.”