~14 yrs ago
Framing With Dad
Colin started in construction working alongside his dad, framing houses across the area, learning how homes actually go together.
About EZ Custom Homes
Built From Experience, Not a Business Plan.
14+ years of hands-on construction, an owner who started by framing houses with his dad, and a focus on getting the small things right so the big things hold up. That's the company.
14+
Years Building
2021
Rebranded EZCH
100%
Owner-Run
3
Focus Areas
About EZ Custom Homes
This Business Wasn't Built Overnight.
EZ Custom Homes is not a company that showed up overnight. It was built from years of hands-on work, starting long before the name ever existed.
Owner Colin Ettema started in construction over 14 years ago, working alongside his dad framing houses. That meant early mornings, job sites every day, and learning how homes are actually built from the ground up, not just the finishes people see, but the structure behind everything.
Over time, that turned into more responsibility, then partial ownership, and eventually a full rebrand in 2021. Today, EZ Custom Homes serves homeowners across New Lenox and the broader Chicagoland area, one project at a time.
14+
Years Of Experience
Where This Company Comes From
Built on Real Experience, Not Theory.
A lot of contractors learn pieces of the trade and try to build a business around it. That is not how this company was built. Starting in framing means understanding how a home is put together from the inside out, what's behind the walls, how structure works, and how everything connects.
6 - 7 yrs ago
Partial Ownership
Stepped into a partial-ownership role. Work expanded beyond framing into general contracting, decks, and outdoor living.
2021
EZ Custom Homes Launches
Colin officially took over the business and rebranded it as EZ Custom Homes, with a sharper focus on quality and process.
Today
Three Focus Areas
Outdoor living, custom home builds, and high-end remodeling, done at a high level for homeowners who care about quality.
What We Focus On Today
Three Things. Done Properly.
We don't take on small handyman jobs. If we're committing time and resources to a project, it needs to make sense for both sides.
Outdoor Living
Decks, patio roofs, screened porches, and full outdoor setups. A major part of the business and something we do at a high level.
Read more →
Custom Homes
Fully custom, one-off homes designed around each client. These are not template builds. Every project is different.
Read more →
High-End Remodeling
Kitchens, multi-room renovations, and full home remodels. Larger projects that actually change how a home functions.
Read more →
Our Standards on Every Project
The Things We Don't Compromise On.
Different projects have different scopes, but the standards stay the same on every job site.
✔
Quality of Work
A high level of craftsmanship on every project, including structure, finishes, and the details most people never see.
⚙
Clean Job Sites
Job sites stay organized and get cleaned regularly. Especially on remodels where people are living in the home.
⚑
Accountability
If something needs to be addressed, we take care of it. Simple as that. No finger-pointing, no excuses.
📝
Clear Expectations
We don't overpromise. Realistic expectations get set from the beginning, and we follow through on them.
How We Work With Clients
Direct Communication. Real People.
One of the biggest differences people notice when working with us is how we communicate, we make it a point to over-communicate.
01
Phone Calls
If something needs a real conversation, we pick up the phone. The owner answers, not a service desk.
02
Text Updates
Running five minutes late because of traffic? You'll know. Quick check-ins, photos from the site, decisions on the fly.
03
Email Trails
For anything that needs to be in writing, scope, change orders, selections, you'll have it documented.
04
You Talk to Colin
Not a coordinator, not a chatbot, not a sales rep. You're talking to a real person who understands your project.
Client-Focused From the Start
Every Project Starts With Listening.
Most homeowners don't come in with perfect plans. They have ideas, goals, and a general direction. Our job is to understand what you're trying to accomplish, help shape it into something realistic, and guide you through the decisions that will impact the outcome.
"We're not here to push you into a specific design or sell you something that doesn't make sense. The goal is to build something that works for you long term."
That mindset shows up at every stage, from the very first call through final walkthrough and beyond.
CE
Colin Ettema
Owner & Builder · EZ Custom Homes
Project Management & Oversight
Every Project Is Actively Managed.
Once mistakes happen in construction, they're not always easy to fix later. That's why nothing gets left unchecked.
01
On-Site Oversight
We're checking in regularly, making sure work is progressing correctly, and handling issues as they come up.
02
Experienced Crews
On outdoor living projects, our trusted crews handle the work, with the owner still involved and monitoring progress.
03
Handling Changes
Changes are normal on larger jobs. Every one gets discussed, priced out, and documented, no confusion later.
04
1-Year Warranty
Every project includes a one-year workmanship warranty. If something comes up, we take care of it.
Who We're A Good Fit For
The Right Builder for the Right Project.
We're not the right contractor for every project, and we'd rather tell you up front.
You're A Good Fit If…
These are the homeowners we do our best work for.
- You care about quality, not just speed
- You want clear, consistent communication
- You're planning a larger project
- You want the job done properly the first time
- You expect a professional, organized job site
Probably Not A Fit If…
No hard feelings, here's where we won't be the best choice.
- You're looking for the absolute cheapest option
- You need a quick small repair or handyman task
- You want to rush every decision
- You're not ready to commit to a real timeline
A Better Experience, Start to Finish
We're Building Something You'll Live With for Years.
Construction projects can be stressful if they're not handled properly. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible.
VALUE 01
Stay Organized
Sequencing, scheduling, and structure on every project. Not chaos, not improvisation mid-build.
VALUE 02
Communicate Clearly
You always know what's happening, what's next, and who to talk to about it. No silence.
VALUE 03
Set Expectations Early
Honest numbers, realistic timelines, and the trade-offs explained before you commit, not at the end.
Ready to Talk Through Your Project?
No pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about what makes sense for your home.
Get In Touch
Let's Talk About Your Project.
Reach out and we'll talk through your project, give honest feedback, and help you understand what makes sense. You decide how to move forward.
Service Area
New Lenox, ILServing New Lenox and the broader Chicagoland area.
Working Hours
- Monday – Friday7:30am – 5:00pm
- SaturdayBy appointment
- SundayClosed