Chris Howard

Meet Chris Howard,

President

Chris Howard is the President of The Cottage Pros LLC, a family-owned, locally operated business serving Benzie County, Michigan, and the surrounding communities. With a strong commitment to the local area and a people-first approach to business, Chris helps lead a team dedicated to providing dependable construction, property maintenance, marine, and other property services. His leadership reflects a belief that successful projects begin with understanding customers, building relationships, and delivering solutions that meet the needs of local property owners.



As someone who values the community and the people who make it special, Chris understands the importance of having a reliable local company to call when property improvements or maintenance needs arise. Whether customers are updating a cottage, planning a renovation, maintaining a vacation property, or preparing a boat for the season, The Cottage Pros LLC offers a variety of services designed to make property ownership more convenient.

Chris's connection to the area's lake lifestyle also shapes his appreciation for the properties and recreational spaces that make the region unique. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time at the lake with friends and family. These interests reflect his appreciation for the local environment and the experiences that bring people together throughout the community.

A Community-Focused Approach to Business

For Chris, being part of a local business means more than providing a service. It means developing lasting relationships with customers, understanding their priorities, and contributing to the community where they live and work. The Cottage Pros LLC was established in 2015 and has grown around a commitment to helping residents and property owners throughout Benzie County with a broad range of home, cottage, and recreational property needs.

Chris recognizes that properties in northern Michigan often serve multiple purposes. Some are full-time residences, while others are seasonal cottages or vacation homes that require attention year-round. Owners may need help preparing their properties for summer visitors, maintaining outdoor spaces, completing renovations, or protecting buildings during the winter months. Having a trusted local service provider can make managing these responsibilities easier.

The Cottage Pros LLC emphasizes communication and personalized service, helping customers understand their options and coordinate the work their properties require. Chris believes that listening carefully and keeping customers informed are important parts of delivering a positive experience. By maintaining a customer-focused approach, he helps support the company's goal of becoming a dependable resource for local homeowners, vacation property owners, and businesses.

Expertise Across Construction and Home Improvement

As President of The Cottage Pros LLC, Chris leads a business offering a wide range of construction and home improvement services. The company's capabilities include new construction, custom design-build projects, remodeling, additions, decks, porches, kitchen and bathroom renovations, roofing, siding, windows, and doors.

Home improvement projects require careful planning and coordination to ensure that the finished work aligns with the property's needs and the owner's vision. A kitchen renovation may focus on improving everyday functionality, while a new deck can create additional space for relaxing and entertaining. Larger projects, such as additions or custom builds, require attention to design, scheduling, and the details that bring different parts of a project together.

Chris understands the value of helping customers approach these projects with a clear plan. The Cottage Pros LLC works with licensed builders and offers services to help customers manage improvements from initial planning through construction. The company also highlights expedited permit processing and available warranties, providing additional considerations for customers planning property upgrades.

Whether the goal is to modernize an existing home, improve a seasonal cottage, or create a new outdoor living area, the team helps customers explore options suited to their properties. Chris's leadership supports the company's broader focus on practical solutions, communication, and quality workmanship.

Property Maintenance for Every Season

Maintaining a home or cottage in northern Michigan involves adapting to changing weather and seasonal demands. Lawn care, landscaping, pressure washing, spring and fall cleanup, and snow removal are among the services that help property owners keep their spaces functional and presentable year-round.

For seasonal homeowners, keeping a property in good condition can be especially challenging when they cannot visit regularly. Chris recognizes the importance of having local support available to help manage routine maintenance and address property needs as they arise. The Cottage Pros LLC offers property maintenance services designed to help owners spend less time coordinating upkeep and more time enjoying their properties.

The company also offers its CottageWatch! service, which involves checking on properties to help owners keep an eye on their homes when they are away. This type of support can be valuable for people who own vacation homes or cottages but live elsewhere for part of the year.

Supporting the Local Boating and Lake Lifestyle

Chris's personal interests in boating and fishing align naturally with The Cottage Pros LLC's marine services. The lakes and waterways of northern Michigan are an important part of the region's lifestyle, providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and time with loved ones. Keeping boats and related equipment in good condition helps property owners make the most of these experiences.

The company's marine services include boat, dock, and hoist sales; dock and hoist installation; dockside repairs; winterization; shrink-wrapping; storage; detailing; and pickup and delivery options. Certified marine technicians provide specialized support to customers needing assistance with maintaining their boats and equipment.

Chris understands that seasonal transitions can involve considerable preparation, from getting a boat ready for warmer weather to protecting it before winter arrives. By offering marine services alongside construction and property maintenance, The Cottage Pros LLC provides customers with a convenient resource for several aspects of lake property ownership.

A Versatile Partner for Property Owners

In addition to construction, property maintenance, and marine services, The Cottage Pros LLC offers excavation and HVAC services. Excavation projects may include site preparation, foundations, pools, ponds, roadwork, septic systems, and drain fields. HVAC services include installation, maintenance, and repairs for heating and cooling systems.

This range of services allows the company to assist customers with projects that extend beyond routine home upkeep. Chris values the practical benefit of having access to a team that can address different property needs while maintaining an emphasis on communication and service. The company's local knowledge and broad range of services help customers navigate projects involving homes, cottages, outdoor spaces, and recreational properties.

Connect With Chris Howard and The Cottage Pros LLC

Chris Howard leads The Cottage Pros LLC with a community-minded perspective and a commitment to helping local property owners. His appreciation for the area's lake lifestyle, combined with the company's broad range of services, supports a customer-focused approach to construction, maintenance, and marine care.

Whether you're planning a renovation, need seasonal property maintenance, or are looking for help with your boat, dock, or hoist, The Cottage Pros LLC is ready to discuss your needs. Visit The Cottage Pros LLC website to explore available services, or call or text the team at (231) 383-5494 to discuss your next project and discover how the company can help you make the most of your property.