About Us

From Ground-Up Custom Homes to Whole-Home Renovations — We Build Your Dream Home!

With more than four decades of combined industry experience, Serenity Custom Homes & Renovations is known for thoughtful craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, and the ability to navigate complex design and construction challenges with confidence. Based in Big Canoe, we take pride in serving this distinctive mountain community and the surrounding areas throughout North Georgia.

Owner Mike McEachern personally oversees each project from initial consultation through completion. After graduating from Auburn University in 1999, Mike began his career in building, remodeling, and property management in 2000.

Serenity Custom Homes & Renovations is fully licensed and insured, with a deep understanding of the standards and requirements set by local homeowners’ associations (HOAs), condo associations, and property owners’ associations (POAs). We approach every project with professionalism, clear communication, and respect for both the property and the community.

From custom home construction and whole-home renovations to carefully designed improvements that enhance everyday living, our goal is simple: to build spaces that are beautiful, functional, and enduring.

Our Process

Whether you choose Serenity Renovations to totally remodel your house or build a custom home, we follow a set process from start to finish. By establishing this set process and following through, our North Georgia customers know exactly what to expect when they choose us for their home build or major renovation projects.

    • We start by presenting an overview of our Big Canoe company, so clients know exactly who and what they are dealing with, and how we operate.

    • Then we gather initial ideas and proposals from homeowners. With these in mind, we brainstorm, offering our own ideas and possible alternatives.

    • We consult with the homeowner and present information regarding various levels and types of material that can be used for the project. We discuss the benefits of each, including both long- and short-term maintenance requirements.

    • We take notes, pictures, and measurements that we can use for the next phase of the process.

    • The preliminary estimate is detailed and includes a line-by-line estimate of each part of the project. The estimate shows exactly what is included and incorporates allowances for finishes.

    • The list includes the names of material types and brands that will be used.

    • We always advise clients to ensure that they check the reputation of contractors they plan to hire. Our preliminary estimate includes a list of referrals you can review for yourself.

    • Once the preliminary estimate has been accepted, we coordinate an on-site meeting with the architect, contractor, and homeowner.

    • At the meeting, we finalize all the dimensions and materials that will be used.

    • Prior to finalizing the contract, we complete and finalize the materials to be used, as well as pricing.

    • We discuss and answer all questions regarding financing of the project.

    • We discuss how start and completion dates work, and explain the timing of key milestones.

    • Both parties sign the contract.

    • We obtain all necessary permits.

    • Once construction and/or installation begin, we provide daily site management and inspections.

    • On completion, we do a final walk-through of the job with the homeowner to ensure there are no problems or snags.

    • We explain the warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Yes, Serenity Renovations is fully insured and licensed.

  • We work primarily in the northern Georgia area, including:

    • Gated Communities: Big Canoe, Bent Tree, The Preserve, Lake Arrowhead

    • Cities: Roswell, Alpharetta, Canton, Jasper, Woodstock, Milton, Cumming, Ellijay, Blue Ridge

    • Counties: Cherokee, Dawson, Pickens, North Fulton, Hall, White, Rabun, Forsyth, Gilmer.

    • Reputation and references. In addition to providing a list of references from clients, insist that your contractor provide you with a list of references from both tradesmen and suppliers.

    • Check business cards for local and current information. Check the contractor’s address, phone numbers, website, etc. Make sure all information is current and up to date. This will help confirm that your contractor is honest, local and has staying power.

    • Insist on written bids, detailed descriptions of work to be performed, and contracts. Having it all in writing and signed by both the contractor and the homeowner will avoid any confusion throughout the project.

    • Contractor should offer a “Release of Liens” form upon completion of a project. This will help protect you if any bills to suppliers or tradesmen go unpaid.

    • Be mindful of the contractor’s vehicles and equipment. Functioning, clean, and maintained vehicles and equipment can indicate that a contractor is fiscally secure and pays attention to detail.

    • Use extreme caution if a contractor wants cash up front instead of a check or if the down payment seems excessive. Insist on a detailed description of how draws and payment schedules work, and never give a contractor cash or employ one who insists on receiving cash.

    • A contractor who is unable or unwilling to explain to you types of materials, equipment and tradesmen to be used on your project and why. Be sure the contractor has a thorough understanding of your needs and the materials and tradespeople required to achieve your goals.

    • A contractor that cannot provide you with evidence of an active license.  Georgia now requires that all contractors be licensed.

    • Any contractor who is unable or unwilling to provide a building permit.  This sets the stage for a potentially high degree of negligence on the part of both the contractor and the tradesmen.

    • Any contractor who is not sensitive to the covenants and requirements of your local HOA, POA, or condo association.