Home Improvement Center Still Going Strong at 110
Rochester
Dillman & Upton near downtown Rochester — now 110 and still family-owned and -operated — provides customers with an array of home improvement services, including kitchen and bath design and remodeling, decking, doors and entry systems, interior trim, rough lumber products and windows and window installation. Patrons can also shop in a separate hardware section.
BRAD UPTON
CEO, DILLMAN & UPTON
Window, decking and door displays (including touch-activated electric doors) are arranged in a separate part of the building.
Curt Belaney of Rochester Hills was pleased with his new door. “Brandan Luther (an employee) was a true professional throughout the search, choice and delivery. (Installation) was perfectly done. Thanks to Dillman & Upton for improving our home,” Belaney said.
The business — founded around 1910 by Brad and Todd’s grandfather’s uncle, C.W. Upton — began as a place to buy lumber and coal. (Coal was phased out in 1960.)
Ownership has passed down through the Uptons; Brad and Todd’s father, Terry, worked in the business in the 1990s. Brad and Todd Upton now control the company, and Ryan Upton, Todd’s son, is on the staff, representing the next generation.
The showrooms have a fresh appeal, all updated in 2019, said Brad Upton. Customers include home-builders, remodelers, deck-builders and homeowners.
Homeowners thinking of a redo should take note: “One of the biggest returns on remodeling is the kitchen and bath,” he said.
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Before diving into a new remodeling job, “interview a couple (of contractors) and get comfortable. The right architect and builder can make the experience a good one,” he said.
The Uptons keep a list of preferred skilled contractors — and they recommend getting the right people before any project is undertaken.
“We can provide a good referral for contractors, architects and engineers,” Brad Upton said.
Dillman & Upton also has experienced kitchen designers on staff. These professionals work with customers to design the room on a computer. A full kitchen redo can run between $25,000 and $100,000.
A separate window and door showroom is also available. The Uptons work with many manufacturers, including Andersen and Jeld-Wen. In 2020, watch for the addition of a display of new high-end pocket doors, a type of sliding door that, when open, is kept inside the adjoining wall.
Dillman & Upton staff offer knowledge and service, Brad Upton said.
“We can assist you with rough lumber, trim lumber, kitchens, baths, doors and windows,” he said.
“We’d love to sell everything, we’re happy to sell anything,” he added. “We try to sell the things we are good at.”
Dillman & Uton is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.