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A black locust deck became a much bigger repair for one Yeoman Design Build customer. Writing in January 2025, they described wanting to replace a water-damaged back deck and stairs with naturally rot-resistant wood. Mike DeSorgher sourced black locust and suggested white oak to supplement it. The customer said he took down the old deck, jacked up the house to replace damaged wood, and replaced insulation, siding boards, joists and beams. They described the finished black locust deck and praised his explanations and efforts to address the water problems. Yeoman describes itself as a residential construction and remodeling company offering design and construction services. It says it has 15 years in business and serves Deerfield, Greenfield, Amherst, Northampton and other Pioneer Valley towns. Google lists 5 stars from three ratings. In a December 2025 review, a customer thanked Mike and his team for natural pine siding and a new deck, saying he kept them informed and honored their requests. The woodwork extends beyond decks. In a November 2021 review, a customer described a custom vaulted sunroom ceiling and details added during a house renovation. They also credited Mike with building a cordwood sauna, cabin and chicken coop, plus a locust bridge leading toward their trails. The customer praised his attention to detail and craftsmanship. A July 2025 commenter in r/northampton said Yeoman did good carpentry work but could take a while to respond. BuildZoom lists a Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration for the company, while Yeoman's website states a construction supervisor license number.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Yeoman Design Build. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$23,000 – $35,000
Typical remodeling project around $29,000
“Yeoman Design Build is a carpenter who will take a bit to get back to you but does good work.”
“Mike DeSorgher is a local design builder and licensed construction supervisor. He is the Owner of Yeoman Design Build, a firm committed to environmental stewardship, sustainable building, and innovative construction methods. Mike has over 25 years of construction experience building natural and high performance buildings in the Pioneer Valley Including straw-bale, light straw-clay, cob, cordwood, earth and lime plasters, and more.”
Mike and the team at Yeoman Design Build is by far the BEST builder crew I've ever had the pleasure to work with! Mike was honest and clear about everything; keeping me informed regarding every detail, and honoring my requests as a client above all. Thank you for the amazing natural pine siding and the awesome new deck! What a difference you made at our house!
When we needed to replace our water-damaged wooden back deck and back stairs it seemed it would be an easy- peasy assignment but it wasn’t. I wanted the deck and back stairs to be made of naturally rot -resistant black locust that did not contain chemicals that would make it rot-resistant. Most contractors we interviewed wanted to take treated pine off the shelves. Others said the job was too big. I wanted something that would last and not have to be redone, within our budget. Enter Mike DeSorgher of Yeoman Design Build. He immediately was on board, sourced black locust lumber, which wasn’t easy, and used local lumber companies and companies for supplies. To augment the black locust, he suggested white oak. He was fearless, taking down the back deck, jacking up the house to replace all the water damaged wood, and replacing insulation, siding boards, joists and beams. His crew were great. My black locust deck became a reality. He dealt with water problems by providing solutions to avoid future water damage. He was respectful, took time to explain issues and always was in a good mood. I recommend him highly.
Mike has done many projects with me on my property- from building a custom vaulted ceiling in my new sunroom, to crafting and building many beautiful details in the renovation of my house. He has also done numerous natural building projects, including a cordwood sauna and cabin, and a cordwood chicken coop, as well as building me a beautiful little "fairy bridge" out of locust, going out to my trails.. He has an eye for creative and natural beauty in working with wood. He is imaginative and thoughtful, with much attention to detail and fine craftsmanship. Nothing is ever done quickly or shabbily. AND- he is a very kind, thoughtful, and easy going person to work with. I recommend Mike without reservation for any of your projects- both inside and outside your house!
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2 changes recorded — last scanned Oct 1, 2026.
Decks and porches5.0
Clients returning for 10 and 20 years5.0
Detailed craftsmanship5.0
Renovates century-old structures5.0
Praised craftsmanship and work ethic3.5
Custom home build for a 2025 customer3.5
Custom home construction3.7