Welcome to three generations of love for the craft, proudly serving the Hudson Valley. We build homes not houses, turn spaces into sanctuaries and transform the old into new.
ABOUT 3RD GENERATION BUILDERS
3rd Generation Builders is a multi-disciplinary family of skilled craftspeople, covering all facets of construction, from excavation to fine finishes: modern, contemporary, minimalist, traditional, historic, ornate, or simple and functional. 3rd Generation Builders is committed to building your vision.
Our passion and work ethic blends numerous elements: respect for the land, our desire to build homes not houses, expert traditional craftsmanship, embracing new construction techniques & practices and our desire to exceed the expectations of every client.
Our three generations of experience also guarantees that the process and deliverables of a build or renovation of any scale, are transparent and easy. Every project is a priority and every client is a valued relationship.
About Mike Fanelli, Our Owner
Frank Fanelli Sr. (Mike’s grandfather) was born in 1924 to Elizabeth and Anthony Fanelli, immigrants from Calabria, Italy. The family settled in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where the legacy of three generations of builders began. After serving in the army, Frank Sr. started his own carpentry business, Frank Fanelli Carpentry in 1952. Over the years, he dedicated the remainder of his life to countless construction projects and the foundation of the 3rd Generation Builders legacy.
Bob Fanelli, Mike’s dad, was born and raised in Dobbs Ferry, and was immersed in his father’s business from a young age. Working alongside his father on job sites, Bob’s dedication to construction continued to grow and the legacy endured. Bob’s passion did not stop there however, as he expanded his skillset to include a specialty in heavy equipment operation, excavation, and sitework. Bob keenly involved his youngest son, Mike in his work and his enthusiasm was reciprocated: the 3rd generation of craftsmen was born.
Mike Fanelli was also born in Dobbs Ferry, and moved to Wappingers Falls at the age of 3. As a young child Mike was always by his father’s side learning how to handle a carpenter’s tools, and watching his father and grandfather masterfully bring people’s visions to life. But it was in 1991 when Mike’s parents built a log home in Ulster County, that Mike realized that his love for all things construction would become a lifelong passion and dedication. Mike actively participated in every step of the construction process and went on to apprentice under different tradesmen, establishing an impressive knowledge of all the different phases of construction.
In 1999 at only 23 years old, he honored the family legacy by founding 3rd Generation Builders, paying homage to his grandfather and father. He has proudly built and renovated numerous houses and buildings, with a suite of impressive commercial projects, across the Hudson Valley.
His deep commitment to the business and his love for the craft enabled him to weather the financial crisis in 2008, the many trials and tribulations of a growing business, and most lately the Covid 19 pandemic. Mike’s dedication to his people, the culture he has instilled and his commitment to excellence has inspired loyalty from his ever growing team, and his clients, and is reflected in the exceptional quality of 3rd Generation Builders’ work on every project.
He reflects proudly on the journey, considering 3rd Generation Builders as one of his most significant construction projects and is proud to continue the great legacy of his father and grandfather. With a teenage son, there is also the possibility of a fourth generation…
Mike Fanelli
Mike learning the chop saw.
Mike and his grandfather, Frank Fanelli, in front of a finished log home, summer of 1986.