--- title: "Built Tough Construction of North Georgia — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/built-tough-construction-of-north-georgia-pfvwus-pf~1258754346 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1258754346.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Built Tough Construction of North Georgia" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ece30dda054adf30_2079-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2840 Aldrich Drive, Cumming, Georgia 30040, United States" latitude: 34.2321 longitude: -84.158 phone: "(770) 687-6303" website: http://www.builttoughatlanta.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 27 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 58 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # Built Tough Construction of North Georgia Original Houzz profile: [Built Tough Construction of North Georgia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/built-tough-construction-of-north-georgia-pfvwus-pf~1258754346) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Cumming, GA - **Serves:** Atlanta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Marietta, Dunwoody, Milton, Buford, Cumming, Dawsonville - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (27 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2017–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Each project is personally handled by Steven T. Giampietro, RA, Licensed Architect & General Contractor, from inception to completion. We provide full Design-Build Services that include Architecture, Interior Design & Construction. Our speciality is providing you personalized attention which results in meeting your expectations and a successful project. We are a small boutique style company by choice that provides intricate designs, detailing and construction. We care about the the outcome of your project and always look out for the clients best interests. Each project is prepared using Professional 3D Design Software which allows you to fully visualize your custom design solutions. We look forward to working with you! ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Building Design - Basement Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - 3D Rendering - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Universal Design - Basement Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Laundry Room Design - Attic Conversion - Space Planning - Deck Design - Historic Building Conservation - Mudroom Design - Drafting - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Atlanta - Roswell - Johns Creek - Alpharetta - Marietta - Dunwoody - Milton - Buford - Cumming - Dawsonville ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 3 million $50,000 - 3 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Built Tough Construction of North Georgia | | Address | 2840 Aldrich Drive, Cumming, Georgia 30040, United States | | Phone | (770) 687-6303 | | Website | http://www.builttoughatlanta.com | | License Number | RBQA006552 | | Followers on Houzz | 58 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.stgarchitect.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Built Tough Construction of North Georgia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/built-tough-construction-of-north-georgia-pfvwus-pf~1258754346) - **Website:** http://www.builttoughatlanta.com - **Phone:** (770) 687-6303 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Registered Architect, Lic \#RA014300 - Licensed General Contractor \#RBQA006552 - NCARB Certified - NARI - Member - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2017–2026), for Service. **Affiliations** - [NARI Atlanta](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nari-atlanta-pfvwus-pf~974202198) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 27 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 36.0 - Communication: 36.0 - Value: 36.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — John Sampson, Sept. 2025** > I can't say enough good things about Steven Giampietro and Jim Cocco at Built Tough Construction of North Georgia. Working with them both was an absolute pleasure. In the 9 months that it took to turn our weekend lake house into our full-time forever home, there were no mistakes and no delays. I attribute this to a couple important aspects. 1) Steven is a certified architect and he created the plans that his crews used for the build. There was nothing lost in translation from the architect to the builder since Steven was both. 2) Jim's attention to detail as the Project Manager, was phenomenal. He kept the crews on-track, stayed in constant contact with me when there were questions, and put his love of woodworking into personal touches like the window eyebrow pergolas that he designed, crafted at his home, and installed on ours. When I needed an extra hand with some owner-installed items, Jim readily gave of his time on weekends to help me. I consider both Steven and Jim as trusted friends and I know that I can always reach out to them with any questions or projects going forward. **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Thank you John and Brenda for your outstanding review! We are so appreciative of the opportunity that you provided us where we were able to demonstrate our team's superior professional abilities and craftsmanship. Your new lake house turned out absolutely beautiful!!! There are so many special features such as the new open two-story foyer with tubular skylights, bathroom repurposed wood vanity with complementary stone top and floor tile, large stone slab living room fireplace, custom kitchen with blue cabinetry, large windows for lake views, front porch with cedar accents, composite decking, etc. We really enjoyed working on all of these fine details to create the dream home that you envisioned. Thank you again! Steve & Jim **★★★★★ — Jerry and Mary Jane Parker, June 2024** > We have had many home renovations over the years that were very satisfactory. Soon after moving in, we hired a company to renovate our newly purchased home that did poor work with many delays. We were blessed to then find Built Tough Construction of North Georgia. They took over some permitting issues abandoned by the previous company and corrected some plumbing. They designed and built two very needed outside porch areas and corrected many exterior deck and water issues. They built two custom walls of cabinetry and changed a couple of windows into a lovely set of french doors in a finished basement that gave us a lovely family TV room and extra living room. The architectural design and contracted work was of the highest quality. We recommend them for any renovation or construction work. Thank you, Built Tough! **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Thank you Jerry and Mary Jane for the amazing review! It was an absolute pleasure working with you and I'm glad to hear that we exceeded your expectations. It was a challenge to reinstate the abandoned permits but we got it done and rectified all of the county inspection issues. You now have peace of mind!!! We are looking forward to working with you again. **★ — Brent Dickinson, March 2022** > We started working with Steve and Built Tough Construction in 2019. We were very disappointed in his ability to design to budget. We clearly stated our budget for our remodel ($150,000), but when it was time for the estimate, he provided a design that was more than twice the budget ($320,000) and didn't include major systems such as HVAC in the cost. This was pre-Covid and material and labor prices were steady. Needless to say we didn't go with his design after wasting $7000+/- on his fees. > > We recently asked him to make a small modification to the revised plans more in aligned with our original expectation, he said he would work on it. However, after 2 months of waiting on him to complete the update, Steve unprofessionally said he wouldn't do the job, which is an afront and complete sign of disrespect. Take the job or don't take the job, but don't sit on it and say 2 month later you are not going to do it. > > Steve is a likeable enough fellow, but the money we spent on his services were wasted. **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Hi Brent, I’m sorry to hear of your disappointment. Unfortunately, what you have explained in your review is untruthful and I would be happy to explain the facts about your project and working with you and your wife, Joan. > > The initial project evolved into a different design due to the city restrictions, setbacks, etc. > > The initial project did NOT include a complete master bath renovation and addition, kitchen pantry renovation, new half bath addition, fireplace, etc. There is something called Scope Creep. This is when a client adds substantial work to the original scope, during the design phase. Of course, this will affect and increase the cost of a project. We followed your instructions, increased the scope, and of course the result would be increased cost. We had many meetings, and we did explain that the project cost was exceeding your initial budget. You did not express any concern and focused on what you wanted, like your garage addition for tools. > > After presenting the initial design construction cost, where you were not satisfied, I scaled back the project creating a smaller, yet very similar in appearance, design. I prepared that design and created a 12-page set of totally new drawings, all at my own cost and free of charge to you, in good faith. It’s always my goal to satisfy the customer. That new design was still slightly over your budget by $50,000 because you added a garage addition and large master bedroom closet addition. > > Construction cost budgeting is one of the most difficult aspects of this line of work, as explained clearly in the Architectural Contract. There is no way to know the actual and true cost of a project until a full set of detailed architectural drawings is prepared. A preliminary budget could be prepared using square foot costs, but this information will only get you in the range of the actual cost. > > After providing you the second design and construction cost, we didn’t hear back from you about the project for about 1 year, where you just contacted me this January 2022. Your wife Joan emailed me a drawing of a totally new design for your project which indicates all new spaces and additions, totally different from the last design I prepared for you. In your review, you are calling this a ‘small modification’ which is absolutely incorrect. I was kind enough to do a free budgeting assessment that took 2 hours of my time. I asked Joan what your budget was for this new project, she responded, $115,000. I clearly explained in an email to Joan that based on the square footage of the new design, I felt that the project was in the $270,000 range. Joan responded on February 22, 2022, to proceed with the Architectural work. > > Approximately 3 weeks later I sent this email to Joan: > Hi Joan, > I apologize for the delay; we are very busy right now. I have given this much thought and I will need to decline the work. We are building two new homes and we have several other projects underway, and I don't see where I will find the time. Your new project is basically starting all over again. A new set of drawings will take a week to prepare and then structural engineering coordination, new calculations for the county, etc. I hope you can understand. > Kind regards, > Steve > > I’m glad that you posted your review, to show that projects aren’t always easy and there are difficult clients with very unrealistic expectations. We are professional, we are expert problem solvers, we are truthful and respectful. > All of our outstanding reviews here on HOUZZ from our FANTASTIC CLIENTS far outweigh your untruthful information. > > I was not disrespectful to you or Joan in any way. We accept projects based on our current workload and availability. > > A simple phone call to me would have been such a better way to express your concerns rather than attempting to tarnish our reputation online. Open communication and truthfulness are always the best approach. > > Best of luck to you with your new project. > Kind regards, > Steve **★★★★★ — HU-890314656, Feb. 2020** > Basement design and finish - theater space, game room space, bedroom, and full bathroom. Great experience working with Steven and his team - always kept us informed, willing to make plan changes as we went, and was extremely respectful of the house and how he and the contractors left the space. I’ve never seen a more clean construction area. Fully recommend and plan on using again for future projects. Thank you. **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Thank you for the outstanding review! We enjoyed working with you and preparing your basement design and the construction of your project. We are looking forward to working with you again. Sincerely, Steve and Jim **★★★★★ — Giovanni's Tile Design, Jan. 2020** > I had the pleasure to assist the Team at Built Tough with the tile selection for several home-owner's renovation projects. Being inside the tile industry, we have the opportunity to work with many contractors and clients who are looking to choose materials, and we rally value the approach that the Built Tough Team has with the final customers: they care about details, and they always inquire about technical specifications of the tiles they are selecting to ensure the application. **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Thank you Giovanni's Tile for the outstanding review of your experience with working with us! Your attention-to-detail makes for perfect match with the highly detailed Design and Construction services that we provide. We love working with Giovanni's Tile! **★★★★★ — Bonnie Cocco, Jan. 2020** > Built Tough Construction and the whole crew did a phenomenal job on my kitchen remodel. It looks absolutely incredible. They worked very efficiently and professionally. What started out as a kitchen remodel turned into an entire remodel of the first floor. I couldn't be more satisfied with the project and the outcome and enjoyed cooking in my new kitchen during the holidays entertaining family and friends. Steve's beautiful design has transformed our home into a relaxing oasis which is so much more functional now. They finished on time and on budget. Such a pleasure working with this company!! **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Thank you Mrs. Cocco for your awesome review! We are very pleased that you are highly satisfied with our Design and Construction services. Your new first floor looks tremendous and we are proud that we made your vision a reality! You did a great job choosing materials and cabinetry. We are looking forward to assisting you with your next project! **★★★★★ — dwsafstr, Dec. 2019** > Steven and Built Tough Construction met and exceeded all of our expectations. From the start we were given exceptional advice and support. We had a vision of what our project would end up being, but when Steven got involved we quickly found that our vision could be a whole lot more. The process from design to completion was handled with the highest level of professionalism and care for our needs and wants. Built Tough Construction has our enthusiastic endorsement! **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Thank you David and Barbara for your 5-star review of your experience with working with us! We thoroughly enjoyed designing and building your new stand-alone building two-car garage and 2nd floor studio apartment project. The design of the new building is truly harmonious with your existing residence and we are proud of the outstanding outcome. Working with you was a pleasure and we are looking forward to serving you again in the near future. **★★★★★ — Mark Colangelo, Dec. 2019** > Built Tough Construction of North Georgia is fantastic. Right from the start Steve Giampietro who owns and is the lead Architect met with me to understand what I wanted to be done. He listened and provided from some great ideas to extend our deck, and screen in our existing deck. Right from the start, I knew I was dealing with someone who puts the customer first. Any time I had a questions Steve responded right away. The entire company is very well organized, and they made sure the workspace was kept clean during construction. What also impressed me was Steve himself. He led and did much of the work himself, very friendly, and like the entire company very professional, with a high quality of the work and detail orientated. There was no hidden cost, and the entire project was done within budget and on time. I would highly recommend Built Touch Construction for any of your home projects. Thank you again Built Tough, and especially Steve for the wonderful workmanship and entire experience of our home project. **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Thank you Mark for the excellent review! We enjoyed converting your deck into a screened in room and creating a new deck space for your barbecue grill. You mentioned that you were impressed with my carpentry skills. I'm proud to say that I am a woodworker and carpenter along with my Project Manager Jim. Jim and I do not hesitate to put our 'boots on the ground' and physically perform work. Carpentry and the scent of sawdust is truly therapeutic to us! Our company focus is attention-to-detail and I am glad that you were thoroughly impressed with our Professional Design and Construction services! We are looking forward to working with you on your next renovation project. **★★★★★ — Jean Cain, June 2019** > Master Bathroom remodel > Steve is very professional and made sure everything was completed on time and to our satisfaction. We are very happy with the results and would highly recommend Built Tough for any job. Jim and Steve are both perfectionists and make a great team. They also showed up on time and walked through the entire process from beginning to end with us. If looking for quality craftsmanship plus excellent customer service, this company will not disappoint! **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Jean, thank you for the outstanding review! We are very happy that you were highly satisfied with our Professional Design and Construction Services. Your newly renovated master bathroom looks outstanding and you made awesome choices with materials and plumbing fixtures! Every new client is now asking for the same freestanding tub and shower design! We are looking forward to working with you again very soon. **★★★★★ — Susan L., Aug. 2018** > We began working with Steven several months ago on a major two-story gable “build out “ and renovation to a (2001 four bedroom 3.5 bath) Lake Lanier home. Steven began the process with interviewing us to gain a specific understanding of what we wanted to accomplish in the renovation process. We signed a contract with Steven and he came to our home, as agreed, on three or four occasions for approximately four hours each visit. On his visits, Steven photographed, measured, drafted and used his (we’ve decided) creative genius to renovate our home into more than we ever dreamed it could be! We were thrilled with the design he came up with! In addition to the gable build-out, there are three large dormer skylights that provide tremendous light and interrior “architectural interest”. There are beautiful exposed (structural) beams. The computer renditions are spectacular and his plans are nothing less than precise! At our request, Steven provided us with two contractors that he has experience with and recommends. We consulted with both and decided to sign a contract with one of them – work beginning September 2018. Work should span 4-6 months. (Before/after pictures to follow on this site.) Throughout this process, Steven has been incredibly responsive in every aspect. Steven has been the “tie-in” to all facets of a major renovation during the designing/planning phase - and there have been MANY! If we had a question, Steven had an answer – and a very timely one! We can’t recommend him enough for his expertise, professionalism, responsiveness, ethics and creative genius! If you choose Steven for your job, you will not be disappointed!!! **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Susan, Thank you for the excellent review! It was a pleasure working with you to create your amazing new family room. I am super excited to see the completed construction and you enjoying all of the new spaces in your home. Best regards, Steven **★★★★★ — Anastasia Alkema Photography, March 2018** > I photographed a few projects for Steven T. Giampietro Architect, LLC. Each time it was easy and pleasant to work with Steven. > All of his projects look stunning! Steven is very professional and goes above and beyond for his clients who are very happy with the results. He is very passionate about what he does and that shows in his work. > I highly recommend Steven T. Giampietro Architect, LLC to anyone who is looking for a full-service Architectural Firm. It provides personalized attention to each of the projects and specializes in Design and Construction Management Services. **Comment from Built Tough Construction of North Georgia:** > Anastasia, thank you for your kind thoughts and the awesome review! I thoroughly enjoy working with you. I'm looking forward to having you photograph some new projects of mine very soon. Steve **★★★★★ — Jonathan P, April 2017** > We hired Steven to draw up plans to finish our basement. Prior to hiring Steven, we were trying make our vision fit with the existing framed walls. Steven came over for a preliminary basement walk through and we gave him our wish list for the space . Steven came up with a terrific design that included everything we wanted (including a wood shop). We received full construction drawings, including a lighting plan, that we can hand over to a contractor/framer to begin work. If you are trying to design a basement with existing walls, you have options and Steven can deliver your vision. ## Selected projects - [Wall of Windows with Lake View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wall-of-windows-with-lake-view-pj-vj~5721313) - Location: Cumming, GA - Photos: 8 - [Award Winning Lake House Bathroom Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-lake-house-bathroom-addition-pj-vj~2980996) - Location: Gainesville, GA - Photos: 19 - Description: This design recently received an award from The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) www.nari.org. The challenge was to create a new second floor full bathroom where the new structure and design would be harmonious with the existing Contemporary Architectural Design and slant roofs. The new design includes precisely calculated slant roofs and overhanging, cantilevered roof eaves. The new bathroom structure is now the central, exciting focal point of the building. The design inc… - [Atlanta Kitchen Renovation & Basement Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atlanta-kitchen-renovation-and-basement-design-pj-vj~2877193) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 14 - [Large Residential Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/large-residential-addition-pj-vj~2779746) - Location: Fayetteville, GA - Photos: 7 - [Kitchen Renovation and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~1867267) - Location: Montclair, NJ - Photos: 32 - [Kitchen, Interior Renovation, Bathroom and Custom Fireplace Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-interior-renovation-bathroom-and-custom-fireplace-design-pj-vj~1518695) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - Description: Project Cost $150,000 - Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated… - [Major Residential Renovation & Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/major-residential-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~1087693) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 29 - Description: Major Renovation and Addition Project - Project Cost $650,000 - Design Services Provided - Architect was asked to convert this 1950's Split Level Style home into a Traditional Style home with a 2-story height grand entry foyer. The new design includes modern amenities such as a large 'Open Plan' kitchen, a family room, a home office, an oversized garage, spacious bedrooms with large closets, a second floor laundry room and a private master bedroom suite for the owners that includes two walk-in c… - [Various Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/various-projects-pj-vj~1614550) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Custom Kitchen and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-kitchen-and-addition-pj-vj~2278668) - Location: Cumming, GA - Photos: 3 - [Modern Custom Home Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-custom-home-renderings-pj-vj~2113998) - Location: Dawsonville, GA - Photos: 4 - [Residence Renovation & Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~1518780) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Major Renovation and Addition Project - Project Cost $250,000 - Design Services Provided - Architect was asked to design several major modifications to this 1950's Split Level Style home. The scope of work includes a two-story addition, a new master bedroom suite, a new roof configuration and a new front entry. The project is currently in the preliminary design phase. - [Residence Addition and Renovation - Currently Under Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-addition-and-renovation-currently-under-construction-pj-vj~1518761) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Major Renovation and Addition Project - Project Cost $275,000 - Design Services Provided - Architect was asked to design several major modifications to this Expanded Cape Cod Style home. The Architect analyzed the existing first floor plan and proposed a new design that meets current homeowner expectations. The load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to create an 'Open Plan'. The existing large chimney and coat closet at the main entrance was removed to create a grand o… - [Outdoor Kitchen, Deck & Porch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-kitchen-deck-and-porch-pj-vj~7872056) - Location: Cumming, GA - Photos: 12 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/built-tough-construction-of-north-georgia-pfvwus-pf~1258754346) ## Ideabooks - [kitchen dormers and skylights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107096151/list/kitchen-dormers-and-skylights) — 8 ideas - [PlayHouzz Design Competition 2016](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64947826/list/playhouzz-design-competition-2016) — 19 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/stgarchitect) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the ceiling height?** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking for projects that have 12' ceilings with stacked cabinets. A: ChrisAnn, the ceiling height is 9 feet. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*