--- title: "Tom Ellis Construction — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/tom-ellis-construction-pfvwus-pf~276955343 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~276955343.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Tom Ellis Construction" category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/feb32990022d0bd8_4804-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Po box 49686, Athens, Georgia 30604, United States" latitude: 33.9443 longitude: -83.3891 phone: "(706) 540-2432" website: http:// rating: 4.1 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 49 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Tom Ellis Construction Original Houzz profile: [Tom Ellis Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/tom-ellis-construction-pfvwus-pf~276955343) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Athens, GA - **Serves:** Athens, Watkinsville, Winterville, Bogart - **Houzz rating:** 4.1 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Award Winning Custom New Home Construction and Histotic Restoration. Originally from the Atlanta area, Tom attended UGA where he obtained his degree from the Terry College of Business in 1998. Tom started in the real estate industry with large companies like Trammell Crowe Residential and Benchmark Properties where he managed the leasing for multiple large-scale apartment complexes and managed the lease-up for ground-up construction of such projects. Tom began building new construction homes and developing land in 2002. Tom got his start in Athens, GA with in-fill construction in the New Town and East Athens neighborhoods. He has completed new construction homes all over Athens including Eastside and Westside subdivisions, in various Historic Districts in town, and in multiple urban in-fill areas, as well as created, designed, and built homes in Cobblestone Park in Oconee County and in Oak Grove Subdivision in Athens, GA. Tom is the recipient of multiple awards for his endeavors in Historic Preservation and for his devotion to top quality, well-designed, well-built homes. Tom is married to Sarah Ellis, Co-Owner and Broker of Chastain, Jenkins, and Leathers, and they live with their three children and silver Labrador Retriever in the Boulevard Historic District in Athens, GA. ### Services Provided - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Remodeling - Home Additions - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Project Management - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Tiny House Construction - Demolition ### Areas Served - Athens - Watkinsville - Winterville - Bogart ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Tom Ellis Construction | | Address | Po box 49686, Athens, Georgia 30604, United States | | Phone | (706) 540-2432 | | Website | http:// | | Followers on Houzz | 49 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Tom Ellis Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/tom-ellis-construction-pfvwus-pf~276955343) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (706) 540-2432 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - General contractor, EarthCraft Homes, outstanding historiic restoration and new construction by the Athens Clarke Co Heritage Foundation - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [The Home Builders Association of Georgia](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-home-builders-association-of-georgia-pfvwus-pf~881743969) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★ — Sam Dunlap, Sept. 2025** > We hired Tom Ellis to build a moderate -sized custom home based on several recommendations we thought we could trust. It turned out to be a mistake. Tom's five-star reviews are from 10 -12 years ago. That seems to have changed over the years. We were very disappointed in the lack of energy Tom put into building our home. The work was very slow with several changes made to the house plan that we were not told about until already done. There was always an excuse about the lack of progress, with us somehow being to blame. Tom is an absolutely terrible communicator. He rarely talks on the phone (Voice mail always full). It's text only and then only at his discretion. We finally gave up due to lies about progress. We are finishing our house with another contractor, way over the budget Tom presented and with lots of work having to be redone. Look for someone else. You've been warned. **★ — David Martin, Aug. 2021** > Did not do what he was supposed to do done what wanted not what customer wanteddo not hire you will be sorry **★★★★★ — HU-37113765, March 2021** > Tom was really helpful with the kitchen design and fixing the to do items on our house inspection. Custom woodwork is especially great! **★★★★★ — louisefr@bellsouth Freeman, Nov. 2017** > Tom Ellis Construction took me from the Historic Review Board through the demolition of old additions , and construction of new spaces to make my 100+year old home into my dream home. Preserving the original floors and fireplaces was a primary goal while the inside spaces were reconfigured. Tom's professional contact with area realtors, architects, as well as the subcontractors made the transition from old to "new" seamless. Because of the extensive work needed, the project took fourteen months and detail was given to each task. Tom Ellis uses quality materials and is very knowledgeable about the construction process. The home is now worthy of being called a historic showplace. **★★★★★ — Martha Long, Nov. 2017** > I have worked with Tom on several occasions. Most recently, I purchased a home that had been totally renovated by his company. The design was well thought out and the workmanship absolutely beautiful. Tom is always available if I have homeowner questions and checks in with me regularly. He created the perfect home for me! **★ — trinaml1, April 2015** > I hired Tom Ellis to do a major renovation and it was a disaster from start until ultimate termination. The project was unorganized and Tom failed to communicate, stay on budget or meet the estimated time frame that he repeatedly promised. When he did respond to texts or emails (he never answered his phone) it was one lie after another. In addition, I have to hire someone to correct the mistakes that were made by his crew. I have successfully completed several renovations in the past, so I knew (or thought I knew) what I was getting into. This was the most stressful and unprofessional situation I have ever dealt with. A complete nightmare working with this guy and I would never recommend him. **Comment from Tom Ellis Construction:** > Trina's plan was drawn by a well known local architect for a complete major renovation and addition to an existing brick ranch. Unfortunately, the homeowners unwillingness to follow the plans provided with regard to structural components, window size and placement, roof design, exterior materials, tree removal, interior layout, etc., etc., etc. caused substantial time and monetary overruns. We would be happy to finish Trina's home when she has a decisive plan for moving forward and a realistic goal for completion. All the best. > Tom **★★★★★ — Inkwell Interiors, Jan. 2014** > Tom Ellis is a magician. From beginning to end (and beyond, really) Tom shared my vision for my first custom home. He was supportive of my ideas (good or not-so-good) and as a result we created a truly stunning one-of-a-kind home. Tom is both knowledgeable and remarkably innovative. Throughout the building process Tom demonstrated his incredible skill and talent. I am continually amazed by his work and I have Tom to thank for a home that otherwise I would never have at this time in my life. He truly wants (and ensures) the best for every person he works with. Tom is adept at keeping a project on track, handling complications with tact and making the best of every situation. Most importantly, Tom's creativity combined with his experience and expertise are what make him one of the best. **★★★★★ — Kaye Sweetser, Sept. 2013** > This will be a long review, so I will sum it up quickly for the sake of your time. Stop looking, hire Tom Ellis. You will find in him unparalleled quality in customer service, craftsmanship & materials. > > If you need to hear more ... read on! > > I can't say enough about Tom's quality of work or work ethic. He built my house & through the entire process (even to today, more than 7 years later) he is just so easy & wonderful to work with. Tom is not one of these "new guys" that doesn't understand values & work ethic. He builds and works with the ethic our parents' homes were built with. > > Tom built me a gorgeous craftsman home in Athens. I recently was in San Diego, & went to a home museum which was also craftsman. I could not believe the detail that I saw in that home which was matched in mine. Even small details from the historic home were matched in my home. It made me love my house even more. People walk in my home & they can't stop raving about the amount of detail & finishing I have. The materials are excellent quality. Tom is very detail-oriented. The pulls on the kitchen cabinet made all the difference in finishing off a flawless kitchen. The floors are gorgeous wide plank, the moldings perfect for the era this home was inspired by. I have more built-ins than you can count. It is just astounding how true-to-period with modern upgrades he made my home! > > Tom's performance was beyond extraordinary and willingness to make changes were unprecedented. I've worked with builders before & hated the process. Not with Tom. I remember when I wanted to close off the dining room (located off the kitchen) with pocket doors so I could use it as a study. It was a late change & the structure of the wall wouldn't support pocket doors going into the walls. No problem. He quickly talked me through a sliding door that would act as a pocket but still not require structural change. The final product was beautiful and functional! You couldn't even tell it was an add on. That is now one of my favorite rooms where I spend most of my time! > > Tom was always willing to meet, responsive to phone calls, text & email. Tom doesn't hide from his clients. When he signs on to a project he's in for the long haul. When I added a fence to my home 3 years after I moved in, I was having trouble matching the paint. I called him while the painters were standing in my driveway & he fixed the problem on the spot - no wait - he answered the the phone after 2 rings & resolved my question quickly. He remembered, years later, all the details that had gone into the house & could help me with getting that paint color matched. This just doesn't happen today! His work ethic is beyond anything you can find in today's business. Tom stands by his work, years later and his work stands on it's own. > > I'm so proud to be in a Tom Ellis Home! And it doesn't hurt that I'm the envy of the street :) **★★★★★ — Armentrout Matheny Thurmond, P.C., Sept. 2013** > I am an architect in Athens, GA and Tom and I have worked together on several projects. Tom pays attention to detail and does a great job of staying in communication with the designer through-out the process. Tom has done a great job of interpreting my plans and ideas and has contributed great ideas to make a design better. I like a team approach when working with a homeowner, and Tom is a wonderful team player! I highly recommend To for new construction and for remodeling. **★★★★★ — Mandy Wilkins, Sept. 2013** > I supply Tom with the plumbing fixtures for his homes. He always gives me adequate amount of time to get the fixtures in and picks up within a timely manner. **★★★★★ — oateoateo, Sept. 2013** > In 2010, my parents decided to retire to Athens, Georgia from Norman, Oklahoma. Having a background in both Development and Construction, my selection for a contractor was very detailed. Tom Ellis and his team had been recommended to me by several other owners in the area and after meeting with his team it was obvious they were well qualified. Tom’s communication and professionalism were outstanding. I knew exactly what to expect at every step and his coordination with my parents, who were thousands of miles away, was spot on. Tom’s team of designers and engineers worked with us to craft a period-accurate home that provided all of today’s technologies but looked and felt like a home built 100 years ago. In addition to the home’s great looks and quality workmanship, his group was able to provide hidden elements that will be used in the future as my parents age in-place. Overall the entire process went smoothly. They met the challenging schedule and stayed within their proposed budgets. I could not recommend he and his team more highly. **★★★★★ — Business\_Name\_Placeholder, Sept. 2013** > I hired Tom Ellis Construction to do a complete tax-credit qualified historic restoration on a 7000 square foot 100 year old home at 648 South Milledge Avenue in Athens. Tom coordinated and contracted all aspects of the restoration, including period and style appropriate siding, trim, reclaimed flooring, the researching and total reconstruction of a long ago demolished front porch, and all the 100 year old lighting (not repros - original 100 year old lights). The project came in on budget at 1.1M, and I received over 300,000 in tax credits because Tom's work met all the standards and was approved by the federal government as a correct restoration of the building. The building is presently my law office. Tom was easy to work with and completely professional. Feel free to stop in if you would like to personally inspect Tom's beautiful creation - that won him an Athens Historic Preservation Society award for that year!! > Doug McKillip > 706-546-6279 ## Selected projects - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~489869) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~489871) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exteriors-pj-vj~320510) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-pj-vj~1179077) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 [See all 4 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/tom-ellis-construction-pfvwus-pf~276955343) ## Ideabooks - [tomellis's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5593462/list/tomellis-s-ideas) — 34 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/tomellis) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*