--- title: "YSL Builders — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ysl-builders-pfvwus-pf~402772307 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~402772307.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "YSL Builders" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/47c3b807034dc6cd_6606-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Houston, Texas 77098, United States" phone: "(713) 522-8689" website: http://www.yslbuilders.com rating: 5 review_count: 6 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 220 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # YSL Builders Original Houzz profile: [YSL Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ysl-builders-pfvwus-pf~402772307) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Houston, TX - **Serves:** Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, River Oaks, Hunters Creek Village, Bunker Hill Village, Piney Point Village, Hedwig Village, Southside Place, Avalon Place, Memorial, Southampton Place, Tanglewood - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves YSL Builders is a Houston based estate builder with a reputation for excellence in the construction of custom homes meeting the highest professional standards. Owner Yem Levy believes that a successful project requires a highly involved "hands-on" approach by the homebuilder. Our reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction comes from our dedication to quality and precision in our construction. We have built our business on the cornerstones of experience, judgment, integrity and vision: EXPERIENCE - Over the past 25 years, YSL Builders has been privileged to build some of Houston’s most exclusive residences. The projects showcased on our website reflect the scope and quality of our new construction, renovation, and restoration projects. We invite prospective clients to schedule a free consultation in order to gain a clearer understanding of our experience. JUDGMENT - Through our experience has come sound judgment. We are mindful of the high degree of trust owners and architects place in our judgment each and every day during construction. We understand that success is only possible through the selection of the highest quality craftsmen and effective project supervision. Most important, we take pride in knowing that owners and architects have extraordinary confidence and trust in our judgment. INTEGRITY - We fully appreciate the high degree of integrity required between owner, architect, and builder. Custom design residential construction projects create an “intimate” relationship between all of the participants. Known for our progressive customer-oriented model, we believe that a successful project is built through documents and dialog. Experience has taught us that the entire construction process is well served in an atmosphere of the highest integrity consisting of an open, honest, and candid exchange of ideas and information between owner, architect, and builder. VISION - We understand that at this level of quality construction, the process requires far more than the ability to assemble building materials and supervise subcontractors. We fully appreciate that, in collaboration with their architect, owners see the process as the physical realization of a vision for their lives. YSL Builders welcomes the opportunity to help make your vision a reality. ### Services Provided - Custom Homes - Energy-Efficient Homes - General Contracting - Green Building - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Home Remodeling - Multigenerational Homes - New Home Construction - Project Management - Sustainable Design ### Areas Served - Houston - Bellaire - West University Place - River Oaks - Hunters Creek Village - Bunker Hill Village - Piney Point Village - Hedwig Village - Southside Place - Avalon Place - Memorial - Southampton Place - Tanglewood ### Typical Job Cost Contact Yem at 713-522-8689 or via email (yem@yslg.com) to discuss your project. Free consultations and estimates are always included. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | YSL Builders | | Address | Houston, Texas 77098, United States | | Phone | (713) 522-8689 | | Website | http://www.yslbuilders.com | | Followers on Houzz | 220 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.yslbuilders.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [YSL Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ysl-builders-pfvwus-pf~402772307) - **Website:** http://www.yslbuilders.com - **Phone:** (713) 522-8689 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA Houston Home Tour – 2011, 2007 - River Oaks Garden Club Azalea Trail – 2017, 2012, 2011 - Rice Design Alliance Home Tour – 2012, 2009 - AIA Houston Design Award for Residential Architecture - GSMA - 2008 - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews** ### All 6 reviews **★★★★★ — NCV Custom Wine Rooms, July 2015** > I have worked with many home builders over the years and Yem is one of the best. Every sub knows that you better be on your toes while on his job. **★★★★★ — Exterior Worlds Landscaping & Design, Aug. 2014** > Yem is without a doubt one of the finest contractors we have had the pleasure to work with. He is knowledgeable and respectful. He carries a project through the entire process with a prescient perspective that all can appreciate. One can only hope he is available to work on their home. I cannot recommend him highly enough. **★★★★★ — johnnysteele, Aug. 2014** > I hired YSL Builders to work with me on the remodeling of a home built in 1952 in Houston, Texas. The house was small but an architectural jewel on agreeably one of the most beautiful lots in River Oaks. The property was a heavily wooded acre that terraced down to Buffalo Bayou. Designed by Hugo Neuhaus, the house speaks that 1950 architectural style, now referred to as mid-century. The simple shapes and forms, and materials used, demanded that the renovation be done with the utmost attention to detail. There was no place to hide mistakes. > > The project proved to be a remarkable journey for myself and for Yem. Yem's attention to the construction details were impeccable. I have lived in the house for over 5 years and, at times, catch myself smiling as I observe again and again the beautiful details quietly expressed throughout the house. In our society today, we often use "10" to indicate that perfect score! Using that same rating system, I would give YSL Builders and Yem Levy an "11" and offer to anyone my highest recommendation. > > Johnny Steele **★★★★★ — Janet Parisi, Aug. 2014** > We hired Yem Levy to build our house, which was completed four years ago, on the strong recommendations of two friends whose stunning homes he built, as well as both our architect and interior designer. We have congratulated ourselves on this decision ever since, and here is why: > > Yem is meticulous. Our home is contemporary and it has no molding at the floors or ceilings, which builders use to hide imperfections. We are very demanding and critical clients, and the construction is perfect. Yem is extremely detail-oriented, has a great eye and as a former architect, he knows what looks good. > > Yem's employees and sub-contractors are top-notch. The people who worked on our home for Yem are complete professionals. We still work with many of them for regular maintenance and new projects. > > Yem is long-term, and he truly wants to make and keep his clients happy. We still rely on him for advice and referrals. For example, we have purchased several pieces of art since we moved in that needed to be lighted. Our electrician requested construction photos of the interiors of walls and ceiling, which Yem quickly provided and which proved invaluable. When we are considering an improvement, we consult him first regarding whether it is advisable and whom to call. Yem always responds promptly and courteously. > > We could keep going on with our praises. If anyone wishes to talk with us, please ask Yem for the contact information. > > Janet **★★★★★ — rwmcdu, Aug. 2014** > Building with YSL Builders was unique and the most positive of all my experiences building and renovating houses and buildings, old and new, because Yem is so experienced and knowledgeable about what makes the process work well and what causes a building to be well built. > > His training as an architect was helpful in many instances, but not as competition with the engaged architect, rather as a background to find workable and cost effective solutions to all types of challenging design issues. Our project was value engineered in many areas with Yem's extensive help, and the result allowed a relatively moderate cost for some very tricky finishes and design challenges. I would engage Yem again on any project I do without hesitation. He is an excellent builder and fun to work with. > > Richard M **★★★★★ — Osborne Cabinets and Millwork, Inc., Aug. 2014** > We really enjoy working with and designing custom cabinets for Yem and his team. They are very customer service driven and produce good quality workmanship! ## Selected projects - [River Oaks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-oaks-pj-vj~495252) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 18 - Description: Tudor inspired two-story home with unique antique brick veneer with turquoise highlights. Clipped gables with decorative brackets distinguish this prominent sprawling home in the River Oaks subdivision. - [Memorial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/memorial-pj-vj~495251) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 13 - Description: The home features a private guest suite with a balcony overlooking the pool and gardens, an elegant wood-paneled library/study with a bar, a reconstructed French pub and brick wine cellar, and formal rooms for entertaining. European architectural antiques add charm inside and out. - [Memorial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/memorial-pj-vj~495259) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 9 - [River Oaks (Buffalo Bayou)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-oaks-buffalo-bayou-pj-vj~495241) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 39 - Description: Mid-Century Renovation/Restoration Azalea Trail 1954 & 2012 One approaches the home via steps that ascend the landscape All openings welcome the outdoor landscape Flat-roofed, mahogany clad volumes Architectural jewel on agreeably one of the most beautiful lots in River Oaks. The property is a heavily wooded acre that terraces down to Buffalo Bayou. Designed by Hugo Neuhaus, the house speaks to that 1950 architectural style, now referred to as mid-century. The simple shapes and forms, and materi… - [River Oaks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-oaks-pj-vj~495256) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 28 - Description: A multi-generational family compound was created on the site of a childhood home. The plan of this home provides privacy without isolation and closeness without intrusion. The compound consists of spaces for three generations -- a mother and her son's family of five, a guest apartment for visitors, and gardens for family activities. The design respects the family's memories by saving beloved majestic live oak trees and preserving the side play yard. A large breezeway is the core of the compound,… - [West University](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-university-pj-vj~495253) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 16 - Description: Modern Rendition of Classic Style Renewable & Sustainable Resources Green Agenda Basement Wine Room Stainless Steel Elevator Tower - [Avalon Place (Upper Kirby)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avalon-place-upper-kirby-pj-vj~495254) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 26 - Description: Renovation + Addition for a 1950's Gem Rice Design Alliance Home Tour 2009 AIA Houston Home Tour 2011 SWISSPEARL Panel Rain Screen The 9° House combines the renovation of an existing, historically significant modern residence with a new 3,000 sf addition. Where the addition begins the base geometry of the house skews 9° to the west to fill the vacant southwest corner of the lot and expand the rear garden for outdoor activity. Every detail of the addition conforms to the 9° shift. - [River Oaks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-oaks-pj-vj~2559757) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 8 - [Houston Simplicity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/houston-simplicity-pj-vj~13830) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 4 - [River Oaks, Houston, TX Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-oaks-houston-tx-residence-pj-vj~2023289) - Location: Houston, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Tudor inspired two-story home with unique antique brick veneer with turquoise highlights. Clipped gables with decorative brackets distinguish this prominent sprawling home in the River Oaks subdivision of Houston, Texas. [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/ysl-builders-pfvwus-pf~402772307) ## Ideabooks - [Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/38013180/list/idea-book) — 64 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/yemlevy) ## Community Q&A **Q: Who is the manufacturer of the coffee table?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The interior designer was Eubanks Group Architects - hopefully they can assist you! It is a beautiful table. **Q: What color is the tile roof? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Green glazed clay tile. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*