--- title: "Sierra Sustainable Builders — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/sierra-sustainable-builders-pfvwus-pf~595913258 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~595913258.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sierra Sustainable Builders" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2d037f370637ecae_3457-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1175 Mingwe St., South Lake Tahoe, California 96150, United States" latitude: 38.917 longitude: -119.9865 phone: "(530) 576-5370" website: https://www.sierrasustainable.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 14 years_in_business: 17 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 105 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Sierra Sustainable Builders > Lake Tahoe Award-Winning Custom Home Builder- Best of Houzz 2021 Original Houzz profile: [Sierra Sustainable Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/sierra-sustainable-builders-pfvwus-pf~595913258) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** South Lake Tahoe, CA - **Serves:** Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, East Shore, Carson City, Echo Lake, Genoa, Glenbrook, Kingsbury, Lakefront, Lakeridge, Skyland, Stateline, Twin Bridges, Woodfords/Markleeville, Zephyr Cove - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - 17 years in business ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - 17 years in business - Eco-friendly We are Lake Tahoe based General Contractors who specialize in custom building projects - residential and commercial - new construction and remodel. We are a certified Passive House Builder in Lake Tahoe, which is the world's highest standard for a quality, comfortable, and low-impact home. Our resume is deep with gorgeous custom projects throughout South Lake Tahoe and the East Shore - from the lakefront to the mountaintop. Whether it be a unique piece of reclaimed furniture or a full-scale commercial remodel, attention to our clients' goals and the desire to create something lasting and beautiful are our highest priorities. We hope you enjoy our portfolio and we look forward to helping you create something spectacular. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Deck Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Project Management - Custom Home Bars - Countertop Installation - Energy-Efficient Homes - House Framing - Green Building - Concrete Construction - Home Gym Design & Construction - Barn Design & Construction - Tiny House Construction - Workshop Design & Construction - Sustainable Design - Modular Home Construction - Log Home Construction - Custom Cabinets - Home Builder - Home Builders - Passive House - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Tahoe - South Lake Tahoe - East Shore - Carson City - Echo Lake - Genoa - Glenbrook - Kingsbury - Lakefront - Lakeridge - Skyland - Stateline - Twin Bridges - Woodfords/Markleeville - Zephyr Cove ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 5,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sierra Sustainable Builders | | Address | 1175 Mingwe St., South Lake Tahoe, California 96150, United States | | Phone | (530) 576-5370 | | Website | https://www.sierrasustainable.com | | License Number | CA 894230 NV 70412 | | Years in business | 17 | | Followers on Houzz | 105 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.sierrasustainable.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sierra Sustainable Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/sierra-sustainable-builders-pfvwus-pf~595913258) - **Website:** https://www.sierrasustainable.com - **Phone:** (530) 576-5370 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 894230 - Type: B - GENERAL BUILDING - Issued by: Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board **Certifications & Awards** - Tahoe Quarterly 5th Annual Mountain Home Award. South Shore Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Award. We received the very first "Build It Green Certified Home" certification in the Lake Tahoe Basin. - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2021), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Mountain Luxury Properties, Dec. 2018** > Working as a busy real estate agent here in Lake Tahoe, I am always in need of a reliable construction company to refer to my clients. I have referred Sierra Sustainable Builders to several of my top clients and I plan on doing so for many more years to come. They are one of the most innovative builders in all of Lake Tahoe and I can’t wait to see what they build next. ### All 14 reviews **★★★★★ — Sandy Bryson, May 2020** > After living in the world’s most beautiful places during my career, I am excited that Sierra Sustainable Builders met the high bar I set for my new home at Lake Tahoe. Aesthetics and efficiency top my list of residential requirements. These are not easily done with a small home project in an already established neighborhood. But SSB has proven to be a partnership of professionals who welcome the challenge of innovation. They worked in close collaboration with the architects and subcontractors to build a home that is at once exciting to see yet practical to live in, both winter and summer. The California-Nevada Sierra is evolving, driven by ecological and social changes, and technology that will continue to change how we live on a daily basis. Thanks to Sierra Sustainable, my home will adapt to these changes and be a pleasure to own for many years. **★★★★★ — Chris McNamara, Jan. 2018** > A truly top notch builder. They not only do a great job with construction, they have a lot of great design input along the way. We are very happy with the way our building turned out. We have worked with Sierra Sustainable Builders on at least 4 other projects as well. All turned out great. **★★★★★ — Adam Wolff, June 2017** > Sierra Sustainable builders remodeled our kitchen, great room, and garage, and it looks fantastic! We loved working with Cory and Brandon. We’ve done a number of home renovations with other builders, and we were impressed with how smoothly this job went, how thoughtful they were every step of the way, and how top-notch the final results were. > > They have been wonderful collaborators, helping us evolve our design, down to the smallest details, and made some great suggestions that worked out well. They were always responsive by phone and email, which made it easy to keep track of progress on the job. > > We have been so happy with the process and the result that we have already asked SSB to come back and renovate the exterior and entry of the house to match the interior improvements. We look forward to our continued partnership with SSB and we can't recommend them highly enough. **★★★★★ — SDC Stone, March 2017** > Cory and his team are a pleasure to work with. They are very professional and the quality of the work is remarkable. We highly recommend working with Cory and his team at Sierra Sustainable Builders. We have worked with them since 2004. **★★★★★ — Jana Menard, Feb. 2016** > I have been working with SSB for almost 5 years on a full house overhaul. In this project I insisted upon using primarily salvage, green, antique, or forestry certified materials. SSB worked with me on every aspect of design and construction on a daily basis for 3 years. Their carpenters are of the highest caliber, and all the workers who came through the house were reputable. They are honest and communicative, with rates comparable to other firms but with a much higher quality of work. I would use no other contractor for any of my projects. **★★★★★ — frankiefox, Nov. 2015** > I was so pleased with phase 1 of my remodel that I hired Sierra Sustainable Builders to do a Phase 2 build out of a playroom for my grandchildren. I love it and so do the children. Everything came out just perfecly. SSB worked the complicated permit process to get the job done. **★★★★★ — ceratodon25, Nov. 2015** > Sierra Sustainable is a really great company to work with. I hired them when I bought a partially finished house. They were great at working with me, together we identified things that I could take care of to keep the cost within my budget. They completed the work in a very timely manor and were very professional. The quality was great. Their knowledge about sustainability was also great and was such an added bonus so that I didn't have to do my own research. I would highly recommend these guys! They are great people and do great work. **★★★★★ — valrwelch, Nov. 2015** > Sierra Sustainable is a wonderful company...they rebuilt our Tahoe home using quality ideas, quality workmanship, and quality workers. They hold themselves to the highest standards and are reliable in every instance. We have proudly shared the final product with friends, neighbors and encouraged Cory and Dan to use our home as representative of the quality of their work. T304hey were timely with each step in the construction and we are completely satisfied with the outcome. Most importantly, they respect the area in which they work, the people with whom they work, and the product they provide. **★★★★ — aknotts, Dec. 2013** > Sierra Sustainable Builders were the general contractor we hired following the devestating loss of our house in a wildfire. The team of carpenters and subconsultants were very professional, timely, and presented us with great ideas in making our house a better final product. The end result is a beautiful house with unique features and accents utilzing as much reclaimed, recycled, and environmental senstive materials as possible. I would highly recommend the services of Sierra Sustainable Builders and utlize them again myself if the need should arise. **★★★★★ — June Santucci, Dec. 2013** > Sierra Sustainable Builders are very professional to work with. Owner listens to your ideas and helps you stay within your budget. We couldn't be more pleased with how our project turned out. **★★★★ — Steve Nielsen, Nov. 2013** > Cory and his team at Sierra Sustainable Builders helped us design, and then constructed a custom, all-ipe hardwood deck in our backyard. The project included installation of a sunken hot tub in a complex, multi-level deck structure that included bordering benches & custom deck railings.. and some really sweet stair designs. > > We experienced a few hiccups relating to cost of design changes, but overall, we are very happy with the end result. I recommend Sierra Builders whole heartedly! > Steve N. **★★★★★ — dw7230q, Nov. 2013** > Sierra Sustainable did a major renovation of our Tahoe cabin which included the remodel of a large portion of our existing structure as well as the addition of 900 square feet and a second story. In all respects they were a pleasure to work with and their end product was superior. > In order to trim back the budget somewhat we agreed I would do all the painting inside and out (this is not a typical aspect of remodeling, but was done at my request). The daily workers cooperated with me continually so that I could do the painting and we had to delay part of Sierra Sustainable's work schedule due to an injury to one of my relatives who was helping me with the painting. At no time did Sierra Sustainable complain when I asked to have the project delayed somewhat to complete the interior painting. > The company was responsive and when we met unanticipated issues with the details of the architectural plans it was easy and straightforward to address them with Sierra Sustainable. We have entertained many friends at our cabin since the remodel and all have been impressed with the craftmanship and attention to detail provided by Sierra Sustainable. I unhesitatingly recommend them as fair, competent, hard working, responsive and honest. > In the advance of retaining Sierra Sustainable to perform the remodel/addition I had detailed plans created and submitted these plans to 10 highly recommended Tahoe Construction companies. I interviewed the company representatives of these companies and finally decided to engage Sierra Sustainable. I have never regretted this decision. **★★★★★ — pudwhistle, Nov. 2013** > I have known Cory since he was my neighbor in Meyers, so I knew he was an honest and responsible individual with strong skills as a builder. I met Danny when I hired them to do interior remodel work on our home and to build a us a custom gazebo. Danny too proved to be totally honest and professional. Besides this, both are hell of nice guys: if you value contractors who also feel like they are your friends, these are your guys. > They installed hardwood flooring & stairs through most of our home along with other work: everything turned our splendidly. I made a sketch of a "dream" gazebo which I showed them; they created it just as I wanted, beautifully crafted and amazingly sturdy. > Besides being good men and reliable (hardworking and timely) contractors they have a totally green ethic. I have the highest regard for them and their quality work. ## Selected projects - [Lakeside Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-cove-pj-vj~6048626) - Location: Zephyr Cove, NV - Photos: 33 - [Al Tahoe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/al-tahoe-pj-vj~2999573) - Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: The primary objective of this home was to create an exceptional aesthetic experience for the occupants and the public, while creating an enduring, high performance home that impacted the neighborhood and building site as little as possible. The design commenced with the objective of placing the home to fit on the site delicately among the old growth trees of the historic Al Tahoe neighborhood, removing as few trees as possible. The unique and organic shape of the home snakes through the trees an… - [Lakeside Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-cove-pj-vj~5497235) - Location: Glenbrook, NV - Photos: 43 - [Christmas Valley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/christmas-valley-pj-vj~6145557) - Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 5 - [Zephyr Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zephyr-cove-pj-vj~2824110) - Location: Zephyr Cove, NV - Photos: 22 - [Mt. Rose](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-rose-pj-vj~397869) - Location: Incline Village, NV - Photos: 12 - Description: Situated beautifully on a forested slope with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, the original design of this home did little to draw from these attributes. In conjunction with the owner, a highly regarded and skilled architect, SSB transformed the space from simplistic and predictable to sophisticated and elegant. We stripped the space to its frame, moved and added windows to maximize site lines, replaced the mechanical system with a modern high efficiency radiant boiler, installed a large open flame… - [Skyland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/skyland-pj-vj~1968130) - Location: Glenbrook, NV - Photos: 19 - Description: A beautiful lakefront home that received a highly detailed remodel, inside and out. Clean, Modern lines and a sleek aesthetic make this home one of a kind. - [Cedar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedar-pj-vj~1358358) - Location: Stateline, NV - Photos: 12 - Description: When we were approached by the owner for this project, he had just endured a winter where, with the heat turned to high, the indoor temps on the coldest days would barely crest 50F!! The roof had no insulation, windows were antiquated, 2x4 walls afforded little insulation and the mechanical system was dismally inefficient. Phase one was an overhaul of the thermal envelope. The first step was overlaying the roof with a continuous layer of 10.5” SIPs with a net 9.5” of EPS insulation yielding an i… - [New Home Construction in the Angora Burn Area](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-home-construction-in-the-angora-burn-area-pj-vj~715219) - Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This home was designed by David Goldman of Environmental Arcitecture, with whom SSB has collaborated on several projects. Built from the ground up, an emphasis was placed on utilizing state of the art green building practices and materials. The wall system is Tridi panel. Exterior siding is stucco and reclaimed cedar. Interior floors are bamboo. Staircase banister is reclaimed douglas fir. The home features SSB's signature cabintery, complimented by a beautiful mantel that extends to a vaulted c… - [Transitional Full Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-full-home-remodel-pj-vj~2130019) - Location: Stateline, NV - Photos: 14 - Description: Sleek remodel of a dated home - [Remodel Transforms Cabin into Cozy Dwelling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodel-transforms-cabin-into-cozy-dwelling-pj-vj~392929) - Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: A modern transformation of a classic Tahoe home featuring a full kitchen remodel, reclaimed douglas fir island counter, SSB's signature furniture and cabinetry, paperstone counter tops, and a handcrafted TV lift cabinet. Exterior decking is Bamboo and recycled plastic composite. Organic, sustainable, local materials used throughout. - [Lake Tahoe Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-tahoe-passive-house-pj-vj~715196) - Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This home was designed and built to achieve Passive House certification (pending). This is a rigorous, objective standard to reduce energy use and the carbon footprint of buildings. The thresholds to meet PH standards have been developed in the field of building science. Sierra Sustainable Builders built this clean, modern passive home from the ground up. We first insulated under the entire floor slab with 6” of EPS rigid insulation. The walls were primarily 8.5” SIPs (Structural Insulated Panel… - [Tasteful Kitchen Remodel with Beautiful Waterfall Island](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tasteful-kitchen-remodel-with-beautiful-waterfall-island-pj-vj~715180) - Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This kitchen was a complete remodel designed and built in house by SSB. The floors are reclaimed oak milled to spec and installed in a chevron pattern. This remodel features a magnificent waterfall island made of 3form, a recycled content panel that looks and feels like marble. Care was taken to source FSC certified and low environmental impact products throughout. - [Squaw](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/squaw-pj-vj~1432816) - Location: Glenbrook, NV - Photos: 11 - Description: This was a dated 1970’s condominium, yet it had good lines and spatial attributes. SSB worked in concert with the owner to implement a design in the “transitional” mode. Originally the kitchen was a cul-de-sac with dark cabinets including uppers that hung down over the peninsulas creating a boxed in feeling with poor flow. Dominating the living room was a heavy cultured stone fireplace. The available light was consumed by these features of the original era. The kitchen lay out was reversed and h… - [SIP's](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sip-s-pj-vj~1439991) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Modern Mountain Kitchen & Bathroom Updated 1970's Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-mountain-kitchen-and-bathroom-updated-1970-s-home-pj-vj~2353955) - Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 6 - [Lakeside Cove](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-cove-pj-vj~6090287) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 [See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/sierra-sustainable-builders-pfvwus-pf~595913258) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840715749.m3u8?s=de48cbbfddd8cfe59f7a06690900d5e0858d0f25&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Are you licensed and insured?** Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. We hold California General Contractor License \#894230 and Nevada General Contractor License \#70412, ensuring we meet all regulatory requirements for your project. **Do you handle permitting and inspections for new home construction?** Yes, we handle all aspects of permitting and inspections for new home construction. Our comprehensive project management ensures a smooth process, navigating local regulations and codes to keep your build on track from start to finish. **How do you structure pricing and contracts for new home builds?** We prioritize transparency in our pricing and contracts for new home builds. We work diligently to provide a realistic view of project costs and timelines from the outset, sharing schedules, notes, and photos daily through our online platform for clear communication. **Do you build fully custom homes?** Yes, absolutely. We specialize in fully custom building projects, from residential to commercial. Our portfolio showcases numerous gorgeous custom homes throughout the Lake Tahoe area, reflecting our commitment to bringing your unique vision to life with exceptional quality. **Do you build new homes from the ground up?** Yes, we build new homes from the ground up. New home construction is a core service we offer, specializing in custom projects. We recently built a clean, modern passive home from the ground up, demonstrating our expertise in comprehensive new builds. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138663928/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Tiller Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116931363/list/tiller-idea-book) — 7 ideas - [Cool Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116971613/list/cool-interiors) — 1 idea - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57658066/list/kitchen) — 3 ideas - [Leavy Decor - SSB Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77525686/list/leavy-decor-ssb-ideas) — 5 ideas - [Siding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57658284/list/siding) — 5 ideas - [leavy stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77525556/list/leavy-stairs) — 8 ideas - [Mid Century](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76402153/list/mid-century) — 1 idea - [Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75974228/list/windows) — 5 ideas - [Kids rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57658469/list/kids-rooms) — 1 idea - [Outdoor patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57658166/list/outdoor-patio) — 1 idea - [Shelving](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57658051/list/shelving) — 2 ideas - [stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56572253/list/stairs) — 5 ideas [See all 13 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sierrasustainable) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where and who is the bedding: throw pillows, duvet cover and color and** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking for navy themed bedding A: As the builder, not the interior decorator, unfortunately I have no idea. **Q: Tile backsplash** *(in Photo Questions)* The tile reminds me of the texture of shou sugi ban. Anyone know the brand & pattern? A: I don't know the brand but I can tell you we did some shou sugi ban work elsewhere in the house - see the entry door photos **Q: Exterior paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, We love the color scheme of this house. Can you tell me what is the color of the stucco? Thanks A: It was matched to a paint color that the owners selected and provided to the stucco contractor. Your stucco contractor should be able to provide a match on any color you choose. **Q: What are the type and color of the tiles on the wall? Thank you** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I am not sure the color but they are Porcelanosa tiles. **Q: Curtains** *(in Photo Questions)* Who is the drapery fabric by A: I'm sorry but I don't know. Those were supplied by the client. **Q: Is there a floor plan available for this home?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am curious about the sq footage, number of bedrooms, general layout. Looks like a great home for an empty nester such as myself. It's hard to find new homes that are small and not overly designed. I like the size and design of this house. A: I don't have copy of the floor plan, but it is simple chalet with 3 bedrooms - one downstairs and 2 upstairs - with 2 bathrooms. Good design is essential in making a smaller home function well. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*