New siding engineered for Tahoe's UV, moisture, and temperature extremes, with flashing details that actually protect your home.
Sten construction
Home Remodeling in the Tahoe Keys
About the Area
South Shore lakefront living
Lagoon-front remodels, dock-side decks, and full modernizations of the original 1960s and 70s Keys homes, plus kitchen and bath remodels, additions, and ground-up custom builds. We have worked every phase of residential construction in the Tahoe Keys, and our crews know the South Shore the way only people who have spent winters here can: which inspectors to call first, how the Tahoe Keys architectural review treats exterior changes, when permits actually take six weeks instead of three, and how short the build window really is once the snow starts again.
Many Tahoe Keys properties are older cabins being converted to year-round homes, or vacation homes getting long-overdue updates. We understand the permitting process, know the local inspectors, and plan construction schedules around the short South Shore build window.
Call 530-545-1884 to start your next project.
Local Consideration
Building On South Shore
Full Home Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling
Bathroom Remodeling
Home Additions
Decks
Custom Home Building
Siding Replacement
Process
How We Work
Structure protects everyone, homeowner and builder. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Initial Consultation
We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your vision, project goals, and specific needs. This is where we listen, assess, and offer our expertise to help refine your ideas. Whether you’re planning a residential renovation, a commercial build, or site improvements, we’ll tailor a solution that fits your requirements.
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Project Planning & Design
Once we have a clear understanding of your vision, we move into the planning phase. Our team works closely with you to finalize design concepts, select materials, and establish a detailed timeline. During this phase, we ensure that all the necessary permits and approvals are in place.
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Proposal & Agreement
After finalizing the project scope, we provide a detailed proposal that includes an accurate estimate of costs, timelines, and other important project details. Once everything is approved, we’ll sign an agreement to officially kick off the project. Our bids are thorough by design, so the
price you approve is the price you pay, barring homeowner-requested changes
Construction Phase
Our experienced team of craftsmen and contractors begin executing the plan, with constant attention to detail and quality. We keep you informed throughout the entire process, ensuring you are updated on the progress and addressing any questions or concerns along the way.
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Project Completion & Walk-Through
Upon completion, we conduct a final walk-through with you to ensure every detail is in place and that you’re completely satisfied with the results. If there are any finishing touches or adjustments needed, we make them promptly.
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Ongoing Support
Our commitment doesn’t end at project completion. We’re always available for follow-up support, maintenance, or additional work that you may need. Sten Construction stands behind our work, ensuring that your investment is built to last.
Why Sten Construction
Standards you can verify, not just trust
We don't ask you to take our word for it. Our process creates a paper trail — photos, written updates, documented decisions, so you can see exactly what's happening on your project at any point.
Built for mountain conditions
We spec materials and methods for snow loads, frost depth, and freeze-thaw cycles. Every detail is engineered for elevation.
Everything documented
Weekly written updates, photographed progress, change orders approved before work begins. No surprises.
One point of contact
Your dedicated project lead manages the schedule, coordinates trades, and answers your calls directly.
Photo records of hidden work
We photograph framing, insulation, vapor barriers, and flashing before walls close — for your records and insurance.
The bid is the price
Our estimates are detailed and thorough, line-item labor, materials, permits, and allowances. We do the homework upfront so the number you approve is the number you pay.
Written warranty
We stand behind our work. If something isn't right after closeout, we come back and fix it.
Choosing a Contractor
What to consider when looking for a general contractor or construction company in the Tahoe Keys
South Shore construction requires a contractor who understands the unique logistics of building in the Tahoe Keys, limited road access during winter, TRPA permitting requirements, and the compressed build season that defines every project timeline. A company without direct experience here will underestimate how long permits take, how deliveries need to be staged, and how weather affects scheduling from November through April.
Look for a general contractor with established relationships with local inspectors and TRPA staff. Tahoe Keys projects often require coordination between county permits, agency reviews, and HOA architectural committees, all running on different timelines. A contractor who manages these processes proactively, rather than reactively, can save you months on your project schedule.
Material selection matters more here than in most places. The Tahoe Keys sits in a wet, shaded microclimate with heavy snowfall and limited sun exposure on many lots. Your contractor should be specifying materials rated for moisture, UV at elevation, and snow loads specific to the South Shore, not defaulting to specs that work in the valley.
Contact Us
From cabin-to-home conversions and kitchen remodels to ground-up custom builds on lakefront lots, we handle every phase of residential construction in the Tahoe Keys. Our crews know the South Shore, the permitting, the inspectors, and the build windows that shape every project.
Speak With Us
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What our client's says
I had a fantastic experience with this contractor. Communication was a breeze; they were always clear, responsive, and willing to answer any questions, making the entire process stress-free. Work was completed much faster than anticipated without compromising on quality, demonstrating their efficiency and expertise. Their attention to detail and professionalism were exceptional, leaving me thoroughly impressed. Highly recommend for anyone needing reliable and top-notch service
Z.
Nils did a great job repairing late October bear damage under our vacation home! After being strung along for a month by one repair guy and declined by 2 others (too busy), I got lucky finding Nils who responded right away via Yelp. With the first winter storm approaching, Nils quickly removed/ replaced torn up insulation, crushed heating ducts, vents, and siding, plus a broken fence & gate. Nils was super professional coordinating with me (out-of-town owner) and my property manager. I would definitely use him again.
Carolyn Y.
The home we purchased in Stateline did not have a bathroom fan. Nils came out, estimated the project and then returned after I had received the bathroom light/fan I had ordered. He installed it and properly vented it to the outside. I will definitely use him again for any future needs I have.
Cassie C.
I’m highly recommending this company. They did a great job in my house. If you looking for some who can handle all kind of remodeling you are can hire them.
Vladimir K.
Nils and his team are amazing craftsmen! They were easy to work with, and charged a reasonable fee for the superb quality of work they performed – is this case a high end deck. Sten Construction is a top 10 builder.
BuildTec
I had a fantastic experience with this contractor. Communication was a breeze; they were always clear, responsive, and willing to answer any questions, making the entire process stress-free. Work was completed much faster than anticipated without compromising on quality, demonstrating their efficiency and expertise. Their attention to detail and professionalism were exceptional, leaving me thoroughly impressed. Highly recommend for anyone needing reliable and top-notch service
Z.
Nils did a great job repairing late October bear damage under our vacation home! After being strung along for a month by one repair guy and declined by 2 others (too busy), I got lucky finding Nils who responded right away via Yelp. With the first winter storm approaching, Nils quickly removed/ replaced torn up insulation, crushed heating ducts, vents, and siding, plus a broken fence & gate. Nils was super professional coordinating with me (out-of-town owner) and my property manager. I would definitely use him again.
Carolyn Y.
FAQ
Common questions
When can you actually build in the Tahoe Keys?
Exterior work along the South Shore usually runs from late April into mid-November, give or take a few weeks depending on snowfall and how Highway 50 is moving. Interior work runs year-round. On lagoon-front lots there is an added wrinkle: water-adjacent BMP and erosion controls have to be in place before we open the ground. The real planning challenge is everything that has to happen before the build: pre-ordering materials, locking in subs, and getting permits and Keys architectural approval stamped before spring thaw, because by the time the snow is gone, every good crew in town is already booked.
How do change orders and budgets work?
Every project starts with a line-item estimate, not a single number, so you can see exactly what each phase costs. If something does change, and on a real project something usually does, we write it up with exact costs and get your signed approval before the work happens. No surprise charges, no figuring it out at the end. You will see a current budget status in every weekly update.
Do you work with my architect or designer?
Yes. We work with local architects, interior designers, and structural engineers all the time, and we are comfortable plugging into a team that is already in motion. If you do not have a designer yet, we can point you to people we have actually built with and would hire ourselves, not just names off a list.
Can you run the project while I am out of town?
Yes, and a lot of our Keys clients are part-time Tahoe owners who never set foot on site during the build. You will get weekly photo updates, a shared project folder you can check anytime, and direct phone access to your project lead. We have finished entire homes for owners who only saw them in person at the walk-through.
What permits will my Tahoe Keys project need?
Most renovations and new builds in the Keys need permits through El Dorado County, and anything inside the Tahoe Basin also goes through TRPA. Because the Tahoe Keys is a planned community, exterior changes also go through the Tahoe Keys architectural review, and water-adjacent lots add BMP and shorezone considerations on top of defensible-space review. We handle the whole permit process and build the actual approval timelines into the schedule, not the optimistic ones.
How far out are you booking?
Depends on the season and the size of the job. If you want a spring start, reach out by January at the latest. Smaller projects usually need four to six weeks of lead time. Get in touch and we will give you a real answer for your specific project, not a vague few months.
Let's talk
Planning a project in the Tahoe Keys?
We know South Shore building inside and out. Tell us what you're planning and we'll help you navigate permits, timelines, and the details that matter at this elevation.