Added square footage that matches your existing home in material, proportion, and finish — not an afterthought.
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Home Additions in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Seamless Tahoe Home Additions: Built to Match, Built to Last
Additions are where construction quality is most visible. If the new roofline doesn't match, if the siding color is off, if the interior trim profile changes — it looks like an addition. Our goal is to make it look like it was always there.
In Tahoe, additions also involve navigating strict setback requirements, snow load calculations for the new structure, and ensuring utility systems can handle the increased demand. We coordinate with architects, engineers, and the county to get it right before breaking ground.
Whether you need an extra bedroom, a home office, or expanded living space, we handle permitting, structural engineering, and every trade — so the finished addition is structurally sound, aesthetically seamless, and built to last.
what's included
Every Home Addition Project Covers
Architectural design coordination
Foundation & footing work
Roofline integration & flashing
Insulation & vapor barrier
Structural engineering for new & existing
Framing that matches existing structure
Utility tie-ins (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
Interior & exterior finish matching
Stens Home Addition 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.
Client Testimonials
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.
Before You Build
What to consider when doing a home addition in Tahoe
Start with coverage. Every Tahoe lot has a maximum allowable footprint set by TRPA and your local jurisdiction — and it's not always obvious how much you've already used. Decks, driveways, and even overhangs can count. Before you sketch a single floor plan, you need an accurate coverage calculation to know what's actually buildable.
Think about what's underneath. Mountain lots bring sloped terrain, rocky soil, and limited equipment access. Your foundation strategy — whether it's a full perimeter, piers, or a stepped footing — depends on site conditions that don't show up on a plat map. A soil report and site evaluation early on saves you from costly surprises mid-build.
Plan for the connection between old and new. This is where most additions fail. The junction between your existing structure and the new framing needs to handle differential settling, continuous weather barriers, and matched insulation depths. Get this wrong and you'll see cracks, drafts, and moisture problems within a few years.
Factor in timing and logistics. Tahoe's build season is compressed, material deliveries take longer on mountain roads, and permit timelines vary widely by jurisdiction. A realistic schedule accounts for all of this — not just construction days, but the weeks of design review, engineering, and inspections that come before the first shovel hits dirt.
FAQ
Common Home Addition Questions
How much does a home addition cost per square foot in Tahoe?
Per-square-foot costs for additions in Tahoe are higher than valley builds due to snow-load engineering, foundation requirements on mountain terrain, material delivery logistics, and shorter build seasons. Costs also depend on what the addition includes — a simple bedroom extension is different from adding a kitchen or bathroom with full plumbing. We provide transparent, itemized estimates so you can see exactly what drives the cost and make informed decisions about scope.
What can I expect during the design and permitting phase?
Design and permitting typically takes 2–4 months. We coordinate with your architect on coverage calculations, setback requirements, and TRPA review. You'll go through plan iterations, structural engineering review, and formal submissions to your local jurisdiction. We manage the entire process — follow-ups, revisions, re-submissions — so you're not chasing paperwork. Once permits are approved, we're ready to mobilize quickly because we pre-plan construction logistics during this phase.
How do you handle budget and change orders?
Every project starts with a detailed, line-item estimate. If something changes — and things do change — we document the change order with exact costs and get your written approval before proceeding. No work happens without your sign-off. We track budget status in your weekly updates.
Do you work with architects and designers?
Yes. We collaborate regularly with local architects, interior designers, and structural engineers. If you already have a design team, we integrate with them. If you need recommendations, we can suggest professionals we've worked with successfully.
Can you work on my home while I'm not in Tahoe?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are part-time Tahoe residents. Our weekly photo updates, shared project folders, and phone access keep you fully informed. We've managed entire projects with homeowners out of state.
What permits are typically required?
Most renovation and new construction projects in the Tahoe Basin require permits from both the local jurisdiction (City of South Lake Tahoe or El Dorado County) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). We handle the permit process and factor approval timelines into the schedule.
Let's talk
Thinking about a Tahoe Home Addition?
We'll walk you through what's involved — scope, timeline, materials — and give you a detailed bid so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.