Whole-house renovations that transform aging Tahoe homes into modern, efficient, year-round residences.





Trusted by 100+ businesses
Home Remodeling in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Craftsmanship, Quality, and Service You Can Trust
At Sten Construction, we take immense pride in delivering top-notch quality and exceptional service to our clients.
Our commitment to quality is unwavering. From the initial consultation to the final nail, we pay attention to every detail. Whether it’s a home renovation, commercial build, or remodeling project, we ensure that the workmanship surpasses expectations. Our skilled craftsmen use premium materials and follow industry best practices to create spaces that stand the test of time.
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in open communication, transparency, and reliability. When you choose Sten Construction, you’re not just hiring a contractor; you’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your vision. We listen, collaborate, and execute with precision, ensuring that your project is completed on time and within budget.
what's included
A full home remodel in Lake Tahoe typically covers
Full design coordination
Kitchen gut renovation
Flooring throughout
HVAC evaluation & upgrades
Interior & exterior paint
Bathroom remodeling (all bathrooms)
Electrical & plumbing upgrades
Insulation & vapor barrier
FEATURED PROJECT
Our Recent Tahoe Home Remodel - Ala Wai
After removing the outdated tile floors, kitchen cabinets, and low soffits throughout the area, we began to rebuild. We started by replacing all the heat ducks and raising them higher into the ceiling to minimize the drop ceiling, resulting in a 15-inch ceiling raise.
We also rerouted all the old plumbing and electrical from two walls to create a more open concept. A custom fireplace was built on-site to accommodate the space to the clients’ needs. Beautiful custom cabinets were installed with countertops that had subtle blue streaking throughout to tie into the cabinets.
The bathroom was updated with all new flooring, tile, and fixtures and the ceiling was raised to create a larger, more enjoyable shower enclosure.
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.
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.
Why Tahoe Is Different
What makes full home remodeling in Tahoe different?
Coordinating multiple trades in a short build season is the defining challenge. Exterior work is limited to roughly April through November, which means framing, roofing, siding, and windows all compete for the same weather windows. Interior work continues year-round, but sequencing has to account for material deliveries on mountain roads.
TRPA compliance adds layers to every full remodel. Coverage calculations, environmental review, and multi-agency permitting mean pre-construction planning takes longer — but skipping it creates delays that cost more than the planning itself.
Older Tahoe homes often have undersized electrical panels, aging plumbing, and insulation that doesn't meet current energy standards. A full remodel is the most cost-effective time to address these systems, because the house is already open and trades are already on-site.
Snow load engineering, vapor barrier continuity, and mechanical system sizing all need to reflect mountain conditions — not valley specs applied at elevation. We design every system upgrade for the environment it's actually in.
FAQ
Common Lake Tahoe Home Remodeling Questions
What does a full home remodel cost in Tahoe?
Full home remodel costs vary widely depending on how many systems are touched — a cosmetic refresh is fundamentally different from a gut renovation with structural, mechanical, and electrical upgrades. Mountain construction carries premiums for material logistics, snow-load engineering, and shorter build seasons. We use phased billing tied to project milestones, and every bid is line-item detailed so you have full visibility into costs before and during construction.
What should I expect during pre-construction?
Before any demo begins, we spend several weeks on pre-construction: finalizing design with your architect, submitting permits, procuring long-lead materials, and building a detailed construction schedule. This phase also includes selecting finishes, confirming subcontractor availability, and setting up a communication cadence — typically weekly written updates. Pre-construction is where we prevent the delays and surprises that derail other projects.
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
Planning a whole-house renovation?
A full remodel is a big commitment. We'll help you understand the scope, set a realistic timeline, and build a detailed budget — before any work starts.







