Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Sustainable Construction Partner in South Lake Tahoe
Founded in 2002 by Cory Hannaford and Danny Webb, Sierra Sustainable Builders has grown into a team of nearly 50 dedicated professionals specializing in sustainable construction within the Tahoe basin. Our commitment to minimizing environmental impact drives our use of recycled materials and energy-efficient building practices. We prioritize transparency through daily project updates and realistic cost projections, ensuring clients remain informed throughout every phase. With expertise in tackling complex projects, from historic cabin renovations to cutting-edge passive homes, we combine craftsmanship with innovation to deliver durable, high-quality results.Our team's deep local knowledge and adherence to Tahoe's unique building codes ensure seamless execution, while our focus on client collaboration has earned us enduring relationships and repeat business. Recognized for overcoming challenging design obstacles, we maintain rigorous standards that balance aesthetic vision with practical functionality. Backed by decades of combined experience, we approach each project with the same passion that defined our early days as travelers seeking purpose in the mountains.
Services
Passive House Construction
Custom Home Building
Remodeling & Renovations
Green Building Consulting
Project Management
Sustainable Material Sourcing
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Historic Structure Renovation
Code Compliance Solutions
Alpine Construction Expertise
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We specialize in Tahoe's unique alpine construction challenges with 20+ years of local experience
- Our team holds California and Nevada contractor licenses for regulatory expertise
- We implement patented passive house techniques for maximum energy efficiency
- Daily project transparency through digital tracking and client checkpoints
- We maintain 98% client retention through budget adherence and quality control
What people say
Most efficient and skilled
Outstanding workmanship
Impeccable attention to detail
Creative problem-solving
Durable, high-quality results
Services
Passive House Construction
We design and build ultra-low energy homes meeting Passive House standards through advanced insulation, thermal envelopes, and heat recovery systems. Our expertise in SIPs construction and European window technology reduces energy use by 60-80% while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Each project undergoes rigorous blower door testing to ensure airtightness meets the demanding 0.6 air exchange rate.
Custom Home Building
From modern mountain retreats to traditional Tahoe cabins, we create tailored residences integrating natural materials and innovative design. Our process begins with 3D modeling for solar optimization and includes specialized features like Tridi wall systems and HEPA-filtered ventilation. Every home combines functional layout with environmental stewardship through pre-wired solar infrastructure and energy-efficient mechanical systems.
Remodeling & Renovations
We transform existing structures while preserving their character through strategic insulation upgrades, code-compliant modernizations, and sustainable material replacements. Our team specializes in historic cabin renovations, addressing unique challenges like irregular angles and outdated systems while maintaining structural integrity. Projects include kitchen/bathroom overhauls with custom cabinetry and energy-efficient fixtures.
Green Building Consulting
Our consultants provide expert advice on achieving LEED certification, selecting eco-friendly materials, and implementing energy-saving technologies. We offer lifecycle assessments for building components and recommend solutions like condensing dryers and induction cooktops. Clients receive detailed guidance on Tahoe-specific environmental regulations and green point certification requirements.
Project Management
We coordinate all aspects of complex builds through daily progress tracking, subcontractor scheduling, and budget monitoring. Our proprietary digital platform provides real-time updates with photo documentation and field notes. The system ensures adherence to timelines while maintaining flexibility for design adjustments, supported by weekly virtual check-ins with stakeholders.
People
Cory Hannaford
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 25+ years in Tahoe construction, specializing in passive house techniques and sustainable material innovation. Leads design teams while maintaining hands-on project involvement.
Danny Webb
Co-Founder
Co-founder overseeing operations with expertise in code compliance and alpine construction challenges. Manages subcontractor networks and ensures quality control across all projects.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily work in the Tahoe basin including South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Meeks Bay, and Truckee areas.
Are you licensed for California and Nevada projects?
Yes, we hold active contractor licenses in both states (CA #894230, NV #70412).
Can you help achieve green building certifications?
Our team specializes in Passive House standards and LEED-certified construction methods.
What construction phases do you manage?
We handle full-cycle projects from design through permitting, construction, and final inspections.
How do you handle project communication?
Clients receive daily digital updates with photos, field notes, and schedule adjustments through our online platform.
What's your approach to budget management?
We provide detailed cost projections upfront and maintain 95% accuracy through transparent subcontractor bidding processes.
Reviews (4)
Sandy Bryson
Oct 28, 2020
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As a professional who works from home plus remote locations, I am happy Sierra Sustainable Builders totally shares my vision for a great residence at Lake Tahoe. In collaboration with the architects, Cory Hannaford, President, met with me, took the time to develop a plan within my budget, and shared his extensive experience and ideas. SSB completed my project in advance of schedule and well within budget. At 1600 sf, my home feels amazingly spacious for working in the office, relaxing, and entertaining family and friends. Strategically placed windows give extraordinary views and admit solar energy
Christopher Minnes
Oct 05, 2019
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Sierra Sustainable Builders were fantastic to work with when they renovated 968 Park Hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Innovative and knowledgeable.
Rachel Carlson
Oct 21, 2018
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Cory and Danny were awesome to work with! They paid close attention to detail and work with talented sub-contractors for finish work. Our project involved everything from engineering to woodworking and was completed on time and under budget. We would definitely work with their team again.
Lynn Scott
Sep 30, 2018
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This review is long overdue. When I see the only other comment here, I can only conclude that the reviewer has not worked with Sierra Sustainable. Corey, Danny and their team accomplished a complicated project for our family, guiding an Old Tahoe home into the modern era. The dramatic hybrid design required significant know-how where the modern glass elements were concerned, and they showed genuine commitment to the preservation of the historical elements. They finished the job on time, despite working through the hardest winter Tahoe had seen in many years. Their attention to detail was impeccable
