Custom Home Builder & General Contractor in Truckee, CA

Daoust Design & Construction builds custom homes and handles full-scale remodels throughout the Truckee area. From Donner Lake to Martis Camp, we bring mountain building expertise, sustainable design practices, and hands-on project management to every project.

We’re licensed in California and Nevada, which means whether your lot is on the Truckee side or the Nevada side of the state line, we’ve got you covered with a single team.

Our Truckee Building Services

Custom Home Construction

From your first sketch to move-in day, we manage the entire design-build process. Our in-house design team creates 3D renderings so you can see your home before we break ground. We handle permitting, engineering, and every detail of construction.

Home Remodeling & Renovation

Mountain homes take a beating. Whether you’re updating a dated kitchen, expanding a cramped living space, or doing a full gut renovation, we bring the same care and craftsmanship to remodels as we do to new builds.

Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels

These are the rooms that make the biggest impact on how you live in your home — and on your home’s value. We design kitchens and bathrooms that fit the mountain lifestyle: durable materials, heated floors, spa-inspired finishes, and layouts that work.

Additions & ADUs

Need more space? We build room additions, second stories, guest houses, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). We handle the design, permitting, and construction so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors.

Why Choose Daoust for Your Truckee Project

We Know Mountain Building

Building in Truckee isn’t like building in the valley. Snow loads, elevation, fire-resistant materials, steep lots, limited access — we’ve built through all of it. Our experience with mountain construction means fewer surprises and a smoother build.

Sustainable Design Is Our Standard

Every home we build follows sustainable building practices — FSC-certified lumber, low/zero-VOC materials, fly ash concrete, solar-ready systems, and regional materials sourced within 500 miles when possible. We’re experienced in LEED and Greenpoint Rated projects and are always looking for ways to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing quality or comfort.

One Team, Start to Finish

As a design-build firm, your designer, project manager, and builder all work under one roof. That means better communication, faster decision-making, and a project that stays on budget.

Truckee Communities We Serve

We build and remodel homes throughout the greater Truckee area, including Donner Lake, Martis Camp, Lahontan, Gray’s Crossing, Schaffer’s Mill, Old Greenwood, Prosser Lakeview, and Downtown Truckee.

What to Expect When Building in Truckee

Building a custom home in Truckee comes with unique considerations that not every contractor is prepared for. Snow load engineering — Truckee roofs must handle significant snow loads and we engineer every structure to exceed code requirements. Fire-resistant construction — WUI building standards are strict and non-negotiable, and we build with fire-resistant materials and defensible space in mind from day one. Permitting and environmental compliance — Town of Truckee permitting and TRPA requirements can add time if you’re not prepared, and we navigate this process regularly. Seasonal timing — the building season in Truckee is shorter than in the valley, so we plan projects to make the most of weather windows and avoid costly winter delays.

Ready to Build in Truckee?

Whether you’re planning a custom home from scratch, remodeling an aging mountain cabin, or building a guest house for family visits, we’d love to talk about your project. Schedule a free discovery call and let’s discuss your vision, your lot, and your budget. No pressure, no obligation — just a straight conversation about what’s possible.

Phone: 775.833.8686

Email: info@daoustdc.com

Licensed, Insured & Proven

Daoust Design & Construction is led by Jed Daoust, a hands-on builder with over a decade of experience constructing custom homes and completing renovations throughout the Sierra Nevada. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured in both states we serve:

California Contractor License #987601 (General Building, Active)

Nevada Contractor License #0083283

Our commitment to quality has earned us a BuildZoom score of 96 out of 100, placing us in the top 20% of all California contractors. We carry full workers’ compensation insurance and bonding for your protection.

Featured Truckee Projects

Our portfolio speaks for itself. Here are a few projects that showcase what Daoust brings to the Truckee area:

Indigo Run — Our newest custom home build, featuring modern mountain architecture with sustainable materials and panoramic Sierra views. This project demonstrates our full design-build capability from concept to move-in.

Skislope Remodel — A complete transformation of a Truckee ski home, including structural upgrades for current snow load requirements, a redesigned open-concept living area, and a new chef’s kitchen built for entertaining after a day on the mountain.

Donner Lake Remodel — A lakeside renovation that required careful navigation of TRPA environmental review and shoreline setback requirements. We modernized this classic Donner Lake home while preserving its connection to the waterfront.

Alder Creek Kitchen — A full kitchen renovation in the Truckee area featuring custom cabinetry, premium countertops, and a layout redesigned to maximize natural light and mountain views.

View all of our completed projects on our Portfolio page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building in Truckee

How long does it take to build a custom home in Truckee?

A custom home in Truckee typically takes 12 to 18 months from design through completion, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The Truckee building season generally runs from May through November, and projects started in late fall may need to pause during peak winter months. We plan every project timeline around these seasonal windows to minimize delays and control costs.

What permits do I need to build in Truckee?

Building in Truckee requires permits from the Town of Truckee and, depending on your lot’s location, approval from the Truckee Donner Public Utility District and potentially TRPA (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) if your property falls within the Tahoe Basin boundary. Daoust handles the full permitting process for you, including plan review, environmental compliance, and all required inspections.

How much does it cost to build a custom home in Truckee?

Custom home construction costs in Truckee generally range from $400 to $800+ per square foot, depending on the level of finish, site conditions, and complexity of the design. Mountain building costs are higher than valley construction due to snow load engineering, fire-resistant materials, steep lot access, and the shorter building season. We provide detailed project estimates during our free consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Do I need a contractor licensed in both California and Nevada?

If your property is near the state line, having a dual-licensed contractor is a significant advantage. Daoust holds active licenses in both California (License #987601) and Nevada (License #0083283), which means we can serve clients throughout the entire Truckee-Tahoe region regardless of which side of the state line your lot falls on.

What makes building in the mountains different from building in the valley?

Mountain construction in Truckee requires specialized knowledge that valley builders may not have. Key differences include engineering for heavy snow loads (Truckee roofs must handle significant accumulation), WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) fire-resistant building standards, steeper lot grading and foundation requirements, a compressed building season, and TRPA environmental regulations for properties in the Tahoe Basin. Daoust has built through all of these conditions and designs every project to exceed code requirements.