From remodels to legacy homes, McMahan Homes delivers exceptional craftsmanship and personal service across Tahoe
Since officially launching in 2005, McMahan Homes has been helping clients turn their visions into exceptional custom homes, thoughtfully executed remodels, and successful construction projects. Founded by Ross McMahan, a construction professional with more than 25 years of experience, the family-owned and operated company combines hands-on expertise with a personal commitment to quality. Today, Ross, his wife Sarah, and their talented team provide custom home building, construction consulting, and remodeling services, standing behind the craftsmanship and quality of every project that they undertake.
“We started around 25 years ago,” Ross recounts. “I was a quality assurance manager for a bourbon distillery in Kentucky before moving out to Lake Tahoe. There, I worked for an internet company. Ten months after I arrived, that company relocated to Canada. I loved living here, so I decided to stay.
“Out of necessity, I started a small remodeling company. My dad built a number of homes while I was growing up, so I’ve been around construction my entire life. From there, our business grew quickly. We started with small additions and remodels, then moved into custom homes. Since then, we’ve built more than 20 new custom homes in the Tahoe area. I’m grateful to work alongside my wife, Sarah. She serves as the liaison between clients, architects, and designers. She orders all the materials and manages our HR and payroll. She solves problems every day and has made us much more efficient.
“Now, we form lifelong friendships with our clients. We always try to see things from their perspective. For example, I’m very budget-conscious, so I give honest estimates every time. I know problems are part of every project, but we do our best to minimize them.”
This evolution from a small remodeling operation into a premier custom home builder comes from a philosophy at the heart of McMahan Homes: treat every project like it’s your own. For Ross and his team, that means building strong client relationships, maintaining open, honest communication, and focusing on the details that define a home. They believe a custom home should reflect not just the client’s style and preferences, but how they want to live for years to come.
Luxury and convenience
Putting clients first has led McMahan Homes to take on more sophisticated projects, where craftsmanship and functionality work together. As the company’s portfolio has grown, so have client expectations and the possibilities of high-end building. Today, the team partners with clients to add the latest technologies, conveniences, and amenities, all while maintaining the quality and attention to detail that have defined McMahan Homes from the start.
“We mostly build homes in the $5-10 million range, with a couple in the $15-25 million range,” Ross shares. “Right now, everyone wants smart home systems for everything – from lights and security to automatic blinds. We get a lot of power outages here, so we install whole-house generators and zone each room for heating and cooling. We also add heated driveways and decks. Wine rooms and butler pantries are very popular. It’s all about convenience and high-end finishes, crafted with great quality products from all over the world.”
Luxury and convenience are central to McMahan Homes’ projects, but Ross believes the company’s approach goes further than just finishes and technology. The team considers each project as a whole and pays close attention to performance, durability, and responsible building practices suited for Tahoe’s unique environment. Homeowners are looking for sophisticated design, greater efficiency, and environmental awareness, and McMahan Homes delivers on all three.
For Ross, this commitment is a natural extension of his background and values. He studied environmental science and spent years in construction, so he understands how thoughtful building can reduce a home’s environmental impact without sacrificing comfort, quality, or performance.
“In college, I earned a degree in environmental science with a political science minor, from Georgetown College, and I use that knowledge every day,” he explains. “We make it a priority to be environmentally conscious in all our work. There aren’t any empty lots in Tahoe, so each new home starts with tearing down an older one. We recycle as many materials as possible. Some go into the new project; others, such as wood and metal, are sent out for recycling. We go above and beyond for insulation and use energy-efficient windows and doors. Our hydronic heating systems are much more efficient than the forced-air systems used years ago.”
Passion for projects
This combination of environmental responsibility and thoughtful construction matters even more in Tahoe, where the natural landscape is just as important as the home itself. Patience has played a big role in some of the company’s most ambitious projects. The permitting process in Tahoe takes time, but Ross believes the wait makes it even more rewarding when construction begins. One project, two years in the making, is finally underway.
“Over the last two years, we waited on a permit for a project, and we’re happy to say we finally got it and started excavation,” he says. “This will be a beautiful legacy home for a family – 7000 square feet with unobstructed lake views. The build will take two years, and we can’t wait to see it come together.”
With more than two decades of experience, McMahan Homes finds its strength in doing things the right way – one project, one client, one detail at a time. Looking ahead, Ross doesn’t want to grow just for growth’s sake. He wants to keep the personal relationships, exceptional craftsmanship, and passion that have defined McMahan Homes from the very beginning.
“I want to stay on the path we’re on,” Ross adds. “After 25 years, we’ve found our sweet spot. We want to be selective, work on the right projects, and stay in demand with our clients. I’m passionate about every home and project we take on, and I want to keep that passion.”
