The force behind Howell’s dream home promise
Founded in 1979 in Lexington, South Carolina, Howell Builders has developed a reputation as one of the finest construction companies around for its attention to detail, building excellence, and quality construction.
With Allan Howell at the helm, the company completes custom projects for clients seeking quality homes. Allan has been a builder for 45 years and his focus is always on producing work of the highest caliber. Projects are limited to only a few a year, with opportunities arising primarily through word of mouth from previous happy customers, as well as recommendations from architects with whom Allan partners.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Howell Builders completed many beautiful homes in the Columbia area. In the early 2000s, the company began to build in the Beaufort and Lowcountry area. Until 2012, when the company moved from Lexington to its current location at 1011 Bay Street in Beaufort, about half of the time was spent with projects in the Columbia area, and half in the Beaufort area. Today, the company builds projects all throughout the coastal region of South Carolina and beyond.
“We began by framing houses for other builders,” Allan begins. “Seeing there was a need for more experienced and hands-on contractors, I decided to get my residential builder’s license, and this enabled us to start doing turnkey work.
“If anything, we specialize in whatever the client’s wishes are. I feel that you should be able to provide any style or design that the client requests, if you have the knowledge and experience. We do mostly high-end residential work, but we have also completed a horse farm and hunting plantation.”
Indeed, crafting a house takes time and scrupulous attention to every specification. It means limiting projects to just two or three a year to listen to each client and shape the sort of house that will continue to satisfy over a lifetime. It means building a mutual bond of pride and responsibility.
Comfort and trust
“When I graduated from high school,” he continues, “I went to work for a contractor doing clean-up work. Eventually, I worked my way up to the carpentry crew. I think that was when I developed a passion for building. I began to build residential homes with a keener sense of detail and quality, and I still get excited to see a project progress to completion while trying to do it with the best possible skill level.
“Collaboration with clients varies from project to project,” Allan shares. “Sometimes, we are sought out first and may recommend architects and designers. On other occasions, the architects will bring us in on a project. As the project progresses, the working partnership generally develops into a relationship of comfort and trust. I always want my clients to know that we have their best interest in our decision making. Over the years, I have been very successful in developing friendships with clients that have continued beyond the building process. That type of relationship adds much more to my life beyond my career.”
During the consultation and design process, Howell Builders will always take clients’ ideas into account, working collaboratively to design the perfect home. The team encourages clients to share inspiration to be able to turn their ideas into reality. Because custom home building is a huge investment, the company makes it a priority to help clients understand every step of the design and build process, keeping them in the loop with transparency and professionalism. The dedicated team is on standby to help resolve any questions or concerns that may arise along the way. 
Undivided attention
Howell Builders spares no effort when it comes to the finer details. With inspiration taken from traditional and modern homes alike, the team aspires to make sure every detail satisfies the owner’s vision. Using only the highest quality materials, the team of devoted craftsmen is dedicated to creating a legacy of long-lasting elegance.
“We currently have two projects that are nearing completion,” Allan elaborates. “Both have been challenging, yet fun to do, requiring intricate framing and elaborate structural features. The details that make them stand out are apparent throughout the finishing stages as well. One of the projects had a very challenging site situation, as it was very low and in the flood zone. Some very talented architects and engineers worked on the details of this project, fostering a team effort and lessening the difficulty of achieving a successful solution.
“I believe every new project is pivotal for our company. We strive to do each of our projects better than the one before and continually scrutinize our workmanship. A landscape architect once told me that no one can judge your work better than yourself and that’s something I continually go back to.”
Howell Builders sets the bar when it comes to quality control, problem solving, and custom property building. Staying true to the nature of old home building, the company doesn’t create cookie-cutter homes. Through delicate care, attention to detail, and planning, the team crafts every home with the undivided attention it deserves, selecting the highest quality materials and expert contractors to ensure a unique project that’s built to last.
“We always look for suppliers who will get us premium choice materials,” Allan continues. “We use a lot of engineered materials as dimensional lumber products are grown comparatively quickly and offer a sustainable solution. We also work with subcontractors who meet our expectations and level of skill. Cost becomes irrelevant if they are not able to meet our standard of craftmanship.
“Indeed, I think our longevity is due to our commitment to quality. We have always limited the number of projects we take on at one time to ensure that we are able to be onsite frequently and personally oversee each level of construction. With an investment as large and important as a custom-built home, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t deliver 100 percent customer satisfaction.”
Alongside custom-built properties, Howell Builders also offers whole-house renovation and large-scale remodeling services. The company’s remodeling services include changing the home’s function, form, and layout. Whether tearing down a wall to create more open space, adding extra rooms, or simply striving to increase total energy performance, Howell Builders can do all of this and more.
Equally, the company is well-versed in estate construction, as well as barn, covering and outbuilding construction. The team can create custom structures to meet clients’ goals and specifications. From upscale barns to accessory buildings and hobby structures, Allan and the team strive to surpass even the highest expectations.
Looking to the future, Allan shares his desire to continue working on interesting projects for great clients. “I hope that the market, as well as continual good health, will enable me to keep working and contributing to the continued success of Howell Builders,” he concludes.