Watkins Home Builders of North Georgia

Having vacationed in the Ellijay area several times, we decided it was finally time to retire and knew where it would be. We were just not sure how to accomplish the transition. It seemed that in the current market we should be able to locate a house on property with a creek. Kathy always wanted a creek so this was a given. We searched the Internet and visited several Realtors. Unfortunately, even though there were many houses for sale, the owners wanted more than we were willing to spend. As a Certified Real Estate Appraiser I knew pretty well what the properties would sell for. Owners still felt that they wanted or needed a higher price.

We switched our approach and looked for property on which to build. A few more visits and we located and purchased a lot with Kathy's creek. We, despite all our moves over the years, had never built a house so we were somewhat leery of the process. At the same time as our search progressed, we sketched floor plans and revised and revised. Even after 50 years together we still saw some things differently but our basic ideas were similar. We visited several national builders as well as several local builders to discuss what we were looking for, including our thoughts on cost and cost control. Our experience was that the large companies would quote a low base price but once asked about modifications the prices went up and up. The other local builders quoted higher prices and we were not at all comfortable with what they were saying about costs and schedules.

We met with Jeff and the story was entirely different. Kathy and I both felt we had found someone we could work with and rely on to protect our interests while we were 600 miles away. One last concern was whether he had the financial stability to complete the job under today's economic conditions. A visit to the bank put those concerns to rest. They told us that they have worked with Jeff for years and that they had no doubts about his abilities and reputation for integrity.

Following the "thumbs up" from the bank, we were able to discuss with Jeff various options and alternatives and what they would cost. In some cases he said there was no difference in cost; in others, he quickly gave a figure and normally any differences were modest. The only portions of the project that were higher than initially anticipated were ones that we had both recognized as possibilities because they related to the soil and septic system. Jeff took care of these and only charged us the increased cost to him.

The building process proceeded better than we could have imagined. We were on budget and ahead of schedule even with lots of poor weather. If we had questions, Jeff had answers. We spent time discussing alternatives and were able to handle material selection, cabinets , fixtures etc. during our visits or by visiting Lowes or Home Depot in Florida. When we needed local information either Jeff or Gina were there to help with info and contacts.

You could not locate a better more reliable builder than Jeff Watkins. You can rely on Jeff to give you the straight story on anything and suggest options and propose alternatives that are in your best interest. He is a builder of the utmost integrity and honesty and will provide you with a home you can be proud of, as he did for us.

We can't thank you and your people enough for the fantastic new home that you created for us in the Coosawattee River Resort development. In this day and age, it is so rare to have a positive experience with a builder during the construction of a new home that I believe it needs to be touted from the mountain tops.

We had been searching for a new home in the Ellijay area for many months, and from the first time I walked in one of your homes, I knew I had found something different than the “cookie cutter cabin” that abounds here in the North Georgia mountains. We were looking for a year round home, and you created that perfectly for us. From start to finish I was (and I still am) impressed with the way you conduct your business and the quality and conduct of each and every one of your sub-contractors. As we approached our home's completion and closing, we decided that we needed to finish out our full basement. I thought it would be impossible to get it done in time for the closing and that our move-in would surely be delayed. You didn't see it that way! To our total amazement, you completed the whole project on time and on budget. Thank you for a job well done!

After we bought our property in the North Georgia Mountains we interviewed several local builders to prepare for the building of our dream home. Our property is a little ways out of town and I got the impression from some of the builders that they did not want to build that far out, Jeff never batted and eye at building a house at our remote location. Jeff walked us thru a couple of his recently completed homes and explained everything that would be done in detail and answered all of our questions, during this process Jeff also introduced us to several of his recent clients. When walking thru his homes they just felt solid and well built as compared to the other builder's homes. By meeting and talking to his past clients it gave us a tremendous amount of confidence to hire Jeff as our builder. I sometimes wonder how many other builders are willing to introduce you to their past clients.

We picked our house plan out which was a single story ranch house with a full walk out basement and a single car garage. We requested several changes to the original design and Jeff put together the estimates and even suggested some changes that we incorporated into our house design. During the building process Jeff kept us abreast of the progress with phone calls, emails and pictures. We always looked forward to receiving and viewing the next set pictures that he would email us. We made several trips up during the process and Jeff would always spend as much time as necessary with us to make sure that we had all of our questions answered and felt comfortable before we departed. During these trips we meet several of his sub-contracting crews and they were all very nice and accommodating people, all of the crews seemed to give an extra effort to maintain a clean job site. After completion of the house Jeff even installed and additional drain culvert under the driveway after he saw what could become a drainage problem in the future, he did this without us asking and he even picked up the cost. I don't think too many other builders would have done this.

Jeff is one fine individual and a great home builder to work with; and the man is as honest as the day is long. The building of our dream home was truly an exceptional and exiting experience and we would highly recommend Watkins Home Builders!!!!

Dear Jeff,

Georgia and I have been very pleased, and impressed, with the quality of workmanship and attention to detail that is present in our new home. Also, we have been delighted with the cooperation and personal service you have given to the minor issues that we may have had. Likewise, you have been very attentive and cooperative during the project of completion of the build out of our basement. Your knowledge and guidance have been extremely helpful.

We have built many houses, and worked with a number of builders throughout the years, and you have been one of the best we have had the pleasure to work with. Having lived in the mountains in the past and gone through the experience of building before, it is a pleasure to have an honest, knowledgeable, and responsive builder. That unfortunately we have found is the exception, not the rule, in mountain builders. We would be more that happy to be a reference for you if you need one in the future.

Watkins Home Builders has given us a wonderful, spacious home with great bathrooms, kitchen, porch, and wonderful, true wood feeling. The first look at my home left me speechless and with a great feeling that I had made the right choice when I picked Watkins Home Builders.

They have made my dream home from a print out selected and we where given every chance to choose every detail, color, texture, and wood work as possible. We would receive a call for every little thing that had to do with the home and with the paper work of the house. We had full trust on Watkins Home Builders with us being so far away from the construction site. We also loved the fact that Watkins is a family-run business and they have been working on homes for several years. Having them work on our home has given us the true feeling of trust in contracting. We have nothing but wonderful words and feelings for the on-time work that has been performed on my home and many others that I have seen.

They are the best in home building and we are so grateful for the wonderful job and things they have created in our home.

Thank you so much for giving us our dream-come-true home. We are very appreciative for what you have done for us.

We love yours and our home. You did a tremendous job on this home. We have worked with so many builders and you truly go the extra mile to think of everything!!! Thanks Jeff for making this such a wonderful experience. Hope we can work together in the future!

When we first decided to build a house in North Georgia, we searched high and low for a builder. Because our house was small, (1,300 sq. ft.) most other builders wouldn't even call us back. Being in South Florida and in law enforcement for over 20 years, we knew it would be a challenge finding a builder we could trust... until we got lucky and found Watkins Home Builders.

We have known Jeff and Gina Watkins for about 5 months now, but it only took about 5 minutes into our first phone call to realize that we found more than just a builder in the Watkins, we found two dynamite people that are tremendously trustworthy. Most of our dealings in the beginning were done via telephone and without actually meeting. You could tell from talking to Jeff that he was quite experienced, very knowledgeable and flexible. We value his opinions greatly and feel that we have learned a lot about building a home in the mountains.

Jeff and Gina have been amazing and they are always accessible and friendly. Everyone that has visited the construction site has called us and told us how amazed they were with the cleanliness, speed and craftsmanship of our homesite. Jeff and Gina have sent us photos and kept us appraised of the progress throughout the process. Now that we have visited the site a few times, we could honestly tell you that we have been extremely pleased and satisfied with everything the Watkins have done for us.

This has been a very exciting time for us and though it is difficult building a home while living 1,000 miles away, we could not think of anyone else besides Jeff and Gina that we would entrust with the task. We highly recommend Watkins Home Builders!

We have enjoyed working with Jeff as our builder. He is a knowledgeable builder and kept us on budget and on time.

We spoke to several other builders prior to choosing Jeff Watkins as our builder. My husband was happy to find a builder who could keep up with my ideas. Jeff also contributed several ideas which were incorporated into our plans.

Jeff has made building a house a pleasurable experience. He regularly updated us on the progress, managed the budget and produced a quality home where we plan to live for many years to come.

Watkins Home Builders,

We just wanted to say how much we appreciate the effort and craftsmanship your company has put into building our home. The quality, fit and finish were second to none. When we were looking to buy our cabin home, we compared many designs, floor plans and locations. Once we found our cabin, (Hunter's Hideout model), we immediately fell in love with it. The sale was smooth and hassle free.

We are equally as pleased with your service after the sale. On a few occasions, we had questions or something fine-tuned, there were no excuses and a service call was set up without delay. You cannot ask for better service. We will continue to recommend your company to anyone looking to build a home in the area. Please feel free to use us as a reference.

Jeff Watkins built my cabin in Coosawattee River Resort in 2005. He and his crew built a fantastic home, took no shortcuts to reduce the quality of the home, and completed the home on schedule with all the exact specifications I had requested. After I moved in, I found some very minor items that needed to be looked at. After phoning Jeff, he was at my cabin within twenty minutes and the small problems were corrected within a day.

If you want a quality cabin built in a beautiful resort, I would highly recommend using Jeff Watkins, not only as your builder, but as a source for your lot also.

Building our cabin with Watkins Home Builders was an unexpected pleasure. With all the horror stories of my friends and family with their building experiences with other builders; from over-budgets, delays, poor workmanship, and the dreaded no-call-back. NONE of which I experienced with Watkins. Jeff was so helpful with our lot selection, floor plan, upgrades, and a lot of questions.

Building a new home is supposed to be a fun, enjoyable experience, and Jeff certainly made that a reality. Their attention to detail is key. Thanks, Watkins.