Client Testimonials
We strive to ensure our customer’s goals and needs are fully realized and that open and upfront communication takes place throughout the entire building process. The end result is a long list of satisfied clients and beautiful projects.
Artisan builders, under the leadership of Justin Stratman, has overseen multiple construction projects on our property, Lizard Head Ranch located on Wilson Mesa. These projects have included the relocation and restoration of three early Homestead cabins, an agricultural barn, and equipment and maintenance barn, a ranch managers residence and a complex outdoor garden.
Justin's work is on time on budget and of the highest quality. Despite these attributes, which are in my experience rare, Justin's unique creative abilities set him apart from all other contractors I have worked with during 45 years of construction projects. Artisan Builders creative skills far exceed those of most architects.
— PHILIP B. KORSANT, WILSON MESA
We have been fans of Justin Stratman and his diverse and capable artisans since the Steeprock days of 2003-5. The original Gold Creek Ranch is adjacent to our property, and we witnessed the meticulous care, concern and talent, exhibited during the design and construction of the several buildings that comprise that unique compound. Justin surrounds himself with a variety of talented and creative tradesmen, and was able to bring to fruition our vision, as well. And it is worth noting that, at over 10,000 ft elevation and ‘limited’ access during the winter, they performed at a very high level of productivity and efficiency in sometimes very adverse conditions. They are truly extreme outdoorsman, comfortable with the elements. Furthermore in the two years of construction, Justin quickly developed an understanding of the unique site location, and our intended use of the high mountain environment. That sense manifested itself in the design and layout as well as selection of key materials. The home was finished in late 2015, and we have learned to appreciate the enhanced solar gain, increased insulation and general weather tightness of the building during this past winter. Although our main residence is a couple hours away in Durango, we were generally absentee owners during the construction period. Artisan Builders, from Justin, to the foreman, and the various tradesmen, were very communicative through all phases of the project. Justin has a knack for planting the seeds and creating the environment for his artisans to flourish. When the team is excited to be contributing to the project, the finished project is greatly enhanced. Depending on their availability, we hope to engage them in some remodel/addition of the barn this summer, in addition to some possible outbuildings.
— RiCK AND BECKY, DURANGO
I am excited to recommend Justin. Justin is honest, straight forward and easy to work with. He and his team are incredibly talented and everything they build is unique and beautiful. There was one sub-contractor who fell behind schedule on my project. Justin handled the situation in a very fair and professional manner and made certain that I did not pay for any of the over time costs. Another sub quoted a price that was much to high. I would not have known. Justin not only flagged it, but figured out a less expensive and better way to get the job done and then renegotiated with the sub. I am very happy with all the work he has done on my home and would definitely hire him again in the future. I hope your project goes well and please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions...
— TIM HENDRICKS, TELLURIDE
My company recently worked with Justin for the first time, on a custom post-and-beam home he designed in the Telluride area. We worked as the lighting designers on this project, and my associate and I were extremely impressed with Justin's attention to detail and level of professionalism. He is a true craftsman, whose skill level and dedication to a project is not easily found in the construction industry. Justin is a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to collaborating on a project again in the future.
— Chris Myers, Telluride,
Enlighten
Justin has been great to work with. With a long distance project like ours, in a relatively remote area near Telluride, it was comforting to know that Justin was in charge of the selection of materials and the coordination of various skill sets that came together to construct our project. We found Justin to be extremely honest, creative, talented and a very practical manager. He has a keen eye for the details, respect for the environment, and an ability to balance local building requirements with building aesthetics resulting in high-quality construction. It was a pleasure to work with Justin and we look forward to future projects with Artisan Builders.
— CHASE AND BETH, TELLURIDE
We interviewed several contractors before deciding to hire Justin and artisan builders to build an addition onto our home. Ours was a relatively small but very challenging project that we knew would require broad vision as well as day-to-day ingenuity and problem-solving. Justin is exceptionally creative and efficient which is a rare combination. He listens carefully to his clients dreams and needs, and always offers thoughtful options to fit within the general plan. He is open, friendly and approachable, and leads a very honest competent and hard working crew. Justin has been working in the Telluride region for over 20 years now and we feel this is an important piece of the puzzle. He has a remarkable network of relationships in the area and he is clearly liked and trusted; this is one of the key reasons he is able to get work done so efficiently and effectively. We will hire Justin again for any future projects, and we recommend that anyone considering building in the Telluride area at least meet him to discuss their dream plans.
— CORINNE AND MARK, OPHIR
I have worked with Justin Stratman/Artisan Builders on numerous projects both big and small for over 12 years. I enjoy working with Justin because he and his team are creative and communicate well - in a way that I understand. Whatever the project, Justin kept me updated on the status and completed every job on time. Being in the property management business, we oversee a variety of proposals for any number of construction tasks. Justin's prices are very competitive. Work he's done for me includes, roof repair, grouting, chinking logs and stucco repair/resurfacing. By far the largest and most successful project he did was building and creating an outdoor courtyard area. It involved taking an architects plan and improving upon it to better fit my needs and space. This extensive project involved retaining walls, stone flooring, a fireplace, and earthen roof, large log framing and decorative finishes. For 12 years, the courtyard area remains an impressive addition to my home. I have no reservation recommending Justin/Artisan Builders for any construction project.
— FRANK RUGGERI,
C.E.O. ALPINE LODGING, TELLURIDE
We have worked with Justin at Artisan Builders for many years and he and his team are truly craftsmen that love what they do and it shows in the finished product. Justin has a great eye for detail and makes excellent decisions: we've always been very impressed with the way the projects we've worked on together have turned out. If you're looking for a home that has character and a wonderful team to work with along the way, Justin at Artisan Builders is your man.
— Steven Jallad,
MHK Architecture and Planning
We hired Justin Stratman of Artisan Builders to build our dream home, and we feel our dreams came true. We bought 35 acres of undeveloped ranch land six miles outside of Telluride, Colorado, and sought to build a farmhouse-style home that respected and reflected the history and aesthetics of the region. We wanted a timeless home, not trendy, and we wanted it to be big enough to accommodate kids and future grandkids, but warm and intimate-feeling. From the day we hired him, Justin cared about our project as if it were “his baby” meaning he focused primarily on it, always making it his priority and always being available and on site throughout the lifespan of the project. Working with Justin and Justin’s architect, we refined plans and settled on a two-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home approximately 3600 square feet with a great room, loft and other “plus” spaces; the square footage does not include an enclosed sunroom and a wrap-around covered deck. Justin meticulously picked out our materials, traveling to Canada to hand select several truckloads of century-old hand-hewn beams and other reclaimed wood for the home’s timber framing, trusses and siding. He guided us through choices for every detail, from the pattern and type of stone for the masonry, to the distressed-wood and stone-tile flooring, to the cabinetry and lighting, bathroom fixtures and finishes, the windows and roof—everything. He assembled a team of subcontractors and laborers, all of whom we trusted and felt comfortable being around. A true craftsman himself, specializing in ironwork, Justin did much of the hands-on work for custom details, such as crafting and welding a chimney top, creating patinas for the metal wainscoting on the exterior’s siding, building our powder room’s vanity, designing and building an entranceway gate, and working with his crew to design and hand-make a beautiful wood dining table using leftover reclaimed wood from the construction. For much of the year during construction, we lived out of state and thus trusted Justin to handle everything while we communicated remotely, which he did. Then we moved onsite and live in a trailer next to the construction, and Justin and his crew did their utmost to make our living arrangement and the transition with the move relatively easy and calm. He was well organized and always so thoughtful, never cutting corners. The end result is a stunning custom home with one-of-a-kind wood and metal details, such as a “floating” I-beam under the loft (suspended by a steel rod), a guest bed above the second-story bathroom accessed by a pop-out ladder, an indoor-outdoor sunporch that brings in the views while blocking the strong weather; and old, special repurposed hardware throughout, for style as well as function, that makes the home feel historic. Justin’s organizational skills and dedication to the project meant the home finished on time, approximately 14 months after he and his crew started digging the foundation. We highly recommend Justin Stratman and Artisan Builders.
— SARAH SMITH, TELLURIDE
I have known Justin for 18 years; he was a leader in the design & build team when I built my Telluride home and has, since then, done other major projects for members of my family. He and his current team produce careful, detailed, beautiful work and I have found his artistic eye and design talents to be a real asset in creating very special projects.
— ANNE HENDRICKS, TELLURIDE
Justin and I worked together on several projects in Ouray County. Justin is talented in both design and construction. His skill in building teams and collaboration brings out the best from all involved. I feel any owner, designer or tradesman lucky enough to work with Justin will be highly satisfied with both the process and the result.