Better Built Construction
Building Southern Oregon’s Future One Project at a Time
Story by Valerie Coulman
Photos Provided by Better Built Construction
Southern Oregon holds many attractions and services that make it an ideal place for families to settle in and call home, ranging from outdoor life opportunities or medical access to cultural attractions and special interest events. And as the housing developments of the Rogue Valley and across the state continue to grow, a local builder has been growing along with them.
“Better Built Construction, Inc. was founded in 2012 right here in Southern Oregon, where we’ve proudly grown alongside the communities we serve,” says Werner Constanza, president and co-owner of Better Built Construction in Medford. A family-focused company, Constanza and their core team of six employees have grown into a model that manages projects of all sizes across the state of Oregon, working through a trusted network of subcontractors to deliver consistent quality to every project. “Rather than hiring new crews for each region, we rely on the same trusted subcontractors we’ve trained and worked with over the years, ensuring consistency and quality regardless of the project’s location,” says Constanza. “With careful planning and coordination, our teams are able to execute projects efficiently anywhere in the state.”
Better Built Construction has seen growth in both scope and skills over the years. “What began as a small operation focused on building decks and fences, has steadily expanded over the years into a full-service construction company,” says Constanza. “Today, we specialize in both residential and commercial construction, offering services that include new builds, remodels, tenant improvements, and fencing.” From home additions and remodels to apartment complexes and commercial construction, Better Built is able to direct a range of projects from dream to reality.
Their range of construction skills is also supplemented by the fact that Constanza is a licensed real estate agent. “This allows us to provide a seamless experience for clients looking to purchase land or investment properties for remodeling or new construction,” he says. “We can help clients evaluate a property before they buy, identifying any construction-related challenges in advance and offering expert guidance from day one.”
Better Built Construction’s range of experience and skills uniquely sets their clients up for success. “When a client comes to us with a project, the first step is meeting with one of our project managers to understand the full scope and vision of what they’re looking to build. If architectural plans are needed, we coordinate the entire process—from initial design through permitting, construction, and final touches—ensuring the project is turnkey ready.”
Constanza has also been in the construction business long enough to know that surprises happen, so actively works with each client to help pre-emptively minimize schedule interruptions or unexpected costs. Better Built is closely connected to a range of professional architects, designers, contractors, and financial institutions they have worked with on a regular basis so they can accurately assess and craft a workable plan and budget for each project and each site.
“Construction inevitably comes with unexpected challenges—such as grading issues, site access limitations, zoning restrictions, or HOA requirements.” Constanza keeps his teams updated on local codes and guidelines, in whichever county they may be working, to help avoid costly surprises for their clients. “Our collaborative approach and experience help guide each build from concept to completion with confidence.”
But construction codes and requirements aren’t the only things Constanza and his team stay up-to-date on in guiding their clients. They also maintain an awareness of design trends and implementation that serves each project well too. For example, “In Southern Oregon, home design trends have remained fairly consistent in terms of structure and layout, but interior styles are definitely evolving. Lately, we’ve seen a resurgence of 70s and 80s-inspired modern aesthetics—think mint green cabinets, gold hardware, and other bold yet clean design elements that give homes a stylish, updated look while nodding to vintage flair.”
His experience on projects around the state have also given him perspective on these trends. “While these trends are gaining popularity across the state, Southern Oregon tends to adopt them in more subtle, practical ways that reflect our region’s lifestyle.” It’s a local nuance that he has had plenty of opportunity to implement.
In recent years, the construction industry of the Rogue Valley has seen increased demands for construction experts, fueled by both post-COVID factors as people realized the benefits of remote employment in more family-friendly communities, and the housing shortage created by the Almeda fires in 2020. “The focus and scope of our work at Better Built Construction has certainly evolved in response to the growing demand for reliable contractors across Oregon,” says Constanza. “Events like the Almeda fires brought a wave of urgent reconstruction needs, which we were proud to step into—helping families and businesses rebuild their homes and properties from the ground up. At the same time, the strain on local suppliers during and after COVID challenged us to adapt quickly, whether by sourcing materials creatively, adjusting project timelines, or strengthening communication with our supply chain.”
Out of that demand, their company has been pushed to grow, and has navigated those challenges very successfully. “These experiences pushed us to grow in both capacity and resilience. We’ve expanded our ability to manage larger and more complex projects, while still maintaining the personal touch and attention to detail that we’re known for. Ultimately, these challenges made us stronger, more agile, and more committed than ever to serving our communities with quality construction services.”
It’s been a journey of growth and stretching as a company, but at the core their focus remains the same. For each project, regardless of size or complexity, the goal of Better Built Construction is to deliver a build project that exceeds expectations.
“Our journey from simple outdoor structures to complex remodels and large-scale multifamily developments reflects our dedication to craftsmanship, adaptability, and quality,” sums up Constanza. “At Better Built, we’re proud of our roots and excited about the future we continue to build—one project at a time.”
Better Built Construction
2802 Crater Lake Hwy, Medford
541-329-1402
www.bbconstructionmedford.com
