“Homes Built on a Foundation
of Integrity and Craftsmanship”

Fred & Ben Wechsler

“I’ll retire when I find something else that makes me happier than my work.”
— Fred Wechsler

About

Fred Wechlser

MBA. Builder. Problem-Solver. Family Man.

With over 400 custom homes built and more than 45 years in construction and business leadership, Fred Wechsler isn't the kind of builder who manages from behind a desk. He's on-site, talking with crews, walking through framing, and making sure every detail reflects the standard he's held himself to since day one.

Fred holds an MBA from Lehigh University and a B.S. from Penn State, credentials he carried into a career that spans far more than homebuilding. Before founding Wechsler Custom Homes, he spent years turning struggling businesses around: taking a liquidating company from $400K to $11.8 million in sales, growing a closing home-improvement center's revenue by 705% in just two years, and managing operations across divisions with nearly 200 employees.

He brought all of that experience, the financial discipline, the operational know-how, the leadership, home to what he loves most: building houses for families.

"I've never been the kind of leader who hides in an office," Fred says. "I like being out in the field, listening to customers, and working alongside the people who make the work possible."

That philosophy shows in every Wechsler home. It's why projects come in on time and on budget. It's why clients become friends. And it's why Fred has no plans to stop.

When he's not on a job site, Fred can be found spending time with his wife Jan, their three children, and five grandchildren — trying, as he puts it, not to scar them too badly.

“I gravitated to home building because I love reinvesting in my community — it’s why I’m passionate about delivering the most well-built homes in the Sierra Nevada foothills.”
— Ben Wechsler

About

Ben Wechlser

Builder's Son. Field Leader. Hands-On to the Core.

Ben Wechsler grew up in the construction world. As the son of a rural Pennsylvania lumber yard owner and homebuilder, some of his earliest memories involve "helping" his dad — whether that meant peeling off freshly applied drywall tape, stoking the boiler after a hairy snowmobile ride through a blizzard, or spending summer weekends loading customers at the yard.

While studying Geology at Sonoma State and for years afterward, Ben continued learning the many moving parts of the building process. He worked as a framer and equipment operator for an eco-conscious SIP builder in the North Bay before moving into the architectural glazing field. Those years as a specialized subcontractor on some of the most expensive homes in the country connected him with exceptional builders who generously shared their wisdom — not just about construction, but about job management, client collaboration, and the productive relationships that shape a great final product.

When the Great Recession arrived alongside a new mortgage and a newborn, no job was too big or too small. Through years of remodels, honey-do lists, and eventually a few ground-up homes, Ben steadily expanded his hands-on skill set. As the market recovered, he began bringing more trades in-house — foundations, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, millwork, flooring, tile, and all the finish details that make a house a home.

That breadth of experience gave him more than practical ability — it gave him a deep respect for the subcontractors Wechsler Custom Homes brings onto every job and the craftsmanship they deliver.

"My firsthand experience across virtually every trade gives me a pragmatic approach to scheduling, communication, and problem-solving that's hard to replicate from behind a desk."

Today, Ben has managed the field construction of over 75 Wechsler Custom Homes and finds the process as engaging as ever — adapting to evolving building and energy codes, embracing new technology behind and within the walls, and continuing to strengthen the company's relationships with local jurisdictions.

When he's not building, Ben's priority is grabbing every possible moment with his wife and three kids — paddleboarding, hiking, road tripping, or just goofing around. He's spent seasons coaching soccer, flag football, baseball, and softball, and jumps at any chance to help out at his kids' school.

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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

This is a frequently asked question?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

This is a frequently asked question?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

This is a frequently asked question?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Featured Floor plans

All Plans
ADU 680
ADU 680

680 Sq. Ft.
1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom/Laundry

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The Alexandra
The Alexandra

2214 Sq. Ft.
4 Bedroom, 3 Bathrooms, 3 Car Garage

Read More →
The Tiffany I
The Tiffany I

1948 Sq. Ft.
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage

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BROWSE ALL FLOORPLANS

Testimonials

  • We purchased a lot in the Darkhorse Community and started our search for a quality builder whom we could trust. Wechsler Custom Homes fulfilled our expectations as we were impressed by the quality of their houses. We contacted Fred Wechsler and began the process of building our 5 th home. Fred always listened patiently to our wants and needs. Since Fred was originally from outside CA, he understood what we expected, even though CA building codes did not require certain specifications that we were used to. Fred was extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of building a quality house and his crew built an excellent home for us. Fred was diligent at keeping to our schedule, even when the weather did not cooperate and he always worked with us to remain on budget. The only cost overage was our upgrades and add- ons. Fred’s son, Ben, ran the project and kept on top of every aspect and detail so that he had the answer to all of our questions. If Ben did not know the answer, he did the research to find the answer. Fred’s entire crew was hard working, knowledgeable and friendly. Fred’s office staff was extremely organized, diligent and resourceful. It was an exceptional experience to build a house with Wechsler Custom Homes. Since moving into our house, we have had several cars slowly pass by our house and have stopped to ask about our experience and who are builder was. We highly recommend Fred and Wechsler Custom Homes.

    Karen and Mark

  • My husband and I worked with Wechsler Custom Homes to build our house, completed in spring 2020, and we could not have been happier with the experience. Before we found Fred Wechsler, we were getting a bit frustrated trying to figure out where to get started with the process. We were looking to pay a draftsman or other company to draw up plans and then hire a contractor to build. However, we had a hard time getting any clear idea of what certain plans would cost to complete. We were also discouraged to hear about the experience of a family member who paid to have plans specially made only to run into various difficulties getting them approved for permitting. Someone we knew recommended Fred, and everything fell into place. Fred is very upfront about pricing and helped us to stick firmly to budget, which was important to us. There were no surprises. He was very clear on what we should expect each step along the way and what our options were on each aspect of the house to keep to our budget. Fred had a variety of house plans all ready to go that we could choose from and customize. He made great suggestions on how we could modify an existing plan so it was exactly what we wanted. The permitting process went very smoothly, since Fred knows the country requirements and prepares his plans accordingly. Fred and his team, including Ben and Meredith, are all very responsive, friendly, and easy to work with. Meredith was highly organized and helped us keep track of all of our selections and our budget along the way. Ben had some great suggestions when we were putting the finishing touches on the house and was attentive to detail. We are absolutely loving our new home. You can't go wrong with Fred and his team. They do beautiful, quality work at an affordable price. They are trustworthy and make the process run as smoothly as possible for their clients, which is particularly helpful if, like us, you have never had a house built before.

    Alison and Darrell

  • We are so grateful to have had Wechsler Custom Homes build our retirement home during the most unprecedented time. We started our project in April 2020, during the Pandemic, followed by a supply shortage, and inflation in 2021. Our project was delayed a year and half because of business and government closures. We were facing many challenges but because of Fred’s years of experience in the business, he was able to resolve countless challenges. Many times, we were discouraged and didn’t know if we could still afford to build our home. Wechsler Custom Homes was able to help us to find solutions to restart our project in October 2021. They worked with us to modify our original plan from 1875 sq to a 1538 sq home, but it still had everything we wanted, and it was within our budget. Once we received the building permit approval in February 2022, Wechsler Custom Homes started breaking ground immediately on February 15, 2022. Our home was completed on October 10, 2022. Wechsler Custom Homes is an excellent contractor. They were able to keep all their subtractors and suppliers committed to their pricing and delivery dates. Meredith worked closely with us and ordered everything early to stay in our budgets. The Wechsler Custom Homes team are all very responsive, friendly, and easy to work with. Special thank you to Meredith, Narciso and Ben. Meredith was highly organized and helped us to keep track of all of our selections and our budget (she also offered many great suggestions when we needed them). After the house was completed, we asked Wechsler Custom Homes to help us to remove a tree trunk. They sent a member of their crew, Narciso, to remove the tree trunk. For some reason, this tree trunk was very difficult to remove, but with Narciso’s relentless determination he was able to complete the job. The Sewer was our biggest issue. Ben, with his dedication and troubleshooting skills, was able to carefully hookup our sewer to an aged 8-foot-deep public sewer system. We wouldn't have our home built today without Ben’s expertise and Wechsler Custom Homes willingness to take on the sewer project when no one else wanted to do the job in a timely manner at a cost we could afford. Fred, Ben, and their crew are truly miracle workers to us! We absolutely love our new home. We have received many compliments about our beautiful home from friends and family, and even from people walking the trail near our house. We would highly recommend Wechsler Custom Homes to anyone that is looking for a turnkey builder to build their dream home. They do beautiful high-quality work, are trustworthy, and will keep you informed of any issues and progress throughout the project and beyond.

    Jean

  • Wechsler Custom Homes modified a home design that we brought from Virginia to meet California building codes and in the process improved the design and features. Their construction resulted in an outstanding home built with skill and craftsmanship that we love and has been admired by everyone that has visited. Mary and I have owned numerous homes, three of which were built to our specifications. The building experience with Wechsler Custom Homes was both friendly and business like. The results were a great home at a reasonable price.

    Ben and Mary

  • Coming from the Bay Area, we never imagined we could have a custom home built that was affordable and so well made. As of July 2017, we got just that! We have never built a house before, so we weren’t really sure what to expect, but Fred made the process so easy and smooth. He is very accommodating and knowledgeable and trustworthy. His son Ben not only worked on our house as well, but he also made us the most beautiful and unique barn door ever! The quality of a Wechsler Home is unparalleled. Our house is gorgeous, and we couldn’t be happier.

    Lisa

  • Wechsler Custom homes modified a home design that we brought from Virginia to meet California building codes and in the process improved the design and features. Their construction resulted in an outstanding home built with skill and craftsmanship that we loveand has been admired by everyone that has visited. Mary and I have owned numerous homes - three of which were built to our specifications. The building experience with Wechsler Custom Homes was both friendly and business like. The results were a great home at a great price.

    Ben and Mary

  • My husband and I contracted with Wechsler Custom Homes about about a year and a half ago. From the beginning planning phase, we found Fred Wechsler easy and a pleasure to work with. His son, Ben, and their crew actually made the process enjoyable and fun. We also came in pretty much on time and within budget and any follow up warranty work was addressed quickly and easily. I would also like to say that our home came out even better than expected. Fred listened to our ideas, built our home according to our taste and style and we couldn't be more pleased. We highly recommend Wechsler Custom Homes. You won't be disappointed.

    Linda

  • We would highly recommend Wechsler Custom Homes and Fred Wechsler to anyone considering building our dream home. Several years ago we bought a piece of land in Foresthill with the intention of someday building our dream home. After hearing stories about how difficult building can be and all the hidden expenses, we started to have second thoughts. We watched a beautiful new home being built nearby and when it was completed, we stopped to tell the owners how nice the home was and asked how they liked their builder. They were very pleased with their builder, Fred Wechsler. We are so happy that we decided to move forward with our plan to build and Fred made the whole experience so easy. He listened to all of our ideas, took our rough drawing and brought our dream home to life. We were amazed that the time and price estimates were both right on. Building our home was a much easier and fun experience than we expected-thanks to Fred. We have since met other friends in the neighborhood who also had their homes built by Fred Wechsler and everyone has been more than pleased with his work. It’s been a few years now and we still totally love our new home. If and when we ever sell, the quality of the workmanship will be a real asset in the resale value. We thank you, Fred, for making the building of our home such a positive experience.

    Darlene and Dennis

  • We interviewed several builders prior to selecting Fred Wechsler as our builder. We chose Fred because he was able to answer our many questions, and he gained our trust very quickly. We were not disappointed in our choice. At the time, we had special needs with our older parents living in the house and Fred was able to satisfactorily address our needs. He went above and beyond our expectations by making suggestions that would make things easier for my parents. We provided him a floor plan we liked and he customized it to give us exactly what we wanted. My dad stated several times during construction that it was the best built house he had seen. Fred was so easy to work with and very accessible when we had questions. He met with us many times throughout the building process, including meeting at the building site to get a good placement for the house on the lot, reviewing blueprints, the contract, budget and options. We felt that he wanted to ensure we got the exact home that we wanted. We believe Fred is very honest and has high integrity. If we had a concern or wanted a change, he would address that concern or make the change that we requested. We are very grateful that we used Fred to build our home and if we were to build another home, we would ask Fred and his company to build it.

    Mike and Sherri

  • While driving around Foresthill and Todd Valley, my husband and I fell in love with the area and decided we had to live in this beautiful place. We stopped at an open house for a newly built home and met Fred Wechsler. Mostly being nosy and enjoying looking around new construction, we had no idea that we would be able to afford a custom home built just for us. We quickly connected with Fred, poured over possible plans and discussed pricing. The entire process of having a custom built house with Wechsler Custom Homes was wonderful and exciting, and we are so thankful to have had Fred build our home. He had us involved in every step of the process, choosing materials, fixtures, and layout. I was afraid that I could be difficult at times being a daughter of a life-long custom home-builder, but Fred understood all of my concerns, questions and apprehensions. He provided us a beautiful home to live in that is comfortable, we feel immensely safe in, and proud to have anyone visit. We have referred friends, family, and strangers to Fred and that s high praise in a world of quick results and instant gratification. I challenge anyone to find a more dedicated, hard-working, caring company than Wechsler Custom Homes.

    Pam

  • Fred Wechsler was recommended to us by two other couples. After showing him our plans and talking to him, we looked no further for a contractor. Fred listened to what we wanted and had great suggestions. He and his crew are very pleasant to work with and are very considerate of any special needs-and pets. They show up, clean up, and you couldn’t ask for better people to build (or add onto) your home. We consider Fred and his wife Jan to be good friends. How many people can say that about their contractor?

    Marti and Jim

  • We contracted with Fred Wechsler of Wechsler Custom Homes to build our home from one of his stock plans, but with modifications. He understood, accommodated and did a great job designing the modifications. Originally Fred said he would have the home move-in ready in six months. We didn’t believe anyone could build a quality home in that amount of time and we had heard so many was stories of over runs and delays from other people who had homes built by other companies. Fred completed the project within budget, to specifications, and ahead of schedule. Our experience with Fred and Wechsler Custom Home was refreshingly positive. He performs with the highest level of integrity, is helpful in every way, and is a delight to work with. W highly recommend him for any project small or large.

    Jo and Carl

  • Our home on Silverleaf Drive was our tenth home and by far the best! A Wechsler Custom Home is quality designed and constructed. We highly recommend a Fred Wechsler home.

    Jim and Charlene