Coastal Contracting Review I strongly caution anyone considering Coastal Contracting (owner Stephen Carlson) for a new home build. Our experience was financially devastating and the contract was not honored. We contracted with Coastal Contracting in August 2024 to build a single-family home in D'Iberville, MS. The cost+ contract provided estimated price with a +/-10% variance. The final cost came in well beyond that variance, and the home appraised for significantly less than what we paid -- leaving us substantially underwater. Had we not sold our previous home at a significant profit during construction, we could not have covered the repeated cash demands and likely would have faced foreclosure. Throughout the build, Mr. Carlson was unable or unwilling to produce a written allowance list, a cost methodology, or a single written change order -- all of which his own contract requires. Instead, he repeatedly demanded large out-of-pocket payments on top of the scheduled bank draws to keep the project moving. When I asked for the accounting to justify these overages, I was told I had everything I needed and that how their payments were handled was not my business. I later found out that many payments to vendors and sub-contractors were often past due. The project was contractually scheduled to complete by October 2025. It finished in mid-November, with no written change orders, no documented delays, and no significant weather events on the Gulf Coast to explain it. The late completion forced us to obtain two loan extensions and pay additional fees. Other concerns: the plans were treated as "just a guideline"; the project manager was injured on site and we were not notified within the contractual three-day window (we learned from a subcontractor); and we never received documentation of continuous General Liability, Workers' Comp, or renewed Builder's Risk coverage after the original policy period. If you're considering Coastal Contracting, I urge you -- at minimum -- to require a detailed written allowance schedule up front. I repeat get a detailed written allowance schedule UP FRONT and do not proceed until that is provided and a part of the contract. Mr Carlson seems like a good sales person, but he is really just a snake oil salesman selling terms he cannot meet. Once he has your business it is all about your money. You will become nothing more than an ATM to him. He does not listen and only does or doesn't do what he wants. He is a liar, a bully and just an overall bad person to do business with. I suggest finding someone else. read more

I cried the day I backed my car into a tree and it crumbled like a beer can and I cried again the day I picked it up cause it looked like new! They performed magic!! I have no other words for it!!! Thank u thank u! read more

Stephen and his team did some remodel work on my home. They did a fantastic job. I would recommend them.

Be careful if Mr. Carlson builds around you. He is currently building a spec house in Long Beach next to a rental house I own. His new spec home straddles the sewer and water line that services my rental property. Now he's insisting that I pay to have the services lines rerouted around his new spec home. Mr Carlson told me that if I did not pay to have this done he was going to cut the water and sewer lines servicing my tenants. I have never hired Coastal Contracting, and after this experience, I'm positive I never will. read more

I used Coastal Contracting for what I thought was a simple enough job of fixing a leaky roof and tearing out my fireplace. Once they were done I know have more leaks than I did before. The owner Steve Carlson came back a couple of times to try and fix it but after more than 6 months now I still have a leaky roof. I contacted him 2 weeks ago and sent him pictures and he stopped replying. He also went completely against what we had agreed on and instead of replacing my floor did a patch job while I was away with out even consulting me first. He is horrible and does what he wants and then makes excuses as to why he did it. Do not use this guy. read more

Poor supervision. Mr. Carlson's memory is poor as he changes details often. I asked for a contract and he said he doesn't do contracts. I've dealt with contractors before and they always do contracts. He said his invoice is his contract. I should have run then. He did not order enough shingles for the job. He left the job unfinished and poorly done. He said there was mold and board had to be replaced. Then on his last day he changed his mind. What contractor leaves mold? He also left my chimney wrapped in plastic. I haven't a clue what that is all about. I have to hire a professional roofer to re-do his work. Don't hire this man or his company. I tried to find out about the plastic on his last day? He blocked my email. Apparently, he's done this poor workmanship before! BEWARE! I thought I was careful by hiring a Board Certified Contractor. Apparently not! Don't hire this man or his company. read more

I've used Coastal Contracting's services many times. These guys do excellent work and have good prices. Do yourself a favor and look no further! read more

Very rarely do I give a 5 star rating but Coastal Contracting has definitely earned every star. Steve is very responsive, listens to your needs, provides a fair quote and is excellent at follow up. The work that was completed was above par & the clean-up very neat. Coastal Contracting truly does go above and beyond. They truly care that a project/job is well done! read more

The subs that Steve Carlson hired did an amazing job. The work is beautiful. Working with Steve Carlson, the GC, was a nightmare. From exceeding the statement of work by demolishing my living room and dining room walls and ceilings to the studs without authorizing to bullying us into postdating a change order to cover his actions it's been a terrible roller coaster. This project has been a nightmare. When Mr Carlson does not get the answers he demands he holds the project hostage by walking off the job. He did this twice delaying our project 3 weeks. During the final tantrum, he cancelled final electrical inspection by the city but fully expected to get paid the final amount due. His bullying behavior amplified to the point where I had to call the police to get him to leave the property after 3 vehement requests. I was along in Biloxi at the time. He also failed to tell us that the property was not inhabitable when we were 1 hour from the house after 23 hours of driving from Denver with children. He was well aware we had planned the trip and when we were to arrive. He refused to work with me and consistently went to my husband or the bank to override my decisions. In the end, we were forced to fire him as he refused to schedule the final inspection and get a certificate of occupancy. We are now seeking a new GC to get final inspections and punch list completed. This has been one of the most shockingly unprofessional individuals I've ever worked with. When he says, he takes care of your house like it's his own.... he's not kidding. He really thinks his decisions override the owners.... read more