And the winner is … Inside Buildertrend’s first “Best in building: March community showdown”

Buildertrend’s first-ever “Best in building: March community showdown” brought the energy of March Madness straight into the construction world. After 200 builder submissions, 64 projects were selected by peers to enter the bracket – each one representing the craftsmanship, creativity and precision of Buildertrend customers.

The goal was simple but powerful: Celebrate builders, spotlight incredible work and give the Buildertrend community a fun way to engage. Four categories set the stage for competition across the industry:

• Bathroom
• General living
• Specialty
• Kitchen

From day one, the bracket delivered strong competition. Tight matchups, passionate voting and projects that pushed the limits of what great building looks like made this more than a contest. It became a shared moment across the Buildertrend network, and it all led to one final showdown.

Now, let’s meet the finalists who made it all the way.

Meet the final four contestants

Four builders rose above the rest in their respective category, each bringing a distinct vision and execution to the competition. These projects didn’t just look good, they showed how process, communication and technology come together to deliver real results.

Here’s how the final four break down by category:

• Bathroom: Cardinal Crest Homes
• General living: LWE Fernie Builders & Development Inc.
• Specialty: Palisade Homes
• Kitchen: JPS Construction and Design, Inc.

Each finalist tells a different story about what it means to build at a high level. Now let’s break down the projects that pushed their way into the final four.

Cardinal Crest Homes

Category: Bathroom
Project: Robinhood Estate

A high quality bathroom build managed from pre-construction through final warranty.

What stands out about this project is how tightly everything was managed from start to finish. As the team put it, “We utilized the entire suite of Buildertrend during this build,” from pre-construction selections through budgeting, daily logs, weekly scheduling updates and into warranty. That level of visibility and control shows up in the final product and it’s exactly what pushed this build into the final four.

That approach didn’t just keep the project organized, it created a smoother experience for everyone involved. Clear documentation, consistent updates and aligned scheduling meant fewer surprises and faster decisions throughout the build.

Each piece worked together to create a build that felt controlled from start to finish. There’s no scrambling to catch up or fill gaps, just a steady, repeatable process that supports the work at every stage.

This project proves that when your process is consistent across every phase, the end result speaks for itself.

LWE Fernie Builders & Development Inc.

Category: General living
Project: Alpine Gem

A mountain home built for strong performance that brings together architectural vision and real-world results.

“As a cost-plus builder, transparency was essential,” the team shared. Buildertrend made that possible by tracking labor, materials and subcontractors in real time, while dual client logins and daily logs kept remote clients fully connected.

What got this project to the championship round? According to the team, it came down to a rare combination:

• Strong architectural vision carried through every phase
• High-performance building standards like triple-glazed windows and full exterior insulation
• Natural materials that connect the home to its environment

Buildertrend played a central role in making that vision real. It created a shared source of truth, which shifted the client relationship into something more collaborative and confident.

Georgia Thomas, marketing manager at LWE Fernie Builders & Development Inc. said, “Everyone’s working from the same information, and that leads to better decisions and a better overall experience.”

This project didn’t just perform on paper. It delivered a living experience that felt intentional, connected and built to last, which is exactly what pushed it into the final spotlight.

Palisade Homes

Category: Specialty
Project: Willamette River House

A bold home with a strong personality that balances standout features with tight coordination.

Bill Lorenz, owner of Palisade Homes, said, “This house has some amazing features,” noting its nickname on Instagram as the “mullet house” business in the front, party in the back.

That personality showed up everywhere, but especially in the details:

• A pool window that became a major focal point
• Unique architectural features that grabbed attention
• A design that blended fun with function

Buildertrend helped keep it all on track. Scheduling, budgeting and document management ensured nothing slipped through the cracks, even with the project’s complexity.

When asked to describe their approach, the team leaned into a sports analogy that fits the bracket perfectly. They described their process like a basketball team:

• Head coach: Builder
• Assistant coach: Superintendent
• Players: Subcontractors
• Booster: Client

Their strength is teamwork, without a doubt.

That mindset, combined with consistent progress photos and client access, created a project that was both engaging and well-executed. It’s exactly why Palisade Homes earned a spot in the finals.

JPS Construction and Design, Inc.

Category: Kitchen
Project: Coastal New Home

A kitchen that proves the heart of the home can also be a masterclass in coordination.

Shane O’Rourke, marketing manager at JPS Construction and Design, Inc., said, “What really sets this kitchen apart is the balance between openness and detail.”

Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams adds strong vertical space, while all-white cabinetry keeps the space clean and timeless. Layer in natural wood floors and warm island seating, and it becomes a space that feels both elevated and livable.

Behind the scenes, the biggest challenge was coordination. Multiple custom elements had to align perfectly across the build:

• Ceiling details
• Cabinetry
• Lighting

Buildertrend kept everything moving. Scheduling and daily logs ensured every trade stayed in sync, avoiding delays and keeping the project on track.

The team highlighted a few key features that made the difference:

• Real-time updates that improved communication
• Daily logs that tracked progress and adjustments
• Integrated scheduling that aligned every moving part

And if there’s an MVP, it’s the exposed ceiling beams. They add character and dimension while keeping the space cohesive.

This project shows how complex builds succeed when process and communication are clear and consistent.

And the winner is…

After weeks of matchups and community voting, it all came down to one final decision: Two standout projects and one champion.

LWE Fernie Builders & Development Inc. takes the title.

Their Alpine Gem project stood out for a reason. It delivered on both sides of the equation:

• Design that feels grounded and intentional
• Performance that meets high building standards
• Communication that keeps clients connected every step of the way

What pushed it over the edge was how those elements worked together. This wasn’t just a great design or a strong process. It was a complete building experience.

“Teamwork, without a doubt,” Georgia said when asked about their biggest strength. That alignment across the team, trades and client made the difference.

In a bracket full of impressive work, this project proved that when communication, performance and design come together, the result speaks for itself.

A special shoutout to our runner-up

Every championship needs a worthy challenger, and Palisade Homes delivered exactly that.

Their Willamette River House brought personality, creativity and strong execution to the competition. From standout features to a team-first approach, this project earned its place in the finals and made a lasting impression.

It’s the kind of build that reminds you construction can be both technical and fun at the same time.

Beyond the bracket

This bracket was about more than picking a winner. It was about showcasing what the Buildertrend network does best, building exceptional projects and sharing that work with others.

Across all 64 entries and especially our final four, one thing was clear. The combination of craftsmanship, communication and the right tools leads to better outcomes.

Here’s what made this showdown special:

• Builders supporting and celebrating each other
• Projects that push the industry forward
• A shared commitment to better processes and better builds

And this is just the beginning.

Want to be part of the next year’s showdown? Stay connected with the Buildertrend community and start planning your entry.