Business Details
19 Years
experience
Affordable, Energy-Efficient Home Building in New Orleans
Founded in 2007, Build Now is a New Orleans-based nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding flood-impacted communities through elevated, energy-efficient homes. Our team combines decades of local construction expertise with green-building technologies to create affordable, resilient housing in authentic New Orleans architectural styles. We guide homeowners through every stepfrom financing and design to constructionensuring a seamless experience.With over 125 homes built and $15M in economic impact, we remain committed to revitalizing neighborhoods like Gentilly, Lakeview, and the Lower Ninth Ward. Our founder, William Monaghan, leverages 42 years of industry experience to design homes that balance modern amenities with historic charm, while our staff provides personalized case management to every client.
Services
Home Construction
Floorplan Design
Financing Assistance
Homebuyer Counseling
Green Building
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of local construction expertise in flood-resilient design
- Our homes combine green-building technologies with authentic New Orleans architecture
- We provide end-to-end case management from financing to construction
- We've built 125+ homes with $15M+ economic impact in local communities
- Our founder personally designs every floorplan with historic architectural details
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Process went really well
Handled everything
Affordable option
High quality
Community-focused
Services
Home Construction
We build elevated, energy-efficient homes designed to withstand flood risks. Our construction combines modern amenities with traditional New Orleans architectural elements like porches and transoms. All homes meet strict resilience standards while maintaining historic charm.
Floorplan Design
Custom floorplans accommodate various lot sizes and family needs. Options include shotgun doubles, Creole cottages, and modern adaptations of historic styles. Designs feature open spaces, 9' ceilings, and outdoor living areas for functional, attractive living spaces.
Financing Assistance
We guide clients through securing affordable financing options. Our case management includes navigating loan programs and financial assistance opportunities. This support helps make homeownership accessible for New Orleans residents rebuilding after disasters.
Homebuyer Counseling
Personalized counseling covers the entire rebuilding process. Services include lot assessment, design selection, and construction timeline management. Our team ensures clients understand every step from initial planning to final move-in.
Green Building
Our homes incorporate energy-efficient technologies and flood-resistant materials. Green features reduce environmental impact while lowering utility costs. This approach creates healthier living spaces that align with modern sustainability standards.
People
William Monaghan
Co-Founder
New Orleans native with 42 years of construction experience. Designed all Build Now floorplans and oversees green building programs. Donated over $500,000 to the foundation. Yale and Harvard-educated architect.
Tess Monaghan
Co-Founder
First Executive Director who grew Build Now from concept to community leader. Yale graduate with consulting background. Now serves as board member while continuing local community development work.
Kristel Payne
Office Manager
Business management professional with 15+ years experience. Handles operations and finance since 2016. Graduated from St. Mary's College and studied at University of New Orleans.
Jackie Hill
Executive Director
Led discussions on mortgage refinancing strategies and community rebuilding economics. Manages client financing education programs with focus on post-disaster recovery solutions.
Robyn Bordelon
Quality Control Manager
Expert in home inspection standards and construction quality assurance. Provides technical guidance on building code compliance and long-term home maintenance considerations.
Questions
What types of homes do you build?
We construct elevated, energy-efficient homes in traditional New Orleans styles including shotgun doubles, Creole cottages, and modern adaptations. All feature open floorplans and flood-resistant designs.
Do you help with financing?
Yes, we provide case management for mortgage applications, loan programs, and financial assistance options to make homeownership accessible for New Orleans residents.
What areas do you serve?
We operate in flood-impacted neighborhoods across New Orleans including Gentilly, Lakeview, Uptown, Lower Ninth Ward, and surrounding parishes.
How long does construction take?
The typical timeline from design to completion is 6-9 months, depending on lot conditions and customization requirements.
Are your homes energy efficient?
Yes, all homes incorporate green-building technologies that reduce energy consumption while maintaining historic architectural integrity.
Can I customize my home design?
We offer multiple base floorplans that can be adapted to different lot sizes and family needs, with options for exterior details and interior layouts.
