Build bold.
Live big.
Not your average builder. Custom pools, homes, concrete, excavation and outdoor living, crafted for East Tennessee homeowners who want it done right the first time.
- TN Licensed GC BC83591
- Bonded & Insured
- 5-Star Rated
- Knoxville Based
- Free Estimates
Five trades.
One standard.
From breaking ground to the final detail, the same crew is accountable for the whole job.
Custom pools
Design-forward in-ground pools built for your slope, your yard, your style. Excavation to first swim, all in-house.
See the workCustom homes
Ground-up builds, additions, and full remodels with a foundation-first crew that owns the dirt work too.
See the workConcrete
Driveways, pool decks, patios, slabs, and footings. Compaction, drainage, and reinforcement on every pour.
See the workExcavation & demo
Site prep, grading, land clearing, and structural removal. Where Black Sheep started.
See the workOutdoor living
Patios, retaining walls, fire features, and outdoor kitchens planned around East Tennessee terrain.
See the workNot your
average builder.
My name is Preston Leslie. Born and raised in Knoxville. I did not get into construction to collect checks. I got in to build a reputation.
I started at 18 with a landscaping company and a gut feeling I was not made to work for someone else. Landscaping led to pools. Pools lit a fire. Today Black Sheep is a licensed Tennessee general contractor with roots in excavation, grading, concrete, and retaining walls. That foundation-first mentality drives everything we build.
The Black Sheep
process
Transparent, accountable, and built around you. Four steps, in this order, every time.
Free consult
We visit your site or hop on a call. Zero cost, zero pressure. We listen first and advise second.
Written proposal
A clear, itemized estimate with scope, materials, and a realistic timeline. No vague numbers.
We build
Our crew shows up on time every day. Weekly photo updates and Preston's direct line, always.
Final walkthrough
We walk every detail together. We do not close the job until you love every inch of it.
Real East Tennessee
projects
Project Oasis
A full backyard transformation in West Knoxville: an underused yard turned into a resort-style outdoor space built for relaxing, playing, and hosting.
- Resort-style in-ground pool with sun shelf and integrated lighting
- Custom seating area with natural stone pavers and shaded pergola
- Half-court basketball with performance surfacing and striping
- Multi-level composite decking tying indoor and outdoor living together
- Outdoor kitchen with built-in grill, fridge, sink, and prep island
What Knoxville
is saying
"Preston and his crew built our backyard pool from scratch and we could not be more impressed. They showed up on time every single day, communicated throughout, and the finished product blew us away. Already recommending Black Sheep to everyone."
"We had three contractors bid our driveway and patio. Black Sheep was not the cheapest, but Preston was the only one who actually walked the property with us. The quality is unmatched. We have gotten so many compliments from neighbors."
"Excavation on our lot was tricky terrain and Black Sheep handled it perfectly. Preston is a straight shooter: no runaround, no excuses. Finished on schedule and under budget. Exactly what you want in a contractor."
Before
you call
Straight answers to the questions East Tennessee homeowners ask most.
Are you a licensed contractor in Tennessee?
Yes. Preston Leslie holds an active Tennessee General Contractor license (BC83591), and Black Sheep Construction LLC is bonded and insured. We provide our license number and proof of insurance on request, and we encourage you to ask.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Knoxville and serve the greater East Tennessee area including Farragut, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Alcoa, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Powell, Louisville, and Hardin Valley. Call (865) 696-6120 and we will confirm your area.
How long does a custom pool build take?
A typical in-ground pool takes 8 to 14 weeks from breaking ground to first swim, depending on size, design complexity, and Knox County permitting. You get a specific timeline during your free consultation, and we stick to it.
Do you handle permits with Knox County?
Yes. As a licensed Tennessee general contractor we pull every required permit and manage inspections. You do not touch a single form.
Is the consultation really free?
Completely free. We walk your property, listen to what you want, and give an honest assessment at no charge and no obligation.
What makes Black Sheep different?
Preston is hands-on for every project. We communicate constantly, show up when we say we will, and do not leave until it is right. Our roots in excavation and concrete mean we build foundation first, which most specialty contractors cannot say.
Do you own your own equipment?
Yes, and it matters. We own our mini excavators, skid steers, and full-size excavators. We do not subcontract your dig. One team is accountable from the first bucket of dirt to the final detail.
Serving Knoxville and East Tennessee
- Knoxville, TN
- Farragut, TN
- Maryville, TN
- Oak Ridge, TN
- Alcoa, TN
- Sevierville, TN
- Lenoir City, TN
- Powell, TN
- Hardin Valley, TN
- Louisville, TN
Let's build
something great.
Tell us about the project. We visit the site, listen first, and hand you a clear written number.
- Free on-site or phone consultation
- Clear, itemized written estimate
- Response within one business day
- Licensed, bonded and insured crew
- Preston personally oversees every job
Don't settle
for ordinary.
Knoxville's boldest builder is one call away. Free consultation, no pressure, bold results.