Custom home builder · Columbia, SC · reviewed since 2019
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%79+43.1Reliability 24%68+16.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%71+5Craft & service penalty95−0.5Momentum penalty37−6.3Experts Score= 72Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.72SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#22 of 31 deck contractorsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 30%
4.8★★★★★67 Google reviews · 24 photos
94%five-star reviews
3.67★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Gallup Design Build 4.8 out of 5 based on 67 reviews, with the owner responding to 81 percent of them. Customers frequently praise the firm's punctuality, detailed communication through project management apps, and high-quality craftsmanship in custom home construction. Recurring themes include professional coordination with subcontractors and attention to specific design requests. However, isolated low-star reviews criticize the company's high pricing and mention issues with waterproofing features.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 67 reviews (94% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 67 Google reviews (60 with written comments, 3 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 81% of reviews.
Most recent review: June 19, 2026.
Service: Deck Contractor serving Columbia, South Carolina.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Score profile vs other deck contractors
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and craft & service; weakest: momentum.
Gallup Design BuildDeck Contractors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Gallup Design Build: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.B
79
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Gallup Design Build: 68/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.B
68
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Gallup Design Build: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 88.A
95
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Gallup Design Build: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Gallup Design Build: 37/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.D
37
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Gallup Design Build: 71/100 on this factor. Category median: 57.B
71
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
67 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars6394%
4 stars11%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star23%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 60 written reviews
98%praise
Praise8998%
Complaints22%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price267%
Reasonable133%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Quality & results1921%
Staff & attitude1820%
Would recommend1820%
Communication1719%
Speed & response1112%
Price & value55%
Honesty & trust33%
What customers talk about
We read 60 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“We have built several houses in the past but we have never had such a wonderful experience like we have had with GDB.”
“We have built multiple houses in our time, but nothing compares to the quality and professionalism we experienced during this build.”
“I would highly recommend Gallup Design Build to anyone who is looking for a top notch custom home.”
“Communication throughout the process has been exceptional and attention to detail is their forte!”
“They completed the build right on time as they said they would, and we couldn’t be happier.”
“They provide fair pricing with top notch craftsmanship.”
“Great customer service and trust worthy.”
People customers mention
Murray3 reviews
Benoit3 reviews
Jonathan3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Gallup Design Build for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
BBrittan2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
One month ago we moved into our beautiful dream home built by Gallup Design Build. We have built several houses in the past but we have never had such a wonderful experience like we have had with GDB. R.B. Gallup and his wonderful team have perfected the process of building. From the design stage through the…
Great priceProject managementCustom home designHome building
BBrianLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
We just moved into our new lake home built by Gallup Design Build and I cannot say enough positive things about our experience!! This is the 4th home we have built on Lake Murray. The previous 3 were built by a builder that did a great job but Gallup has far exceeded our expectations. They finished our 3,800…
Great priceCustom home designHome buildingInterior design
JJames2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 8 months ago★
I suppose all these other good reviews paid extra to have the waterproof feature added to their homes. Unfortunately my home is not waterproof. Thank you for that
MMark9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Gallup built us our dream house - we probably added a lot of complexity as this is our forever house and we left nothing to do afterward whether that be wine cellars, golf simulators, multiple bars, pool, top of the line appliances and built ins all over the place. We loved the all in service of Gallup and their…
Reasonable priceProject managementCustom home designHome building
TThomas9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Very happy with our custom build. RB, Adam and the entire team were great to work with! They have an app that they upload all the documents to, schedule their subs on the calendar, and upload daily photos of the progress. They completed the build right on time as they said they would, and we couldn’t be happier. Thanks GDB!
BBetsy8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a year ago★★★★★
Gallup design build made all our dreams come true and beyond! The communication and daily updates and photos were such a great asset on the builder trend app they provided. The turn key process from design- build from plans to construction was invaluable and RB, Adam, Dave and Alisha were the dream team! They…
One month ago we moved into our beautiful dream home built by Gallup Design Build. We have built several houses in the past but we have never had such a wonderful experience like we have had with GDB. R.B. Gallup and his wonderful team have perfected the process of building. From the design stage through the end of construction we have experienced nothing but exceptional quality. Communication throughout the process has been exceptional and attention to detail is their forte! We could not be happier with the process and the end product. I would highly recommend Gallup Design Build to anyone who is looking for a top notch custom home.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Project management, Custom home design, Home building, Interior design
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much Brittan for the kind words and trusting our team with your dream home. We loved working with y’all and getting to help bring your vision to life! Cheers to many great memories to come in your new home!
B
Brian HarbisonLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We just moved into our new lake home built by Gallup Design Build and I cannot say enough positive things about our experience!! This is the 4th home we have built on Lake Murray. The previous 3 were built by a builder that did a great job but Gallup has far exceeded our expectations. They finished our 3,800 sq ft home in 7.5 months. Their attention to detail is unmatched and the quality of everything is very noticeable. Building a home can be stressful but they have a wonderful system that helps take all of the stress out of the process. If you are considering building a home I would highly recommend that you sit down with Gallup Design Build and let them make your dream home a reality.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Custom home design, Home building, Interior design
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Brian, thank you for the kind words and for trusting us with your family’s new lake home. Knowing the experience y’all have had building on Lake Murray over the years makes this review especially meaningful to our team.
We’re proud the quality, attention to detail, and overall process stood out to you. Thank you again for trusting us to bring your vision to life. We hope your family enjoys the home for many years to come!
R.B. Gallup
President & Owner
Gallup Design Build
J
James Grant2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I suppose all these other good reviews paid extra to have the waterproof feature added to their homes. Unfortunately my home is not waterproof. Thank you for that
Response from the owner · Edited a year ago
Hi James,
Thank you for informing us of the issue. This is the first we have been made aware of any problem. Our team at Gallup Design Build is reaching out today to schedule a warranty visit and address any issues as soon as possible. Please call our office at 803-932-4884 if you have any future warranty concerns. We stand behind our work and are here to help as needed.
Best regards,
R.B. Gallup
Gallup Design Build
Update: We’ve reached out to Mr. Grant multiple times via phone and email to learn more about any issue he has and offer assistance, but we have not received a response as of 12/9/24
M
Mark Johnson9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Gallup built us our dream house - we probably added a lot of complexity as this is our forever house and we left nothing to do afterward whether that be wine cellars, golf simulators, multiple bars, pool, top of the line appliances and built ins all over the place. We loved the all in service of Gallup and their in house capabilities as well as the way they worked with the subcontractors we went to directly (such as AV, Golf Sim, Landscaper) etc. It was a huge undertaking but we literally ended up with our dream house.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Project management, Custom home design, Home building
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you Mark! We enjoyed working with y’all to design and build your new home on lake Murray. We are thrilled y’all are enjoying your new house! Thanks again for choosing our team to help turn your dreams into a home.
R.B. Gallup
T
Thomas Horton9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Thomas has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very happy with our custom build. RB, Adam and the entire team were great to work with! They have an app that they upload all the documents to, schedule their subs on the calendar, and upload daily photos of the progress. They completed the build right on time as they said they would, and we couldn’t be happier. Thanks GDB!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much, Thomas. We truly enjoyed working with you and helping bring your family’s dream home to life.
B
Betsy Nagel8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Betsy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Gallup design build made all our dreams come true and beyond! The communication and daily updates and photos were such a great asset on the builder trend app they provided. The turn key process from design- build from plans to construction was invaluable and RB, Adam, Dave and Alisha were the dream team! They listened to our vision and went over and beyond to make it happen. The quality build was beyond our expectations! Words cannot express how blessed and happy we are in our home.
Terry and Betsy
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much Betsy! We thoroughly enjoyed working with you and Terry to help bring your new lake home to life!
J
Jerry MillerLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jerry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As a mechanical contractor, Gallup has consistently been a pleasure to work with. We’re very pleased with their responsiveness and the standard of quality that is required to partner with them.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much Bryan!
R
r bLocal Guide · 41 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews r has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Edit after 4 years of enjoying the house
Our Fantastic Experience with Gallup & Lafitte;
When looking for a custom builder, our goal was to find a builder that was experienced, paid attention to details, delivered on commitments, and responsive. To say that Gallup & Lafitte exceed our expectations would be an understatement.
Experience - Based upon a recommendation, we interviewed RB and Dick Gallup and quickly realized that they not only had experience, but also extreme passion for their work. This same experience guided us while we were selecting the lot, designing the home, and throughout the build process.
Attention to Detail - This was even more important because we lived remotely and could only visit the site every few months. RB was involved in the details, was on site, knew each of the contractors working on the house, and kept the quality build process on track. He was not only engaged in the flawless execution, but also provided great feedback on our thoughts/ideas that helped lead to a spectacular home.
Delivered on Commitments - As expected, challenges occur in any process and we were amazed by how RB gracefully viewed them as opportunities to be overcome (who would have thought COVID would have occurred?). The build was completed on time, within budget, and exceeded expectations on quality.
Responsive - Candidly, more than a few folks we interviewed initially, struggled with responsiveness. RB and team exceeded every expectation in this category. I cannot count the number of late night calls, weekend visits, or calls from me saying "I was thinking about ....". We looked forward to the daily updates and photos on the builder site which were hugely important to us as we were out of state.
Final Words: Exceeded our every expectation and we highly recommend!!!!!
Update: Continue to love our home, impressed with the build quality, and even more so the builder. After 3 years our garage doors started failing because some very basic things were not done correctly on the initial installation. Unfortunately the orginal company used by Gallup is no longer in busines.
From a positive perspective, Bilt Rite did a great job quickly assessing, saved the garage doors, and fixed the issue at a fair price (refer to review on Bilt Rite).
Positive: Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Services: Design, Demolition, Waterproofing, Tile work installation, Install flooring, Landscaping, Garage design & building, Home renovations, Fan installation, Tile work replacement, Deck construction, Paint indoors, Repair water fixtures, General repairs & maintenance, Project management, Custom home design, Interior finishing, Exterior painting, Remodeling, Exterior finishing, Home building, Interior design, Drywall installation, Plumbing fixture installation, Roof building, Roof installation, Repair flooring, Home blueprint design creation, Consultation, Home addition construction, Concrete pouring, Drywall repair, Flooring, Service not listed
Response from the owner · Edited a year ago
Thank you for your review, Randy. It was truly a pleasure working with you and Amanda to design and build your lake home in 2020.
We also want to express our sincere gratitude for the referrals you’ve made to us over the years. Your support means so much to my family and our company, and we truly value the trust you’ve placed in us.
Thank you again for your review and for being part of our journey.
R.B. Gallup, President & Owner GDB
