If you’re searching for a North Atlanta custom builder who blends legacy, craftsmanship, and care, welcome home. At Cowart Residential, we believe every home should tell a story - your story. Let us share ours.
From Our Family to Yours: The Cowart Legacy
Cowart’s history is rooted in quality building and residential development across the Atlanta region. The journey began with John Cowart Properties, founded in 1972, which laid the groundwork for over 50 years of combined experience in creating exceptional communities.
Since those early days, the Cowart family of companies has developed more than 35 single-family communities, built over 2,000 homes, and developed more than 5,500 residential lots across metro Atlanta. Through partnerships and ventures, they’ve overseen all aspects of residential development, from land acquisition and infrastructure to master planning, construction, and design.
In 1991, Dean Cowart launched Dean Cowart Homes, further cementing the family’s reputation as a quality builder in North Fulton County. Over the years, his projects have expanded, and now Cowart Residential melds both the development and construction sides of the business under one singular, deeply personal brand.
Today, Cowart Residential stands as a trusted North Atlanta custom builder and build-on-your-lot expert, delivering homes of character, durability, and distinction.
What Makes Cowart Different: Core Strengths of Our Business
When you partner with Cowart, you’re not just hiring a builder. You’re gaining the entire Cowart family’s legacy, experience, and attention to detail.
1. Comprehensive Expertise in Construction + Development
Cowart is a licensed Georgia residential and light commercial contractor, and we also hold real estate broker licensure. That means we understand everything from site acquisition and entitlements to infrastructure, engineering, and home construction.
Our portfolio reflects this range: homes priced from $160,000 to $1,000,000+ across the greater Atlanta area, subdivisions we fully designed and engineered, and even mixed-use and commercial projects in strategic locales.
By combining development insight and building capability under one roof, we ensure projects run more smoothly, cost-effectively, and with greater alignment to customer vision.
2. Local Focus, Local Reputation
Our history is woven into communities in Dunwoody, North Fulton, Alpharetta, and beyond. We know the land, the zoning intricacies, and what buyers in this region expect from their homes.
That local insight gives us a leg up: when we say we can build on your lot or design a home that fits your neighborhood, these are more than marketing phrases. They’re promises backed by decades of experience.
3. A Relationship-Driven Experience
Building a home is personal. It’s one thing to draw plans; it’s another to walk alongside you through every decision, concern, and adjustment. That’s how the Cowart team operates.
From the first site evaluation to handing over keys, we emphasize transparency, respect, and collaboration. Our goal: make you feel heard, confident, and supported - not overwhelmed.
The Build-On-Your-Lot Advantage
One of our signature offerings is our Build On Your Lot (BOYL) capability. Here’s why that matters:
- Keep Your Land, Build Your Dream – You don’t have to buy a lot from us. We bring the expertise to build your ideal home where you already own land (or are exploring options).
- Flexibility + Customization – We provide customizable plans, engineering assessments, and a full walkthrough process to refine layout, flow, and finishes.
- Risk Mitigation – Because we manage everything from site prep and permitting to utilities and inspections, you avoid hidden surprises.
- Seamless Integration – Since we do development and construction, the designs we recommend are rooted in practical, constructible realities.
In short: with Cowart, “Build On Your Lot” isn’t a buzz phrase. It’s a full-service, thoughtfully managed process.
Meet the Leadership Behind Cowart
John Cowart Sr.
A true pioneer in Atlanta’s residential development, John Cowart Sr. laid the foundation for what Cowart Residential stands for today: integrity, craftsmanship, and community.
With nearly five decades of experience, John built more than homes. He built trust and neighborhoods that continue to define North Atlanta living. Through his vision, John Cowart Properties and Cowart Reynolds Realtors became cornerstones of quality in the industry.
John’s leadership, faith, and dedication to excellence earned him numerous awards, including the GAHBA Builder of the Year and the prestigious Lewis C. Cenker Lifetime Achievement Award. Though he passed in 2022, his values, commitment to quality, and spirit of service live on through his family and the next generation of Cowart builders.
Dean Cowart
Dean represents the current generation of leadership. His hands-on roots in construction (starting as an assistant superintendent) gave him ground-level insight. In 1991, he founded Dean Cowart Homes and has steadily grown his reputation for delivering quality custom homes in North Fulton and surrounding markets.
Today, as President of Cowart Residential, Dean oversees product development, estimating, marketing, and construction, ensuring the family legacy lives on every time a home is finished.
Signature Projects & Community Footprint
Our homes and neighborhoods aren’t just structures, they’re communities. Some of the standout residential projects Cowart has been involved in include:
- Redfield
- North Manor
- Baker’s Glen
- St. Andrews
- Glen Meadow
- Brook Farm
- Oxford Mill
- The Woodlands
- Winfield on the River
- Crabapple Crossing
- And many more
On the commercial side, Cowart has delivered projects such as Dunwoody Village Office, Crabapple Crossing Retail Center, and others that strengthened the fabric of North Atlanta’s built environment.
Each project is a testament to our belief: quality architecture + thoughtful site planning = long-lasting, livable communities.
Why Homebuyers Choose Cowart
- Reputation for excellence: For over 50 years, the Cowart name has been synonymous with quality construction and integrity.
- Local expertise: As a North Atlanta builder, we understand what works in this region better than distant, out-of-state builders.
- Customization without guesswork: You get the benefits of a custom home with our streamlined process and expertise.
- Transparency & peace of mind: You’re never left wondering what’s happening behind the walls. You stay informed and empowered.
- Build-on-your-lot flexibility: Want to use your land? We’ll make it happen.
Let’s Build Your Legacy Together
Choosing a builder isn’t just a financial decision. It’s emotional, personal, and deeply impactful. At Cowart Residential, we take that responsibility seriously. Beyond walls and finishes, we aim to deliver homes you’ll love, in neighborhoods that endure.
If you’re looking for a trusted custom builder, a quality builder, or a North Atlanta builder who can bring your vision to life on your existing land, let’s talk.
Contact us today and let’s begin your next chapter.

