About Backwater Built

My name is Rusty Maureau, and I’m the founder of Backwater Built.

I’ve spent about 15 years in construction—remodeling homes, working on ground-up builds, and handling fabrication, painting, and installation for a sign company. That broad experience taught me to see a project as a complete system, not just a list of separate tasks. I know what good work looks like because I’ve done it with my own hands.

A few years ago, I stepped away from the tools—partly to get out of the New Orleans heat and partly for a change of pace. That experience gave me a different view of the business side of construction, but it also showed me how often good people are pushed to prioritize a sale over what a customer actually needs. That never sat right with me, and it is what led me back to doing this my way: with integrity and honesty, not pressure.

Backwater Built exists because of that. No upselling. No promises made just to win a job. When you work with me, you get straight answers about what your project actually needs, what it will cost, and what to expect—from the first conversation through the final walkthrough.

I’ve always believed the work itself should speak louder than the sales pitch. Long after the trucks leave and the dust settles, the quality of the work is what remains. That is what I think about on every project, because my name stays attached to it just as much as yours does.

I’m not interested in being the fastest or the cheapest contractor in Greater New Orleans. I’m interested in doing work I’m proud to put my name on, building relationships that last beyond a single job, and treating your home the way I would treat my own.

The name Backwater Built comes from the south Louisiana marshes and backwaters where I have always felt most at home. To me, those places represent patience, resilience, and doing things the right way instead of the rushed way. That same outlook shapes how I approach every project.

What that looks like in practice

Clear communication. You’ll know what’s happening, why it is happening, and what it costs—without surprises halfway through.

Honest expectations. If a project is not a good fit for your budget or timeline, I’ll tell you, even if it costs me the job.

Craftsmanship that lasts. From kitchens and bathrooms to custom carpentry and outdoor living spaces, the goal is work that holds up for years—not just work that looks good at the walkthrough.

When I’m not on a job site, you’ll probably find me with family, friends, or out fishing somewhere in the marsh. That is part of why I care so much about building a business that runs on integrity instead of pressure. It is the same standard I want for my own home and my own time.

If you’re planning a remodel and want a straightforward conversation about what’s possible, reach out. No pressure, no pitch—just an honest look at your project.

Rusty Maureau
Founder, Backwater Built
504-621-4040 | Rusty@BackwaterBuiltLLC.com