Our annual ranking of top construction firms highlights the top companies in Buncombe on their project volume over the past year, with a focus on relevance. This compilation is derived from permit and contractor information sourced from city, county, and state building departments through our partners at BuildZoom. For further information regarding data accuracy, please consult the note at the end of this article.

Construction data plays a valuable role for many different groups in the industry. For example, companies that sell materials or offer services to general contractors can use contractor data to better connect with potential clients. By keeping an eye on major project milestones, like the start of large construction jobs, they can reach out at the right time, when contractors are most likely to need new supplies or support. This helps ensure their outreach is timely and useful. Also, by looking at the business trends of contractors, suppliers can focus on those that are growing and likely to need more resources. Subcontractors can also benefit by identifying and approaching general contractors who are active in new projects. On the other hand, developers, property owners, and others involved in building projects can use insights from construction industry trends to check the experience and reliability of contractors and subcontractors before hiring them, making more informed decisions about who to work with.

Business# Projects (’23)Average Contract Value
Semper Fi Custom Remodeling 26 $171K
FRS Construction 24 $63K
JAG Construction 22 $557K
Preish Construction 4 $1788K
Protec Industrial Services, LLC 4 $1559K

Semper Fi Custom Remodeling

Address:
3038 US-70, Black Mountain, NC 28711

Semper Fi Custom Remodeling is a trusted, award-winning remodeling contractor proudly serving Western North Carolina and the Greenville, South Carolina area for over a decade. Founded by Marine Corps veterans Jay Cope and Chris Harrin, the company is built on the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, which are principles deeply woven into its culture, craftsmanship, and client relationships. Since completing their first custom home in 2010, Semper Fi has grown into a highly respected name in the remodeling industry, specializing in whole home renovations, home additions, kitchens, bathrooms, aging-in-place adaptations, green remodeling, and light commercial projects. Their client-first philosophy ensures a guided and transparent remodeling experience, supported by a robust project management system and a highly skilled, handpicked team. Semper Fi is recognized as a North Carolina Accredited Master Builder and Remodeler, and holds certifications including Aging-In-Place and Living Wage Certified, underscoring their commitment to excellence and ethical practices. With offices in Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC, the company offers customized solutions that honor both the character of existing homes and the unique needs of each client. Their meticulous attention to detail, timely delivery, and deep sense of service have earned them a stellar reputation among homeowners and industry peers alike. Faithful to their word and dedicated to building lasting spaces and relationships, Semper Fi Custom Remodeling continues to set the standard for quality and integrity in the remodeling field.

The General Contractors Magazine team reviewed data from Buncombe County Planning and Development Department and found that in 2022, Semper Fi Custom Remodeling completed a home addition and kitchen remodel valued at $330,000. In 2023, the company undertook a kitchen remodel project worth $287,811.


FRS Construction

Address:
173 Rutledge Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732

With nearly four decades of experience, FRS Construction has established itself as a trusted name in residential and commercial remodeling across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. Originally founded in 1987, the company evolved from a disaster restoration contractor into a full-service construction and remodeling firm due to growing customer demand. FRS Construction specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement finishing, home additions, and commercial office renovations, offering design-to-completion solutions with state-of-the-art rendering technology to help clients visualize their projects. The company’s reputation is built on a foundation of quality craftsmanship, timely project delivery, and a strong commitment to customer service. FRS is a family-owned and operated business, now entering its second generation of leadership, which reinforces its dedication to community values and local engagement. Their team of vetted professionals undergoes background checks and drug screening to ensure safety and trust at every job site. FRS also partners closely with homeowners and facility managers during emergency rebuilds, helping them return to normalcy quickly and efficiently. Over the years, the company has grown to include more than 25 employees, while maintaining a personalized, hands-on approach to every project.

The General Contractors Magazine team examined data from Buncombe County Planning and Development Department and found that in 2024, FRS Construction completed a commercial kitchen project valued at $407,069. Additionally, in the same year, they worked on a kitchen project worth $60,000.


JAG Construction

Address:
33 Mineral Springs Rd, Asheville, NC 28805

Founded in 2003, JAG Construction is a premier residential building company based in Asheville, North Carolina, known for its commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and client-centered service. With over two decades of experience, JAG specializes in custom homes, major remodels, and energy-efficient JAG Built plansm, with each reflecting the company’s dedication to high-performance building practices. Every new home is independently certified through the Green Built Alliance, and most exceed Energy Star standards by achieving 30–60% greater energy efficiency. JAG’s reputation is built on meticulous attention to detail, a collaborative design-build process, and a deeply rooted commitment to environmentally responsible construction. As a Parade of Homes award winner, the company has been recognized for its excellence in both innovation and execution. The team is made up of industry veterans and passionate craftspeople—many of whom have risen through the ranks at JAG and now serve as co-owners and leaders. Beyond building, JAG fosters a strong company culture, supporting its employees with living wages, wellness programs, and opportunities for professional growth. Their work can be seen throughout Western North Carolina, with standout projects that blend beauty, function, and sustainability.

The General Contractors Magazine team reviewed data from Buncombe County Planning and Development Department and found that in 2024, JAG Construction completed a kitchen and bathroom project valued at $1,043,000. Additionally, in 2022, the company worked on a dining room and kitchen project worth $397,215.


Preish Construction

Address:
1116 Burnside Dr, Asheville, NC 28803

Preish Construction is a seasoned custom home builder with nearly four decades of experience crafting environmentally conscious, high-performance homes throughout the Western Carolinas. Founded in 1986 by Jim Preish and now led by Mallory Fuller and Gary Pagliaroli, the firm has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to sustainable building practices, financial transparency, and exceptional craftsmanship. The executive team brings over 80 combined years of construction expertise, complemented by academic backgrounds in engineering, business, marketing, and accounting. Preish Construction is known for its highly organized, client-centric process—from initial vision and land assessment to final walkthrough and long-term stewardship. Their homes reflect thoughtful design integration with the Blue Ridge Mountain landscape, blending renewable energy technologies with timeless architectural elements. The company emphasizes accountable communication, offering bi-weekly financial updates and consistent progress reviews throughout each build. Preish Construction’s specialized craftsmen, paired with a trusted team of subcontractors, ensure quality at every stage. Their long history of satisfied clients and repeat referrals speaks to the lasting value and integrity of their work. With a mission to build homes that endure for generations, Preish Construction continues to be a leader in sustainable luxury construction across the region.

Preish Construction’s past projects, as reviewed by the General Contractors Magazine team using records from the Buncombe County Planning and Development Department, reveal that in 2017 they completed a $35,000 main level kitchen remodel. Furthermore, in 2021, Preish Construction undertook a $35,000 renovation involving a kitchen and three bathrooms.


Protec Industrial Services, LLC

Address:
147 Kuykendall Branch Rd, Asheville, NC 28804

Protec Industrial Services, LLC is a trusted single-source industrial mechanical contractor based in Asheville, North Carolina, known for delivering highly specialized services across a broad range of industries. With decades of hands-on experience, the company has built a strong reputation for expert craftsmanship, exceptional safety standards, and unwavering client satisfaction. Protec’s expertise spans process piping, HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, electrical work, millwright services, and custom controls, which makes them a go-to partner for complex, large-scale industrial projects. Their portfolio includes work for multinational corporations as well as regional businesses, demonstrating the flexibility and depth of their capabilities. The company’s robust safety and risk management program is central to its operations, ensuring the protection of both team members and clients on every job site. Protec is also highly regarded for their preventive and predictive maintenance solutions, supporting clients in minimizing downtime and extending equipment lifespan. Their team includes seasoned technicians, welders, electricians, and engineers who are equipped to manage everything from precision rigging and heavy equipment relocation to advanced control systems integration. A commitment to quality, innovation, and responsive service defines every project they undertake. Protec Industrial Services continues to expand its reach while remaining rooted in its mission: to help other businesses run smoothly and safely.

Protec Industrial Services, LLC’s past projects, as reviewed by the General Contractors Magazine team using records from the Buncombe County Planning and Development Department, reveal that in 2021 they completed a $65,000 kitchen renovation. Furthermore, in 2023, Protec Industrial Services, LLC carried out a $135,000 kitchen renovation project.


Note: The data used to compile this list may not be complete based on the availability of permit data – collecting and consolidating this data is a time-intensive and difficult task. It may not be complete in all areas due to jurisdictional reporting requirements and the availability of data. Job values and permit fees should be taken as estimates rather than exact values, based on the most complete permit and contractor data available. Additionally, number of projects and typical job size may be updated per contractor request.

The time period for the data used for this ranking was the past 365 days, plus an additional 45 days to account for the average timeline of a building permit. If you have any suggestions on the data or see any corrections that you’d like to give feedback on, please fill out this form. For more insights on construction data outside that are not directly related to contractors, there are other resources available as well.

Author

  • Alex Mericle is the Chief Editor at General Contractors Magazine with five years of experience in the construction space. Alex has always had a strong interest in residential and commercial construction and architecture, and he has built up technical experience with building permit data, subcontractor operations, and materials procurement over the years. On top of his experience at General Contractors Magazine, he has prior experience at BuildZoom. His analytical skillset, honed through a degree in Business Analytics from Creighton University and from his work experience, allows him to transform complex construction data into actionable insights and useful, captivating content. Expertise: Residential and Commercial Construction, Building Permit Data, Home Design and Build, Architecture, Subcontractor Operations, Material Procurement Key Highlights: Over 5 years of experience writing and editing in the construction space, Chief Editor at General Contractors Magazine, Previous experience at BuildZoom Education: Creighton University, Degree in Business Analytics

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