Our annual ranking of top construction firms highlights the top companies in Transylvania based 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 crucial role for many professionals in the building and remodeling industry. Suppliers of construction materials and services can leverage construction market data to effectively target general contractors at the ideal time—especially when major projects begin and contractors require new resources. By monitoring key milestones and analyzing contractors’ growth patterns, these suppliers can focus their efforts on businesses with expanding needs. Subcontractors also benefit by using construction data to identify and connect with general contractors for upcoming projects. Additionally, real estate developers, property owners, and project managers rely on the construction industry outlook to verify the expertise, licenses, and reliability of contractors and subcontractors before hiring. Utilizing such construction analytics ensures smarter decisions, timely outreach, and stronger partnerships across the construction sector, making construction data an essential tool for success in today’s competitive building market.

Business# Projects (’23)Average Contract Value
Semper Fi Custom Remodeling26$171K
First Restoration Services24$63K
JAG Construction22$557K
The Mayhew Consulting Company10$200K
RS Construction of Asheville, Inc.9$54K

Semper Fi Custom Remodeling

Address:
3038 Us Hwy 70, Black Mountain, NC 28711

Semper Fi Custom Remodeling, a veteran-founded company based in Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC, brings over a decade of experience to high-quality home renovations and custom remodeling projects. Since building their first home in 2010 alongside a childhood mentor, founders Jay Cope and Chris Harrin have grown the company into a trusted local leader known for integrity, craftsmanship, and clear communication. Drawing on their shared background in the Marine Corps and a deep-rooted commitment to service, the Semper Fi team is dedicated to delivering a client-first experience with every project. Their award-winning, licensed contractors specialize in kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, aging-in-place modifications, green remodeling, and whole-home transformations. Recognized as a North Carolina Accredited Master Builder and Remodeler, Semper Fi is also Living Wage Certified and a proud member of multiple home builder associations. Their approach combines technical excellence with a personal touch, valuing the relationships they build as much as the homes they improve. With a reputation for punctuality, reliability, and excellence, the team helps clients bring their unique visions to life in both residential and select commercial settings. Whether modernizing a historic home or designing a dream kitchen, Semper Fi Custom Remodeling ensures that each space is not only beautiful and functional, but also built to last.

Semper Fi Custom Remodeling was featured by General Contractors Magazine, which reviewed data from Transylvania County’s Building Permitting and Enforcement records to highlight the company’s past work. In 2022, they completed a kitchen and bathroom renovation valued at $115,663. More recently, in 2024, they undertook a kitchen remodel totaling $129,236.


First Restoration Services

Address:
173 Rutledge Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732

With over 30 years of experience since its founding in 1987, First Restoration Services stands as Western North Carolina’s longest-operating, family-owned disaster restoration company, having successfully completed over 15,000 projects. Specializing in water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation, First Restoration Services has earned a stellar reputation for fast response times, expert service, and a commitment to getting the job done right the first time. Boasting a 93% customer satisfaction score and a flawless 5-star Google rating, the company is trusted across Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, and surrounding areas—including parts of Upstate South Carolina like Greenville and Spartanburg. Whether addressing water intrusion, smoke damage, or hazardous mold growth, First Restoration Services brings industry-leading knowledge and advanced equipment to every residential or commercial restoration project. Built on values of integrity, trust, and quality, the company also offers high-end kitchen and bath remodeling services through its construction division. Their expert design team utilizes cutting-edge rendering software, allowing clients to visualize their remodeled space before any work begins—ensuring confidence from concept to completion. First Restoration Services provides free estimates and handles every aspect of a remodel, including layout changes, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and appliances. This full-service approach makes them a one-stop solution for both emergency restoration and luxury home improvement needs. Their proven record and dedication to customer care make them a trusted partner for homeowners and businesses throughout WNC and beyond.

First Restoration Services was included in a review by General Contractors Magazine, which used records from Transylvania County Building Permitting and Enforcement to identify the company’s past work. In 2016, the team completed a kitchen and bath repair project valued at $37,500. Later, in 2020, they carried out a residential alteration that included kitchen updates, totaling $68,000.


JAG Construction

Address:
33 Mineral Springs Rd, Asheville, NC 28805

Founded in 2003, JAG Construction has earned a strong reputation as one of Asheville, NC’s premier custom home builders, known for crafting high-performance, energy-efficient homes that blend sustainability with thoughtful design. With every home certified through Green Built North Carolina, JAG consistently exceeds Energy Star standards—achieving 30–60% greater energy efficiency than code requirements—while prioritizing mindful resource use, innovative planning, and architectural beauty. Under the leadership of founder Jody Guokas, a passionate environmentalist and Warren Wilson College alumnus, JAG has grown from a hands-on, tool-belt operation into a respected team of skilled professionals and co-owners dedicated to building in harmony with the natural world. The company’s detailed, transparent process—from initial consultation through budgeting, design, and construction—ensures that each project reflects the client’s vision, values, and lifestyle. In addition to custom homes and pre-designed floorplans, JAG also completes transformative renovations and additions with the same commitment to quality, performance, and aesthetics. JAG is a Living Wage Certified employer that fosters a supportive workplace culture, offering wellness programs and promoting long-term sustainability not only in its projects but in its operations. With over two decades of experience, a passion for green building, and a legacy of leadership in Asheville’s sustainable construction community, JAG Construction continues to raise the standard for what it means to build a beautiful, efficient, and enduring home.

JAG Construction was highlighted in a feature by General Contractors Magazine, which examined project data from Transylvania County Building Permitting and Enforcement. In 2017, the company completed a $150,834 residential alteration involving work on the kitchen and dining room. More recently, in 2023, JAG carried out a major residential renovation—including kitchen updates—valued at $1,070,000.


The Mayhew Consulting Company

Address:
201 Weston Wy, Asheville, NC 28803

The Mayhew Consulting Company is a full-service construction consulting firm dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and personalized service throughout every phase of a project. With decades of experience and long-standing partnerships with skilled craftsmen and designers in Western North Carolina, we guide clients from lot selection to final landscaping—ensuring the highest standards and best value every step of the way.

The Mayhew Consulting Company was identified in General Contractors Magazine after the publication analyzed records from Transylvania County Building Permitting and Enforcement. In 2010, the company completed a kitchen remodel valued at $17,210. Then in 2015, they undertook a larger residential kitchen renovation, totaling $65,000.


RS Construction of Asheville, Inc.

Address:
PO Box 1375, Skyland, NC 28776

RS Construction of Asheville, Inc., a division of Souza Homes, is a trusted remodeling company led by Raul Souza, a second-generation builder originally from Santiago, Chile. Since 2005, Raul has combined his deep construction knowledge with hands-on project oversight to deliver high-quality remodels—including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and whole-home renovations—throughout Western North Carolina. Backed by a loyal team of artisans and a commitment to clear, bilingual communication, RS Construction is known for craftsmanship, flexibility, and attention to detail.

RS Construction of Asheville, Inc. was featured by General Contractors Magazine, which reviewed data from Transylvania County Building Permitting and Enforcement to uncover the company’s past projects. In 2011, they completed a kitchen update valued at $10,000. Later, in 2020, RS Construction undertook a larger project involving kitchen alterations and bathroom upgrades, totaling $100,000.


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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