The affluent borough of Bernardsville is a great place to settle down. Historically, the area was a place where many prominent and wealthy New Yorkers would go, first for vacations, then eventually as permanent residents. The housing scene in Bernardsville is very much thriving these days, and area clients come to local builders for all their building and remodeling needs.

We’ve compiled a list of the best general contractors in Bernardsville, New Jersey, builders who can help homeowners on home improvement projects of any scale. These contractors were selected by our editorial team for their background, experience, and unique ability to tailor their work to the project needs and desires of clients.

The Somerset Hills HandyMan & Co. 

34 Crestview Drive, Bernardsville, NJ 07924

Based in Bernardsville, The Somerset Hills HandyMan & Co. is a home remodeling and repair firm owned and operated by Shep Greene, a graduate of Colgate University. Shep started the company in 2001, and today it operates with the philosophy of building green wherever possible. Whether renovating old homes, adding on, or repairing, Shep adopts this green building practice in order to preserve old houses and to construct environmentally friendly, energy-efficient modern homes that are healthy new spaces with a greater market value. 

One example of the firm’s work is this kitchen in Bernardsville, which was part of an expansion. Looking both traditional and homey, this eat-in kitchen is the perfect example of how to balance loud prints and colors with muted shades and finishes. The variations of blue in this kitchen run like a vein through the design, giving the kitchen a warm and inviting feel. White benches and chairs—as well as white shaker cabinets and granite countertops—make the transitional kitchen feel simultaneously classic and modern in appearance.

DBK Builders, LLC 

17 Carlyle Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950

David B. Krimmel, owner of DBK Builders, has been building and remodeling custom homes in the Warren Township, Basking Ridge, and Bernardsville areas for almost three decades. David and his firm are equipped to help clients whether they are starting from scratch on an empty lot or just reworking an existing home. The firm believes that each client has unique hopes and wishes, which result in projects with unique characteristics. 

One example of the firm’s work on an interior remodel is this home in Warren Township. As a custom builder, DBK Builders designed and built the property from scratch in 2005 with the original owners. After the property’s sale to new homeowners who desired an updated, contemporary interior aesthetic, DBK Builders was brought in. The firm worked in conjunction with the interior designer, Pleasant Living, LLC to execute the remodel and design. Some of DBK’s interior remodeling work included pulling out the old fireplace and chimney and its finish and installing a new linear fireplace and stone chimney beneath the mounted television. The firm also pulled out all the old flooring and replaced it with new white stained oak flooring throughout the whole 7,000 square foot home. Lastly, DBK replaced all the countertops, cabinets, and appliances in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room.

Tallaksen Custom Builders, LLC 

31 Washington Avenue, Bernardsville, NJ 07924

For Tallaksen Custom Builders, its main goal is to offer a truly customized experience while making the construction process simple and enjoyable for clients. The firm is led by Robert “Bob” Tallaksen, a fourth-generation builder who is continuing the “Tallaksen tradition” of building quality homes. Under Bob’s leadership, the firm ensures that the building experience is not simply the receipt of a finished product. Tallaksen understands that a home is more than just a client’s residence: it is an expression of identity—a place that should be distinctly theirs. 

Pictured above is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This Georgian Colonial home in Bernardsville is a beautiful and stately manor, with its exterior evoking charming images of countryside living. Inside, you will find classic and formal furnishings and layouts, much like in the home’s living room. The enclosed space is cozy and inviting, thanks to the big couches in muted shades that occupy the space. The grand piano is also a focal point of the space, standing proud to the side of the room.

Armenti Contractors

42 Kitchell Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

Armenti Contractors has been in business for almost 35 years. The firm is owned and operated by John Armenti, who got his start in the construction industry at a young age, working with his dad on carpentry projects during the weekends. Armenti Contractors has taken on projects as small as quick repairs to large renovation projects. All of the firm’s subcontractors—including electricians, plumbers, and tile contractors—are locals, guaranteeing that they know and understand the particularities of working in New Jersey’s building scene.

One example of the firm’s work is this open concept kitchen, living, and dining room. In this space, all manner of activity occurs, making it a prime spot for entertaining guests. The four-seater island is located behind the living room so that guests can also enjoy film viewing while having their meal. To the side of the room is the formal dining table, where the family can take their meals when not entertaining guests.

AXT Home Solutions

61 Winding Lane, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Located in Basking Ridge, AXT Home Solutions is a home improvement contractor with hundreds of projects in its portfolio. The firm has completed bathrooms, kitchens, alterations, basements, additions, design-build projects, and exteriors. Owned by Paula Axt, a native of Somerset Hills, the firm provides its local knowledge of building and construction requirements in the area’s real estate scene. 

For years, AXT Home Solutions has been bringing innovative home remodeling projects to hundreds of area residents. One example of the firm’s work is this bathroom remodel. At once sleek and clean, this bathroom features a modern freestanding tub and a sink with a marble countertop. The tub is the focal point of the room, and its location by the windows affords the homeowners the option to take in the fresh air and views while relaxing in the tub.