Known for its beaches and sea turtle sightings, Isle of Palms is home to numerous beachfront apartments and residences. The location attracts many people to its beaches and other outdoor areas to enjoy the scenery. Many of its neighborhood residences take advantage of the views and create a relaxed ambiance.

The best general contractors in the area offer a variety of styles, providing clients with the opportunity to personalize their renovation, remodeling, or new home project. To help you find the best contractor for you, we have curated the top nine general contractors in the area taking into account the firm’s portfolio, history, and the years it has been in the business.


Sea Island Builders

2113 Middle St. #100, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

A full-service design-build firm, Sea Island Builders has an array of projects featuring waterfront properties, re-imagined renovations, and historic restorations. Serving the Lowcountry since 2004, the team at Sea Island Builders has an extensive amount of experience in design and construction led by Sam Fowler Jr. The firm has received many awards, including the 2018 Pinnacle Award, the 2019 Prism Award, and the 2020 Pinnacle Award.

A dated 1990’s home, the firm transformed the residence into a modern marsh-front retreat. The living room features 180-degree views of the Intracoastal, expansive windows, natural lighting, and an open floor plan for living and entertaining. The area is furnished with black cabinetry, contemporary white couches, and numerous artworks, offering a modern finish. 


Phillip Smith General Contractor

465 W. Coleman Blvd. #301, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Completed in 2013, Phillip Smith General Contractor updated this contemporary kitchen to include extra space for a growing family. The firm provided new appliances, cabinets, and a built-in dining nook with a former screen porch area converted into a living room for more space. Another addition is a bar area with a mahogany wood countertop and an updated kitchen island. 

An award-winning firm, president Phillip Smith, leads the firm in producing modern residences, which garnered awards like the PRISM award and the Pinnacle award. Three decades of experience have established the firm as a leading general contractor providing long-lasting houses. Through the years, Phillip and his team have garnered substantial experience as waterfront builders, further improving its reputation for providing its clients with quality homes. 


Renaissance South Construction Co.

220 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Led by Rob Crawford, Renaissance South Construction Co. is a three-time Remodeler of the Year winner and a twelve-time PRISM award winner. The management team at Renaissance South has a shared resume of 100 years of experience, focusing on building thoughtful improvements on aging establishments using modern technology and energy-efficient processes. The project featured is a modern coastal living room, kitchen, and patio area. A distinct aspect of the project is the open floor plan, with the patio extending into the living space. This project reflects Renaissance South’s primary goal, which is to turn a valuable real estate asset into a timeless space that reflects both the style and objectives of the homeowner.


Priester’s Custom Contracting

PO Box 60040, North Charleston, SC 29419

Priester’s Custom Contracting is a family-owned firm dedicated to providing quality customer service. The firm’s luxury custom home building practices guide the homeowners throughout the entire new construction or remodeling project. An award-winning firm, the team has completed an array of residences featuring contemporary houses, Mediterranean homes, and traditional ranch homes. This feature project is a traditional-looking kitchen the firm completed using vintage furniture. Victorian-style dining seats, glass dining table, marble kitchen countertops, and white cabinetry provide a classic, refined setting. The area’s structural environment enhances the refined designs with the gray walls and white ceiling, providing a bright, clean finish that complements the furniture and appliances. 


Naramore Construction

1100 Palm Blvd. Suite 2A, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Below is the East Bay Historic Renovation featuring updated components but maintaining the residence’s historical and architectural aspects. The home features numerous dining areas, one by the kitchen and one further inside. A distinct feature of the dining areas is the “Trompe l’oeil” murals painted throughout the room. Other areas such as the second-floor living room and bathroom had the firm relocating its location, allowing them to maximize the use of the rear porch. 

With over 30 years of being in the business, Naramore Construction is a family-owned company focusing on custom construction and renovation projects. The firm is a limited volume firm, tackling a handful of projects at a time to ensure the staff provides its clients with the best quality possible and ensure client satisfaction. Its portfolio includes projects from historic renovations, coastal residences, contemporary houses, and cottages.  


Harper Construction

3714 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy., Johns Island, SC 29455

Owner Chris Harper founded the firm in 2009, focusing primarily on renovations and remodels. Through the years, the firm developed numerous connections with local artisans and purveyors, providing the firm with quality materials and services. Some of the firm’s accolades include features from the Charleston Magazine and Charleston Style & Design and winning the Thermador Kitchen design contest in 2015. Featuring a modern kitchen, the firm implemented a simple design to the area with wooden vinyl flooring and white walls. Along with its design, Chris and his staff provided basic furnishing with the white cabinets, kitchen bar, contemporary appliances, and minibar. The firm left enough space in the kitchen, offering the homeowners a maximized space that is functional and efficient. 


Brown Glaws Contractors

47 1/2 Spring St. Suite A, Charleston, SC 29403

Offering various services to its clients, Brown Glaws Contractors focuses on residential new construction, historic preservation, and custom millwork. Its portfolio features contemporary estates, beachfront houses, classic ranch houses, and updated historical residences. Owner Jay Brown and his staff are a multifaceted team, managing all types of projects in-house which allows them to ensure quality control and value. 

Featuring the Isle of Palms Oceanfront residences, Jay and the team provided contemporary furnishings with a coastal theme and influences. Various rustic furniture offers a seaside ambiance with rattan seats and stools and the wooden coffee table, while a modern finish is present with the stone masonry and contemporary couches. The balance of a beach-style and modern home creates a vibrant, lit residence with a relaxing environment. 


Caliber Construction

2265 Clements Ferry Rd. Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29492

The Barbados Drive residence is a classically designed estate featuring numerous amenities like the lounge area, patio, swimming pool, and outdoor fireplace. A location of the house worth mentioning is the office with its unique structural design. Using blue walls, vinyl flooring, and rugs, the firm provides a unique blend of traditional and modern finishes along with contemporary and vintage furnishings. All this provides a bright finish, updated for a more modern look. 

As one of Charleston’s premier contractors, Caliber Construction offers services for both commercial and residential projects. Aside from residences, the firm has built various establishments such as churches, retail stores, clinics, and retirement communities. Having been around for two decades, the firm is equipped with an extensive background in an array of services, allowing the team to be flexible and efficient throughout the process.  


GraceWorks Construction

1228 Melvin Bennett Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

More than 15 years of service has established GraceWorks Construction as a reliable, trustworthy firm with numerous connections with subcontractors and suppliers. Its portfolio primarily consists of modern and traditional residences using simple furnishing to provide a classic finish. Wooden tables, kitchen bars, bar stools are some of the furniture the firm includes in many of its projects, occasionally using vintage furnishing with glass coffee tables and chandeliers. 

The photo below is one of the contemporary remodeled kitchens the firm completed. It features classic furnishings with a modern setup with a small dining area and an average-sized island. The firm was able to maximize the space incorporating the living room, offering the opportunity for family gatherings and guests.