Aiken is the largest city and the county seat of Aiken County in western South Carolina, with over 180,000 residents. This quaint equestrian village is a terrific choice for horse-lovers, families, couples, and retirees alike, with its breathtaking natural scenery, great weather, and friendly people. This stunning village has a lot to offer non-equestrians as well. Residents and visitors alike enjoy world-class golf, tennis, pickleball, hiking, yoga, hunting, social activities, and other activities. Nature lovers enjoy miles of picturesque trails in Hitchcock Woods and bird-watching at the Audubon Preserve. Art lovers appreciate exploring the Aiken Center for the Arts and other galleries in downtown Aiken.

If you are looking to settle down in this lively city, get to know nine of the best custom home builders in Aiken, South Carolina. These contractors were chosen for their expertise, experience, impressive portfolios, and awards.


Larlee Construction, LLC

1096 Toolebeck Road, Aiken, SC 29803

Larlee Construction is a general contractor based in Aiken, South Carolina, specializing in historic renovations, new custom homes, and fine equestrian facilities. Since its inception in 2013, the firm has put together an impressive portfolio of remarkable projects throughout the greater Aiken area. The firm is dedicated to delivering projects that cater to the client’s exact specifications and demands. Its team of experienced designers and builders bring years of experience and expertise to ensure high-quality projects that reflect clients’ personalities, lifestyles, and visions. With eighteen years in the industry, the firm has solidified its reputation as a dependable contractor through its commitment to quality, integrity, excellence, and outstanding customer service.

Ridgely Hall, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is one of the firm’s notable projects. This house was constructed in 1928 and has had several significant owners over the years. The firm collaborated with the present owners to revive this historical landmark. This rustic-style home has an outdoor pool, a small pavilion, a patio, and a magnificent courtyard with lush landscaping.


Designer Builders

935 Dougherty Road, Aiken, SC 29803

Since 1990, Designer Builders, a full-service design-build firm in Aiken, South Carolina, has built exceptional custom homes. The firm has remained committed to designing, building, and maintaining high-quality, unique houses adapted to each client’s lifestyles over the years. The firm takes a hands-on, thorough approach to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for its clients throughout the construction process. Thanks to its thorough attention to detail, design knowledge, and desire for the highest quality craftsmanship, the firm has delivered homes that have consistently exceeded customer expectations. Superior quality, superb customer service, and excellent after-sales care have allowed the firm to establish a reputation for excellence.

The Bridgecrest Project—with 3,356 square feet, four bedrooms, and four and a half baths—is one of the firm’s most notable projects. The brackets above the garage doors and the arched cased apertures are striking details. The pantry’s unique wine storage is a well-thought-out and practical addition, while the screened porch, which is equipped with a polyvinyl window system, is appropriate for use nearly all year.


Donnie Shaffer Homes

1423 Two Notch Road, SE Aiken, SC 29803

Donnie Shaffer Homes is a small, family-owned business that designs custom home builds. Since its inception in 1996, the firm has been committed to building just ten to fifteen custom homes a year to ensure the impeccable quality of each project. The firm provides comprehensive, client-centered processes to ensure smooth transactions throughout the project. From the initial meetings to the design and construction and construction phase, the firm focuses on building long-lasting relationships with its clients to ensure that each home guarantees satisfaction and exceeds expectations. With over twenty-five years of experience, the firm has built an impressive portfolio of 800 homes delivered on time and within budget.

One of the firm’s notable projects is this farmhouse-style custom home located in Three Runs Plantation, a 2,400-acre master-planned community in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina. Its exteriors are kept simple by flat boards, and the stone cladding accentuates the space with a rustic twist. The firm added plenty of windows to bring the light in and create a bright, airy space.


Riverchase Construction, LLC

3434 Summit Drive, Aiken, SC 29803

River Chase Construction is an Aiken-based contractor well-known for its high-end custom houses and equestrian facilities. With nearly two decades of experience, the firm has completed various outstanding projects in a wide range of styles that have exceeded customer expectations. The firm has remained consistent in understanding the client’s ideas and ambitions, translating them into a physical place that matches their personality, lifestyle, and space requirements. It creates one-of-a-kind custom homes using eco-friendly processes, sustainable practices, and cost-effective solutions. The firm has demonstrated its capacity to produce outstanding quality, professionalism, and client service, whether it is a full-scale bespoke home or a modest renovation.

The firm’s impressive portfolio includes farmhouse, equestrian, and modern barn house styles. The traditional home we’ve decided to feature here is one of the firm’s impressive projects. It’s a unique mix of classic and rustic elements with stone-clad exterior walls, large windows, and white moldings. The firm used natural elements throughout the space to create a bright, warm space.


Carolina Signature Homes

230 Village Green Boulevard, Aiken, SC 29803

Carolina Signature Homes is a contractor based in Aiken specializing in custom homes, drafting, energy-efficient homes, floor plans, home additions, expansions, remodeling, site planning and preparation, and real estate. For nearly fifteen years, the firm has provided exceptional services to the Woodside Plantation in Aiken. It delivers a streamlined building process with a team of highly skilled professionals to ensure that every client has the best, most pleasant, and most efficient experience possible. The firm uses high-quality craftsmanship and elegance to create one-of-a-kind custom houses at an affordable price while paying special attention to detail.

With 2,622 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths, the ranch-style Polo mixes vast open living areas with luxurious, elegant designs for easy, comfortable living and gracious entertaining. A gourmet cook’s dream kitchen with an abundance of custom cabinetry, a center island with sink and breakfast bar, granite countertops, and a huge breakfast area is included in the project. Rich mahogany is employed throughout the core living spaces for a timeless, elegant appeal. The huge master suite features a vaulted ceiling, an enormous walk-in closet, split vanities, a soaking tub, and a tile walk-in shower, among other amenities.


Joshua Jackson Builders, LLC

1528 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801

Joshua Jackson Builders, LLC, has served Aiken and the surrounding communities with high-quality, affordable residential houses for nearly two decades. Over the years, the firm has worked on many projects, including custom farm and ranch-style homes and barns, hunt boxes with linked barns, stunning and modern grand estate homes, quiet cottages, and commercial structures and churches. The firm is committed to delivering specialized and personal care to each client, taking the time to learn about their specific needs and objectives to deliver spaces that reflect their visions and ideas. With its personalized and collaborative team approach, the firm has consistently delivered remarkable projects that match each client’s needs.

The firm completed this stunning custom home with a combination of traditional and contemporary styling. This two-floor home features a monochromatic color scheme of grays and whites, which give it a modern twist. The project also includes an outdoor deck, which is the perfect place for relaxing or basking under the sun.


Stevens Builders, LLC

152 Laurens Street SW, Suite 400 Aiken, SC 29801

Stevens Builders has been a custom home builder for nearly two decades in Aiken. The firm believes that every client is entitled to a dream house that reflects their personality, comfort, and unique flair. The firm’s client-centered procedures are dedicated to completely understanding customers’ personalities and lifestyles to design and develop responsive environments. The firm’s artisan quality, attention to detail, energy efficiency, and pride in craftsmanship have resulted in remarkable projects completed on time and within budget. The firm’s great quality and excellent customer service routinely delight customers.

One of the firm’s notable works is this farmhouse-style home in Aiken. The firm selected a simple wooden clapboard finish for the exterior, giving the house a stylish, minimalistic look. The home’s monochromatic white and gray tones provide a modern edge, while the black moldings add visual interest.


Southern Carolina Construction Inc.

215 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken, SC 29803

Since 2005, Southern Carolina Construction has been dedicated to providing exceptional services with professional home repair, home improvement, remodeling services, and custom homes. The firm is backed by a team of experienced contractors, skilled handymen, and home improvement specialists passionate about delivering projects that meet and surpass the client’s goals. With dozens of exclusive home designs and styles, the firm’s custom homes are thoughtfully constructed with the client’s unique tastes in mind. 

Southern Carolina Construction Inc. is a member of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the Home Builders Association of Aiken County, and an ENERGY STAR Partner. This featured custom home combines a unique mix of classic and modern elements to the space. This two-floor home features a light and bright color scheme, symmetrical patterns, and steep roofing.


Concept Home Builders

6 Hillshire Court, Aiken, SC 29803

Founded in 2005, Concept Home Builders has provided kitchen and bath remodeling, home additions, and customer homes. Over the years, the firm has focused on fostering a cooperative relationship with homeowners, architects, and engineers to ensure smooth transactions throughout the project’s progress. The firm handles each project with a personalized, hands-on approach while maintaining its core innovation, hard work, and integrity. No matter the project’s size, scope, or complexity, the firm has remained consistent in delivering high-quality craftsmanship within time and budget. The firm is committed to helping clients build their custom homes with the best materials at a reasonable price. 

Concept Home Builders are members of the Home Builders Association of Aiken County and the Home Builders Association of South Carolina. The firm used a solid beige color to give this featured project a light feel, contrasting nicely with the dark, steep roofs.