People come to North Carolina for its mountains, beaches, culture, history, and excellent job prospects. The State offers ten national parks, four national forests, and 41 state parks, with miles of outdoor tracks, calm lakes and streams, and wild whitewater rivers. No matter where you decide to live in North Carolina, if you like the woods, you can find a place in this state to get away. North Carolina is also known as a center for study and technology, but what makes it special is its small-town feel and unique attitude. 

If you plan to settle down in this thriving city, get to know eight of the best custom home builders working in North Carolina. Our editorial team chose these impressive firms for their skills, experience, expertise, and portfolios. 


BuildSense, Inc.

502 Rigsbee Avenue, Suite 201, Durham, NC 27701

BuildSense is a general contractor that helps countless clients across North Carolina and its neighboring areas with exceptional projects. Since the firm’s inception in 1999, it has solidified its reputation as an industry leader with its creative ideas, cost-efficient and flexible solutions, and high-quality projects. It focuses on building connections with its clients by paying close attention to their desires and needs. The end result is stunning homes that exceed expectations. The firm’s team of expert designers and builders have years of experience and expertise that allows them to understand what it takes to build a custom home or remodel that is stunning, functional, healthy, and exceptional. Its integrated, hands-on approach focuses on communication and collaboration to ensure successful results.

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Morgan Creek in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This custom home features a contemporary design with clean lines, monochromatic tones, and symmetry—the result is an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere. The large windows bring in a lot of natural light and a breeze. 


Loyd Builders, LLC

2501 Reliance Avenue, Apex, NC 27539

Loyd Builders is a second-generation construction firm that delivers unique houses, additions, and remodels. Founded in 200, the firm has put together an impressive portfolio of projects and a solid track record of satisfied clients willing to testify to the firm’s quality and professionalism. No matter the project’s size, scope, or complexity, the firm is dedicated to ensuring smooth project delivery and an enjoyable experience from the planning stage to the end. Its integrated and personalized approach allows it to understand each client’s vision and turn it into reality. Over the years, the firm has built well-designed homes with stunning interior trim work, handmade cabinets, modern building materials, and cutting-edge home technology. Its dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction allows it to deliver unbeatable services.

The Macgregor Parkade Home perfectly exemplifies the firm’s notable works. Its white exterior color and dark roofing allow it to stand out against the stunning background. The overall French design frames the luxurious, elegant space. 


Buchanan Construction, LLC

1642 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803

Buchanan Construction is a full-service, award-winning construction company offering extensive services to North Carolina clients. Since its inception in  2005, the firm has put together an impressive portfolio that features custom luxury homes, semi-custom homes, luxury renovations, commercial construction, and planned development. The firm’s expert team of skilled professionals is dedicated to helping its clients achieve their goals by delivering visually pleasing and stunning projects that exceed expectations. From the first idea to the finished home, the firm’s one-stop-solutions, all-inclusive design-build process, creative techniques, and cost-efficient ideas allow it to understand each client’s vision and turn it into a reality. As a result, the firm has a long list of satisfied clients willing to testify to its quality and professionalism. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Fox Country Farmhouse, which was envisioned to be a dream retirement home in the mountains. Some of this farmhouse style’s features include the stained and painted interior and exterior timber beams and accents and extensive hand-crafted woodwork. The large butler’s pantry with custom cabinetry and built-ins, the custom double entry doors, the period sconce lighting, the metal roof accents, and the custom sliding barn door all add to the warm, welcoming feel of the space. 


Patrick Joseph Distinctive Homes, LLC

20600 North Main Street, Cornelius, NC 28031

Patrick Joseph Distinctive Homes has been known for delivering some of the most unique homes in North Carolina for over 20 years. Since its inception in 2002, the firm has helped countless clients with their unique construction needs, whether it’s a simple home remodel or a stunning custom home. Its impressive portfolio is a testament to this fact, which features over a hundred exceptional custom homes that have exceeded client expectations. Its integrated and hands-on approach and streamlined construction processes allow it to deliver unique homes with accuracy and skill second to none. Its expert professionals work closely with some of the area’s best designers, producers, and workers, ensuring that each project is successful. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is this stunning Mooresville Custom Home. Its contemporary design allows it to stand out against the stunning vista. The dark roofing complements the white walls, adding visual depth to the space. It features large windows, bringing plenty of light and air into the space. 


Living Stone Design + Build

121 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite 70, Asheville, NC 28803

Living Stone Design + Build has solidified their reputation as one of the best custom home builders in the industry through their extensive services and impressive portfolio. Since inception in 1995, they have been recognized for their work at the neighborhood, state, and national levels. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, they offer the capabilities of a big firm with an integrated, personalized approach to deliver stunning luxury custom homes that reflect each client’s unique vision, personality, and lifestyle. Their comprehensive one-stop-shop solution makes the building process more accessible so clients can get the best quality and value. With “Seven Levels of Service,” they offer a streamlined and optimized process that ensures the delivery process is easy, stays within the budget, and creates happier healthier lives. The Bronder Residence is a stellar example of their notable works. It features a transitional design with a unique mix of classic and contemporary elements that allow it to blend seamlessly into the background. The stone-clad accents and the wooden planks add visual interest to the stunning home. 

Homestead Revival is a stellar example of the firm’s notable works. Elegantly blending rustic charm with modern luxury, this farmhouse renovation incorporates modern amenities and energy efficiency, while letting the historical character shine through. Thank you again for featuring us! Best,


Grainda Builders, Inc.

17824 Statesville Road, Suite 121, Cornelius, NC 28031

Since its inception in 2002, Grainda Builders has won the trust of its clients through its high-quality projects, exceptional services, and creative and cost-efficient solutions. Over the years, the firm has satisfied clients and built long-lasting relationships by providing smooth, seamless project delivery. Its integrated and collaborative approach allows it to work closely with its customers to create value and offer building solutions based on honesty, confidence, innovation, and experience. The firm prioritizes its planning and design phase to ensure that each project delivers the best value, guarantees satisfaction, and exceeds expectations. During each project step, the firm’s team collaborates with its clients, suppliers, and trade partners to help make the best choices. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Lake Wylie Custom Home. It features a stunning transitional design with clean lines, white exterior walls, and dark shingle roofing. It maximizes the available space, creating a visually pleasing yet functional layout. The sleek and sophisticated design makes it stand out. 


Ricci Builders & Management, Inc.

7632 Crossing Ridge Drive, Belews Creek, NC 27009

Ricci Builders & Management is a full-service general builder building beautiful, energy-efficient homes in North Carolina and its neighboring areas. Since its inception in 2002, the firm has put together an impressive portfolio of energy-efficient homes built using green technology and sustainable practices. The firm works closely with its clients through the whole process to ensure that they get the home they have always wanted, whether it is a custom-built home or a home that needs fixing. Its integrated and personalized approach allows it to deliver high-quality work on schedule and within budget. Over the years, the firm has built many long relationships with its clients, trade partners, and suppliers to ensure high-quality craftsmanship and successful results. 

This craftsman home in Lake Lissara is one of the firm’s notable projects. It features a transitional design with a rustic charm, earth-toned colors, and natural design materials such as stone and wood. The red moldings and door add visual interest to the space, making it stand out.  


Grayson Dare Homes, Inc.

1415 NC Highway 54, Durham, NC 27707

Grayson Dare Homes was founded to make the process easier and more manageable. Since its inception in 2000, the firm has completed many projects in North Carolina, improving communities and changing how people live. The firm takes a collaborative approach to handling each project, ensuring that each is delivered on schedule and within budget. The firm strives for continuous learning and development to perfect its processes and ensure successful project delivery. The firm uses the best management methods and creative solutions to create unique homes that exceed expectations. As a result, the firm has put together an impressive portfolio and a long list of satisfied clients. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is this custom home in Raleigh, North Carolina. It features unique cedar accents that give the traditional home character. The white exterior creates a light and airy atmosphere.