Originally referred to as “cow town,” Columbus has evolved into a state capital where regional companies can prosper. Various major industries, including technology, hospitality, health care, banking, and education, are now headquartered in the city. Being a career hub, professionals flocked to the city, making it the second-most populous city in the Midwest. The significant growth pushed the redevelopment of neighborhoods, including the downtown area, making the city even more inviting.
The best design-build firms in Columbus are mentioned below for people considering moving there or for homeowners wanting to renovate their homes. These companies are renowned for maintaining, remodeling, or creating new spaces tailored to the client’s needs and lifestyle. They have been selected for their reputation, knowledge, and abilities, as well as their commitment to their clients.
J.S. Brown & Co.
1522 Hess St. Columbus, OH 43212
J.S. Brown & Co. has four decades of experience building stunning homes. It is a full-service design-build firm that serves Central Ohio. Jeffrey S. Brown founded the firm in 1978 and currently serves as the president. Recognized as a Remodeler of the Year and listed in the Top 50 Remodelers in the nation by Remodeling Magazine, Brown’s expertise has been invaluable to the firm’s growth. It also supports the team in providing clients a seamless building experience. This led to the production of countless award-winning projects, including at least five Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
This kitchen remodeling in Columbus was part of NARI’s Spring Home Improvement Tour. The project’s objective is to create a spacious gourmet kitchen. It has a custom-built arch that serves as an architectural focal point. New Buckeye custom cabinets and closets were installed in place of the previously large windows and walls. The unusual backsplash tiling also projects an interesting character. Now that the island has been expanded, the kitchen has seating ideal for cooking and entertaining.
The Cleary Company
989-A Old Henderson Rd. Columbus, OH 43220
The Cleary Company is known in the Columbus Metro Area for its unmatched quality builds and professionalism. It has served the area since 1994 and specializes in various design-builds of bathrooms, kitchens, room additions, home interiors, and outdoor living spaces. Owner George Cleary brings 30 years of experience in the industry and guides the firm’s highly skilled team. Cleary is the face of the company and actively participates in the day-to-day operations, and the company utilizes a collaborative design-build team approach to each project. This produces a striking, functional space that embodies the homeowner’s needs and lifestyle. These spaces have been recognized by NARI numerous times, giving those at least seven CotY awards.
Among the firm’s impressive portfolio is this Rustic Lodge Front Porch Addition. The home now has a large outdoor living area with expansive countryside views. It has more than enough space for hosting gatherings with family and friends. With its wood railing and rich natural color palette, the addition seamlessly blends with both the home and the environment. This addition won two CotY for Residential Exterior $100k to $200k.
Dave Fox
3505 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43235
Dave Fox prioritizes clients when it comes to home building and designing. Established in 1982, it is one of the leading remodeling firms in Central Ohio, accredited by NARI, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The firm is known for its dedication to enhancing homes through creative designs, top-notch craftsmanship, and exemplary customer service. Additionally, it only uses superior materials in every build to ensure durability.
The firm is managed by President Gary Demos. His outstanding leadership towards the firm and its team has maintained its reputation of excellence and client satisfaction. Remodeling Magazine and Home & Garden Show have highlighted Demos and the team’s expertise. It has also earned numerous awards, including six Designer Awards from the NKBA – Central Ohio and at least 36 CotY awards from NARI.
Nicholson Builders
6525 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229
Nicholson Builders is renowned for serving Central Ohio in regard to design-build, remodeling, and commercial renovation. The firm has a team of artistic designers, architects, and craftsmen skilled in fusing visually appealing elements and functionality. It prioritizes building lasting relationships with clients, ensuring that spaces reflect the homeowner’s personality, lifestyle, needs, and demands. NARI has commended these spaces and given the firm six CotY awards in 2020 alone.
The firm was founded by Bill Nicholson and Mike Fought in 2003. Bill has previously worked with some of Columbus’ renowned remodelers and developed his skills for customer service and passion for impressive designs. Bill’s commitment and willingness have brought the firm numerous repeat clients forging long-lasting ties with them. Mike serves as the firm’s president. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Fremont, where he acquired a passion for automobiles, airplanes, and other mechanical devices. He eventually used this to obtain a degree in aerospace engineering from The Ohio State University. Mike is known for carrying out undertakings in an organized and well-thought-through manner. The partnership of these co-owners has greatly helped homeowners across Central Ohio. Bill brings a passion for construction details and customer service, while Mike brings an engineering mind to systems and processes.
Scott Hall Remodeling
1201 Dublin Rd. Ste. 112, Columbus, OH 43215
Scott Hall Remodeling follows a belief that customer satisfaction is key to its success. It has followed this ideology since Scott Hall founded the firm in 1999. The firm provides remodeling services to Central Ohio, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, entire homes, and basements. From the initial consultation through the completion of the project, its team provides a transparent process. This helps them provide clients with an enjoyable experience while guaranteeing that each job is completed on time and within budget. With a long list of pleased customers, the firm has amassed significant acclaim for its dedication, excellence, and expertise. This includes three Achievement in Customer Excellence (ACE) Awards from NARI and Talk of the Town for Excellence in Customer Service from Celebration Media U.S. (CMUS).
Scott Hall and Bryn Hanover currently own the firm. President Hall was brought up in a family with a long history of creativity and design. He started the firm 23 years ago, intending to satisfy residents’ requirements while also looking out for their interests. Hall still studies with industry expert leaders and applies best practices in management efficiency. At a very young age, general manager Hanover has renovated and restored properties. He has contributed in-depth knowledge to the team since he joined the company ten years ago. Hanover oversees and manages the project managers, ensuring that projects are handled and completed as planned. Additionally, he plays a key role in daily operations that maintain the smooth and effective operation of the business.
Collamore Built
2015 W. Fifth Ave. Ste. 210, Columbus, OH 43212
The family-run construction firm Collamore Built strives to produce the best solutions and deliver excellent customer service. The firm has served Ohio and the neighboring areas since 2002. It has formed a team of experienced, reliable craftsmen committed to accomplishing remarkable projects on time and within budget. Its extensive portfolio is proof of its ability to deliver exceptional projects that enhance its clients’ quality of life and increase the value of their houses. As a result, the company has established a strong track record of loyal clients who frequently request additional projects.
The NARI’s Tour of Home Improvement Showcase awarded this home remodel Best of Show. The kitchen has a black-and-white color scheme that is offset with brass fittings and wood flooring. It features long counters, a lot of storage, and an extended traditional style.
Kresge Contracting
5841 Emporium Sq. Columbus, OH 43231
Kresge Contracting offers various remodeling services to Metro Columbus and the surrounding areas. For its clients, it provides a comprehensive, all-inclusive, one-stop-shop solution that enables it to manage every project detail efficiently and effectively from beginning to end. The work covered includes design, renovation, warranty work, and follow-up tasks. The firm is supported by designers and builders who provide creative and personalized strategies by fully understanding each client’s requirements and wants. Its impressive portfolio and successful track record are evidence of its capacity to go above and beyond for clients.
Founder and president Mark Kresge oversees the firm’s daily operations. He has certifications as a Master Remodeler, Kitchen Designer, and Residential Project Manager, and is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-accredited Lead-Safe Renovator. Mark has been in the construction industry since 1973, but his passion for remodeling sparked when he worked on a two-story room addition on a friend’s house. He believes that “spending time with family builds special memories.” This encourages him to assist homeowners in improving their family environment and helping them fulfill their dreams.
NJW Renovations Unlimited
5818 Winchester Rd. Carroll, OH 43112
NJW Construction and Renovations Unlimited partnered to forge a reputable design-build firm called NJW Renovations Unlimited. It has served Central Ohio since 1996. The merging of the two firms has also combined their expertise and now provides clients better services. Its portfolio consists of transitional, Mediterranean, craftsman, traditional, farmhouse, and mid-century-styled homes. These spaces are built through a customer-centered approach that focuses on listening and collaborating with clients. The team develops designs based on their concepts and guides clients through the entire process.
NJW Renovations Unlimited has received numerous awards since its inception. This renovation and expansion project is one of them, winning the Regional CotY award for the Entire House $500,001 to $750,000 category. An open floor layout, a new kitchen, and great room, and an expansion of the outdoor living space were among the client’s demands. The team renovated the kitchen, and it now has a big island with seating for five people and a custom range with accent tiling. Trapezoid windows and skylights were installed in the expansion for the great room. The home’s new interior was carefully planned to seamlessly blend the elements of the covered porch, patio, and outdoor kitchen.
Compass Homes
3763 Attucks Dr. Powell, OH 43065
Compass Homes has assisted Columbus, Dublin, Powell, and Upper Arlington with its building and designing needs for 22 years. It specializes in design-build and custom home building. The firm is also a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Graduate Builder. This ensures all stages of construction are thoroughly examined and undergo effective management. Several of the firm’s team are Certified Green Professionals, providing clients an ecological building approach. By anticipating the family’s needs, the team guarantees that spaces are designed that evolve with the homeowners.
The firm is owned by Mark Braunsdorf. Growing up, he was fond of building things with Lego blocks. By the time he was twelve, Braunsdorf had spent his summers doing handyman work—painting, insulating attics, and repairing broken items—around his neighbors’ homes. He also gained experience with all facets of construction while still a teen by working for a remodeling contractor who exposed him to everything. It ranges from framing and drywalling to roofing, painting, and plumbing. Braunsdorf has always been passionate about building, which has molded who he is.
Kitchen Kraft
7079 Huntley Rd. Columbus, OH 43229
Kitchen Kraft is a full-service design-build remodeling company serving Metro Columbus. Since its founding in 1995, the firm has excelled in kitchen design and bathroom refurbishment. It also specializes in designing and remodeling wet and dry bars, entertainment centers, closet systems, and laundry facilities. The firm has a team of in-house award-winning kitchen and bathroom designers committed to bringing elegance to client homes. It follows the ideology of making home remodeling convenient. That is why it offers clients a one-stop shop process—handling everything, including plumbing, electrical, framing, demolition, drywall, carpentry, and flooring—eliminating the need to hire multiple contractors.
The client was in the process of improving their home into a luxury estate when a load-bearing wall in the kitchen posed a problem. They have consulted other firms, which all have been unsuccessful in removing it. The Kitchen Kraft team cleared the space to make way for a stunning luxurious kitchen. Clients have commended the team’s reliability, as well as the straightforward process. The team was able to complete the project in under seven weeks.
Coppertree Homes
8624 Industrial Pkwy. #4, Plain City, OH 43064
Columbus-wide service provider Coppertree Homes is well-known for its new-build and remodeling work. The firm was established in 2004 by Bob Gardner, supported by trust, its founding principle. It currently employs a talented team of professionals who collectively have 150 years of experience in the fields of design, procurement, estimating land development, and construction. The remarkable homes and buildings they have built are a testament to their capabilities and in-depth knowledge. Delaware Gazette, The Columbus Dispatch, and NBC4 have highlighted those projects. Several of those have also won awards, including three Building Industry Association (BIA) Parade of Homes and a People’s Choice Award for Best Home and Best Decor.
This contemporary home was recently built by the Coppertree team and dubbed “The Black Tie Affair.” It has four bedrooms, a guest suite on the main floor, and a full-size home gym. The home’s striking facade is carried inside through its black inner doors, which also have contrastive plain white trim elements. The effect of the black and white is stunning because of the light, neutral flooring, and paint job. The homeowners intended to use the warmth and beauty of wood features inside and outside the house to balance the dramatic contrasts in the color scheme.
Swiss Remodeling
3805 N. High St. #100, Columbus, OH 43214
Full-service remodeling firm Swiss Remodeling generally serves Columbus, Clintonville, and the surrounding areas. It specializes in complete service remodeling, creative engineering, room additions, custom designs, kitchen and bathroom remodels, exterior renovations, basement finishing, and new builds. The firm has been committed to completing projects that surpass expectations at fair pricing since its founding in 2012. It employs a team of specialists who offer various experiences and abilities. Their superior workmanship, original design methods, and economical solutions have cemented their position as an industry leader.
The renovation of this condominium unit in downtown Columbus was selected as the 2022 Regional CotY in the Residential Interior $250,001 to $500,000 category. About 2,500 square feet of the interior was completely torn out, revealing a concrete floor, metal structure, and glass walls. The space has highlighted Swiss Remodeling’s artisanal craftsmanship with the handcrafted oak cabinets and built-ins, the murphy bed-equipped guest room, and a luxurious bathroom with shower and heated tile flooring. The light wood flooring and bright neutral tones made the space look brighter, working well with the accent dark wood paneling.
