Last updated on May 17th, 2024 at 05:20 am

Named by early French explorers, Arkansas’ name is derived from the word ‘acansaw’, which means ‘downstream place’. In the 1980s, Arkansas was nicknamed ‘The Natural State’, for its natural beauty, clear lakes and streams, and abundant natural wildlife.

For more than 200 years, Arkansas has possessed a legacy of rich architecture. Since the late 17th and 18th centuries, a variety of architectural styles were used to construct the buildings around the state. From the simple log structures of the early settlers to the exuberant Victorian styles of the 1800s, Arkansas’ buildings reflect the architectural trends of the rest of the country while remaining unique to its location.

The general contracting firms on this list have proven their expertise by receiving awards for their work, appearing in publications such as At Home in Arkansas and Arkansas Life, and completing notable projects for local residents.

12) CMI Construction

3497 Wagon Wheel Rd., Springdale, AR

CMI Construction is locally owned and operated since1995 and is currently owned by Darrell Caplener. The company specializes in home improvement, large-scale remodeling, bathroom renovations, kitchen makeovers, specialty room additions, and outdoor living. Combining experience with connections, techniques, and materials, the company earned a strong reputation in the building industry over its 20 years of operation.

To stay at the front of the building industry, CMI Construction makes use of different building techniques and materials, as well as collaborates with architects, engineers, and interior designers to produce exceptional products. The company is a member of the Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association (NWAHBA), and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

11) Beekman Builders

  Rogers, AR 72758

Beekman Builders was established in 2016 by founder Christopher Beekman and is comprised of a husband and wife team. Though the firm was only recently established, its team has 25 years of experience in the building industry, and it is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association (NAHBA). Beekman Builders’ projects usually reflect traditional and transitional styles, their works can be found in Springdale, Bella Vista, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Rogers. The firm works on new home construction, additions, and remodeling in residential and commercial projects.

Beekman’s teenage years were spent helping his father craft homes, before following in his footsteps in the building industry. Today, Beekman’s wife, Debbie, also joins the family trade, working alongside Christopher during projects.

10) Twin Lakes Woodworking and Remodeling

1210 Commerce Dr., Mountain Home, AR 72212

Established in 2008, Twin Lakes Woodworking and Remodeling is a National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) member that builds single-family homes and offers custom cabinetry.

Family owned and operated, this firm was founded by Terry and Stephanie Cormican, who together brought 55 years of experience in the building industry. Terry started off as a finish carpenter and custom cabinet maker before he became a licensed residential building contractor. This slight change in careers was urged by a passion for design, sparked by Terry’s first visit to a Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). As expected of a company that does custom cabinetry, the firm has a showroom filled with cabinetry, hardware, countertops, showers and tubs, and tiles and hardwood. One of their notable works is a kitchen project with a sleek, white color palette design.

9) Dillon Homes

11324 Arcade Drive, Suite 1, Little Rock, AR 72212

Dillon Homes specializes in custom home design and new construction in the Greater Little Rock area. They are made up of husband-and-wife team Tony and Janet Dillon, joined by their sons Chase and Bo Dillon. Together, they work closely with each client to deliver on their vision and expectations.

Their Design-Build process incorporates the latest technology. The firm uses estimating software to accurately predict the cost of construction, so there are no surprises at the closing table. Clients may access online construction management software to see the schedule, budget, paid invoices, and any design selections coming due. They pride themselves on being transparent, detail-oriented, and organized enough to manage all the moving parts of a complex project.

8) Watson and Watson Construction, Inc.

700 Padgett Rd., Conway, AR 72034-8136

Established in 2013 as Faulkner County’s premier home builder, Watson and Watson Construction was founded by brothers Tom and Kevin Watson, who represent the fourth generation of the Watson family’s home builders. Tom has 35 years of experience building homes while Kevin has 30 years of experience.

Over the years, the duo has built homes with styles and sizes that have dramatically changed with time. The firm’s motto of “Doing it Right!” is reflected in its work, whether custom home builds, custom remodels, renovations, or commercial projects. One of the firm’s notable projects is a kitchen and dining room project that exhibits a cozy and earthy color palette.

7) Steve Esposito Construction

711 Bradley Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653

Steve Esposito Construction is one of the Twin Lakes area’s go-to contractors. The firm specializes in custom homes, remodels and additions, as well as commercial construction, and specializes in the cottage, craftsman, and farmhouse styles. Steve Esposito, a Mountain Home local with a childhood filled with community ties and a deep love and respect for the Twin Lakes area, established the company in 1992.

Today, Esposito has 31 years of experience in the building industry and is the state director of the Twin Lakes Home Builders Association, where he has also been president and vice president. He is also a member of the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and is active in the community’s youth programs.

6) Hines Homes

217 Lake Valley Drive, Maumelle, AR 72113

Picked by At Home in Arkansas as 2016’s Local Favorites, Hines Homes was created for the pursuit of building energy efficient and quality custom homes in Central Arkansas. Established in 2010, Hines Homes is a member of the NAHB and the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock (HBA-GLR). The firm works on family homes, doing custom builds and remodels in the traditional, modern, farmhouse, craftsman, and transitional styles.

Hines Homes was founded by Brandon Hines, who has a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Partner Kelly Hines holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electric Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with a strong background in design. The firm updates its clients through their website and an app which allows clients access to scheduling, budget, selections, orders, and more.

5) Distinctive Kitchens and Baths

2218 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, AR 72202

Located in Little Rock’s Riverdale Design District, Distinctive Kitchens and Baths works across Arkansas as an NKBA certified Kitchen and Bath designer, with an on-staff designer allied with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The firm has been featured in several publications, including Arkansas Life, Better Home and Gardens, Kitchen and Bath Ideas, Inviting Arkansas, and At Home in Arkansas.

A notable project was the firm’s work on a kitchen remodel in a house overlooking the Arkansas River. A space with a modern-meets-rustic style, the kitchen’s most notable feature is the white-paneled cabinetry. Integrated with seamless hardware, the cabinets create a modern space that plays well with the rest of the home’s aesthetic without making it feel too modern.

The firm was established in 1998 by Bill Wrape – a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer accredited by the NKBA. To maintain his certification and monitor the industry’s best contemporary developments, Wrape attends classes and seminars throughout the year.

4) John Hanks Construction

135 Courts Lane, Little Rock, AR 72223

Family owned and operated, John Hanks Construction has over 50 years of experience since its establishment in 1972, and is a member of the NAHB and the HBA-GLR. With five decades of experience, At Home in Arkansas named it as one of the best home renovators in the Little Rock Metro area.

The firm specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, outdoor living areas, and patios and pool areas, along with complete home renovations. One notable project was recently featured in At Home in Arkansas. A summer get-away condo designed with bright pastel colors, the home gives off an eclectic vibe that welcomes every guest. The homeowner’s children and grandchildren are also frequent guests, so the house has a kid-friendly space that adheres to the energetic pastel design.

3) Janacek Remodeling

PO Box 173, Rogers, AR 72757

In business for over 30 years, Janacek Remodeling is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the NAHB, and NWAHBA. It is a certified Green builder and an Aging-in-Place specialist that has been featured three times in At Home in Arkansas and won the 2018 Parade of Homes’ remodeling category. The firm specializes in kitchen and bath remodels, additions, and historic renovations.

Janacek Remodeling has a combined 130 years of experience in all aspects of business and construction, with Tim Janacek and his son Jonathan working to continue four generations of experience and quality workmanship. The firm is skilled in all areas of remodeling and construction – from framing, drywall, roofing, and painting, to electrical and plumbing. The firm has completed many beautiful projects, including its recent Historic Fayette Home renovation. Featured in At Home in Arkansas, this two-story home was built in 1939 and possesses a sturdy foundation and a wide yard. The firm worked with interior designers Design Services of Florida and DK Design for the exterior designs.

2) Rod Collins Architecture and Construction  

 116 Dennison St., Little Rock, AR 72205

Serving Little Rock, Conway, and the surrounding areas, Rod Collins Architecture and Construction was founded by Rod Collins and is a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock (HBA-GLR). The company is a Green Building council member and LEED accredited firm.

Rod Collins Architecture and Construction specializes in both residential projects- single-family homes, apartments and townhomes- and commercial projects, including bed and breakfasts, churches, retail, hotels, schools, multi-use commercial buildings, resorts, restaurants, offices, manufacturing facilities, and warehouses. The company’s 30 years of experience in various project types has enhanced its reputation in the building industry. Its projects have been recognized in many magazines, including Houston House and Home, Modern Luxury, Essence Magazine, Architectural Digest, and Arkansas Home. In addition, the firm also has a collection of awards, including the prestigious 2006 Gerald D. Hines Design Award. The company is also well-known for its EcoHouses; energy efficient homes built with sustainable materials.

1) Richard Harp Homes

17200 Chenal Parkway, Suite 300, Little Rock, AR 72223

Richard Harp Homes was established in 1994 by Richard Harp, a certified Green professional, an Energy Star partner, a certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, and a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock. In 2010, At Home in Arkansas Magazine gave Richard Harp Homes the prestigious title of Best Homebuilder. Then in 2014, Arkansas Life followed suit.

Harp, whose experience as a realtor brought him an in-depth understanding of the housing market and residential construction, has become known for his unique custom homes and his quality craftsmanship. Harp’s work has been featured in issues of At Home in Arkansas, Arkansas Life, About You, and Traditional Home.

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Kitchen remodeling contractors in Arkansas

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