Last updated on October 9th, 2024 at 05:07 pm
Finding the right general contractor in Columbus, Ohio, can be daunting, given the numerous options available. Whether planning to build your dream home from the ground up or undertake a major renovation, selecting a reliable contractor ensures your project runs smoothly and stays within budget. Finding a good contractor for a residential project in Columbus, Ohio, is important for several critical reasons. Ohio’s building codes and regulations require strict adherence to ensure the safety and legality of residential construction. A skilled contractor can navigate these requirements effectively, ensuring compliance and avoiding potential delays or fines.
Additionally, a reputable contractor brings expertise in managing the project efficiently, maintaining quality craftsmanship, and potentially reducing overall costs. On average, residential projects in Columbus cost between $200,000 and $600,000, with high-end projects reaching $900,000 or more, depending on the size, design, and materials used. These projects typically take up to 34 weeks to complete, provided everything runs smoothly.
Columbus has a thriving construction industry with a population of approximately 907,971 people and a median home value of $290,000. According to permit data from the local building department, there are 282 contractors specializing in residential projects within the city. Over the past two years, the average construction project cost has been about $124.37 per square foot. With so many contractors, finding one who fits your budget, understands your vision, and can deliver quality work is essential.
Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between a seamless construction experience and one fraught with delays, added costs, and frustration. A good contractor will help you navigate the complexities of your project, ensuring everything is done to code and on schedule. To assist you in this critical decision, we have compiled a list of the best general contractors in Columbus, Ohio, with a proven track record of excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Overview: The Best General Contractors in Columbus, Ohio
Contractor | Average Customer Satisfaction | Service Rating Score | Total Number of Reviews | Complaint Percentage |
Shrock Premier Custom Construction | 5 | 5 | 26 | 0.5% |
Cornerstone Construction & Remodeling, Inc. | 4.9 | 5 | 17 | 0.8% |
The Bellepoint Company | 4.9 | 5 | 12 | 1.3% |
All In Wood Construction, Inc. | 4.9 | 5 | 7 | 1.4% |
AMIDONIAN, LLC | 4.9 | 5 | 33 | 3.1% |
DL Custom Construction | 4.9 | 5 | 4 | 1.9% |
Winkelman Design | 4.9 | 5 | 21 | 0.7% |
J.S. Brown & Co. | 4.9 | 5 | 127 | 2.4% |
Ohio Property Brothers | 4.9 | 5 | 65 | 3.1% |
P&D Builders, Ltd. | 4.8 | 5 | 33 | 5.7% |
J.Holderby - Renovations | 4.8 | 5 | 10 | 7.8% |
Dave Fox Remodeling | 4.7 | 5 | 130 | 5.3% |
See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.
Shrock Premier Custom Construction
234 West Main St., Loudonville, OH 44842
Shrock Premier Custom Construction | |
Year Established | 1984 |
Services Provided | Custom Homes, Demolition, New Home Construction, Custom Cabinets |
Areas Served | Big Prairie, Butler, Glenmont, Hayesville, Lakeville, Loudonville, Lucas, Mifflin, Nashville, Perrysville, Mansfield, Ashland, Mount Vernon, Akron, Canton, Medina, Zanesville, Newark, North Columbus |
What Customers Are Saying | Fantastic Job, Top Notch Work, Knowledgeable, Responsive, Good Customer Service |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 5 (26 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 0.5% |
Shrock Premier Custom Construction was founded by Melvin Shrock, who would hand down ownership of the firm to his son. Since its inception, the firm has been serving Central Ohio and is best known for its fine custom homes and remodeling services. It takes pride in its skilled team of in-house designers, millwork specialists, certified welders, professional builders, and excavation operators. Given the efficiency of its team, the firm rarely subcontracts any of its work. As seen in its portfolio, the firm has worked on an extensive range of designs. It has constructed charming French kitchens, colonial spaces, and contemporary rooms. This Columbus general contractor was named the 2019 Equipment World Magazine’s Contractor of the Year. The chosen photo exemplifies one of its exquisite kitchen remodel projects. Here, the firm utilized designs similar to classic French architecture and highlighted its woodwork by emphasizing the room’s rustic vibe. Furthermore, it used an earthy palette to keep the space both warm and inviting.
Cornerstone Construction & Remodeling, Inc.
6589 Huntley Rd., Columbus, OH 43229
Cornerstone Construction & Remodeling, Inc. | |
Year Established | 2005 |
Services Provided | Room Additions, Kitchen Remodels, Bath Remodels, Basement Finishing, Attic Conversions, New-Builds, Garage Conversions |
Areas Served | Columbus |
Notable Project | Alter 2 story frame 1 family dwelling to building 2 story addition on full crawl | 481 E Torrence Rd, Columbus, OH, 43214 | $190000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Fantastic Work, Very Professional, Responsive, Excellent Communcation, High Quality Work |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (17 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 0.8% |
Cornerstone Construction & Remodeling, Inc. provides room additions, basement finishing, kitchen remodeling, attic conversions, bathroom remodeling, and garage conversion services. It offers its services at a competitive price and assures its clients of its team’s reliability and high-quality craftsmanship through a one-year workmanship guarantee. In addition to the services above, the firm also offers custom paver patios, new home construction, interior and exterior painting, roofing, and drywalling. The company specializes in modern, colonial, and traditional designs, as seen in the chosen photo. It is an example of one of its more contemporary takes on the classic colonial style. Here, the firm showcased its woodwork through the exposed beams and flooring. The firm has had its work recognized by several awards. It won a Contractor of the Year (CoTY) award 2013 for its kitchen work in the $40k and below category.
The Bellepoint Company
720 Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Suite A, Worthington, OH 43085
The Bellepoint Company | |
Year Established | 2012 |
Services Provided | Custom Homes, Home Additions, Home Remodeling, New Home Construction |
Areas Served | Bexley, Columbus, Dublin, Grandview Heights, Lewis Center, Powell, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington |
Notable Project | Building 3 story frame 1 family dwelling with full basement finished waterproofed 2 car detached garage 1 vent free fireplace 3.5 bathrooms 4 bedrooms drywall basement ceiling basement bedroom w/egress window basement entertainment room living room dining room 2nd floor laundry office sitting room blower door test required. | 445 E Beck St, Columbus, OH, 43206 | $495000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Fantastic Job, Creative, Good Attention to Detail, Timeless |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (8 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 1.3% |
The Bellepoint Company is a family-owned business best known for its exquisite designs reminiscent of beautiful French country architecture. It was proudly and very recently hired by Evans Farm, an up-and-coming new community in Lewis Center just a few minutes away from North Columbus, to become one of its custom home builders. The Bellepoint Company is led by its founder, Samuel Teitt, who started his home-building career by working for a local builder for eight years. While there, he would oversee the construction of over 40 homes before finally setting his sights on establishing a firm of his own. He now runs the firm with his wife, Jennifer, who manages the design team and oversees operations, and his brother, Andrew, who handles construction. Together, the three have led their team in remodeling and constructing some of the area’s most beautiful spaces. The company’s portfolio includes several luxurious rooms, often with a touch of European design and modern vibes. It has worked on contemporary farmhouses, upscale Tuscan-inspired living rooms, and inviting French kitchens.
All In Wood Construction, Inc.
2836 Fisher Rd., Columbus, OH 43204
All In Wood Construction, Inc. | |
Year Established | 1983 |
Services Provided | General Contracting & Project Management, Kitchen Design Specialists, Bath Specialists, Outdoor Living Spaces & Sunrooms, Custom Cabinetry & Millwork |
Areas Served | Columbus |
Notable Project | Alter 2 story frame 1 family dwelling to remodel kitchen and remove existing wall | 88 Sheffield Rd, Columbus, OH, 43214 | $85000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Knowledgeable, Professional, Friendly, Top Notch Work |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (7 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 1.4% |
All In Wood Construction, Inc. specializes in custom cabinetry and millwork and is well known for its skill and craftsmanship. Its in-house designers produce numerous intricate works, including detailed crown moldings, custom hand-carved cabinet doors, and other custom-made pieces. The company provides general contracting and project management services and shares good relationships and partnerships with several of the area’s best architects and building authorities. All In Wood Construction specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor living projects and is equipped and experienced to handle full-scale remodels and ground-up construction. Led by founder Tom Jacobs, the firm is manned by a team with a combined experience of over one hundred years. Together, they have built and remodeled beautiful European-themed homes, as evidenced by the chosen photo. The firm’s projects are often distinguished by its generous use of French, Tuscan, and Mediterranean themes. This project evidently shows this with its rustic metallic accents, high ceilings, and neutral color palette.
AMIDONIAN, LLC
161 West Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015
AMIDONIAN, LLC | |
Year Established | 2014 |
Services Provided | Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Countertop Installation, Electric Fireplace Installation, Fireplace Installation, General Contracting, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Radiant Floor Heating, Shower Installation, Tile Installation |
Areas Served | Cheshire, Delaware, Lewis Center, New California, Ostrander, Powell, galena |
What Customers Are Saying | Very Professional, Courteous, Excellent Listeners, On Time |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (33 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 3.1% |
AMIDONIAN offers entire home remodeling but is best known for its bathroom remodels and upscale fireplaces. In addition to its remodeling work, it also provides shopping and design consultation services, which offer clients assistance in picking out furniture and accessories for their new home through several of the firm’s partner vendors. The AMIDONIAN design team works with each client, providing them with portfolios with floor plans, color schemes, idea booklets, and samples. The firm has been named the Best Renovation Contractor for the third straight year by the Delaware Gazette for its outstanding work. Clients looking for more concrete examples of the firm’s work may visit one of the firm’s home tours. Its principals, Roxan and Charlton Amidon, open some of their homes upon request to give clients a better idea of their design and style. One of these homes is their Victorian Italianate, built in 1871. The home features an outdoor kitchen, nine unique fireplaces, five distinctive sinks, a two-story deck, and an arbor.
DL Custom Construction
438 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, OH 43214
DL Custom Construction | |
Year Established | 2017 |
Services Provided | Additions, Garages, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Whole Home Remodeling |
Areas Served | Columbus, Upper Arlington, Hilliard, Grove City, Worthington, Clintonville, Beechwold, Bexley, Delaware, Dublin, Gahanna, Galena, Grandview, New Albany, Pateskala, Pickerington, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Westerville, Whitehall. |
Notable Project | Addition with attached garage. Remodel existing house | 387 Fairway Dr, Columbus, OH, 43214 | $315000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Professional, On Budget,Respectful |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (4 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 1.9% |
DL Custom Construction takes on commercial and residential work, specializing in home additions, garage installations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and entire house remodeling. It provides its clients with an online system, which owners can use to access information and updates regarding their new home from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Furthermore, the company takes pride in its excellent craftsmanship and ability to handle projects of any size. It is one of the most prominent general contractors in Columbus, Ohio. Many of the company’s projects feature traditional themes, as exhibited in the chosen photo. The firm utilized a neutral palette to complement the marble countertops and simple wood-paneled flooring. It installed a center island to bring the room together and to make the most out of the space.
Winkelman Design
390 Richards Rd., Columbus, OH 43214
Winkelman Design | |
Year Established | 1989 |
Services Provided | Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Deck Building, Deck Repair, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Porch Design & Construction, Wainscoting, Wine Cellar Installation, Custom Cabinets, Remodeling, Siding Repair & Installation, Full House Renovation |
Areas Served | Bexley, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview Heights, Hilliard, Huber Ridge, Lewis Center, Marble Cliff, Powell, Riverlea, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, Clintonville, Maize Morse, German Village, Olde Towne East, Victorian Village, Short North, Downtown, New Albany, Medallion, Muirfield |
Notable Project | Alter 2 sty sf dwg by rebuilding the walls and roof of attached garage. Damage caused by a tree falling on the garage | 617 Glenmont Ave, Columbus, OH, 43214 | $330000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Excellent Eye for Details, Effective Communication, Superb Quality of Work |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (21 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 0.7% |
Winkelman Design offers kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home additions, basement finishing, patio and deck installation, and custom area construction services. It also works on smaller-scale projects and has taken on minor maintenance work, but it can handle long-term and large-scale work, such as crafting and creatively executing ten-year plans for clients hoping to stage their renovations. The firm has been remodeling homes in Columbus for over three decades. Being a small firm, it assures its clients that each project receives personal attention, with its principal, Leo Winkelman, directly overseeing and supervising each home. A carpenter by trade and designer by profession, Leo has nearly four decades of experience and is well-versed in period architecture and contemporary design. Prior to establishing the firm, he worked on solar homes and supervised the construction of entire subdivisions.
J.S. Brown & Co.
1522 Hess St., Columbus, OH 43212
J.S. Brown & Co. | |
Year Established | 1978 |
Services Provided | 3D Rendering, Basement Design, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling, Building Design, Custom Home Bars, Floor Plans, Garage Building, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Gym Design & Construction, Home Remodeling, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Laundry Room Design, Mudroom Design, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Porch Design & Construction, Space Planning, Sunroom Design & Construction, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Remodeling |
Areas Served | Bexley, Blacklick Estates, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview Heights, Grove City, Hilliard, Marble Cliff, Minerva Park, Riverlea, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, Clintonville, German Village, Powell, Muirfield |
Notable Project | Alter a 1 story frame 1 family dwelling by remodeling kitchen and (2)two bathrooms per approved plans. HVAC electric and plumbing permits required. Electrical lighting and receptacles will be installed per nec. | 445 Village Dr, Columbus, OH, 43214 | $123419 |
What Customers Are Saying | On Time, Quick to Respond, Professional, Good Quality Work, Responsive |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (127 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 2.4% |
J.S. Brown & Co. is a full-service custom residential remodeling company best known for its craftsmanship, designs, and award-winning showroom. Headquartered in Grandview Heights, the firm is led by its namesake, Jeffery Brown, a respected builder with over 40 years of industry experience. He has been named Remodeler of the Year and has been recognized by Remodeling Magazine as one of the nation’s top 50 remodelers. Under his leadership, the firm has been distinguished with numerous awards, mostly for its entire house remodeling projects. He is aided by his team of 27 skilled professionals with certifications ranging from Certified and Certified Master Remodeler to Universal Design Certified Professional and Master Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer. This general contractor in Columbus, Ohio, has received numerous awards, including the 2024 National Association of the Remodeling Industry Regional CotY Award Winner, Entire House Over $1,000,000. Its portfolio showcases an extensive gallery of craftsman and Cape Cod-inspired homes. The chosen photo is an example of one of its contemporary colonial works. With this space, the firm brought out the more modern elements of the room through its choices in furniture. On the other hand, the timeless colonial theme was brought out through the cabinetry and finishes.
Ohio Property Brothers
Powell, OH 43065
Ohio Property Brothers | |
Year Established | 2014 |
Services Provided | Baseboard Installation, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Countertop Installation, Custom Home Bars, Drywall Installation, Flooring Installation, Garage Building, General Contracting, Home Additions, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Laminate Flooring Installation, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Shower Installation, Siding Installation, Stone Installation, Tile Installation, Wood Floor Installation, Granite, Marble, Quartz |
Areas Served | Amlin, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Huber Ridge, Lewis Center, Minerva Park, New California, Ostrander, Plain City, Powell, Riverlea, Shawnee Hills, Westerville, Worthington, Columbus and surrounding |
Notable Project | Alter a 2 story frame 1 family dwelling by remodeling kitchen expanding kitchen window with new header converting existing 1st floor full bathroom into full bathroom and new ½ bathroom adding new bathroom window and reframing closets. | 7550 Satterfield Rd, Columbus, OH, 43235 | $200000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Excellent Communication, Professional, Easy to Work With, Good Customer Service, Good Attention to Detail, Beautiful Craftsmanship |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.9 (65 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 3.1% |
Ohio Property Brothers specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and is considered a premier residential remodeling contractor in the area. It has in-house granite fabrication and offers its clients high-quality custom-made cabinetry made by its skilled professionals. Led by brothers Brian and David Hayes, the firm’s work is often distinguished by its excellent granite and signature woodwork. Furthermore, it builds in an extensive range of styles and designs and is known for making the most out of each space it works with. The chosen project evidences this. The firm maintained several vintage elements in this kitchen, such as the ceramic farmhouse sink and dated-style lighting. Still, it brought out its contemporary vibe through the newly installed countertops and modern flooring.
P&D Builders, Ltd.
59 Greif Pkwy. Suite 100, Delaware, OH 43015
P&D Builders, Ltd. | |
Year Established | 1962 |
Services Provided | Custom Cabinets, Custom Home Bars, Custom Homes, Deck Building, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Interior Design |
Areas Served | Ashley, Cheshire, Delaware, Kilbourne, Lewis Center, Magnetic Springs, New California, Ostrander, Powell, Radnor, Shawnee Hills |
Notable Project | New built single family residential home | 13320 Claverhouse Ct, Plain City, OH, 43064 | $1120000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Open Communication, Patient, Professional. Exceeds Expectations, Quick to Respond, Quality Construction |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.8 (33 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 5.7% |
With over five decades of industry experience, P&D Builders offers custom home building and entire home remodeling services. It maintains a direct relationship between its clients and its principals to ensure that each project receives attention. P&D Builders has a full-time in-house roster of skilled residential design professionals and offers interior decorating services, banking and loan support, and full warranties. It also assures its clients that each home is individually Energy Star inspected, tested, and certified. As a testament to its skill and craftsmanship, the firm is the proud recipient of several Parade of Homes awards for its interior and exterior work. In addition, the firm has had the chance to work with ABC’s hit reality TV series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” This general contractor in Columbus, Ohio, was featured in a 2023 The Columbus Dispatch article. The firm’s portfolio displays numerous unique spaces and transitional and ranch-inspired rooms. It also shows skill in constructing craftsman-themed houses, bungalows, and modern farmhouses.
J. Holderby – Renovations
Sunbury, OH 43074
J.Holderby - Renovations | |
Year Established | 2011 |
Services Provided | Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling, Demolition, Flooring Installation, Home Additions, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Lighting Installation, Tile Installation |
Areas Served | Columbus, Galena, Lewis Center, Sunbury, Westerville, Powell, New Albany, Delaware County, Worthington, Gahanna, Dublin, Hilliard |
What Customers Are Saying | Outstanding Work, Professional, Knowledgeable, Timely, Accomodating |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.8 (10 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 7.8% |
J. Holderby provides entire home renovation services and specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and flooring. It is known for its sleek, modern, and contemporary designs. Its portfolio showcases a gallery of modern versions of otherwise classic and traditional designs, such as farmhouses, ranch homes, and colonial-themed rooms. It draws inspiration from metallic elements and palettes, which are often accented with a generous use of white. The pictured project is an example of the firm’s bathroom remodels. Here, the firm once again used a more contemporary theme and emphasized the room’s modernity through its choice of lights and metallic elements.
Dave Fox Remodeling
3505 W Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
Dave Fox Remodeling | |
Year Established | 1982 |
Services Provided | Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Home Additions, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Outdoor Kitchen Construction, Universal Design, Bathroom Design, Kitchen Design, Wine Cellars |
Areas Served | Columbus, Dublin, Groveport, Westerville |
Notable Project | Alter a 2 story frame 1 family dwelling full basement alteration includes kitchen and 1st floor bathroom remodel removal of existing chimney to 1st floor framing new windows & exterior doors per plan front and rear porch alterations new siding. | 325 E Gates St, Columbus, OH, 43206 | $300000 |
What Customers Are Saying | Attentive to Detail, Good Quality Work, Good Service, Responsive, Creative |
Average Customer Satisfaction | 4.7 (130 reviews) |
Service Rating Score | 5 |
Complaint Percentage | 5.3% |
Dave Fox Remodeling is a full-service design-build remodeling firm specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, entire house renovation, room additions, and basement finishing. It is the proud recipient of numerous CoTY awards recognizing the firm’s historical renovation, kitchen, home addition, and bathroom work. It is also a four-time winner of the Home & Garden Show Exhibit Showcase Award. In addition, the firm has made it onto the pages of Remodeling Magazine. Award-giving bodies first took notice of the firm in 1986, and it has since won at least one award each year. As exhibited in the chosen project, the firm shows a particular skill for European architecture. In this room, the firm generously utilized French designs through chandeliers and chambered ceilings, as well as several modern and contemporary notes. This project also shows an inclination towards a Mediterranean theme, which is evident in the company’s portfolio.
Ranking Methodology
To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the general contractors in the Columbus area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:
- Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
- Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
- Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
- Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
- License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
- Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score
Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.