South Dakota is home to a variety of landscapes and scenery; the Missouri River flows through the center of the state and cuts South Dakota into east and west. In the east, agriculture is popular, whereas in the west, ranching and tourism are main sources of income. These varying lifestyles have influenced every part of life in the state, including government infrastructure, commercial buildings, and homes.

South Dakota homes are quite affordable; Zillow notes that the median home value is around $184K; this has been rising at a rate of about 5% per year, and is expected to continue rising. The South Dakotan market in general is quite healthy; industrial agriculture in the eastern half of the state keeps the economy strong. Home architecture in the state is varied, with styles ranging from Queen Anne and Colonial Revival to Neoclassical and Prairie School.

The best general contractors and construction firms in the state are able to consider climate, the needs and desires of clients, and the flow of local life without compromising luxury and quality. All of the firms listed below have been evaluated on a rigorous criteria, taking into consideration customer service, quality of work, membership in various organizations, and accolades.

 

10) Krueger Contracting

124 W Dakota Ave Pierre, SD 57501

Founded by Ryan Krueger in 2005, Krueger Contracting builds and remodels homes throughout central South Dakota. Though the firm is relatively new, it is affiliated with various prestigious organizations. Krueger Contracting is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the South Dakota Home Builders Association (HBA), Oahe Home Builders Assocation (OHBA), the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, and Fort Pierre Development Corporation. The firm was given an A+ by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The firm designs in a modern style. Industrial-inspired lighting in white background of walls and windows elevated the room’s simple yet modern beauty. High ceilings and light-hued furnishings give the home a spacious feel.


9) Shawn Custom Homes

1836 US-14 Brookings, SD 57006

Shawn D. Knapp established Shawn Custom Homes in 1999 to provide home building and remodeling services to Arlington, Brookings, Aurora, and the surrounding areas. Throughout the years, Shawn Custom Homes has created an impressive portfolio; its affiliation with various organizations has validated the firm as one of the best contractors in the state. Shawn Custom Homes is affiliated with the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, OHBA, NAHB, the Fort Pierre Development Corporation, and the South Dakota HBA. It also received an A+ rating from the BBB for its great business ethics.

Shawn Custom Homes uses tall glass windows and wooden ceilings in its remodeling projects; this design brings more natural light to the home. The firm works on a variety of home styles, and also specializes  in kitchen and bathroom remodels. The team at Shawn Custom Homes is constantly educating itself on new techniques and materials, in order to provide the best possible work to its clients.


8) Jones Construction

5539 Wildwood Drive Rapid City, SD 57702

Since its establishment in 1990, Jones Construction has made a name for itself through its breathtaking and highly-accoladed projects. Founder Ross Jones’ knowledge, thanks to his degree in Construction Technology, has become essential to the company’s success. The Black Hills Home Builder Association (BHHBA) recognized Jones Construction in its Annual BHHBA Parade of Homes. The firm won “Best of Show” as well as “Builder of the Year.” Furthermore, Ross Jones has become part of the BHHBA Hall of Fame.

Jones Construction provides excellent custom home building and home remodeling services to Meade, Rapids, Custer, and the surrounding areas. Intricate masonry and exceptional wood floors and ceilings are a common sight in the firm’s projects. These two elements combine harmoniously to create a comforting and peaceful ambiance inside the home.


 7) Jarrod Smart Construction

820 E. Amidon St. Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Jarrod Smart, a Certified Graduate Builder, is only the third person in the state to receive this title. This recognition has been a catalyst to success for his company, Jarrod Smart Construction, which has since received many more accolades for its exceptional work. The firm has an A+ rating from the BBB and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. The firm is also affiliated with the South Dakota HBA, NAHB Remodelers, and Remodeling Council of the Sioux Empire.

The firm services the Brandon, Sioux Falls, and Harrisburg areas, providing custom home building and home remodeling services. White backgrounds and luxurious glass windows are a common sight in Jarrod Smart Construction’s projects.


6) Russ Johnson Construction Inc.

23946 Highway 16/385 Hill City, SD  57745

For almost 20 years, Russ Johnson Construction Inc. has built and remodeled large houses in the area of Hill City, South Dakota. With decades of experience and expertise in home remodeling and building, the firm has produced an array of breathtaking luxury homes. Established by Russ Johnson 16 years ago, the firm has seen considerable growth and is now accredited with an A+ by the BBB. The firm is known for its exceptional work values and client relationships.

Russ Johnson Construction’s projects generally have ranch accents and Native-inspired interiors. Despite ranch designs, the firm’s projects are luxurious and elegant. The firm specializes in custom homes, vacation properties, and home makeovers. Subcontractors, if needed, are carefully selected to ensure that the firm’s standards are executed.


5) Deffenbaugh Homes

4301 W 57th St, Suite 110B Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108

Since Deffenbaugh Homes was founded by Dudley Deffenbaugh in 2000, the firm has been providing quality custom home building and remodeling to the Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Harrisburg areas.  Deffenbaugh’s values of creativity and quality shine through in his projects; his company has been given an A+ rating by the BBB, and is a member of the HBA Sioux Empire.

Wood ceiling details, large glass windows, and stone masonry elements are some of the highlights in Deffenbaugh Homes’ projects. These details contribute to the creation of a luxurious living space. Interiors are customized to each client’s vision, whether that means floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase South Dakota’s nature, or stone and woodwork to create a sophisticated, comfortable interior.

For more information, you can visit their website here.


4) Heilman Homes

507 11th St SE Watertown, SD 57201

Dale Heilman founded Heilman Homes over 30 years ago to pursue his passion for building custom homes. Heilman Homes has been providing luxury custom home building and remodeling services to Watertown and its surrounding areas ever since. Heilman Homes has completed numerous sustainable and energy-efficient home building and remodeling projects. Heilman Homes is certified both as an Energy Star high-efficiency home builder, and as a Tyvek Certified Installer.

Heilman Homes uses the finest wood cabinetry for its kitchen remodeling projects. This center island with marble table top complements the luxurious yet welcoming ambiance of the whole space. The firm generally uses neutral colors in interiors to create calming spaces, but customises every project for the client, noting that no project is too big or too small.


3) Earl Miller Construction Inc.

201 North Sioux Point Road, North Sioux City, SD 57049

Earl Miller’s extensive experience has helped him establish his company’s reputation in the South Dakotan construction industry. Miller is a former president of the HBA Greater Siouxland and the BBB Siouxland. He has been a member of the Siouxland Claims Association, the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, the Dakota Valley Business Bureau, and the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce. Miller’s expertise in home remodeling has been recognized since 1982, when the HBA Greater Siouxland named him Builder of the Year. His firm’s projects have also been featured in the Sioux City Journal, and the company holds an A+ rating from the BBB.

The firm services the Sioux City and Dakota Dunes areas. Most of Earl Miller Construction’s projects are home repair—from fire, hail, and excessive rain—as well as homes customized to their owners’ needs. However, the company has a huge range of services, including kitchen and bathroom remodeling, roofing, painting, and handicap accessibility.


2) Lage Construction

3006 W Saint Louis Street Rapid City, SD 57702

Willard Lage established Lage Construction in 1965. His son, Jeff, joined the company in 1994 and his daughter, Jennifer, has worked alongside him since 1998. Jennifer’s degree in Business Management and Jeff’s Construction Engineering degree have helped the family-owned and operated firm grow consistently. Both siblings have also been president of the HBA South Dakota and the HBA Black Hills. Lage Construction is affiliated with the South Dakota HBA, and it won multiple Best of Show awards from the Parade of Homes, as well as the Builder of the Year award from the HBA.

Lage Construction builds and remodels luxury homes in Rapid City, Spearfish, and Northern & Southern Black Hills. The company works in a huge variety of styles, including French Country, Modern Farmhouse, Rustic, and Tuscan. Lage Construction works closely with clients to ensure that completed projects fit the vision of each client.


1) Creative Building Corporation

PO Box 88707, Sioux Falls, SD 57109

Creative Building Corporation (CBC) is the top general contractor in South Dakota. The firm has created a reputable portfolio since its establishment in 1995, with awards from various organizations and features in several television programs. CBC received the “Best Residential Property” from 5 Star International Property Awards USA in 2014, 2015 and 2018. The firm also received The Best in American Living Awards (BALA) Gold and Platinum Remodeling Awards in 2012. In addition to these achievements, CBC projects were featured on KDLT News and Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

Troy Stallings and Jane Shorma, the founders of CBC, combined decades worth of experience to build the firm’s portfolio and status. CBC services the entire Midwest, building and remodeling luxury homes. One notable project was the award-winning whole house remodel of a traditional home, which was transformed into a contemporary house and later recognized by the NAHB.

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