Renovating or remodeling a home is considered one of the most challenging aspects of construction. Renovations entail a lot of activities for both the builder and the homeowner, from subtle changes like improving the aesthetics and layout of the existing building or house to drastic alterations such as retrofits and build-outs. 

In studies done by the American Housing Survey and the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, the home remodeling market was estimated to be worth nearly $400 billion dollars in 2018. This number is steadily growing every year, due in part to its practical, ongoing need, and for the fact that remodeling is a great way to increase one’s property value. 

With an industry as big as this, rounding up the best general contractors in the country is a daunting task. We started with industry leaders from all over the United States, then selected and ranked them based on their awards, achievements, and press recognition, as well as reviews from clientele. This robust list of 25 contractors is filled with professionals ready to update your home through innovative design and progressive building techniques. 

If you are looking for a general contractor for a project, we recommend checking each contractor’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

Allen Construction

1545 Sawtelle Blvd. Suite #22, Los Angeles, CA 90025

From whole home remodels and full gut-outs to dainty bathroom remodels and aesthetic reworking, Allen Construction has mastered every aspect of an excellent renovation. This is evident in its wide array of projects and accolades over the years. Its portfolio encompasses Craftsman bungalows, nineteenth-century Victorians, and Queen Anne and Spanish Colonial Revivals that are concentrated mostly in Southern California.

Established in 1983 by Dennis Allen, the Santa Barbara firm is one of the four proud recipients of the Chrysalis Decade of Excellence Award. It has earned a record of 18 regional awards and three national awards presented since 2000. It has also consistently ranked in Qualified Remodeler‘s Top 500 residential remodelers in the nation. As a dedicated green builder, it has also earned awards from the U.S. Green Building Council.

One of its notable projects is the renovation of a 1920’s El Toro estate—a Spanish Revival historic landmark in Ojai Valley. The home was designed by famed architect Arthur E. Harvey, creator of the Château Élysée in Los Angeles. The firm rose above the challenges of maintaining the original architectural integrity and historic value of the home while bringing it up to and even beyond today’s energy efficiency standards. Hand-painting archways and ceilings and revitalizing original fixtures were some of the key things the firm did, along with making it a net-zero energy home.


Beck Building Company

780 Nottingham Rd., Avon, CO 81620

What started as a local Vail builder in 1972, Beck Building Company now serves Denver, Boulder, Aspen, and surrounding areas from its headquarters across Beaver Creek Mountain in Avon. The town of Vail is famous for its ski resorts and luxurious homes, which is why it is no surprise that the firm has specialized in custom mountain homes, along with remodels and upscale additions. These residential projects range from legacy homes built for accommodating generations of growing families, to modern vacation homes with foreign influences.

The company and its projects have been featured in various local and national publications, such as Colorado Homes and Lifestyles, Luxe, and Dwell. Its accolades include Custom Home Builder of the Year, Luxe RED Awards, appearance on the Luxe Gold List every year for the past five years, Chrysalis Awards, and a National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award. Colorado Homes and Lifestyles has also included the firm on its fabulous list, while 5280 Magazine named it top in Design.

Featured here is one of the firm’s more modern homes. This 7,800-square-foot home is built from a teardown of an older home in Vail. With a custom color blend of Oklahoma sandstone veneer on the exterior and beautiful walnut interior details, this expansive home embraces its surroundings with architecture that opens the interiors to the outdoors and materials that complement nature’s palette. The valley retreat home has been featured in Luxe and Vail Valley Home. It also received a prestigious American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Crystal Award and an additional mention as a Best in Show at the Crystal Awards.


BOWA

7900 Westpark Dr. Suite A180, McLean, VA 22102

With more than 230 local and national awards for design, construction, and business excellence, BOWA has earned one of the top spots in the nation’s best general contractors. The firm’s vice president, Tim Burch, was featured on Netflix’s Trading Places, in which he worked as a project manager for the hosts’ turnover of a historic DC firehouse into a unique Airbnb rental. This was not Burch’s first time in the limelight; he also served as a Lead Project Manager for Construction on an episode of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

The success story of BOWA started with Larry Weinberg and Josh Baker in 1987, with only a $5,000 investment from each of them. By the end of the year, they had earned $300,000 and hired four employees for their team. Refocusing their firm to be more customer-centered made the succeeding years even more fruitful. Today, the two report that 90% of their clients are either referrals or repeat customers. 

The firm does sleek renovations, builds additions and specialty rooms, and constructs custom homes throughout the Greater Washington area. A mix of bohemian and industrial elements is evident in its projects. Simple and clean designs, casual yet elegant layouts, and custom-made details make remodels from this firm popular among clients.


Crane Builders

2931 Berry Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37204

Building custom homes and creating seamless renovations in the Middle Tennessee area is Crane Builders. This residential family business was founded in 1987 by David Crane and is currently owned and managed by David and his son-in-law Tyler Leuck. Crane Builders holds various certifications such as Certified Graduate Remodeler, Green Professional, and Aging-In-Place Specialist that enable the firm to be flexible in any type of project. Crane Builders has also been recognized as a two-time National Remodeler of the Year and a seven-time winner of the Chrysalis Award for State Remodeler of the Year. Also included in the company’s numerous accolades over the years are seven awards from Qualified Remodelers’ Master Design Awards as well as Best Community Revitalization Award in the 2015 Home Awards featured in Southern Living Magazine.

Its decorated years serving Nashville and surrounding areas have been spent specializing in larger projects; Crane and its ten employees handle $4-5 million in business generated from 25 to 30 projects annually. Most of these projects take four to eight months to complete.

An example of these projects is this screen porch addition with an added living space above. Built into a home in Historic Cherokee Park, its cool undertones under abundant natural light make the space easy on the eyes. A custom-built fireplace serves as a focal point of the room. Overall, the addition combines form and functionality, perfect for every season.


David Wilkes Builders

5450 Bee Caves Rd. Suite #4B, Austin, TX 78746

For David Wilkes Builders, remodeling is a craft done by hand. Its bespoke and seamless renovations of homes and high-rise residences are known throughout Austin. Historic home renovation, light commercial construction, and new home construction are also specialties of the firm.

With 25 years of experience in producing elegant homes, owner David Wilkes continues to build houses that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly. Wilkes is a certified green builder and a member of the Austin chapter of NARI. Through his leadership, the firm has achieved many awards from the building industry. These include a Best in American Living Award from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and regional and national CotY Awards from NARI. In 2015, it was named Remodeler of the Year by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB).

Austin-San Antonio Urban Home, a well-known magazine in the city, featured one of the company’s proudest home-improvement projects—the pied-á-terre in the Four Season Residences. In partnership with Mark Cravotta, one of Austin’s renowned interior designers, this 4,208-square-foot home showcases a mixture of modern and traditional styles. This home was selected as the National Winner in the Entire House award category and also received the Regional CotY Award in the category of Houses of over $1 million from NARI in 2014.


Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

119 S Main St., DeForest, WI 53532

Since 1981 Degnan Design-Build-Remodel has helped rejuvenate the Greater Madison landscape with innovative home building and creative remodeling solutions. Having worked on numerous kitchens, baths, basements, additions, as well as entire homes, the firm has developed deep wells of expertise and experience in a wide range of construction. That depth of knowledge has helped the family-owned company earn industry recognition and awards: the NARI Achievement in Consumer Excellence Award, a number of Wisconsin Builders Association awards, and multiple Madison NARI CoTY Awards.

Degnan’s work is driven primarily by word-of-mouth. Past clients have praised the firm’s creative designs and craftsmanship, its clear and meticulous communication style, and its ability to problem-solve. The firm furnished a 1990s Sun Prairie home with a stunning basement; the design goal was to integrate the space into the home instead of keeping it isolated. The remodel included a family room, a guest bathroom with a shower, and a semi-private desk with a computer area. The team installed windows to open up the space and provide views of the private backyard, and they hid all the columns inside the walls to maintain the flow and feel of the upper levels of the house. Only the soffits for ductwork reveal this space to be a finished basement.


Dewson Construction

7 S Lincoln St., Wilmington, DE 19805

Dewson Construction was founded on the need for a hands-on relationship-driven approach in building homes. Partners Tim Dewson and John McMahon addressed this need in 1993 by creating a company founded on superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exemplary customer service. This Delaware-based general contractor offers services as far as Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is a member of the Home Builders Association (HBA) and the Delaware Contractors Association (DCA).

Fueled by the intent to fulfill each client’s dreams and desires, Dewson has been the recipient of a myriad of awards. It has earned four DCA Excellence Awards, as well as two Regal Awards. In 2011 and 2012, it was included in Remodeling Magazine’s Big 550. In addition to awards, it has been featured in many publications, including Delaware Business Times, Delaware Today, and Delaware Beach Life.

The residential company does custom coastal homes, whole house renovations, additions, and historic restorations. The firm is known for restoring the 150-year-old Crooked Billet Mansion in Delaware. The company painstakingly preserved every detail of the 8,000-square-foot estate that once hosted General George Washington and his men.


Fanuka, Inc.

59-49 56th Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378

Stephen Fanuka has built a reputation for luxurious renovations for elite clientele in Manhattan and the rest of New York. Top designers, music celebrities, and moguls from all industries take Fanuka as their go-to guy for high quality general contracting and luxury interior renovations. He has worked on the homes of Beyoncé, Tom Brokaw, Tyra Banks, Lindsay Lohan, and Tony Bennett, to name a few. The ‘Contractor to the Stars’ is known for starring in the Emmy award-winning show Million Dollar Contractor, as well as his guest appearances on Open House NY and George to the Rescue.

Fanuka is a second-generation master cabinetmaker-turned-contractor. He learned from the same craftsman in Croatia where his father learned. In 1994, Fanuka took over the firm his father Radenko established in 1967, along with its staff of 22. Today, he and his project managers oversee remodels and installations with an average of 100 subcontractors.

The firm performs a variety of contracting duties on interior renovations all over the state. In Manhattan particularly, this means top city buildings. The company also designs, builds, and installs interior millwork in the Hamptons, Westchester, and Connecticut. From bulletproof flooring for a $3 million room to a custom-engineered $7,000 hinge for a moving bookcase, the firm is all about custom work and will go to extreme lengths to provide luxury to its clients.


Goldberg General Contracting

3510 N Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618

Chicago-based Goldberg General Contracting is a residential and commercial contractor known for its innovative modern designs and well-executed renovations. Its decades of renovation experience and a thorough understanding of project logistics make it the contractor of choice for many residents along Chicago’s Gold Coast. Its homes are defined by crisp clean lines, green building elements, and wide, open layouts.

From his formative years as a draftsman to being the president of his own company, Jacob S. Goldberg still sticks by the ‘old school’ way of doing business rooted in integrity and values. His dual roles of president and project manager allow him to ensure that each project is of the highest caliber. In addition to his roles in the company, he serves on the board of directors of Landmark Illinois, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Illinois’ architectural and historic heritage. 

The firm’s renovation and restoration projects have received acclaim from the National Trust for Historic Preservation as well as the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The featured whole home renovation was awarded by the AIA with a Citation of Merit for Small Projects Award in 2016. The project stood out for its emphasis on the abundance of natural light brought by its open floor plan and an array of new windows. A modern steel and glass staircase artfully winds up through the home, adding interest to the space.


Handcrafted Homes, Inc.

505 Boulder Way, Roswell, GA 30075

Handcrafted Homes is a general contractor that provides Metro Atlanta with custom home design, construction, and remodeling services. The firm has an impressive collection of accolades. These comprise more than 50 state-level and national recognitions, which include three Chrysalis Awards, ten OBIE Awards, and four National and seven Regional CotY awards. The company is also an EarthCraft Remodeler and EarthCraft Builder.

For over 40 years, the firm has been led by president and founder Judy Mozen. She is a Master Certified Remodeler and Green Certified Professional. Along with these designations, she previously served as a NARI president and Chair of the Board, and was designated as Remodeler of the Year by the OBIE Awards in 2016. In 2019, Mozen was named Woman of the Year at the National Women in Residential Construction Conference for her exceptional integrity, industry involvement, quality performance, and inclusive action. She is supported by vice president Randy Urquhart, who is a NARI Universal Design Certified Professional.

Homes and renovations from this Georgia-based firm are a mix of traditional exteriors paired with modern interiors, both blended into sustainable and green designs. Bespoke specialty rooms and historic preservation projects are also part of the firm’s portfolio. The firm was responsible for the restoration of the 1902 Callan Castle, the original home of Asa Candler, founder of The Coca-Cola Company.


Hanson General Contracting

86 W Johnson St., Philadelphia, PA 19144

With key projects including fine renovations, custom additions, sustainable design, and skillfully performed historic preservation, Hanson General Contracting has risen above and beyond what is expected of a leader in the building industry. This Philadelphia-based firm has worked on several prominent projects including Andalusia—the country estate of Nicholas Biddle, Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, several houses on Boathouse Row, Historic Fort Mifflin, Historic Bartram’s Gardens, and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. In addition to renovations, the firm is also a green builder specializing in passive house building.

John Hanson has been at the helm of this firm for more than 30 years. His expertise is backed by a degree in American Studies and a certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. An active member of preservation and green building associations in the state, he instills the belief in his company and team that historic preservation and green building are closely linked. With this mindset and a goal to provide the best service, he has led the firm in becoming a three-time award winner at the Greater Philadelphia Preservation Alliance Achievement Awards. The firm has also been awarded several AIA Philadelphia Awards.


Harrell Remodeling

944 Industrial Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94303

In business since 1985, Harrell Remodeling has established itself among the elite contractors serving clients throughout the Bay area. The full-service design-build company has made it its mission to design beautiful, functional spaces with the help of its internal team of experienced specialists. Over the years Harrell Remodeling has completed numerous award-winning projects ranging from high-end residential interiors and condominium remodels to large estate remodeling projects.

The 100 percent employee-owned company is comprised of skilled designers with certifications from NKBA and the American Society of Interior Designers. The firm has received over 50 design awards through the NARI META design contest, as well as multiple Contractor of the Year, NKBA, and Chrysalis design awards for its excellent home remodeling projects. Additionally, Harrell’s work has been featured in several publications: California Home and Design, GENTRY, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and Qualified Remodeler.


Hurst Remodeling

6909 Engle Rd. Unit #1, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

Hurst Remodeling is an award-winning home remodeling company with a robust portfolio of homes in the Greater Cleveland area of Northeast Ohio. Established in 1997 by the Hurst brothers, Hurst Remodeling sought to be the best remodeler in Ohio by focusing on quality, creativity, and client care. Pat and Dan Hurst are both Certified Master Remodelers and have served in various positions on the NARI Board and its committees.

The firm’s list of accolades includes more than 35 CotY Awards from NARI’s Cleveland Chapter, as well as regional NARI CotY Awards. The firm has been featured on Qualified Remodeler‘s Top 500 list as well as Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 list. It has also appeared on HGTV’s House Crashers, in which it remodeled a 100-year-old house in Tremont. NFL player Clay Matthews collaborated with the firm to give his brother this extensive home renovation.

Featured here is the 100-year-old home the firm renovated for House Crashers. The firm expertly took on the challenge of restoring and renovating the storefront of what was once a butcher shop. Inside, a modern layout and interior design was done with industrial-style lights, hardwood floors, and sleek cabinetry.


Jackson & Leroy

4980 S Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Jeremy Jackson and Brandon LeRoy’s 23 years of combined experience and knowledge culminated in the establishment of Jackson & LeRoy in 2005. This premier remodeler and custom home builder in Salt Lake City has received countless recognitions from the industry, and multiple awards, from the Parade of Homes to Chrysalis Awards, for its remodels and renovations.

Contemporary estates, charming Craftsman homes, classic French and English cottages, and gorgeous mountain log homes are included in this firm’s portfolio. These homes have also been recognized by numerous issues of Qualified Remodeler, Utah Style, Professional Remodeler, and Utah Business. Additionally, a meticulous renovation of a run-down Tudor home was featured in Bobby McAlpine’s Poetry of Place.

This aforementioned project was a collaboration with architects Greg Tankersley and Bobby McAlpine, interior designer Rochelle Warner, and landscape architect Mike Kaiser. Built as a summer home in 1904 by the Walker family, it underwent a large-scale renovation that included gutting the whole home, updating all finishes, restoring equipment, and building two additions. Materials came from as far as France and India, and were as close as those that originated on the property.


Kraftmaster Renovations  

76 Main St., Chatham, NJ 07928

Family-owned design-build company Kraftmaster Renovations is one of New Jersey’s top construction and remodeling companies. Founder Bob Gockeler has decades of construction and remodeling experience, and he has used those years to hone his sense of style. Under his leadership and with an in-house team of skilled designers, Kraftmaster amassed numerous awards and recognition. These include winning multiple NARI Regional CotY Awards, and being ranked among Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 Remodelers as well as being listed on Remodeling Magazine’s Remodeling 550 and Big 50 honor rolls. Vice President of Operations Julie Gockeler expertly manages the company’s one-stop designer showroom, thanks to her decades of experience in business management. 

Working on everything from home additions and kitchen renovations to entire home remodels, Kraftmaster demonstrates flexibility and expertise in using the latest products, technology, and construction techniques to produce unique designs and optimal results for sophisticated clients. The firm is unwavering in its dedication to professionalism and integrity, actively engaging as a member of several industry organizations such as the NKBA and as a board member of NARI.


L. Evans Design Group

4600 Alder St., West Linn, OR 97068

Led by home remodeling talents Linda and Mark Evans, L. Evans Design Group brings together years of interior design and general contracting experience to increase the value and visual appeal of homes in Portland. Over the years the firm has created unique yet practical spaces that have been recognized and commended by distinguished industry associations—several L. Evans Design Group projects have won Excellence Awards from the HBA of Metropolitan Portland and CotY Awards from NARI.

The firm’s portfolio reflects the team’s creativity, attention to detail, and streamlined design-build methods. In this particular kitchen project, the L. Evans team revamped the originally cramped eating space by tearing down the walls and opening up the kitchen to the adjacent living and dining rooms. It also introduced a large island and a number of cleanly executed contemporary finishes. The gorgeous result: an inviting ambiance with plenty of room to move when you cook and entertain.


Magleby Construction

1291 W Center St., Lindon, UT 84042

For over 40 years, Magleby Construction has been building and renovating luxury homes for discerning clients. Its portfolio is full of imaginative designs constructed into beautiful mountain homes and estates. With experience spanning the architectural spectrum from traditional craftsman to mountain modern, Magleby Construction executes the details to perfection.

A family-owned and operated business since 1974, Magleby Construction has been twice recognized as National Custom Home Builder of the Year and focuses on ensuring each of their more than 250 team members is a “Professional Dedicated to Building Excellence”. Investing in processes, systems, and the overall customer experience allows the company to produce predictable outcomes for clients in quality, budgeting, and scheduling of even the most complicated and sophisticated projects.

Magleby Construction partners with renowned architects, interior designers, and landscape architects to build a collaborative project team from the early stages of design. Working together, this team allows clients to find alignment before breaking ground or starting their remodel—saving time, money, and resources. From pre-construction through construction, and into long-term property service needs, Magleby Construction has the team that will help bring any client’s project to life.


Model Remodel

1111 W Nickerson St., Seattle, WA 98119

With more than 40 awards to date, a passionate focus on green remodeling, and a talent for restoring historic homes, Model Remodel (MRM) is making waves in the home renovation industry in Seattle.

A neutral Seattle master bath designed and built by Model Remodel has both a walk-in shower and a large soaking tub. © Cindy Apple Photography

It owes its name to the owner and founder Jason Legat, who balanced a career in modeling with building houses for a contractor. Now, his design-build company remodels homes in a wide range of styles to suit the needs of each homeowner. Scandinavian kitchens and bathrooms, contemporary living spaces, and even modern geometric interiors are part of MRM’s colorful portfolio. The firm also builds environmentally responsible homes using eco-friendly building products and systems, as well as recycling their construction debris. Every home they work on has a certain level of sustainability built-in.

The company’s wide array of projects, innovative building techniques, and progressive steps towards sustainable housing has earned MRM both regional and national awards in various categories. Recently, it won two prestigious 2019 regional Remodeling Excellence or REX Awards, a 2018 Built Green Hammer Award, and a 2014 Historic Seattle Award.


Old Greenwich Builders

110 Cook St., Denver, CO 80206

Old Greenwich Builders is one of the top contractors in Colorado that builds grand custom homes and large-scale remodels. Its extensive portfolio encompasses modern, contemporary, classical, and vintage styles created using green and eco-friendly techniques. Its partnerships with top architecture firms and a vast network of subcontractors make Old Greenwich Builders fit for any type and size of construction.

The company has won various prestigious awards, including Custom and Remodeling Excellence or CAREs from the HBA Metro Denver Chapter, Architects’ Choice Awards from the AIA, and Robert and Judi Newman awards from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA).

The project featured in the selected photo won an AIA Architects’ Choice Award in 2014 and a Certificate of Merit from the ICAA. The firm renovated this beautiful Colonial home by updating its kitchen and living room with modern amenities and furniture while maintaining its vintage charm.


On Point Custom Homes

3939 Essex Ln. Suite #100, Houston, TX 77027

On Point Custom Homes is a prominent general contractor and custom home builder serving Houston. Known as one of the best builders in the Bayou City, the company has been recognized locally and internationally with industry awards and magazine features. The firm has claimed the Best Whole Home Remodel at the 2018 Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) Prism Awards, and it’s worth noting that the firm has earned awards every year from the organization. The Houston Chronicle, Builder Magazine, Dwell, and PaperCity have all featured the firm’s projects, testaments to the team’s design and construction expertise and ability to please a wide range of audiences.

Founder John Leggett started the firm in 2004 at the tender age of 26. He put the company ahead of its competition by embracing progressive building techniques and technology. Today, the multi-awarded firm specializes in the construction, renovation, and remodeling of luxury homes in the metro area. These attractive million-dollar houses can be found in the affluent inner-loop neighborhoods of River Oaks, Tanglewood, and West University.


RisherMartin Fine Homes

4524 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78756

Chris Risher and Jeremy Martin were college friends, both of whom came from construction backgrounds, but who took different paths before ending up in the remodeling field. Risher focused on home building with national builders, while Martin moved out west to work for tech giants like IBM and Intel. In 2010, the duo reunited and formed RisherMartin Fine Homes in Austin.

Today, the company builds and renovates distinctive homes for discriminating clients in Austin’s most prestigious neighborhoods. It utilizes technology in all aspects—from preconstruction up through the handing off of the keys to the home. The two founders’ backgrounds proved to be a winning combination. The company was named the 2018 Texas Custom Builder of the Year, the 2016 Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year, the 2012 and 2015 Austin Custom Builder of the Year, and the 2011 Texas Remodeler of the Year.

The firm exhibited its expertise in extensive renovations on the Viking House, one of the 100-year-old cottages built just outside Austin. Some of the challenges the firm faced were site restrictions, structural irregularities, and the complexity of executing its own designs. Ultimately, the cross-gabled structure’s original walls were kept intact and corrected along with the existing stone chimney, with its Viking head and unfinished Nordic epitaph. These were complemented by modern additions such as white-oak flooring and cabinetry, steel windows, and steel-framed dining room space. The home earned a five-star rating from the Austin Energy Green Building program.


Schloegel Design Remodel

311 W 80th St., Kansas City, MO 64114

Schloegel Design Remodel’s strong presence in the Kansas City remodeling scene has its origins in a cohesive design-build philosophy executed flawlessly by a team of accomplished experts. Partners Charlie Schloegel and Chris Peterson lead a well-rounded team with multiple certifications; the team includes Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers, Master Certified Remodelers, and Universal Design Certified Professionals. That diverse expertise makes the firm an ideal choice for any type of residential remodeling.

In its 39 years of home remodeling experience, Schloegel has completed numerous kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions, whole house renovations, and handyman and painting projects. It has won a NARI Remodel of the Year (REMY) award every year since the award’s inception; as of 2018, the firm had been awarded 12 times in addition to receiving the GuildMaster Award for four consecutive years for exceptional customer service.

Recently Schloegel remodeled a 1910 craftsman home, maintaining the building’s historic integrity while bringing the home into the twenty-first century. By opening up the walls the team created a space for the historic kitchen to blossom into modernity with an easy flow and well-integrated contemporary amenities. The original woodwork and beams stand out against white walls, while blue lower cabinets steal the show. It’s easy to see how this project won a Gold REMY Award.


Sockeye Homes

Kent, WA 98042

Sockeye Homes is a general contractor and a leader in the green home movement in Washington. It is regarded as one of the top remodelers in the state, with a record-breaking nine state awards won in a single year. It offers upscale renovations and high-end remodels of homes, as well as custom new home building. Its sustainable and energy-efficient homes can be seen throughout the Puget Sound region.

The firm is led by building veteran Tod Sakai. He developed his building expertise through a previous position as a general manager for Armstrong Homes. After establishing a vast network and completing over 1,500 homes in 13 years, he started his own business. Today, his firm has been recognized in the local, state, national, and even international building scene. The firm’s impressive list of awards includes the Building Industry Association of Washington’s (BIAW) Excellence in Remodeling Award, and the Remodeling Excellence Award from Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). In 2017, Sakai was named Remodeler of the Year in Washington State by the BIAW. 

The firm transformed a dilapidated 1914 basement into this rustic Pioneer Square bar and entertainment center. Exposed timber joists and a black matte finish gives an industrial feel to the space, while reclaimed wood beams, barn doors, and cultured stone selected for its salvaged brick look, gives the space old town charm.


The Remodeling Company

100 Cummings Ctr., Beverly, MA 01915

The Remodeling Company is an award-winning full-service remodeling firm that services the Greater Boston area. Its 20 years in the industry is filled with accolades and recognition. It has annually been a part of Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 since 2003, and Remodeling Magazine’s Top 550 list since 2009. It is also a four-time winner of the Chrysalis Award, as well as a recipient of the 2005 Lifetime Designation Award from Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 Awards.

Expertly steering the firm is Gary Moffie, a NARI Certified Graduate Remodeler and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. Under his leadership, the firm specializes in remodeling existing homes with a wide range of styles and designs. The firm is known for its high quality and craftsmanship, as well as its exceptional customer service.

Boston Home featured and awarded the firm’s renovation of this grand turn-of-the-century Brookline estate in its 10th-anniversary edition. The firm built upon the home’s great detail and flow, highlighting its ten-foot-high ceilings and magnificent grand staircase. The living room and the kitchen were swapped; the blue living room is now a warm and welcoming space perfect for entertaining.


Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes

2220 Lakeway Blvd. Suite #100, Austin, TX 78734

For over 38 years, Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes has been providing custom home and renovation services to Austin and the Lake LBJ area. The firm is a 2015 Best in American Living Award winner, a two-time NAHB National Master Builder of the Year, and a constant awardee of the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) and the HBA of Greater Austin.

The firm’s founder, Steve Zbranek is an inductee to the Austin Builders Hall of Famer and was awarded National Master Builder of the Year twice by NAHB. Zbranek started his homebuilding career in 1979, after a seven-year stint in the U.S. Air Force. Holt gained 50 percent ownership in 2008 and brought a corporate management style that has proven to be successful for the firm. They are a fixed-price, full-service design/build firm and offer new home services from plans to plants.

Traditional estates, contemporary masterpieces, and waterfront homes are the specialties of Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes, along with Farm and Ranch houses. Most of their homes feature high ceilings, formal open spaces, and unique architectural features. Exteriors vary from traditional Mediterranean to modern and farmhouse architecture with award-winning designs. Renovation projects are accepted by the firm that complement their new home business model and locations.


How can I find a general contractor near me?

Read our latest articles on the best general contractors in each of the 50 states and DC. If you don’t see a link to your state below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming | District of Columbia


About Our Rankings

This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.


Get Bids For Your Build

If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.