The 10 Best Custom Home Builders in Bainbridge Island, Washington

Bainbridge Island is a charming island rich in history. That history is well-preserved by the locals, evident by the many museums, historical sites, monuments, and residences. Exploring the island will reveal how ancient tribal inhabitants, English explorers, American settlers, and Asian immigrants have all converged to form its unique culture. Because of its rich history and diverse culture, home builders in Bainbridge Island honed themselves to become creative and reflective with their projects.

Our editorial team has curated a list for The Best Custom Home Builders in Bainbridge Island, Washington, to determine the best firms serving the area. We studied each firm’s processes and the diversity of their portfolio. We also looked into the reputation they have established and a few of their sustainable practices. We know you can find the right firm for your Bainbridge Island project on this list.

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.

Estes Builders LLC

259003 Hwy 101, Sequim, WA 98382

Started as a single-man operation in 1989, Estes Builders now boasts a team of 16 and a track record of more than 500 completed homes. After 30 years of building in the area, founder Kevin Estes still holds a passion for continual improvement, doing the right thing, and leading a small team of the right people in the right roles. His leadership has brought the firm recognition as an elite home builder. The firm has been named America’s Best Builder, it is a National Housing Quality Gold Award winner, and it has been named Best in Class for Customer Satisfaction.

One of the firm’s projects is this home designed to age in place, with a drop floor system reducing the need for stairs, a flush entry shower, a built-in central vac, and wide doorways and hallways. The first thing to see in the entrance is a wall of windows that bring the outdoors inside: it’s a stunning lounging and dining experience. The master suite room features a river rock shower, heated tile floors in the bathroom, a large and well-designed walk-in closet, and a laundry room. The daylight basement includes an accessible gym separately zoned for HVAC, arts and crafts room, a wine cellar, a guest room, and a media area.

Clark Construction LLC

355 Ericksen Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

The Terrace Shelter home features modern style shed roofs that convey a simple but distinguished look to the matching home and additional unit. Sitting in the Olympic Terrace neighborhood on Bainbridge Island, this project was an in-house labor of love. It was designed and built by the Clark team, a team that has worked on multi-million dollar projects throughout the Seattle area. This team is made up of skilled professionals with a proven passion for building with attention to detail and quality.

Clark Construction uses the construction management tools and control measures to facilitate a smooth process. Their business systems provide clear and detailed communication and a decision tracker to keep the entire process transparent. A commitment to sustainable building also runs deep within Clark’s work culture. They are committed to living green, always looking for new sustainable materials and practices to improve recycling throughout the firm. Their LEED-certified personnel were among the first in the region to implement innovative, sustainable building systems.

Fairbank Construction

220 Madison Ave South, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Fairbank Construction Company was founded on the dream of building timeless structures that exude individuality and excellence in craftsmanship. This vision has built a firm, and today a team of remarkable people continues to expand it. Today, the firm has a reputation as one of the Northwest’s finest builders. They have also expanded with an office in Seattle to serve the area. The featured estate, located on Bainbridge’s Eastside, is an example of the results of their uncompromising commitment to integrity and quality.

The firm begins by evaluating and choosing the right spot to build. For residential projects, they assist in preparing bank documentation and analyzing the project as a whole. They also help with obtaining permits and work with agencies to make sure a project is thoroughly monitored. By carefully tracking each component during the pre-and mid-design stages of plan development, the Fairbank team ensures that the final plans and specifications meet the clients’ budget. The firm will also help with additions, remodels, and the maintenance of their client’s homes.

The Lawson Design Studio

10800 Hyla Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Port Madison is a newly completed 4,500-square-foot private residence that captures the eastern sunrise. This project is a representation of how the firm specializes in home design and building. A Bainbridge Island-based full-service design and construction firm, Lawson Design Studio has been in business for almost three decades. The firm works with each client to find what is unique about each space, whether it is a commercial or residential project.

The founder of the firm is an intelligent, ambitious, and dedicated leader named Karen Lawson. She approaches her design projects with great determination and has an innate design talent. Her design aesthetic is clean, simple, and sophisticated; she works with a diverse palette of colors, textures, and contemporary furnishings accented by unique pieces. The consistent results are to be found in the firm’s portfolio—it’s full of original, timeless homes.

Ritzman Construction

7273 Banner Rd SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367

Ritzman Construction has embraced a time-honored work ethic since its founding in 1967. As a result, the firm has built a solid reputation as one of the area’s premier custom home builders. From remodeling projects to large custom homes, their commitment stays consistent and never varies. As the company moves on to its second generation, it continues to move forward with the times. It keeps up with the changes in the industry and educates itself about ever-expanding product choices.

This success started with the courage and hard work that Glen Ritzman used in 1967 to leave his carpenter’s job and build his first spec house. It was the same courage and work ethic that he used in doing custom home building and remodels. His son, Mike, grew up in the business. Starting as a 13-year-old, Mike worked his way from lowly gopher to second-generation builder, taking over the firm in 1996. He grew up indoctrinated into his father’s successful approach to custom home building and remodels.

2atara Design + Construction

271 Wyatt Way NE #208, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Darden House stands tall, with a crow’s nest perched perfectly at the end of a sky bridge on the upper level. The exterior is an intriguing solution to joining spaces, allowing the main house and garage levels to be as one. Despite its complex location, 2atara worked with this challenge and designed a space that takes in the views. Due to the ingenious design of the firm, this home was featured in Bainbridge Island Magazine.

2atara design + construction works with the future in mind. The firm completes projects with design integrity and a sustainable vision that aligns with world resource preservation. A team approach right from the start also allows the firm to develop a detailed understanding of the project parameters. From the discussion to the concept design to the construction phase, the firm works collaboratively with its clients. Their team also brings skills and talent in sustainable design, building systems, program management, construction, system analysis, landscape architecture, and furniture making.

Coyote Hollow Construction

14522 Sandy Hook Rd NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370

For more than two decades, Coyote Hollow Construction has provided beautiful custom home building and renovation services using a detail-oriented approach. That approach and a commitment to client satisfaction enable the firm to complete a broad scope of projects. Their experience spans everything from classic to modern design trends and sustainable building practices. With its highly-skilled and knowledgeable professional team, the firm possesses the tools and expertise necessary to complete successful home projects. An example of this is the unique livable treehouse, the Owl House, featured below.

Coyote Hollow Construction gives a touch of class to whole house remodels, renovations, additions, or specific room designs. It also thinks outside-of-the-box when working on accessory dwelling units and insulated concrete forms. Lastly, as a LEED-familiar contractor, the firm builds with a mind for sustainability and eco-friendliness, using materials and planning builds that reflect that philosophy.

Layline Design + Build

240 Parfitt Way SW, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Matt and Alison MacGregor started finding abandoned homes in great locations and reinventing them almost two decades ago. As a son of an architect, Matt grew up surrounded by construction. He went into the mortgage business; Alison went into the design and staging business. That perfect combination of skill and passion is what led them to start Layline Design + Build.

Commencing in Queen Anne and the Seattle area, Layline Design + Build has already built more than 80 homes and that includes Bainbridge Island. Through talented architects, subs, and skilled crew, they have successfully made every aspect of a project unique. Believing that unique and thoughtful home creation takes time, Layline Design + Build only crafts a few great projects per year. The Layline portfolio also includes commercial and mixed-use properties and practices interior design and furnishings selections.

Stringham Custom Homes LLC

5701 51st Ave Ct. E Tacoma, WA 98443

Stringham Custom Homes possesses many years of new home construction experience, with styles ranging from contemporary to the Mediterranean. The firm’s crew believes that a home reflects a client: the firm’s passion for such homes consistently delivers personalized results. It walks through every design and construction decision with clients to achieve its goal of matching the exact vision of each individual.

Since its inception in 2000, the firm has integrated masterful designs, the latest building techniques, and superior craftsmanship into its works. Knowing that a home is an investment, the firm stays dedicated to using high-quality materials and implements clear communication throughout. In every phase of the project, the firm gives attention to detail and works beyond industry standards.

Hobbs Homebuilding, Inc

2593 Toe Jam Hill Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Hobbs Homebuilding builds and remodels architecturally designed homes. The firm has the ability to manage intriguing projects and maintain a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. It engages in environmentally responsible building practices and has fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, achieved through everyday on-site involvement. Most importantly, the firm values relationships with clients and the professionals with whom it has collaborated.

Whether the project is a remodel, an addition, or a new construction project, Hobbs Homebuilding offers detailed cost analysis to prevent unexpected cost overruns. It also helps expedite permits and provide value engineering solutions. Every day, the firm stays updated with on-site project management to ensure smooth execution and maintain project momentum. After a project is complete, it offers follow-through services covering many levels of maintenance.

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.