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The 10 Best Custom Home Builders in Goleta, California

11 Min Read

Known as “The Goodland”, Goleta more than lives up to its nickname with amazing weather and a long stretch of pristine shoreline. You’ll want to get a home to match when you move to one of the most desirable areas in Central California. A custom-built home with oversized windows and plenty of outdoor living space can help you make the most of the city’s idyllic coastal setting. 

Working with the best custom home builders in Goleta, California will help you bring your project to completion. We’ve curated a list of custom home builders to help you choose the best ones. We chose these builders for their positive reviews, certifications, specializations, awards, and their strong reputations.   


Allen Construction

201 N Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Allen Construction has been building custom homes in the Goleta area for over 35 years. From Spanish Colonial Revival homes to modern beachfront estates, the company has a strong and diverse portfolio. It specializes in new construction, remodels, and fire rebuilds tailored to your specific needs and requirements. The company also offers all-electric retrofitting, outdoor living space upgrades, and general home maintenance for property owners who want to keep their homes in pristine condition.   

Allen Construction believes in sustainable building, uses green construction methods, and helps clients choose products and materials that reflect this practice. As a certified Green Business, the company aims to make each project as sustainable as possible, observing a formal environmental policy and a set of green building standards. The result is an energy and water-efficient home for healthy and mindful living.

The team consists of people who believe in responsible and quality design, craftsmen who work closely with some of the most accomplished architects and designers in the region.  

An industry leader in green building, Allen Construction has won the Green Homes Honor Award (2020), Green Innovator (2020), and the Environmental Stewardship Award (2020). Founder and Chairman of the Board Dennis Allen also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Coast Green Building Council in 2020. 


DD Ford Construction

303 Palm Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

DD Ford Construction is behind some of Santa Barbara’s finest residential and commercial spaces. From the Mediterranean-inspired Casa De La Fuente to Montecito’s exclusive golf clubhouses, the company is known for superior workmanship and quality service. It specializes in new construction, remodels, major renovations, property maintenance, and finish carpentry, working on custom homes and offices of all sizes. 

What sets it apart from other custom builders in the area is its remarkable attention to detail and its passion for the building process. From conceptualization and construction to maintenance and renovation, the company takes a hands-on approach to custom home building, meeting with clients, and cultivating long-term relationships based on trust and collaboration. 

If a client does not have the time or energy to attend to the finer aspects of new construction or renovation, the company will take charge of planning, budgeting, management, and supervision. With experts taking over some of the more exhausting and detail-oriented parts of the project, clients can focus on what’s truly important–actualizing their vision and getting ready to move into their new home.   

DD Ford Construction delivers award-winning designs: it received the Chrysalis National Award for Residential Interior over $300,000 (2020), the SBCA Builder of the Year Award for Best Residential Construction over $5M (2018), and the Chrysalis Regional Award for Best Historic Renovation (2018). The company also landed the 37th spot in Remodeling Magazine’s Remodeling 550 List in 2019. 


Lynch Construction

71 Escanyo Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Homebuilding is a complex project with many disparate moving parts. An experienced builder can manage and supervise the construction of your home from start to finish. Stay on schedule with a reputable custom home builder like Lynch Construction. The company has been serving clients in Santa Barbara for more than 30 years. Its workers are experienced in nearly every aspect of residential and commercial work, including new construction, remodels, and additions. From contract signing to clean-up, they bring clients one step closer to their dream home. Additionally, the company coordinates with subcontractors and liaises with the municipality for the necessary permits. 

Lynch Construction’s portfolio includes Spanish Colonial, Greek, and Contemporary homes with gourmet kitchens, fully-equipped gyms, and large outdoor spaces. The company is also an industry leader in green building, specializing in eco-friendly home features like solar heating and water reclamation systems.  

Owner and founder Brian Lynch has an extensive background in commercial building, having worked on projects for the Santa Barbara Housing Authority and the Santa Barbara School District. 

A licensed builder with a team of highly skilled craftspeople, Lynch Construction finds ways to ensure that each project is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing so clients never have to compromise. The company won the Santa Barbara Contractor of the Year Award in 2008 for the renovation of a historic Spanish Colonial Revival-style home in Montecito.


Young Construction

9 Ashley Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Stay on budget with cost-effective building solutions. Young Construction’s detail-oriented approach to construction helps clients maximize their budget without cutting corners or sacrificing quality. Founded in 1978, the company does residential and commercial work in and around Goleta and specializes in new construction and remodels. 

As a local expert in green building, they deliver energy-efficient designs. Their residential projects include Ranch, Spanish Revival, Neoclassical, and Mid-Century Modern homes with intricate stonework, recessed lighting, vent-free ethanol fireplaces, and other high-end features. The company has also provided expansions, historic building restorations, and building conversions for hospitality, retail, and office spaces, including hostels, restaurants, multi-family properties, mixed-use developments, and manufacturing facilities. 

Its diverse and extensive portfolio demonstrates a high level of versatility that lends itself well to a wide range of projects. The company also provides access to a deep pool of talent, with craftspeople and project managers skilled in finish carpentry, rough framing, and contract negotiations. The team is personally involved in each project, offering solid project management and other related services for the best outcome. Its project managers ensure strict budget and schedule compliance to keep operations lean. 

Young Construction is the recipient of the 2015 Hugh Peterson Award for Art in Public Places, the 2014 Santa Barbara Contractors Association Best Residential Remodel Construction Award ($500,000-$1,200,000), and the 2014 Santa Barbara Beautiful Commercial Property Award for the Anacapa Project.


McKean Construction

533 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

McKean Construction has been offering custom home building solutions, remodels, and additions in Santa Barbara County since 1985. It works closely with clients to deliver world-class designs at affordable prices. The company provides access to skilled carpenters, architects, vendors, and subcontractors to make every client’s vision come to life. It also excels in project management and supervision, ensuring the timely completion of each home. 

Owner-Founder Aaron McKean has extensive experience in the construction and remodeling of a wide range of architectural styles, including Spanish Revival, Victorian, Cape Cod, and Contemporary. The company’s finest work includes modern homes with clean lines, open floor plans, and glass and steel façades that blend seamlessly into Central California’s breathtaking terrain. Its versatility is a boon for clients with a keen interest in architecture and design. 

McKean Construction also holds a certification from BuiltGreen Santa Barbara, with the skill and expertise needed to construct energy-efficient homes with superior design and build quality. Green building is the future, and homeowners who want to minimize their environmental impact and save on energy bills will find a reliable partner in McKean Construction. 

McKean Construction has been featured in Dwell Magazine, Design LA, and Residential Design Magazine


Mitch Williams Construction

2963 Grand Avenue, Suite D, P.O. Box 776, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Custom home building is a triumph of design and construction. It takes the right techniques and a high level of craftsmanship to get it done right. Mitch Williams Construction keeps the focus on quality when delivering custom-built homes to clients in and around Goleta. The company is behind some of the most impressive and unique properties in the area, including Modern and Contemporary homes with superior construction and timeless designs. Its portfolio includes estate-style properties, ranches, wineries, and mixed-use developments. 

The company gets right down to business, working closely with clients during the conceptualization and pre-construction phase to develop a clear understanding of their vision. Clients have access to design consultants with whom they can share their ideas and aspirations for their new home. By translating ideas into workable projects, MWC delivers custom-built homes that meet the highest standards.   

The secret to the company’s success is its in-house framing and finishing crews who have the technical skill and experience needed to deliver standout projects. It also works closely with reputable suppliers to source the quality materials that serve as the backbone of any project. MWC is highly involved in each step of the process, from materials selection to post-construction quality assurance. 


Spieler Construction

1027 Debra Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Spieler Construction is an award-winning company specializing in residential and commercial work in Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas. It aims to improve communities and the environment by creating safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient spaces. Spieler Construction does this by working with the finest craftspeople and choosing materials of the highest quality. Owner Peter Spieler is a licensed general contractor in California and a member of the Santa Barbara Contractors Association. 

Some of its best work includes Ranch, Mediterranean, and Modern homes with window walls and skylights for well-ventilated, light-filled spaces. With lavish attention to detail and a propensity for functional design, Spieler Construction brings joy to everyday life. The company has been featured in Architectural Digest and Custom Builder Magazine, a testament to the high caliber of its craftspersons and project managers.

Aside from new construction, the company has more than 35 years of experience in kitchen remodeling, home additions, home restoration, and other related services. As a leader in green building and sustainable design practices, it approaches each project with people and the environment in mind. The result is a memorable custom home building experience, not just for the team, but for clients who can look forward to living in a well-thought-out home. 


Kifer Construction

1411 Firestone Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93117

When it comes to complex and high-cost custom building projects, it’s important to work with a reliable and communicative builder who can provide a frictionless experience. Kifer Construction has been serving clients in Goleta and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. With a string of residential and commercial projects behind them, the company continues to deliver top-notch custom home building solutions to a discerning clientele. 

The firm excels in Traditional, Ranch, and Spanish Revival-style architecture, taking lifestyle and preferences into careful consideration. From new construction to remodels, it creates living spaces with excellent flow and high-quality finishes. Its commercial work includes rental properties, condo developments, and retail parks, striving for functional but environmentally-friendly public spaces that have a positive effect on the communities they serve. 

As a full-service company, Kifer Construction does it all, from planning and budgeting to site cleanup and final inspections. Clients can look forward to an end-to-end experience with stunning results. The company is also a leader in green building and a proud member of the Built Green Santa Barbara Program.   


Zimmerman & Co.

P.O. Box 1964, Santa Barbara, CA 93116

Personalization is one of the main advantages of custom home building. With more than 25 years in business, Zimmerman & Co. provides custom home building solutions tailored to your specific needs and preferences. No two projects are the same and the company will approach your custom home plan with the readiness to meet your every demand. 

A leading residential builder and remodeling firm serving the Goleta area, the company has an extensive portfolio that includes Bungalow, Craftsman, Tuscan, French Country, Contemporary, and Shingle-style homes, having worked on every architectural style imaginable. These homes are some of the finest in Santa Barbara County and feature sound construction and intricate handiwork. 

Aside from new construction and remodels, the company also offers outdoor living space upgrades and custom hardscape services. The firm works closely with subcontractors and materials suppliers to ensure the quality of each project. 

Their relationships with key vendors, design professionals, and tradespeople allow them to deliver stunning results while staying on budget. By fostering collaboration, Zimmerman & Co. brings every design vision to life, helping create dream homes for every budget. The company brings the complete home-building experience—from permitting to final inspections. This tight project management ensures customer satisfaction.  


Kitchell Custom Homes

925 De La Vina Street, Suite 201, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Direct client involvement is paramount to the success of any custom home building project. Kitchell Custom Homes creates an inclusive and collaborative experience by working closely with each client, making every effort to accommodate their vision and unique preferences. 

The company spares no expense when it comes to concept design and handiwork, delivering the superior level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for which they’re known. As a result, they have created some of the most distinctive and memorable residential properties in the Santa Barbara area. Its portfolio includes Mediterranean, Contemporary and Traditional homes with exquisite woodwork, tile work, and finishes. 

Kitchell Custom Homes is also a leader in commercial construction: it uses the latest technologies, strategies, and resources to deliver complex projects as scheduled. 

The company offers a client-focused experience throughout the building process, from estimating and scheduling to quality assurance and post-construction maintenance. With your input, they deliver bespoke residential and commercial work with timeless and enduring qualities. 

Kitchell Custom Homes also serves clients in Arizona, Hawaii, and other locations around the world. Its extensive reach entails a level of adaptability that allows them to build under varying conditions and different kinds of terrain. 

The company has been featured in California Home Design and AZ Big Media.