The city of Benicia is beloved for its small-town charm and its year-round temperate climate that reminds many of Mediterranean weather patterns. These living conditions make for an ideal place to settle down, and many people have done so over the years. But, small as the city is, the homes stand impressively tall, with contemporary mansions and farmhouse-style houses making for a striking housing scene.
These homes could only have been built by the best custom home builders in Benicia, California. We’ve compiled a list of them below. Our editorial team selected these builders based on their background, experience, and ability to build quality homes of distinction.
CRC Builders
4171 Suisun Valley Road, Ste L, Fairfield, CA 94534
When CRC Builders opened its doors to the Bay area in 1994, it offered what it continues to offer today: creative building with a refined understanding of aesthetics, strong attention to detail, and in-depth knowledge of building techniques and materials. The company specializes in historic renovations, luxury custom homes, fine home remodeling, custom kitchens, and cutting-edge contemporary spaces.
One example of the firm’s work is this custom home in Montecito. Completed in 2020, this contemporary home is situated atop a hill overlooking the rest of Napa. Aside from its gorgeous view, the home also has floor-to-ceiling and transom windows, flooding the home with sunlight. White and muted colors are used throughout to emphasize clean lines. Rustic floors with muted wooden tones complete the look, making the home feel warm and sharp-looking at the same time.
Aspire Builders
50 Oak Ct #230, Danville, CA 94526
Aspire Builders is a family-owned and operated construction and remodeling company that has been in service for three generations. The firm was co-founded by Ted Heathorn, who heads the firm’s corporate operations, business development, and project design review. After completing his construction engineering and management degree, Ted went on to work for one of the nation’s Top 10 construction firms, then returned to the family business.
The firm is particularly skilled at building homes that employ wood as a major material. One great and visually appealing example of the firm’s work is the custom home pictured above. This home is luminescent and warm, thanks to its yellow lights and brown-toned wood exterior. The home is in the contemporary style, with soaring and uneven roof lines that cantilever over the main structure. Although optimized for the winter, the house still fosters outdoor living for the summer months via an outdoor patio with a fireplace, dining area, and grill.
Branagh Development
3800 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Ste 200, Lafayette, CA 94549
Branagh Development is a luxury custom home builder whose portfolio includes luxury custom homes all around the East Bay, including in Alamo, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Pleasanton, and Walnut Creek. CEO Matt Branagh heads a team with a detail-oriented process informed by a breadth of experience in custom home building.
One example of the firm’s work on a residential project is this custom home in Alamo. The 6,500-square-foot structure includes four bedrooms, four full and two half baths, four fireplaces, his and hers offices, a master suite with a private deck, and handmade gas lamps. The New England Cape-style family home has exquisite finishes and custom-crafted details throughout. Completed in 2017, the home is an inspiring blend of artfully designed features with comfortable family living.
H. Bray Construction
P.O. Box 174 Benicia, CA 94510
Harold Bray, owner of H. Bray Construction, has been in the building industry for almost forty years. In addition to being a lifelong Benicia resident, Harold has always enjoyed building and bringing a project from planning stages to turn key finish. Proudly serving Benicia, Vallejo, Napa, Martinez, Fairfield, Suisun, Cordelia and surrounding areas and coupled with his local knowledge of the area, Harold and his firm are able to work on any project type, from custom homes to remodeling.
One example of the firm’s work is this custom home project. The color blue evokes a serene image, making this simple home a calming sight. With a covered front porch and a fine pergola, entering the property mimics a grand parade. The front lawn is also a vibrant green, and a few plants dot the soil surrounding the pergola, adding to the lively atmosphere that the home projects.
