Alaska may be best known for its stunning auroras and icy landscapes, but the state offers far more than a chance to take pretty postcard-style pictures. With a population of more than 700,000 Americans, the state has a thriving home market despite the extremity of its location. Alaska sports an average home value of $314k, and that price is expected to rise. The sublime mountains and vast landscapes are the perfect locations to build a home for those who enjoy cinematic scenery presented in a panoramic view.
Those looking to move to Alaska should consider our list of the best custom home builders in the state. To come up with the list, our editorial team used a set of criteria that measures the contractor’s overall work history. We also considered their awards, their accolades, and the quality of their projects.
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.
Hawkinson Construction
7700 Hillside Way, Anchorage, AK 99516
Anchorage-based Hawkinson Construction has been in the construction industry for over 50 years. This family-run enterprise specializes in luxury custom homes. Today, the company is headed by the firm’s eldest son, Jon Hawkinson, who plans on passing the management unto his son, Sean, after retirement.
Hawkinson incorporates a great deal of modern and contemporary elements in its homes. The Hobbit House, for example, integrates contemporary design elements into more conventional Alaskan-Ranch styles. The firm used various kinds of timber in with a number of tones to achieve the composition that makes the home so captivating. The pathways and elevated platforms add balance to the overall composition of the home.
Heritage General Contracting
275 Richardson Hwy., Delta Junction, AK 99737
With a multi-faceted portfolio that spans aviation, public works, and military projects, Heritage General Contracting is among this list’s most prolific contractors and home builders. While Heritage has a foot in many industries, its authority comes primarily from its experience in contracting and homebuilding. Heritage has also gained the State of Alaska’s Residential Contractor Endorsement, adding to the company’s long list of accomplishments.
A cabin at Birch Lake is just one representation of the firm’s fluency in residential projects. This cabin has modern characteristics—such as irregular windows shapes and interesting colorways— but stays true to the core element of being a cabin home.
Homan
12741 Iris Way, Anchorage, AK 99577
Since 1978, Homan has been building residences across Anchorage, Chugiak, and the Eagle River communities. Charles Homan II leads the company in its day-to-day operations and construction efforts. Homan currently serves on the Alaska State Home Building Association (ASHBA) board of directors and has various certifications including: Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Green Professional (CGP).
Homan’s multi-awarded portfolio features Cape Cod and French homes that are uncommon on the Alaskan home construction scene. Homes such as the one featured in the photo utilized tawny and pecan tones matched with dark brown accents to channel a unique, yet comforting appeal.
JDL Homes
4050 E Wickersham Way, Wasilla, AK 99654
JDL Homes has been in the industry since 1993, serving residential and commercial establishments with award-winning service and workmanship. JDL won Parade of Homes awards for Best Master Suite, Best Layout, Best Overall Workmanship, and Best Kitchen in the fall of 2015. These distinctions reflect the firm’s extensive experience in construction and its well-versed approach to home construction.
The home shown below has a traditional structure, with a close-to-ground build and a flat layout. JDL was able to make the project more personal by adding wall tapestry and colored detailings.
Master’s Way Construction
38924 Eagleaerie Wilderness Rd., Homer, AK 99603
Samuel Shelton established Master’s Way Construction as a channel for providing creative and personalized projects to homes and businesses in Homer. Master’s Way offers a multitude of services that range from construction to design to woodworking. The company has a strong track record creating well-designed, properly executed homes, thanks to its comprehensive design-build approach.
Maximizing its Alaskan heritage and strong craftsmanship, Master’s Way completes outstanding projects typically made out of wood and stone. One of the projects handled by the firm is this French-style home, which touts impeccable woodwork and a well-thought-out design. The home’s structure gives it gravitas from the exterior and a more spacious feel in the interior.
Michael Quinn Construction
10306 Stewart Dr., Eagle River, AK 99577
Having built and sold more than 600 homes throughout Anchorage and Eagle River over the past three decades, Michael Quinn Construction has developed an astonishing portfolio. The contents of that portfolio have been carefully crafted with Quinn’s due to the firm’s ability to find and manage hundreds of suppliers and subcontractors. The company’s reputation as one of the state’s premier contractors is reflected by its awards, which include a Golden Hammer and the Governor’s Award.
Among the firm’s hundreds of works is an impressive list of well-designed projects, such as this Eclectic Craftsman home with an intense variation of wooden ensembles and deep colors. The palette dictates the home’s uncompromising style. This home also uses a conventional silhouette amplified by grander, taller sizing. As a result, the home confidently stands out due to its elegant design.
Michelson & Daughter Construction
3410 Balchen Dr., Anchorage, AK 99517
Paul Michelson has been building homes in the Anchorage area for over 40 years. In his semi-retirement, his wife Karen Kassik-Michelson stepped up to lead the firm. Karen herself is an institution, the only female builder in Anchorage and the president of Anchorage Home Builders Association (AHBA). Since the start of her journey as a home builder in 1987, Karen has handled various dimensions of projects from design to company operations. She worked as a custom home builder in Florida for 23 years and rose through the ranks to the company presidency and obtained partnership. Eventually she started her own design firm and became the vice president of Michelson & Daughter.
As expected with a principal of this caliber, the firm completes any number of fascinating projects, including this Craftsman home with a curious L-shape layout and midnight blue wooden fixtures.
North Country Builders
3435 N Daisy Petal Cir., Wasilla, AK 99659
Mat Su Valley has been in the services of North Country Builders for over 20 years. In those years, the firm has completed new construction and remodels under the management of Tom Smith. An industry leader and expert builder, Tom has served as the director of the National Association of Home Builders for several years.
North Country firmly believes in the proverb “home is where the heart is.” That principle is evident in all of its projects. A good example is the Daisy Petal project—a traditional home with a charcoal black finish and wooden accents. Daisy Petal’s unorthodox character and bold palette testify to North Country’s capacity and expertise in unconventional and challenging projects.
Sound Contracting
148 Holmgren Pl., Girdwood, AK 99587
For over 20 years James Glover the Principal of Sound Contracting LLC has provided Girdwood, Anchorage, and the surrounding areas with a full range of construction services. James Glover takes the lead role in the company’s operations. Through his leadership, the firm has been recognized by associations such as the Anchorage Home Builders Association and the Girdwood Chamber of Commerce.
Sound Contracting puts the cold climate into design consideration, using a high level of craftsmanship and on-schedule construction. The firm’s portfolio showcases an interesting combination of Colonial and Modern styles. Projects such as the one depicted in the photo below use metal beams and columns to accentuate detailed woodwork. To make the home grander, high ceilings and massive windows were added. As a result, the home’s structure and unique shape make the structure appear sophisticated, yet comforting.
Sterling Custom Homes
35419 KB Dr., Soldotna, AK 99669
The Kenai Peninsula has been the recipient of Sterling Custom Homes exemplary home building solutions since 1983. David Bunts leads the company of seasoned craftspeople, and many have upwards of 20 years of industry experience. Homeowners go to Sterling Custom Homes for its design-build services priced in an affordable price range. The firm’s portfolio of well-constructed custom homes in varying styles also explains the firm’s popularity.
An illustration of Sterling’s expertise, the photo below depicts a close-to-ground wooden home that has traditional and Bungalow elements. The design emphasizes balance: the porch is perfectly symmetrical and proportional to the rest of the structure. This project is just one illustration of Sterling’s impressive capacity to incorporate the environment into its authentic, uniquely Alaskan homes.
Treeline Construction
6511 Brayton Dr., Anchorage, AK 99507
Family-run Treeline Construction is an Alaskan construction institution that has been operating for over two decades. Fourth-generation Alaskans Jeannine and Derrick Jaabay lead the company in servicing landscape and residential projects. The firm has a strong connection to the local community due to its heritage and its capacity to appeal to local values, evident in features on the firm as found on the Anchorage Daily News’ MAKING IT series.
Treeline has a Price Match Guarantee policy that obliges the company to pay the client if it does not match or beat the asking price of other contractors. This policy is more impressive considering that the company mobilizes a 40-person team when completing its famous timber constructions. The firm has a number of amazing projects in its portfolio, such as this contemporary timber home masterpiece.
Trevi Builders
6200 Lake Otis Pkwy. Suite #202, Anchorage, AK 99507
Trevi Builders is famed for creating modern and contemporary homes that have garnered awards—including various Parade of Homes prizes—and gained recognition from publications such as AK Home Magazine and Alaska’s Best Kitchens Showcase. Since 2011, Trevi has been constructing cutting-edge, modern homes all over Alaska.
Eric Trevithick and his team created homes such as the Woodinville, a two-story house that features cream and neutral tones. Modern elements, such as strong lines and sharp geometric shapes, make the design even more intriguing.
Visser Construction
6045 Austin St., Anchorage, AK 99518
Hailed as the 2017 Builder of the Year and 2018 People’s Choice Award Winner of Alaska’s Premier Builder, Visser Construction is among this list’s most decorated builders. The company was founded by Eric Visser, a second-generation builder. Visser moved to Alaska from Iowa in 2008 and began his career in the real estate and oil industries. After leaving the oil industry, he noticed a void in the Alaskan housing market, particularly in modern homes that are sustainable and easy to maintain.
To address that demand, Visser Construction specializes in providing progressive, functional homes, such as this contemporary home in a slated gray tone. This structure has strong geometric features that provide a solid silhouette and dimensionality.
Willowridge Construction
4101 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99503
Josh Sundstrom established Willowridge Construction to honor a family legacy of carpentry, started by his great-grandfather, a ship-builder. To maintain the family tradition, Josh plunged into the construction areas of metal-working and boat-building as a young man. This knowledge of building complex structures for complex environments gives Willowridge Construction an edge in the Alaskan home construction industry.
Willowridge Construction’s portfolio consists primarily of luxury homes. The firm produces houses that are well-designed, yet comfortable. Most of the homes in its portfolio feature Victorian, Cabin, or Eclectic home styles. The photo showcases a home that was born out of Willowridge’s expert craftsmanship. The home has multiple levels, but the massive scale is not overwhelming. A façade of interesting shades of beige permits the home to blend into the lush green of the Alaskan landscape.
Wirtanen Custom Homes
11650 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy., Palmer AK 99645
Wirtanen Custom Homes specializes in building true Custom Homes – not tract homes or “cookie cutter homes”, not specs homes, remodels, or multi-family.
Wirtanen uses a proven six-step process to combine the many important factors to consider when building a true custom home; From an in-house drafting and design department to a cloud based online project management portal, this award winning builder sets a new bar for building high quality, energy efficient “forever” homes.To learn more, you can visit their website here.
How can I find a home builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best residential contractors and home builders in and near Alaska. If you don’t see your city or project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
Custom home builders in Anchorage
Custom home builders in the United States
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.
