Lexington is the second biggest city in the state of Kentucky and best known for its horse farms and thoroughbred racetracks. Nowadays, its Bluegrass fields are not just for award-winning horses but also award-winning luxury homes. According to a study conducted by Money, the most expensive zip code in Kentucky is in West Lexington, which has a median home value of $359,200. This area includes the affluent neighborhoods of Harrods View, Palomar, Lexington Oaks, and Wellesley Heights.
Lexington homes are a beautiful mix of historical estates and modern farmhouses. Colonial and Federal Revivals stand tall on huge parcels of land, while Craftsman and farmhouses blended with European and contemporary details sit on rolling green fields.
Whether you are building your dream home or renovating a historic gem, these top contractors are ready bring your house plans to life. These home builders were selected based on their stellar reputation, accolades, press recognition, and high customer reviews.
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. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Lexington, check out our cost guide article.
Chris Jackson Builders
2700 Old Rosebud Rd., Lexington, KY 40509
Family-owned Chris Jackson Builders is a custom home builder that focuses on middle- to high-end residences in Lexington and the rest of Central Kentucky. Along with custom homes, it builds spec homes in highly-sought after neighborhoods. Additionally, it does both cosmetic remodels and extensive renovations to homes and living spaces.
One of its home’s kitchen and master suite were recognized in the 2017 Grand Tour of Homes of the BIA – Central Kentucky. The Craftsman home with Southern details features an all-white kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and a large island for food preparation and entertaining.
Ayres Homes
233 River Run Dr., Lancaster, KY 40444
Ayres Homes is the culmination of Charlie Ayres’ long career in the building industry. He built his first home when he was 21 and pursued a life in real estate and home construction business. He heads the firm together with his wife, Diana, and builds custom homes priced at $500k and up.
The firm’s custom homes are often defined by luxurious home designs with Colonial, Nantucket, and Georgian architecture. Large rooms, gorgeous exteriors, and impeccable finishes can be seen in its residences. This Nantucket home with its sprawling architecture and peaceful palette pairs the seaside vibe to the greenery of Lexington. An elaborate fireplace, gilded chandeliers, and a large back porch for entertaining are some of the best features of the house.
J. Parrish Professional Builders
2220 Nicholasville Rd., Suite #110-329, Lexington, KY 40503
Parrish Professional Builders is a residential contractor specializing in custom homes and tailored renovations throughout Lexington. Its portfolio of homes has a wide array of styles ranging from traditional old-world homes in brick and wood to sleek modern homes. It does not shy away from bold pops of color and unique finishes to achieve a distinct look for its homes.
The firm was founded by Glasgow native J.P. Barlow. He studied at the University of Kentucky and began building and remodeling homes in 2001. Although a modest firm, he has developed it for the past 15 years to accommodate his clients’ every request and ensures high-quality design and masterful craftsmanship in every project.
Scates Builders
111 Roseburg Way, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Scates Builders is a design-build residential contractor owned and operated by Jeffrey Scates. He has 20 years of experience building custom homes and performing renovations and additions in Central Kentucky. The firm’s homes take on a number of styles—French Country, Craftsman, and ranch— that fit perfectly among the rolling green fields of Bluegrass the region is known for.
Scates and his wife decided to use their own home as a prime example of the firm’s skills and performance. The 5,000 square-foot residence has a distinct French Country aesthetic from the exterior. Inside, 10-foot high ceilings, elaborate crown molding, and custom hickory wood flooring make the home lavish yet warm and inviting. The home was featured in Kentucky Homes & Gardens.
Mike Kerwin Homes
1795 Alysheba Way, Suite #3205, Lexington, KY 40509
Mike Kerwin Homes is a general contractor and home builder that has been serving Lexington and central Kentucky for over 25 years with its custom homes, renovations, remodels and additions. Owned and operated by Mike Kerwin, Builder Member of the Year Awardee, the firm is an EnergySmart certified builder as well as a member of the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Central Kentucky and the National Home Builders Association (NAHB).
Most of its homes are constructed in traditional styles, with Federal, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and French Country being the most prominent. The firm likes to use highly detailed brick and stone in its exterior finishes to bring authenticity to its styles. Warm tones and palettes make the home complement its green surroundings.
Crawford Builders
110 Ferndale Pass, Lexington, KY 40511
Crawford Builders has a long history of building in the Bluegrass region. The firm began in 1972 under the name Coe and Crawford Builders. One of the founders, Mac Crawford, started in the industry as a plumber and electrician. He eventually partnered with one of his employers, Lynn W. Coe. In 1978, Crawford eventually went to develop the full-service design-build company on his own. From custom homes, he expanded the firm’s business to include renovations and remodels.
The company builds homes in various classic traditional styles, ranging from stunning Greek Revival manors to charming Craftsman and ranch houses in sprawling farms. For these projects, the firm has won awards from the Salute of Stars since 2016. These include the Best Whole House Renovation and Best Home Design. Crawford was also inducted into the BIA of Central Kentucky Hall of Fame.
Captiva Luxury Homes
120 Pearl Lane, Nicholasville, KY 40356
With nearly 30 years of experience building unique and eye-catching homes, Captiva Luxury homes has secured its place as one of the top contractors of Lexington. Founded by Rory Dannenberg in Arizona, the firm made the move to the Bluegrass region a few years ago, and now builds everything from small homes to luxury estates over 12,000 square feet. Rory is Energy Star certified and a member of the NAHB and the Home Builders Association of Louisville. He has been building homes since 1992 and is a graduate of the University of Arizona School of Architecture.
The firm is known for incorporating high-end, intricate details and features to its homes. Harlequin and Gothic windows, real stone, Venetian plaster walls, and custom wooden beams are just some of the materials and details the firm uses, along with appealing flourishes like arches and corbels. These details add depth to the firm’s many styles, that include French country, contemporary, Mediterranean, and Tuscan. These homes typically range from $500k to $3 million.
Homes by Reckelhoff
261 Regency Circle, Lexington, KY 40503
Joe Reckelhoff founded Homes by Reckelhoff with the aim of combining the knowledge and efficiency of a large builder with the care and personal service of a small custom home builder. He grew up in Lexington and built his career of 30 years around the country, working for various national builders in areas such as Tampa, Florida, North Carolina, and Indianapolis, Indiana before coming back to his hometown. His dream came to fruition in 2005. His son, Ben, works alongside him. The younger Reckelhoff contributes to the latest technology, software, and modern building techniques to the firm.
The father-and-son team credits their blend of experience and new techniques for the firm’s success. This resulted into beautiful projects that have earned awards. In 2017 and 2018, the firm’s custom homes won in all categories in Central Kentucky’s Grand Tour of Homes for two years in a row.
Andover Construction
2101 Patchen Lake Lane, Lexington, KY 40505
Andover Construction is a home builder that offers custom homes and renovations and remodels all over Lexington. The firm also builds townhouses and condos in the metro area. Its principal Mike Hall helped develop the firm in 2006, and turned it into the premier contractor it is today. He has a degree in Architectural Technology and a degree in Business and Ethics. His construction experience spans 20 years of building multifamily, residential, and commercial buildings.
Its accolades from the BIA of Central Kentucky include Best New Home Design Awards in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, the firm’s Hilton custom home became an overall winner, earning awards in all seven categories. It residential projects have graced the pages of many issues of Tops in Lexington. In addition to custom homes, one of its notable projects is the extensive renovation and restoration of the Lafayette Academy- a beautiful Federal/Greek Revival building that it turned into six striking townhomes.
DB Homes
525 Darby Creek Dr., Suite #30, Lexington, KY 40509
Serving Lexington and greater Fayette County, DB Homes is a residential contractor that specializes in design-build custom homes, spec homes, and extensive renovations and additions. It builds mid-sized homes ranging from 200 square feet to over 4000 square feet in various neighborhoods around Lexington, such as Fairways of Andover, Magnolia Springs, and Tuscany.
Its homes have earned awards from the Grand Tour of Homes and Salute to the Stars, while its principal, Drew Brester, was hailed Builder Member of the Year for 2018 for his significant contributions to the building industry of Central Kentucky. The firm is also notable for building the St. Jude Dream Home in Lexington for four years and is slated to build the 2019 home in HomePlace. Today, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is one of the largest single-event fundraisers for St. Jude nationwide, and to date, St. Jude has given away over 325 homes and raised over $295 million for the hospital.
Atchison Heller Homes
3399 Tates Creek Rd. Suite #210, Lexington, KY 40502
Upscale home builder Atchison Heller Homes builds and renovates residences as well as commercial building throughout Central Kentucky. It has won many awards from the BIAL for its elegant homes, including Best Whole House Renovation Over $500k. It also frequently participates in Central Kentucky’s Grand Tour of Homes, where its distinct kitchens have won top awards.
Founder John Atchison is a Lexington native who earned a degree in economics and business management. Partner Steve Heller came to the company in 2000. Steve had a 20-year career in the floor covering and interiors business, starting as a salesman and rising through the ranks to become president of the company.
This modern craftsman-style home features farmhouse accents for added charm. The interior boasts a barreled ceiling in the master vestibule and poplar trims throughout. The firm also included a modern touch by building it using some of today’s best construction science practices. It was the company’s featured home in the 2016 Grand Tour of Homes.
Jimmy Nash Homes
1913 General Warfield Way, Lexington, KY 40505
Jimmy Nash Homes has established a stellar reputation in Lexington as a premier custom home builder with its impeccable attention to detail and bold building designs. Strong customer relationships and environmental consciousness are also some of the firm’s strengths, making it one of Lexington’s preferred builders.
A third-generation builder, Jimmy Nash has been building homes in Central Kentucky for the past 25 years. As he developed the firm’s strengths in luxury custom homes, he has moved towards building communities of spec and model homes. The firm has won awards in both fields and is an annual favorite in the Grand Tour of Homes.
This beautiful contemporary coastal style home was built by the firm with the utmost care and expertise. It required professionals from 15 different trades to work on the New England style home features—finials, crown molding, stone steps, columns, dormers, transitional flaring, and real-wood shakes. The home won Best New Home Design Over $1 million in the 2018 Salute to the Stars of the BIA-Central Kentucky.
Bluegrass Homes
260 Walden Way, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Bluegrass Fine Homes has built hundreds of homes for Lexington residents over the years. It was founded by its current president, Marion Jones, back in 1996. He started in the construction business early, during his high school years. After getting his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management, he worked as a supervisor in UPS. After a while, he returned to the residential building and established his company to provide custom and spec homes throughout the Lexington area.
The firm has earned various awards from the Homebuilders Association of Lexington (HBAL), including first place for three years in The Grand Tour of Homes. It is also the first achieve top honors in all seven categories in the history of the competition.
The perfect example of the firm’s exceptional work is Marion’s own home. The countryside manor is built in French country style where modest farmhouse meets estate-like chateau. The residence was featured in Tops in Lexington where the highlights of the home were revealed—distinct roof shingles, a great room with hand-carved wooden beams, and ornately carved corners and moldings in the kitchen.
James Monroe Homes
2250 Thunderstick Dr., Suite #1206, Lexington, KY 40505
James Monroe Homes is an award-winning residential building company that has been recognized locally and nationally for its custom homes, and production homes. The firm was awarded Professional Builder Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, as well as NAHB’s Young Professional Finalist. It earned both the Builder of the Year and Green Builder of the Year titles in the last five years along with multiple Grand Tour of Homes awards.
With an impressive list of accolades, the firm’s portfolio lives up to its reputation. Over its 13 years in the business, the firm has built custom homes of all shapes and sizes, from mid-sized Craftsman homes to large estates. These are also built to meet sustainable living and green home standards for comfort and design.
James Monroe graduated from the University of Kentucky with degrees in Business Economics and Business Management. While working for a local builder, he quickly found himself being adept in construction and decided to go into the residential construction business. He started James Monroe Homes with his wife. The firm underwent several transformations over the years until it became the premier home builder it is today.
Padgett Construction
1501 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503
Padgett Construction is a premier custom home builder and renovator of palatial homes in the heart of the Bluegrass region. For the last three decades, it has built numerous lavish manors and estates in Lexington and its surrounding areas. Homes from this firm exude decadence and luxury, from their old-world inspired exteriors to their highly-detailed interiors. Tudor, Victoria, and Greek Revivals are common as well as French and English Country homes.
The firm has won numerous awards for its properties, with 15 Outstanding Project of the Year Awards for new homes, and seven for remodeling and historic renovations from the local builders association. Additionally, Better Homes & Gardens has named the company one of “America’s Best Builders.” Southern Living Magazine has also singled out the company as its custom home builder in Kentucky.
Founder and principal Tom Padgett started the company in 1984 and has since overseen the construction and remodeling of over 400 homes. He shares ownership of the firm with his partner Chris Peoples, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry, and son Greg Padgett.
Cornerstone Homes
Lexington, KY
Cornerstone Homes, a Building Industry Association of Central Kentucky member, is based on three values: faith, honesty, and transparency. The firm was established by award-winning builder Brent Tussey in 2017 and has become known for its luxury home projects. Most of its designs feature the Traditional, French Country, Craftsman, and Ranch styles. “The Providence” is one of the firm’s recent Ranch-styled homes. It won 1st place in the following categories: Overall, Kitchen, Primary Suite, Floor Plan, Interior Features, Interior Lighting, and Curb Appeal in the 2021 Central Kentucky BIA Grand Tour of Homes.
Tussey guides the firm with his experience in the construction and business industries to provide clients with an accurate budget prior to building. Cornerstone has transformed the custom home building process by providing homeowners with cost information and online banking access. He emphasizes communication and long-term customer relationships and considers homeowners as part of his team.
How can I find a contractor or home builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best residential contractors and home builders in and near Lexington. 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.
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Custom home builders in Kentucky
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.
