The Best Custom Home Builders in New Hampshire

Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 11:10 am

Building a custom home is a major investment, and selecting the right new home builders in New Hampshire is essential for a successful project. Finding a good contractor to build a custom home is crucial in helping homeowners navigate the unique terrain and state building regulations, ensuring the project runs smoothly. A reputable contractor can also help source local materials, support the community, and reduce costs. A residential build in New Hampshire typically ranges from $100,000 to $400,000, with high-end projects exceeding $500,000. These projects can take up to 36 weeks to complete, assuming no unexpected delays. With such substantial financial and time commitments, choosing a dependable builder is crucial to avoid unnecessary stress and additional costs.

Construction costs in New Hampshire have averaged around $67.87 per square foot in the past two years. With its population of approximately 1.395 million and a median home value of $470,000, it is home to a thriving real estate market. A multitude of contractors skilled in custom home building supports this market. However, finding a builder who aligns with your vision and budget can take time and effort. The significance of a trustworthy contractor cannot be overstated, as the right choice can transform your building experience from a potential minefield of challenges to a smooth, enjoyable journey.

This article aims to simplify your search for the best custom home builders in New Hampshire. We’ve compiled a list of top professionals who excel in delivering exceptional custom homes, ensuring your project is in qualified hands from start to finish.

Overview: The Best Custom Home Builders in New Hampshire

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

Northcape Design-Build

3 Alpine Ct., Sunapee, NH 03782

Northcape Design-Build has a 40-year history of building classic New England homes in the Lake Sunapee area of New Hampshire. Known for its exceptionally crafted custom homes, the company has earned several Cornerstone Awards from the NHHBA for its new residential construction and remodeling projects. It has appeared on Remodeling Magazine’s BIG 50 Remodeler of the Year list. The firm also prides itself on having several NAHB certifications, including Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Certified Green Professional, and Certified Graduate Remodeler.

On the eastern shore of Lake Sunapee, Northcape Design-Build built the Wutz Lakehouse. The home takes advantage of its environment, providing homeowners with access to the lake and panoramic views of the mountains. Inside, the firm built a massive stone fireplace that complements the great room’s exposed beams and vaulted ceiling. The home also features a full kitchen with a walk-in pantry, formal dining room, and home theater.

Bensonwood

6 Blackjack Crossing, Walpole, NH 03608

Bensonwood is a leading contractor for sustainably designed custom homes in the U.S. It was founded by Tedd Benson, an internationally recognized authority on green building. He frequently appears as a respected resource speaker at national and global conferences, including the annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. In 2015, New Hampshire Magazine dubbed him the “Future of Green” for his innovative views on homebuilding. 

Under Benson’s leadership, the company specializes in custom prefabricated, timber frame, and passive homes. The firm has also catered to clients in the commercial and educational sectors and has received awards from WoodWorks Wood Design, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Engineering News-Record. The company’s projects have also been featured in prestigious publications, including Architect Magazine, Builder Magazine, and Forbes, establishing a reputation as one of the leading New Hampshire home builders.

Photo by Jamie Salomon

In 2016, the firm completed a modern timber frame home in Sunapee, New Hampshire. The lakefront house was designed to offer picturesque views of Lake Sunapee while blending in with the woodlands. The house was also built to Passive House standards to reduce its ecological footprint. Inside the home, Bensonwood implemented several contemporary accents, including custom millwork and the expert combination of white oak finishes, long-span beams, and expansive windows.

CM Ragusa Builders

89 Ledge Rd., Seabrook, NH 03874

Three years after finishing his degree in Environmental Science, Chris Ragusa founded CM Ragusa Builders. Today, the company operates as one of the prime builders of luxury homes in the Northeast. In 2016, the company was honored to receive the Best Custom Home Builder and Builder Renovator distinctions from North Shore Magazine, as well as a Prism award from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston in 2015.

Among its award-winning projects is a coastal vacation home in New Hampshire. The Shingle-style home in Little Boar was built in collaboration with TMS Architects. It features an open floor plan, which is ideal for entertaining guests. CM Ragusa Builders included elegant touches, including a cathedral ceiling over the great room, built-in flower boxes on the deck, and a bluestone patio that complements the stained glass windows. 

Cormack Construction Management

46 E Madison Rd., Madison, NH 03849

Cormack Construction Management is an award-winning custom home builder and remodeler. It is headed by president Gordon Cormack, a construction veteran with a Graduate Master Builder designation from the NAHB. He is also a Certified Green Professional and a Certified ‘Aging-in-Place’ Specialist, which allows the firm to build for clients with specific needs. This New Hampshire home builder is accredited by the BBB.

Cormack Construction Management has received awards from the AIA New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Association of Home Builders for its excellence in design and construction. One of its most notable projects is a two-level mid-century modern house built in 2015. The firm implemented green elements into the house to help the clients live sustainably in their new home. The company installed solar panels, modern LED lighting, and expansive windows to welcome natural light during the day. The home is also a visual treat, thanks to the company’s expert use of wood, brick masonry, and a balcony with a glass railing.

Mighty Roots

13 Alden Ave., Greenland, NH 03840

Despite being one of the youngest new home builders in New Hampshire, Mighty Roots has already established itself as one of Granite State’s best design-builders. Founded over a decade ago, the company has successfully expanded its operations to nearby Maine. It has built over 200 projects in the last ten years and received a Design Award in the Excellence in Small Home Design category from New Hampshire Home Magazine in 2019.

In Stratham, Mighty Roots was challenged to build its first mid-century modern custom home. Dominated by gray and warm wood tones, the home’s exterior stands out in its lush environment. The home is furnished with light wood flooring, custom wood cabinetry, and modern lighting. The main room follows an open layout, with the kitchen, dining, and great room sharing space. 

Old Hampshire Designs

263 Main St., New London, NH 03257

Jay Tucker started Old Hampshire Designs after years of work experience as a designer and production coordinator for Timberpeg. Under his leadership, the company has become one of New Hampshire’s leaders in energy-efficient design and green building. The firm has also earned several industry awards, including Cornerstone Awards from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire and Excellence in Architecture Design Awards from the AIA.

Among Old Hampshire Designs’ award-winning projects is the featured Clearview Lake home, which was built in collaboration with Bonin Architects & Associates. The contemporary home stands out beautifully in the lush environment with its white and gray motif. The company used white wall cladding, complemented well by the white French doors and windows. Inside, the home is elegantly styled with white shaker cabinets, natural hardwood flooring, and brick masonry accents.

Southwick Construction

12 Runnymede Dr., North Hampton, NH 03862

Starting with Terry Southwick, Southwick Construction specializes in design-build construction. It prides itself on building one-of-a-kind homes, usually European-inspired homes, New England classic-style homes, and modern classic-style homes. The company is an active member of the NAHB and its state-level counterpart (the NHHBA).

By working on a select few projects yearly, Southwick Construction can deliver exceptional projects to clients happy to leave rave reviews online. Among its most notable works is a Rye residence that largely features the New England style but also has some touches of the craftsman style. The home features a custom mahogany entry door complemented by the arched porch roof and stone walls. Working with the client on the home’s design, Southwick Construction prioritized the client’s lifestyle. The first floor follows an open-concept layout and includes access to outdoor entertaining areas.

Oxland Builders

1 Winter St. Plaza, Rochester, NH 03885

Oxland Builders is a full-service custom home builder and remodeler that Brad Sawler established. Over the last six years, it has gained a solid footing in the custom homebuilding space through its founder’s expertise in design-building. Due to its excellent customer service, the firm has obtained several repeat customers.

Oxland Builders’ portfolio highlights the firm’s specialty in building homes in the Cape Cod, Transitional, and Contemporary styles. The featured home is a great example of the firm’s work. Built for a big family, the home prioritizes space and function. The Cape Cod-style home features a transitional U-shaped kitchen with a granite-topped island big enough to entertain guests. The vaulted ceiling also makes the room seem more spacious, especially with the natural light from the windows.

Wood & Clay

104B Lily Pond Rd., Gilford, NH 03249

Wood & Clay is one of the leading New Hampshire home builders specializing in architecturally unique, high-end home building and remodeling. Since its inception, the family-owned homebuilding business has grown into one of the best builders in the area. It employs a team with more than 150 years of combined industry experience, which husband and wife duo Shannon Robinson-Beland and Kevin Beland currently lead. With them at the helm, the company has received multiple accolades, including the Home of the Year Award from New Hampshire Home Magazine.

Wood & Clay has successfully built and remodeled boathouses, cottages, and lake homes throughout its four-decade history. Among its best projects is the featured Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home. High-end finishes, including a western cedar ceiling and black walnut flooring, were intentionally chosen during the building process to bring the forest feel inside the home. The firm also included a 12-foot sliding glass door that opens into a spacious deck, part of which is under an eave built out of red cedar wood.

Cargill Construction

396 NH-49, Campton, NH 03223

Builder of some of the finest homes in New Hampshire, Cargill Construction specializes in custom luxury homes and renovations. It was founded by Bill Cargill, who began his career in construction shortly after finishing the remodel of his Massachusetts home. Under his leadership, the company received several awards, including the 2016 Best New Construction award from the New Hampshire Home Builders Association (NHHBA). The firm has also appeared in New Hampshire Home Magazine and Lake Realty.

Cargill Construction built the featured 5,200-square-foot retirement home by one of New Hampshire’s lakes. The house stands out in the woodlands with its cedar shake sidings and green window trims. The home exudes a luxurious feel, with a white coffered ceiling in the kitchen and dining areas. White shaker cabinets and interior wall cladding were also utilized, complementing the warm-toned hardwood flooring in the main common areas.

Cobb Hill Construction

206 N State St., Concord, NH 03301

Cobb Hill Construction is an award-winning builder that caters to clients in the healthcare, commercial, and residential industries. Its home building department has earned a reputation for excellence in new construction and remodeling. Specializing in the design-build method, the company employs expert craftspeople to build modern and traditional homes. The firm has received prominent awards from the Association of Builders and Contractors, including a Merit Award for a Residential Building Over $1M.

In Auburn, New Hampshire, Cobb Hill Construction built a five-bedroom Adirondack-style home. Sitting adjacent to the secluded Audubon lands, the home was designed to reflect and complement its surrounding landscape. With cedar shingles, clapboard siding, and a stone facade, the exterior blends with the natural historic stone that was maintained in the property. The firm installed a custom cherry-colored, raised-panel door and a viewing tower that offers a panorama of the expansive lot.

Hayward & Company

153 Pease Rd., Meredith, NH 03253

Headed by Mike and Julie Hayward, Hayward & Company is an expert design-build company that specializes in building custom timber frame, log, and hybrid post-and-beam homes. It has consistently participated in the area’s Parade of Homes, where it has won several awards. The firm has also received recognition from the NHHBA, having won Gold Awards from the association’s annual Cornerstone Awards.

One of Hayward & Company’s award-winning works is the featured 6,000-square-foot timber frame home built in Lake Winnipesaukee. The custom home was designed for welcoming guests, with a spacious kitchen and dining room with lake views. Its exterior is fully custom—built with poplar bark, western red cedar, and stonework. It features an expansive deck, custom cabinetry, and a home automation system. This project also received a 5+ Star Energy rating for its sustainable features.

Ridgeview Construction

132A North Rd., Deerfield, NH 03037

A New Hampshire leader in green building, Ridgeview Construction is an award-winning company committed to sustainable development practices. The firm offers a holistic approach to the home building and remodeling processes to minimize its projects’ impacts on the environment. Its custom builds are known for their efficiency, healthiness, and aesthetics. The firm’s projects have received a Gold Cornerstone Award from the NHHBA and have been featured in Granite State Builder Magazine and on television shows, including “Building New Hampshire” and “Green Screen.” Its accolades position the firm as one of the most reliable new home builders in New Hampshire.

Beyond custom home building, Ridgeview Construction is also known for building some of New Hampshire’s first Net Zero and Passive Homes. The firm is also a NAHB-certified green Professional. By building houses to Passive Homes standards, the company delivers projects that consume up to 90% less energy than most homes built to code standards.

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of builders, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the custom home builders in the New Hampshire area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.

How can I find a contractor near me?

Read our latest articles on the best contractors in the country. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

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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.