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The Best Custom Home Builders in Newark

13 Min Read

Many people love the charm of Newark. As the biggest city in New Jersey, it doesn’t have the pressure of its neighboring city, New York. The efficient transport system makes traveling easy for its residents, which is why the neighboring cities are very accessible. Since it was established, Newark has been an open city to everyone, making it one of the oldest and most diverse cities in the country. The diversity of the city spans from second-generation Americans to non-English speaking immigrants. Wherever you are from, you are always welcome in the Brick City.

The housing rates for Newark is also relatively affordable for its location. The median property value for the city is around $200k and, according to Zillow.com, the most expensive home that could be bought is ranged at $1.5 million. There is a large bracket between the prices of available properties because there is a variety of homes available in the area. Buying a home in Newark is a wise investment since the housing market is fairly affordable.

This list presents the best custom home builders that service Newark, New Jersey. Many of these firms have earned accolades and certifications from prestigious organizations. This article scrutinized and ranked these builders according to their accomplishments and quality of 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.


11) Anthony James Master Builder

231 Elmer St. Suite A, Westfield, NJ 07090

Established in 1989, Anthony James Master Builder is a full-service general contractor that specializes in luxury home building. Looking through the firm’s portfolio, the homeowner will notice that the firm has mastered colonial and Cape Cod style homes. The firm is not restricted to single-family homes; it is also more than capable of manor-type homes. In addition, its services extend to high-end remodeling and additions.

Pictured is a Victorian Revival Colonial home that showcases the firm’s mastery with Old World Charm. This home perfectly captures how the simplicity of the colonial home brings it vintage elegance. Its simple color palette and Victorian accents give a simple luxurious feel to the home.


10) Gialluisi Custom Homes

427  W South Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090

Gialluisi Custom Homes may be one of the youngest builders on this list, but it has made some of the most luxurious homes in Greater Westfield. Pete Gialluisi put his name behind the company with pride, knowing that his team can bring the highest quality homes for its customers. Many homeowners will appreciate the traditional homes that Giallusi Custom Homes have built because it brings familiarity and comfort to its neighborhoods. For this reason, the firm has gained the attention of many local websites, such as northjersey.com and PR NewsWire.

The firm’s traditional and colonial designs are simple yet classy. The symmetrical windows and columns that welcome the entryway are classic features of a Colonial home that are always present in the firm’s projects. Homeowners love the inviting entrances of the firm’s houses because they give off a warm vibe that makes people feel right at home.


9) FDP Builders

71 Tanglewood Dr., East Hanover, NJ 07936

At the tender age of 11, Frank DiPasquale watched with admiration as his father build homes. This inspired DiPasquale to make a name of his own in the home building industry.  In 2005, he made his mark by establishing FDP Builders. Initially a general contracting company that focused on kitchen and bathroom remodels, the firm has grown to specialize in fine custom home projects. The firm is a one-stop-shop for every home building need of Essex County, Union County, and Morris County. FDP Builders’ success in both home building and renovation won it both Contractor of the Year awards and Best of Florham Park Awards.

In addition to the aesthetics of the home, FDP Builders is also concerned for the home’s safety. The recent hurricanes that hit New Jersey urged the firm to offer house lifting along with its custom home services, to protect the home from floods. This process is done with hydraulic jacks and the elevation of the home will depend on the home’s geography.


8) Heritage Manor Homes

68 Debbie Pl., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

Established by two award-winning builders, Heritage Manor Homes has built some of the finest homes in Morris County, Essex County, Union County, and Somerset County. Founders Bob Rau and Rich Bower have over 70 years of experience combined so their firm is a testament to all of their knowledge in the building industry. Homeowners can depend on the firm to bring quality and energy efficiency to its projects since the firm is a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Green Professional, and its homes are all certified by Energy Star. In addition, the firm has received awards for its green building renovations and custom homes for its Berkeley Heights projects.

From charming craftsman homes to palatial colonial homes, Heritage Manor Homes has a diverse portfolio that is perfect for any homeowner looking for a cozy inviting home. If there is anything the firm’s projects have in common, it is the classic timeless interiors.


7) Far Hills Design Build

603 1st Ave., Raritan, NJ 08869

Michael Redo’s humble beginnings can be traced back to managing a hardware store in Branchburg. As he slowly worked his way up in the industry, he has learned many valuable tricks of the trade from various professionals. When he established Far Hills Design Build, he wanted to uphold the highest quality of building through the continuous education of his team. Staying on top of industry trends is one of Redo’s main goals for his firm and his methods have produced good results. Throughout its tenure, the firm has won many awards for its custom homes, additions, and renovations.

Efficiently planned architecture and framing are evident in the firm’s projects. The firm specializes in classic farmhouse and craftsman styles. Most of its clients are homeowners who are starting their own families and are looking for homes that will last for a long time. Redo said that he is honored to build many firsts for these families, and he hopes that his firm’s homes will also be their last.


6) Jack Finn and Company

105 Grove St., Montclair, NJ 07042

In addition to also being known as a commercial renovator, Jack Finn and Company has made some of the most beautiful homes in the Essex and Bergen Counties. Recently, the firm has become Montclair’s go-to team for new home construction and has been featured regularly in Montclair Magazine. The firm has been honored by many organizations, including the 2013 Smart Growth award, 2012 Gold Award Projects, and the 2012 Downtown NJ Excellence Gold Award Winner.

Montclair Magazine featured two of the firm’s custom homes. One of the projects was Kaplan’s multi-level mid-century ranch home. It was a beautiful home that had a rustic industrial feel because the materials used were a mix of concrete and wood. Another stunning project was the Colwell’s Colonial Craftsman home. One of its unique features is a sunroom that is reminiscent of a greenhouse, with glass walls that overlook the backyard.


5) Craig Custom Builders

144 Osceola Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470

Craig Custom Builders is one of the experts of traditional and classic home building style in New Jersey. It could be observed from the firm’s projects that the founder is well aware that a good home needs a good foundation. Founder Kevin Frasco was initially a framing contractor and his homes truly reflect his background. Builder/Architect magazine featured the firm in its client-specific brand of quality workmanship. The firm, along with Frasco, has been admired for being conscious in its building process despite land scarcity and regulatory pressures. Frasco talks about being more conscious of the architectural plan of the home before seeing the completed structure. His careful building process and the firm’s trusted services have garnered a Guildmaster Award and a Big50 award.

The firm specializes in traditional styles, with its main goal being to create structurally sound homes that will stand the test of time. The featured project is a classic farmhouse home that has a reminiscent vibe. This home has a vintage feel because of the traditional features and warm inviting palette.


4) Grant Homes Custom Builder

1 E Main St., Mendham, NJ 07945

Since 1984, Jay Grant has worked hard to establish Grant Homes Custom Builder as one of the leading luxury and green builders in New Jersey. In addition, the firm has solidified its status as one of the leading homebuilders focusing on innovative floor plans executed with intricate detailing. The firm makes sure that all of its homes are environmentally conscious by preserving the trees and bringing in more sun exposure to the site. Grant’s immense skill and knowledge in home building has not only progressed his firm, but it also earned him the honor of being part of Home Builder Executive Magazine’s top 100 Custom Home Builder Presidents in the country. Additionally, the firm has also won many prestigious awards, including the New Jersey Community Builders Award of Excellence for the Best Single Family Home of the Year.

The featured all-American custom lake house is a blend of Colonial and craftsman style. The symmetrical layout and white window panes are all very common features of a Colonial home, but the natural stone elements give a craftsman touch to the home. The beige tones of the home and it’s outdoor fountain add more character to the home’s location.


3) CMM Custom Homes

516A Lincoln Ave., Avon by the Sea, NJ, 07717

CMM Custom Homes is one of the most creative firms in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Team Leader Christopher Amato has made sure that the firm builds no two homes that are alike. Amato’s membership in the exclusive NAHB Builder 20 Club has helped him learn all the new industry trends and innovate the firm’s creations. The purpose of the NAHB Builder 20 Club is to gather builders from all over the country so they can impart all of technological advances and trade secrets they’ve learned throughout the years. The firm’s portfolio has a diverse selection of homes, that range from traditional to contemporary. Most of the homes the firm makes are stunning lake homes, which have earned the firm three 2018 Fame Awards, including Best Custom Home.

One of the firm’s most ambitious homes is this Wave House. This contemporary home has a clean neutral palette that perfectly complements the lush greenery of its location. The home’s irregular facade is actually a way of integrating natural light into the home, as it catches the light from all angles.


2) Millenium Custom Homes

615 West Mount, Pleasant Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039

Established by Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association (MBCA) President Phil Calinda, Millenium Custom Homes has built over one thousand homes in Northern New Jersey. In addition to being president of the MBCA, Calinda has also chaired many organizations, including the Education Committee, and the Community Builders and Remodelers Association. The firm aims to not just build beautiful homes; but also to educate homeowners and builders of innovative building processes. Millenium Custom Homes has only been in the business for nine years, but Calinda’s 35 years of building experience has helped it progress. The firm has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including Best Custom Home Builder from Build Magazine, and the Builder of the Year Award from the MBCA.

This Holton custom home is a grand yet simple cross-gabled craftsman home. Its natural stone accents are a nice rustic touch to the impressive home. The interiors are nothing short of ambitious as well. It features a spiral staircase that leads to Victorian rooms with Bohemian accents.


1) Monetti Custom Homes  

651 Oceanview Rd., Brielle, NJ 08730

Home building has always been in the bloodlines of the Monetti’s. His grandfather, uncles, and father were all known for their home restoration services, but Robert wanted to venture into the business on his own. In 1993, Robert Monetti decided to focus his services on custom home building and renovations. Robert wants his firm to aim for timeless architecturally structural homes. The firm also has reliable partner contractors and sources because it is part of the exclusive NAHB Builder 20 Club. Monetti Custom Homes has built a solid reputation amongst its peers and clientele, and has been featured in many publications, including Design NJ magazine, Builder/Architect magazine, and Remodeling News Magazine.

The firm’s beachfront homes are popular with industry publications due to its grand interpretation of traditional style homes. The home pictured above is a cross-gabled craftsman home with a big porch that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon. The owner wanted a playful take on a traditional beach house and it was clearly seen in the colorful interiors.


How can I find a home builder near me?

Read our latest articles on the best custom home builders near Newark. If you don’t see your city below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

Custom home builders in New Jersey


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.