Located in the heart of Orange County, Newport Beach is well known for its old-school amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel, oceanic views, and iconic boat-filled harbor. It’s also known for exclusive neighborhoods filled with homes straight out of magazines. From sprawling mansions to breathtaking estates, Newport Beach is lined with some of California’s most beautifully constructed homes.
This list compiles 15 of the best general contractors behind some of these gorgeous homes. They were chosen based primarily on merit, but we also factored in media attention, work history, experience, and their portfolios.
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.
14) Designer Kitchens & Beyond
3030 E Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Designer Kitchens & Beyond has been a leading figure in large-scale residential remodels and new home construction work throughout Southern California for the past three decades. It is known for its European craftsmanship and excellent designs, with its portfolio showcasing an extensive gallery of Spanish colonial, Tuscan, and Mediterranean-inspired homes. The firm offers a full range of services, which allows it to handle every facet of a project, saving its clients from having to outsource subcontractors and artisans. It also has partnerships with several leading brands and provides superb, yet affordable services. All of its homes come with two-year warranties, and it even has its own showroom where clients can get a firsthand glimpse of some of the firm’s best projects and designs, as well as the materials that go into its work.
The firm is led by Tony Talise, an experienced contractor with nearly three decades of experience and a background in architecture. Under his leadership, the firm has become a household name for luxury remodels and custom home buildouts in Los Angeles and Orange County and an expert in handling multi-million dollar homes. The firm’s work is often distinguished by its team’s excellence for classic architecture with a hint of a modern touch.
13) Goldenline Construction
1812 Burbank Blvd. #201, Burbank, CA 91506
Goldenline Construction is a premier general contracting company offering a full range of remodeling and ground-up construction work. It is known for its exquisite finishes and luxury detailing, and extends its services to both the residential and commercial sectors. It has grown to become an internationally renowned firm with a spread of several offices around the globe manned by a team of experts, engineers, architects, and interior designers. It offers its clients with exact pre-construction financial plans in addition to affordable construction strategies—eliminating the possibility of any extra costs—and provides custom construction packages that would best fit a particular build out. It is also known for its strict adherence to schedules and delivers all of its projects on time.
The following project best showcases the firm’s style and expertise. This 3,623-square-foot modern estate contains three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a half bathroom. For this home, the firm’s team made use of an open floor plan with the goal of achieving a luxurious balance of nature and everyday living. It has several glass sliding doors leading to a central atrium and several outdoor/indoor living spaces, high ceilings, and a number of hidden balconies.
12) James David Custom Homes
15375 Barranca Pkwy. Suite G-102, Irvine, CA 92618
In the industry for over two decades, James David Custom Homes specializes in craftsman, Tuscan, and ranch inspired homes. A quick look into its portfolio displays several mission revivals, cottages, and bungalows. The firm has worked on over 550 homes in Southern California, and has nurtured relationships with several of these clients even after their homes’ completion. The firm is led by its namesake James David Lepak, who got his first glimpse into the industry at the tender age of 14. He has grown to become one of the most successful contractors in Southern California and ensures that each project that the firm takes on receives the benefit of his experience.
The featured work is an example of the firm’s best work. For this project, the firm was tasked with demolishing the home that formerly stood in this place to construct this two-story, 5,500-square-foot, traditional Nantucket home. With an open concept indoor/outdoor theme, the James David team worked closely with some of its most trusted and skilled subcontractors to successfully implement intricate details. Inside, the home has handmade white Shaker cabinets, ovation interior doors, and several custom boxed beams, archways, panels, and moldings.
11) Lee B. Marston Construction, Inc.
712 Poppy Ave., Corona del Mar, CA, 92625
With nearly half a century of experience, Lee B. Marston Construction is the longest-serving firm on this list; it has worked on over 450 homes since its establishment in 1970. Extending its services throughout Southern California, a majority of its work is found in some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Laguna Beach. The firm specializes in Spanish colonial, modern, and craftsman themed homes and is still currently led by its founder and namesake Lee, together with Matthew Marston, who serves as Chief Operating Officer. A large percentage of the firm’s clientele stems from referrals from satisfied clients. That being said, the firm has secured a solid reputation for itself for its excellent craftsmanship. It works only with firms from its list of trusted and experienced subcontractors, and handles every phase of a project from start to finish.
The featured project is a stunning 2,500 square foot home with consistent white oak floorings, grooved ceilings, and walls. It also has an outdoor entertainment area complete with a fireplace and built-in barbecue. At its exterior is a large deck running the entire length of the home, giving its owners a place to take in endless views of the Pacific Ocean.
10) La Placa Construction
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Originally headquartered in Monrovia, La Placa Construction started out as a small remodeling firm and has since grown into becoming one of Southern California’s premier custom home builders. It specializes in luxury projects and primarily builds in communities located in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County. The firm is still family-owned and is actively led by its founder Gaetano La Placa, who oversees each project. Under his leadership, the firm has cultivated expertise for Spanish colonial, Mediterranean, and traditional mansions and estates. Its work is often distinguished by its detailed moldings and trimmings, stucco work, and excellent command of European architecture. It is a recipient of the Golden Nugget Award and has had its fair share of noteworthy projects. Most notably, it was the firm behind the restoration of the Anaheim White House.
The firm’s style and expertise may be best seen in the chosen project. Upon looking closely, one might notice the intricacy of the main entrance’s archway, which is emphasized by the generous use of large windows and glass doors. Stucco exteriors were utilized to complement the tiled walkways.
9) Gonterman Construction
2043 Westcliff Dr. Suite #213, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Gonterman Construction opened its doors in 1996 and has since established a stellar reputation for itself for its full-service luxury custom home building, residential remodeling, and construction management services. It constructs homes in the beautiful coastal region of Orange County and Los Angeles and provides a tailored process for each of its clients to better ensure that all of their specific needs are met. The firm builds no two homes alike and takes charge of every facet of a project, from initial consultations and design all the way through project planning and execution. The firm is led by its founder Jason Gonterman, who works as an active project manager on every home on which the firm works. Under his leadership, the firm’s work has been featured in several noteworthy publications like Architectural Digest, California Interiors, Ocean Home Magazine, and Modern Luxury Interiors California. It has also been on Bravo’s “Flipping Out.”
The firm’s portfolio showcases an extensive range of designs, as well as the firm’s expertise in a variety of architectural themes. Some of its most beautiful projects come in the form of modern farmhouses, coastal homes, and craftsman-inspired spaces.
8) Corbin Reeves Construction
245 Fischer Ave. Suite A1, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Corbin Reeves Construction is the firm behind some of Orange County’s most exquisite estates and private residences. With the aid of some of the area’s best architects and designers, it has completed projects for the most discerning clients and is known for its attention to details and craftsmanship. It specializes in luxury projects and primarily builds in traditional, transitional and contemporary themes, often ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 square feet. The firm is led by Michael Reeves, a builder with over three decades of experience in the custom home building industry, who co-founded an internationally-recognized residential construction firm prior to his founding of Corbin Reeves in 2012.
The firm’s work has graced the pages of publications such as Elle Decor, Veranda, and California Homes, with the chosen project best showcasing the firm’s particular style and expertise. Called the “Lagunita,” this waterfront residence features transitional themes complete with clean, contemporary lines, an open floor plan, and ocean views in nearly every room.
7) SC Homes
3050 Pullman, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Named by the Orange County Business Journal as one of the area’s fastest growing companies, SC Homes is a family-owned and operated firm that specializes in custom home building and entire house remodeling. It is affiliated with several prestigious industry organizations, including the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Orange County and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). At its helm is Scott Cross, a hands-on principal who actively involves himself with every key stage of each project the firm takes on. This proactive approach is further achieved through the firm’s very own online progress system, which allows its clients to track the firm’s on-going work 24/7. The firm’s excellent work and services have garnered it the recognition of several media outlets, including Orange Coast Magazine, Professional Remodeler, and Designed in Orange County. The firm also once completed a project for ABC’S hit reality TV series “Extreme Makeover Home Edition.”
Diving into the firm’s portfolio, one may notice an abundance of traditional, contemporary, Tuscan, and coastal inspired homes, just like the chosen project. For this home, the firm’s team opted for a neutral color palette with hints of white to bring out its details, several bay windows, and numerous custom finishes.
6) RDM General Contractors
250 Baker St. E #300, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Established in 1981, RDM General Contractors is one of Orange County’s leading and premier custom home builders, known for its excellent craft and professionalism. Manned by a team comprised of skilled project managers and subcontractors who have been with the firm for over two decades, RDM works closely with each of its clients, architects, and contractors throughout the entire process. It prides itself for its thorough process, which it credits for its outstanding 90% referral rate from satisfied clients. Affiliated with associations like NAHB and BIA, the firm’s work has also been featured in several publications such as Modern Luxury Interiors California, California Homes + Design, and Luxe, which even named RDM as a part of its prestigious annual “Gold List.”
The firm primarily designs in three architectural themes: traditional, contemporary, and transitional. The featured project displays one of its more traditional works. For this home, it made generous use of Spanish revival themes, as seen in the terracotta roofs, stucco exteriors, and large arched doorways.
5) Patterson Custom Homes
15 Corporate Plaza Suite #150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
With a specialization for custom homes and luxury estates, Patterson Custom Homes extends its services throughout coastal Orange County, primarily Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, and Dana Point. It is the largest independent custom home builder in the county and has completed over 300 projects since its establishment nearly two decades ago. The firm has relationships with some of the best subcontractors in the area, enabling it to construct homes at a faster pace. Led by Andrew Patterson, an experienced builder with a background in all aspects of the construction and real estate industries, the firm handles every phase of a project from permitting and project management to construction and completion. It also offers a turn-key home care maintenance program that includes every nitty-gritty detail of a home, from servicing HVAC units and adjusting doors to maintaining hardwood floors.
The firm’s work has landed on the pages of several publications and has set sales records in prestigious Newport Beach communities like Corona Highlands. Its best work is embodied in this $35 million waterfront mansion in Balboa Peninsula. Recently featured in the OC Register, this home spans over 14,000 square feet and features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a saltwater infinity pool complete with zero edge sides and underwater speakers. It also has a 1,100 gallon aquarium, its own home theater, and subterranean living area with a gym. The realtor even created a spoof music video to Teach Me How to Dougie to promote the home, which went viral and has over 140,000 views on YouTube.
4) HartmanBaldwin Design/Build
100 W Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711
HartmanBaldwin utilizes a design-build approach and is the only fully integrated architecture, construction, and interior design firm on this list. It specializes in historic restorations, home additions, and custom homes, and extends its services throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County. Given its expertise for historic renovations, it is often the leading choice for projects that require a deep understanding of specific architectural styles. The firm has constructed and renovated some of the most beautiful homes around Southern California’s most historically significant areas. In 2018, it was named the 15th best remodeling company out of 550 firms ranked nationwide by Remodeling Magazine. Comprised of an award-winning team of architects, Certified Interior Designers, project managers, artisans, and craftsmen, the firm showcases a skill for a wide array of designs, including contemporary, Tudor, English, Mediterranean, and traditionally-inspired architecture.
Originally built in 1929, the following English Tudor revival best showcases the firm’s work. This home won HartmanBaldwin an Excellence in Design Award from the Claremont Architectural Commission along with a Renaissance Design Merit Award from Remodeling Magazine and the NAHB. It features a custom 10,000 square foot garden, special nooks and hideaways, and a 1,300-square-foot gardener’s cottage.
3) Julie Laughton Design Build
247 A Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This firm is led by its namesake Julie Laughton, a general contractor and licensed interior designer. Laughton handles every facet of a project and takes the lead in sketching all of her clients’ visions before bringing them into reality with the aid of her skilled team. Prior to her establishment of the firm, she worked for two architecture firms in New York and had an impressive corporate clientele list. She also had the opportunity to work with five of the city’s best developers. In 1991, she left New York for Laguna Beach and added Certified Custom Kitchen and Bath Designer to her long list of accreditations. She has since devoted her career to custom home construction and large-scale residential remodels, with a concentration for historical homes. With a particular love for Art Deco and early Californian architecture, she has built a name for the firm for its exquisite Spanish, Mediterranean, Craftsman, and California bungalow inspired projects.
Since the firm was established, it has completed hundreds of homes and spaces. It has also worked on several noteworthy projects, including including the historic remodel of the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica and an original Wallace Neff home in Pasadena, featured here, which was used in the movie “Monster-In-Law” starring Jane Fonda. This home primarily features heavy Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Over 15,000 square feet, it consists of the main house, two guest houses, a massage room, spa, hair salon, two offices, and several saunas.
2) Spinnaker Development
428 32nd St., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Spinnaker Development offers a full range of general contracting and construction management services with a specialization for luxury custom home building. It has been awarded for every facet of construction, including design, project execution, and customer service. The firm uses only the latest technology and takes extra measures to ensure that each of its clients is updated throughout the entire process. With the aid of its own software, clients may access 360-degree imaging of rough construction and virtual x-rays of their on-going projects, along with several updates on documents, costs, and logs. The firm has garnered media attention throughout its years in service and has been featured in magazines like Modern Luxury Orange County, Modern Home Builder, and Luxury Home Quarterly.
The firm’s portfolio displays an extensive array of designs. Most notably, it showcases expertise for modern and Cape Cod-inspired homes, as seen in the chosen project. For this home, the firm’s team opted for a neutral palette with several hints of earthy tones. Shingled roofs were also utilized to match the home’s exterior.
1) Gallo Builders, Inc.
1105 N Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
With over 30 years of experience in high-end luxury home construction, Gallo Builders offers a full range of construction services, including cost and value engineering, project tracking, and post-construction work. It prides itself on its ability to bring together a client and an architect’s vision to life, and showcases superior craftsmanship and expertise. Its work has been featured in several publications, including Western Art & Architecture, Riviera, and Luxe which has included the firm multiple times on its annual Gold List. The firm is also a recipient of several awards. Most notably, it won an EnergyStar Home Building Award in 2015 for one of its green building projects. Its team is known for its attention to intricate details and its utilization for innovative techniques and unique solutions.
Depicted in the project below is one of the firm’s best works. For this contemporary home, its team used a recurring theme of clean straight lines and a minimalist theme throughout the entire house. A neutral palette was also used, with hints of several earth tones to provide pops of color, in addition to several unique fixtures. Inside, large windows and entrances can be seen to further emphasize the open floor plan.
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Read our latest articles on the best custom home builders near Newport Beach. If you don’t see your city 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.
