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The Best Custom Home Builders in Philadelphia

18 Min Read

Philadelphia, also known as Philly, is the largest city in Pennsylvania, and the sixth-most populous city in the U.S. Philadelphia is the economic and cultural anchor of the Delaware Valley, located along the lower Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, within the Northeast megalopolis. Philadelphia’s many universities and colleges make it a top study destination, as the city has evolved into an educational and economic hub. The city is also known for its arts, culture, cuisine, and colonial history.

Housing costs in the city have remained stable over the years, even as home prices have risen around the country. According to Zillow, the median home value in Philadelphia is estimated to be $137,300. This is almost half the cost of housing in the entire U.S., which is valued at $256,000, as shown in ATTOM Data Solutions’ U.S. Home Sales Report for the third quarter of 2018. As such, residential builders spare no effort in boosting the appeal and value of Philadelphia homes.

The best custom home builders approach the construction process with precision and dedication to fulfilling clients’ goals. These firms pay extra care in ensuring the functionality and longevity of these spaces. To make sure that your home is built with the utmost care for your vision and industry standards, take a look at our list of the best custom home builders in Philadelphia. We have selected them based on the quality of their work, client reviews, and the recognition they have received over the years. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Philadelphia, check out our other article.

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.


15) Rotelle Studio(e)

1011 Ridge Rd., South Coventry, PA 19465

Rotelle Studio(e) boasts a remarkable portfolio featuring custom-built luxury homes in and around Southeastern Pennsylvania. For over 25 years, the firm has specialized in tailoring homes to fit homeowners’ wants, needs, and lifestyles through its 10-step process, ensuring a meticulous approach to designing and building spaces with great value and curb appeal. Not only does the firm allow clients to design their own homes, but it also lets them pick out its location among many available new home communities and home lots for sale across the region.

Each home built by Rotelle Studio(e) bears the same uncompromising attention to detail and quality that the firm devoted to the first home it constructed. The company remains small enough to give each client the personal attention they deserve, yet large enough to deliver each project on time.

The firm specializes in single family homes and townhomes of the traditional, farmhouse, craftsman, and country French styles. The home pictured above is a four-bedroom, three-and-half bath single-family with a two-story foyer, expansive kitchen, and family room. Clients have the option to add a two-story stone fireplace in the spacious family room and a wet bar in the kitchen. The home also features a first-floor study and a large two-car garage.


14) E.B. Mahoney Builders

718 W Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

E.B. Mahoney Builders is the third generation of a 1926 construction company thoroughly dedicated to hard work and uncompromising quality. Today, there are homes on the Main Line and in surrounding communities that are products of the grit and determination of a company that endured a depression, a world war, and everything in between. Many of these homes have been recognized by the Main Line Builders Association, allowing the firm to win various awards such as Best Custom Home, Best Residential Renovation, and Builder of the Year.

E.B. Mahoney Builders handles a wide variety of construction work, from custom home building to renovations and additions, to retail and commercial construction. The company is currently headed by Edwin Mahoney, who is lauded by clients for his high level of precision, style, and quality of work. Edwin is the initial point of contact for every client and knows first-hand the progress of every project his firm undertakes. His commitment to his clients is steadfast and he has demonstrated genuine care in listening to his clients and working towards their goals.

The firm has worked on various styles of homes, including a farmhouse, contemporary, rustic, Mediterranean, and craftsman homes. One of its most notable projects is a colonial home that blends old-world craftsmanship and modern convenience, striking a balance between past and present. The building boasts of an intricate stonework exterior and vaulted ceilings with stunning archways and columns, as well as a wall of windows that frame the custom landscaped gardens.


13) Vaughan Building Company

347 E Conestoga Rd., Wayne, PA 19087

Named as one of America’s Best Builders by the National Association of Home Builders and Builder Magazine, Vaughan Building Company has created some of the most impressive new homes on the Main Line and in the surrounding communities of Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. For over 35 years, the firm has built award-winning homes that feature timeless architecture, modern amenities, and fine craftsmanship, which helped establish Vaughan Building Company as one of the country’s most respected custom home builders.

What clients like the most about the firm are that it provides personal guidance and step-by-step assistance from the get-go. From the selections manager to the construction foreman, everyone involved in the entire home building process knows exactly how to involve clients and address their needs and inquiries. They all aim to make the entire experience a pleasant and stress-free one for the homeowners while bringing their visions to life.


12) Porter Construction

129 Center Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317

A home built by Porter Construction is one that embodies the perfect marriage of refinement and value. Since 1997, the general contracting company has been creating high quality and long-lasting single-family homes in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. The extensive knowledge and expertise of its professionals are reflected in the stunning traditional, transitional, and industrial homes they build, as well as the recognition they have received from various organizations and publications, like Philadelphia Magazine, Delaware Today, and Main Line Today.

Porter Construction builds homes upon the visions and unique goals of individual homeowners. The team works in partnership with its clients, aligning critical design elements and architectural requirements. Additionally, Porter Construction brings together traditional designs and innovative approaches, integrating modern convenience to classic elements to create homes that are simultaneously novel and timeless. Every step in the building process is overseen by a meticulous project manager, as well as the firm’s principal, Scott Porter, to ensure that every task is done up to standard and quality.


11) Weiss & Associates

110 Louella Ave., Wayne, PA 19087

Weiss and Associates are one of most distinguished builders of move-in ready, luxury homes on Philadelphia’s Main Line. Mark Weiss established the firm with the goal of designing homes that possess the qualities and charm of iconic American home styles, plus all the luxuries and conveniences of contemporary living. Over the years, the real estate builder and developer has specialized in the development of single family and multi-family homes. He has experience in all aspects of land development and home building, having built nearly 500 homes and developing over 1,000 lots in the US Mid-Atlantic market.

The firm has been recognized by several industry organizations, including the National Association of Home Builders, the Philadelphia Builders Association, and the Home Builder Association. Similarly, many of the firm’s projects have been recognized and have won awards, such as the Synergy Award for the Best Redevelopment of a Residential Property, and the Pyramid Award for the Best Single Family Home of the Year, 2,200-2,800 sq. ft.


10) McCoubrey/Overholser Building Construction

6839 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119

Based in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, McCoubrey/Overholser Building Construction is a firm that has varied and extensive experience building in the Delaware Valley. Among the many services it offers are ground-up custom residences, historic renovations, commercial and institutional building, and architectural site work. Former clients vouch that McCoubrey/Overholser Building Construction has built its reputation on professionalism, service, and workmanship. Many say that the firm has consistently completed the most demanding building construction projects efficiently and within the set time and budget.

The firm specializes in single-family homes, as well as historic, commercial, and institutional buildings. Its team of experts is highly capable of creating buildings of various styles, including traditional, contemporary, farmhouse, modern, and beach styles. In addition to custom homes, McCoubrey/Overholser Building Construction also constructs energy-efficient and green homes, home extensions, and custom renovations.


9) Janiczek Homes

619 Conestoga Rd., Villanova, PA 19085

Janiczek Homes has been specializing in high-end new home construction and renovations since 1984. The firm commits to each project staff of skilled and experienced professionals- from talented artisans to meticulous design-build experts- as well as thorough dedication to total client satisfaction. No matter how small or big the project may be, Janiczek Homes works with clients hand-in-hand to realize their home building goals based on what their needs and wants.

Over the years, Janiczek Homes has developed close working relationships with a number of trusted subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers based on their expertise, experience, and past performance. It also has ties with the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Home Builders, which has bestowed upon the firm numerous Pyramid, Pinnacle, and Judge’s Awards, from the Best Residential Innovation to the Best Custom Home, since 1999.


8) Guidi Homes

925 Harvest Dr. Suite #220, Blue Bell, PA 19422

Recognized as one of the Greater Philadelphia Area’s top custom home builders, Guidi Homes delivers customized homes characterized by unique architecture, intricate workmanship, and great value. Among the firm’s specialties are transitional, European, Mediterranean, colonial, farmhouse, and country-style buildings. In addition to constructing custom homes, Guidi Homes also offers renovations, development and design, and commercial construction.

Since 1986, the firm has continually impressed clients with its painstaking building process. The firm has ensured superior craftsmanship and the use of top quality materials and trusted methods in building livable spaces for its clients.

The European country estate home pictured above was built in cooperation with the architect firm of McIntyre, Capron, and Associates for Philadelphia Magazine’s Design Home. It was constructed primarily for entertaining and features a wine cellar off of the dining room and butler’s pantry, an oversized dual island kitchen open to the two-story great room, and a full bar, lounge, sauna, and billiards area in the lower level. The lower level patio also features a timber-framed summer kitchen complete with grilling and entertaining areas.


7) Masada Custom Builders

316 S 7th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Whether it is new construction, a remodel of an existing home, or a complete renovation of the historical property, Masada Custom Builders excels in bringing together different elements into a single vision. The firm has built some of the most beautiful homes in Philadelphia and throughout the Northeastern United States. It is led by the design-build talents Isaac Ohayon and Naomi Alter-Ohayon, both of whom have comprehensive experience in architecture, construction, and design.

Homes built by Masada Custom Builders are renowned for their high-end designs and world-class imported materials. Additionally, many feature contemporary elements and spacious floor plans, as well as natural lighting and hand-crafted finishes. From architecture and design to cabinetry and appliances, everything about the firm’s custom homes exudes quality, integrity, and inspiration.


6) Megill Homes

330 Kennett Pike Suite #207, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Wayne Megill started building homes in 1969 with one thing on his mind: listening to and following through on the homeowner’s wants and needs with the best products and techniques. Today, this sentiment is what continues to drive Megill Homes to build custom spaces that exhibit the perfect marriage between form and function. Rather than follow the trend of using prefabricated components, the firm’s skilled craftspeople make use of durable materials and processes in building homes of lasting value.

The firm’s award-winning homes are characterized by attractive architecture and the best locations and settings. These also feature well-designed floor plans and durable components. Many of the firm’s homes have rustic, traditional, farmhouse, Victorian, and French influences, showcasing the extensive knowledge of the Megill Homes team. In addition, the firm is often listed as a selling feature in existing home sale advertising, strengthening the financial value of its homes in the marketplace.


5) C. Raymond Davis & Sons

2124 Kimberton Rd., Kimberton, PA 19442

Founded in 1928, C. Raymond Davis and Sons is a general contractor and construction management firm that offers residential and commercial building services alike. Though the firm primarily focuses on commercial and institutional markets, it touts a national reputation as a custom home builder, working on and constructing houses of all sizes and styles, from traditional and transitional, to colonial and Victorian homes.

The C. Raymond Davis and Sons team is unwavering in its dedication to ethical business practices and absolute integrity, doing its part as a member of several industry organizations, like the Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey Chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the American Institute of Architects in Philadelphia and Bucks County. It is committed to delivering excellence in all aspects of its construction work, generating creative home solutions that allow clients to save money without compromising quality or design considerations. Furthermore, its project managers, estimators, and superintendents are seasoned veterans, having over thirty years of individual experience. They have successfully managed hundreds of projects and are capable of handling any size or type of construction work.


4) Pohlig Custom Homes

274 Lancaster Ave. Suite #100, Malvern, PA 19355

Pohlig Custom Homes has been creating luxury homes and communities in the Philadelphia Main Line, Jersey Shore, and beyond, since 1974. It has built a steady clientele and strong relationships with trade partners and professionals, as well as a solid reputation in the industry as a responsible and efficient custom home builder. The firm’s processes and people are driven by its philosophy of integrity, particularly “doing things right and doing the right things”. This, alongside its dedication to building ethically and with great respect to the environment, helped the firm garner countless awards and recognition, even being named by the National Association of Home Builders as the Best Custom Home Builder in America. Many consider this as the most prestigious award in the residential building industry.

Each Pohlig home is not only a realization of a homeowner’s vision but also the firm’s commitment to the community and the entire home building experience. From the initial sketch and architecture to construction and settlement, the Pohlig Custom Homes team assures meticulous attention, precise workmanship, and lasting value. Because of this, clients often praise the firm for its enjoyable experience and beautiful traditional, transitional, and craftsman homes.


3) McKee Builders

940 W Sproul Rd., Springfield Township, Delaware County, PA 19064

McKee Builders has been building homes in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey for over 70 years. Initially, a heating and air conditioning contractor, the firm later focused on apartment development for older tenants. McKee Builders built more than 500 units, which it still owns and manages. Since then, the firm has been recognized as a pioneer in adult 55-plus housing, and it stayed resolute in building communities with homes of the highest quality, great value, and irresistible appeal.

In addition to developing apartments, McKee Builders constructs single-family homes, townhomes, and villa-style homes. Among the many styles the firm builds are traditional, modern, contemporary, transitional, and green homes. Clients take pride in their homes because of their distinctive architecture, interesting locations, and innovative designs. Additionally, because the film builds to the highest energy efficiency standards, the homes it builds provide ultimate comfort and significant savings. Thanks to this care, McKee Builders has won various awards, including Best Single Family Home under 1,700 sq. ft. from the National Association of Home Builders, and been recognized by many industry organizations and media outlets, such as Good Morning America.


2) Sullivan Building & Design Group

2320 Trumbauersville Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951

Sullivan Building and Design Group provides homeowners in the Delaware Valley with the finest quality design and construction services. The firm’s expertise lies in creating custom and energy-efficient homes, additions and remodeling, and custom woodwork. For the past 35 years, its team of skilled designers and craftspeople has built homes of all shapes and sizes, demonstrating a thorough knowledge of and expertise in their trades. As a result, many of the firm’s works have been praised by homeowners and recognized by industry organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

The modern loft pictured above is one of the firm’s most unique and striking work. The homeowners wanted the building to match their existing garage, enamored with the distinct look created by rusted metal. The firm decided to enhance its unique aesthetic by designing the exterior using contrasting colors and materials. Together with its woodworking facility, Cider Press Woodworks, the firm decorated the interior with furniture and fixtures created from sustainably harvested exotic woods.


1) Dewson Construction Company

7 S Lincoln St., Wilmington, DE 19805

Commitment to client satisfaction has fueled Dewson Construction Company’s success in building and renovating custom homes since 1993. The firm has always worked side by side with their clients, focusing on open communication, efficient project management, careful budgeting and scheduling, and attentively overseeing subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors. Due to this meticulousness, Dewson Construction Company has amassed an impressive portfolio featuring luxury single-family homes, stately manor homes, and classically-styled coastal homes in and around Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania. These outstanding homes have earned the firm several awards, such as Regal Awards from the Home Builders Association of Delaware, and were also featured in various publications, such as USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Remodeling Magazine.

The firm specializes in new homes, coastal homes, major renovations, additions, and remodeling, specializing in traditional, farmhouse, colonial, country, and contemporary style spaces. One of its notable projects involved building a custom home, a carriage house, and a pool house on 20 acres of rolling hills in Chester County. Featuring elaborate stonework and spacious interiors, every corner of the family home manifests elegance and intricacy. The wood, brick, and stone flooring and decorative moldings and trim provide a handsome rustic design, while the neutral and earthy color scheme makes for an overall warm and organic atmosphere.


How can I find a home builder near me?

Read our latest articles on the best custom home builders near Philadelphia. 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.