Santa Ana is a captivating city located next to the Santa Ana River and just 10 miles from the Californian coast. As the second most populous city in Orange County, Santa Ana is home to an estimated 334,217 people. Ranked by Forbes as the fourth safest city of over 250,000 residents in the U.S. in 2011, Santa Ana is certainly an attractive place for families to settle down. In fact, of the 74,583 households in the city, around 81% are family homes. Further drawing people to Santa Ana are the city’s near-perfect climate and lower cost of living compared to other metro areas.
Those looking to build a new home in Santa Ana can turn to one of the many custom home builders in the area, of which the top 10 are listed here. Each of these custom home builders strives to create their clients’ dream homes with the utmost care and precision. The firms were selected and ranked based on the quality of their work, client reviews and feedback, and industry awards and recognition.
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.
10) Austin Construction
1018 River Ln., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Austin Construction has been building and remodeling homes in the Orange County area for almost four decades. The family-owned company is proficient in various building efforts—from room additions and kitchen and bath remodel to new home constructions. As a design-build firm, the firm manages all phases of a project from conception to completion, making sure that every detail comes together to create a space that represents the perfect union of form and function.
The firm’s founder, Tim Austin, has been designing houses and room additions for most of the company’s history. He creates buildings and spaces of various styles, including Traditional, Craftsman, and Spanish. A distinctive feature of many Austin homes is the beautiful hand-split stone exterior.
9) MarVista Construction
603 E Alton Ave. Suite H, Santa Ana, CA 92705
MarVista Construction is a multi-faceted company with experience and expertise in a variety of construction markets. The firm’s specialties are new commercial construction, tenant improvements, and marina facilities management, including dock repairs and utilities. Likewise, MarVista is active in custom home building, residential remodels, and apartment renovations and reconstructions, as well as roofing and waterproofing. Over the years, the firm has developed a reputation for its exceptional commercial and residential building services and customer satisfaction.
The firm is also known for its hands-on involvement in working with owners and architects to ensure high-quality designs and construction. With its product expertise, the firm’s skilled craftspeople and builders provide comprehensive design by understanding clients’ structural and functional requirements. As a result, MarVista is commended by clients and industry experts for developing high-quality approaches and projects.
8) Avex Builders
15 MacArthur Pl. Suite #1407, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Originally focusing on transforming homes around the Inland Empire, Avex Builders now provides residential and commercial construction services throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, Arizona, and Las Vegas. The firm is well-versed in custom home building and multi-family projects, having built its portfolio since 2007. Additionally, Avex Builders is proficient in tenant improvements, home remodeling, and specialty projects. The firm has worked on projects for several notable clients, including Swarovski, Chrysler, Skechers, McDonald’s, and Forever 21. The firm is planning to build over 20 units of multi-family properties from the ground up this year.
Over the years, the firm has built collaborative and trusting relationships with industry professionals and organizations. These have enabled Avex Builders to clearly define and translate its clients’ visions into striking and long-lasting spaces and structures. The firm’s accomplished construction team brings to the table 40 years of combined building experience and expertise. The firm’s primary focus in every construction project is creating and sustaining long-term, mutually beneficial, reciprocal partnerships with clients, as well as delivering unparalleled craftsmanship and efficient performance.
7) Busy Bee Construction Solutions
1560 E Brookhollow Dr. Suite #209, Santa Ana, CA 92705
With more than 20 years of experience in the building and real estate industries, Busy Bee Construction Solutions has developed significant expertise in the construction and renovation of buildings in Orange County. Whether the firm is building a home from the ground up, transforming a structure into a two-story building, or adding a room to a current house, Busy Bee ensures precise designs, frames, constructions, and finishing. The firm can take on residential and commercial projects of various scales and budgets and deliver high-quality structures with long-lasting value and curb appeal.
The firm’s craftspeople and builders are experts in their trades, having several years of training and experience under their belts. However, that does not stop Busy Bee Construction Solutions from keeping its team members up to date on the latest industry techniques and technologies. The firm ensures that its professionals participate in events and training, as well as internal discussions and meetings, and regularly learn and incorporate current design and construction trends.
6) James David Custom Homes
15375 Barranca Pkwy. Suite G-102, Irvine, CA 92618
Premier custom home builder James David Custom Homes has been serving clients throughout Orange County for more than two and a half decades. The firm is driven by its commitment to providing professional and precise residential design and development services. Its expert team members thoroughly collaborate with clients to ensure that their design and performance standards are met and exceeded.
James David homes are distinct in that they are characterized by harmonious combinations of various styles. For instance, the firm has created buildings that are Traditional–Soft–Contemporary, Spanish–Modern–Eclectic, and Coastal-Modern-Chic. One of the firm’s notable projects is a classic single-story Cape Cod that features the latest smart amenities and energy-saving technologies. The 4,080-square-foot home houses four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as state-of-the-art, LED lighting, security, and home theater systems.
5) Battres Construction
3202 W Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704
Southern California homeowners have been the recipients of exemplary construction services from Battres Construction since 2008. The family-owned company provides unique and meticulous craftsmanship in every building and renovation project it undertakes and skillfully realizes a homeowner’s vision using proven systems and procedures. Battres Construction’s affiliations with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) are testaments to the firm’s dedication to professional and high-quality building processes.
The firm’s endeavors are driven by continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration. At the same time, Battres Construction aims to help others grow and fulfill their visions by partnering with ministries and organizations that assist, support, and service people to rebuild their lives. Thanks to its commitment, the firm has amassed a roster of satisfied customers and referral partners.
4) Gonterman Construction
2043 Westcliff Dr. Suite #213, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Based in Newport Beach, Gonterman Construction is a luxury custom home builder and full-service residential remodeling construction management firm serving Orange County and Los Angeles. The company was founded on the principles of honesty, transparency, and integrity. Gonterman develops beautiful properties while upholding high standards of custom home building.
Working alongside numerous clients over the years has helped Gonterman Construction quickly determine the most appropriate approaches to particular needs and expectations. The firm has developed a solid building process that enables its team to create a space that encapsulates the client’s unique personality while meeting practical requirements and industry standards. Additionally, financial transparency is a key aspect of every Gonterman project. The firm operates on a cost-plus basis, which allows clients to select the quality and standard of products and materials used from start to finish to maximize the clients’ investment.
3) Mr. Build Construction
18100 Von Karman Suite #850, Irvine, CA 92612
With industry experience spanning four decades, Mr. Build Construction is one of the go-to construction companies in Southern California for construction, renovation, and maintenance services. The firm is capable of handling projects of various types and scopes, having worked on numerous Contemporary, Transitional, Mediterranean, Mid-century, and Beach style homes in the region.
Mr. Build Construction is a member of the NAHB, the Home Builders Association (HBA), and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). These affiliations help the firm stay updated on the latest industry techniques and technologies and ensure that its projects adhere to the highest standards of competence, professionalism, and ethics. At the same time, the firm’s exacting attention to detail and consistent on-site construction management and communication help create unique and laudable spaces.
2) Prestige Builders
427 30th St., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Since 1988, Prestige Builders has been committed to creating beautiful and functional homes across Southern California. With excellent customer service as the foundation of the firm’s vision, Prestige underscores personal attention to detail, strict quality control, and close supervision in every project it undertakes. Thanks to this care, the firm has been recognized and commended by distinguished industry associations, including the NAHB, the American Institute of Architects, and the Orange County Building Industry Association.
The firm operates with the philosophy of establishing and maintaining good relationships with homeowners, designers, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure the success of any project. This has resulted in a commitment to excellence and, consequently, efficient project coordination and management, as well as beautiful and functional spaces.
1) Sailhouse
170 Newport Center Dr. Suite #220, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Sailhouse is a full-service real estate and development firm dedicated to creating remarkable environments for its clients through exceptional design, build, and development services for residential and commercial properties. The firm works with industry-leading professionals, specialty contractors, and innovative consultants to provide timeless architectures, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable projects. Additionally, the firm owns, manages, and markets distinguished properties throughout Southern California.
Pat Patterson established the firm in 2009, having constructed, developed, managed, and marketed homes for more than two decades. He was and is still respected by clients, partners, and consultants for his extensive development experience, vast knowledge of local markets, and dedication to delivering detail-oriented construction services. Some of his most notable works can be found in Orange County’s premier beach communities, including San Clemente, Newport Coast, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach.
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 Santa Ana. 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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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.
