The Best Custom Home Builders in Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a melting pot of great coffee, grunge music, and dozens of tech industries. This city is a thriving place perfect for young professionals and families looking for fun outdoor living. While buying a home is one of the main options, others consider the option of building their homes from the ground up through an in-depth and personalized process.

Building a custom home allows a homeowner to create a living space that embodies their unique lifestyle, a sanctuary that celebrates their individualities in the form of a safe, comfortable, and well-built residence. To help you pick the right builders, we’ve compiled a list of the best custom home builders in Seattle, Washington. Each firm on this list is considered based on its quality of work, years of experience, and recognition received. For a home carefully built by the best in the area, take a look at our list below! On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Seattle, check out our cost guide 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.

Hammer & Hand

2450 6th Ave. Suite #100, Seattle, WA 98134

Hammer & Hand offers a wide variety of residential and commercial building services, but the company’s project scope and its ability to handle simple to complex constructions are not the only reasons why it is one of the best firms in Washington. The company is not just a typical general contractor but a technological innovator and a climate solution maker. The firm’s specialty in ranch, modern, contemporary and traditional architectures is combined with its knowledge in creating environmentally-friendly homes in Seattle and Portland. The company’s early days started as a remodeler in Portland in 1995, and a successful expansion in 2011 finally brought them to Seattle, and Seattle homes haven’t been the same since.

The Madrona Passive House is a perfect example that highlights the balanced combination of the elegance of contemporary architecture and the practicality of a high-performance building, with both elements working together to create a resource-efficient, environmentally responsive home. The team worked with SHED Architecture & Design for a seamless and innovative approach to construction. This sustainable home displays an airtight, insulated building envelope and passive design to minimize energy consumption while creating thermal comfort for its owners. Its sustainable strategies pay homage to the home’s environmentally critical site and achieve a Passive House standard.

Robert Egge Construction

14328 157th Ave., NE Woodinville, WA 98072

Since it was founded in 1979, Robert Egge Construction has gained the approval of the industry’s leading organizations, securing its memberships in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), NAHB’s 20 Club Program, the Builders Association of Washington, and the Master Builders Association (MBA). Furthermore, the firm’s participation in the Seattle Street of Dreams resulted in multiple Marketing and Merchandising Excellence (MAME) recognitions. Robert Egge, the firm’s founder, believes that the quality of every home construction relies on the skills of the builder, especially when examining the crucial details involved in each stage of the construction process.

Robert Egge Construction specializes in constructing luxury custom homes and most of its projects have been built on view, waterfront, and estate properties in the greater Seattle area. Scanning the firm’s portfolio will reveal a stunning parade of high-end contemporary, traditional, Colonial, and Craftsman residences. A perfect illustration of this is the Charbonneau Estate, a home filled with rich details and extensive spaces. The team took inspiration from a classic European home style bringing out the custom home’s opulence. A few of its notable elements and materials include custom cherry cabinetry, fir and yellow cedar windows, a wine cellar, a club-sized steam room, a home theater, and a mysterious secret room.

Prestige Residential Construction

1200 S Angelo St. Suite A, Seattle, WA 98108

The “prestige” in the firm’s name is not just an empty word; the term can accurately describe the company’s prestigious track record as one of Washington’s most distinguished residential home builders—all thanks to principal Jeff Santerre’s detail-oriented approach to custom home building. Since the firm was founded in 1981, Prestige Residential Construction has been making its mark on the industry, winning accolades that go as far back as 1992. In its early years, it won the Master Builders awards, the Marketing and Merchandising awards, and Excellence in Remodeling Awards. Recently, the firm has been recognized as the BALA Gold Winner for the One of a Kind Custom Home Award, and the 2016 President’s Honorary Award for the Most Innovative Material Combination category.

The firm’s ranch, modern, Tudor, and French-Mediterranean luxury custom homes have been featured in several publications such as Master Builder Magazine, Seattle Met Magazine, Seattle Times NW Homes, and Luxe Pacific Northwest. One of its impressive custom home projects is the Laurelhurst Residence in the Pacific Northwest. This modern home seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor experiences. Prestige worked closely with DeForest Architects and NB Design Group to create a contemporary residential home with exceptional style and construction. In response to the owner’s desire to incorporate sustainable elements, the team used organic materials such as board-formed concrete, blackened structural steel, Marley limestone, and a palette of white oak, Douglas fir, and walnut woods.

Rainier Custom Homes

306 Wells Ave., SE Renton, WA 98057

Rainier Custom Construction is a multi-awarded firm that specializes in custom home construction, renovation, and remodels. Jason Jarman is the firm’s current president and is one of the three second-generation owners. Coming from a long line of builders, the Jarman family is known for its great craftsmanship all over Seattle. The firm has been in the building industry for over two decades and its teams of builders and designers have already perfected the craft of constructing custom houses in a wide range of designs inspired by Craftsman, farmhouse, contemporary, and the Mediterranean styles—and the same influences can also be found in their remodeling and renovating projects.

One notable project that has caught the attention of several publications including the Seattle Times and the Pacific Northwest Magazine is the 1946 concrete-and-glass Innis Arden Residence. The firm took the time to understand their client’s wants and needs then helped select the design team commissioned to create the vision. The design and construction teams partnered with their client to transform an old architectural landmark into a modern structural wonder.

Dyna Builders

1537 NW Ballard Way, Seattle, WA 98107

At Dyna Builders, every great project is rooted in its ability to listen and deliver the needs and preferences of its clients. Since founding the firm in 1999, Ren Chandler and his team of dynamic builders have worked with several of Seattle’s residential and commercial clients. With an in-house team of designers and builders, the firm can seamlessly translate architectural plans into impressive homes. In addition to specializing in residential and commercial construction, Dyna Builders also offers custom metalwork. Its skilled craftsmanship contributed to its stellar reputation among its clients and peers in the industry.

Dyna Builders is an outstanding firm with many recognitions received in the last few years from awards to press features. A perfect illustration of its notable work is the Kirkland, a residential modern home. For this project, Dyna Builders worked closely with Rhodes Architecture + Light to create a modern and upscale custom home. The home was designed and built for two generations of an Indian-American family. It features a light-filled home with contrasting elements of warm wood, concrete, glass, and steel. While pops of color are provided by finishing touches and interior design elements. Lastly, the home uses low-maintenance materials, high-efficiency windows, extensive insulation, and efficiency of space to maximize its sustainability and low-energy use.

Walter F. Toth Construction

220 S River St., Seattle, WA 98108

Walter F. Toth established his firm in 1976 and he led that firm until his sons, Klaus and Erik, took over the company’s daily operations. Today the brothers handle all levels of the business processes, including the management of the firm’s development projects across Seattle and the surrounding areas of Puget Sound. The Toth family’s values of integrity and high-quality craftsmanship have been incorporated into their firm’s everyday practices, with its principals leading their team of designers, managers, and builders under an exacting, cohesive collaboration. Additionally, the firm’s work philosophy has helped it secure memberships in several organizations like the Master Builders Association (MBA), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Built Green, and the Residential Masonry Contractors Association (RMCA).

Walter F. Toth Construction’s traditional, modern, and contemporary-styled luxury homes have been featured in industry’s leading magazines such as The Pacific Northwest, Home by Design, This Old House, Jim Olson Houses, and Luxe. A perfect illustration of the firm’s impressive construction expertise is The Point custom home. This modern home was completed in collaboration with Krannitz Kent Architects and Barbara Leland Interior Design. It features crisp and clean lines of modern construction that perfectly complements its flowing natural surroundings. While its expansive bay windows and glass walls create a natural wallpaper for the home that can be enjoyed any time of day. This cozy home is also positioned to maximize the views of the lake and nature from all angles.

Roberts Group Custom Builder

5914 Lake Washington Blvd., NE Kirkland, WA 98033

Roberts Group Custom’s goal is to build residential homes that embody the firm’s ethics and at the same time, create a lasting contribution to the homeowners’ quality of life. Owen Roberts, the firm’s principal, is a third-generation builder who mastered the craft of carpentry at a very young age. He leads a crew composed of seasoned designers, carpenters, and supervisors with proven skills and experience in their respective roles in the home building process.

Unlike other construction companies, the firm has chosen to take on a limited number of projects annually to guarantee the highest caliber of work and the highest quality of homes. The firm’s projects that range from contemporary, modern, Ranch, to European-styled residences have caught the attention of many publications such as the Seattle Homes, Luxe, The New York Times, and Elle Decor. One of the team’s noteworthy homes featured is a custom home built with a great waterfront view. This traditional cream home was a project in collaboration with Tom Kuniholm Architects. A key element of this home is its formal yet open and relaxed living that emphasizes seamless movement within and outside the home.

Ventana Construction

5958 California Ave., SW Seattle, WA 98136

Ventana Construction is an EPA-Lead Safe Certified professional that specializes in custom home building, home addition, and home remodeling. The firm’s accomplishments can be attributed to its reliance on an equal balance between quality construction and effective management. Staying true to this approach has been a constant inspiration for the company’s current principals. The company was founded by Clarence Higuera, a master carpenter with over 30 years of industry experience, and Anne Higuera, a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR). Together, the couple leads a team of seasoned professionals and craftsmen.

Many of Ventana Construction’s collaborations and their high-quality results helped them win several recognitions such as the 2010 Chrysalis Award, and the 2013 Westside Business of the Year. Most of the firm’s awards and press features recognize the company’s stunning remodeling projects and green home constructions. Its other accomplishments can be read on the pages of Seattle Times, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, and Professional Remodeler Magazine. Featured is one of the firm’s custom homes in Puget Sound designed by Robert Dlugosh and Kirsten Dumo. This 2015 home was built with comfort, functionality, and the environment in mind. It features a 4,100-square-foot spacious home with an open floor plan, and radiant heat and solar panels.

Mercer Builders

3026 78th Ave., SE Mercer Island, WA 98040

When Thom Schultz established Mercer Builders in 2006, his dream of combining the expertise of large companies with the overhead of boutique firms came to life. Schultz’s unique vision has helped develop an efficient approach that is characterized by a direct and hands-on project management style. Today, the firm is one of the largest in the region, with specializations in luxury residential construction and high-end remodeling.

Unlike other large construction companies, the firm runs its construction from the field, not from an office. That unique approach is made possible through highly-trained superintendents and a well-organized crew that handles every phase of the construction process. Many regional publications such as Gray Magazine, Luxe, and the Seattle Times Pacific NW Living Magazine have taken notice of the company’s impressive portfolio, highlighting notable projects such as the AIA-distinguished Mercer Island Residence—a modern haven that sits on a beautiful piece of land overlooking Lake Washington.

Charter Custom Homes

980 S Harney St., Seattle, WA 98108

With over 38 years in the industry, Charter Custom Homes has proven its expertise as a leading custom home builder in Seattle. The firm specializing in custom homes is under the management of LEED Accredited Professional, John Ellertson. His extensive background in architecture and construction has helped develop the firm’s detailed services. Ellertson is joined by a team of licensed experts with years of design and construction experience.

Charter Custom Homes has worked with various clients in the city working from simple home remodels to energy-efficient custom homes. This elegant custom home in Lake Washington is a perfect illustration of its expertise. This 6,500-square-foot modern home was seamlessly constructed in under 12 months. The team was faced with the challenge of working on a steep slope. Having worked all over the Pacific West, this gave the team an edge, and was able to work around the location and create a sustainable and remarkable home. The result is a stunning home with serene views of Lake Washington.

RW Anderson Homes

612 S Lucile St., Seattle, WA 98108

Cutting-edge construction and a passion for great service have built RW Anderson Homes’ reputation among clients and peers in the industry. Since its inception in 2000, Ryan Anderson and his team of seasoned builders have shown their capabilities in building high-caliber homes. Its team is well-versed in keeping homes functional and aesthetically pleasing. RW Anderson Homes’ process starts with an understanding of its clients. This allows the team to tailor-fit its construction process to meet the client’s demands. After the initial consultation, the firm handles all processes from preconstruction to moving in.

Traditional homes with a modern flair are a common sight in RW Anderson Homes’ portfolio. Take, for example, the Riviera Contemporary home overlooking Lake Washington. This lakehouse combines Northwest’s contemporary design with coastal elements. Aside from its sleek and modern details, the team also took inspiration from the owner’s love of rowing by creating an oar shape design above the front door. While the abundance of glass allows the homeowners to stay cozy indoors while marveling at the scenic views of the lake.

Carlisle Classic Homes

7353 15th Ave., NW Seattle, WA 98117

Carlisle Classic Homes is known for its efficient system that ensures clear and constant communication between builder and client. Since Rob Carlisle founded the company in 2002, he has proven how this method can help future homeowners take informed steps when it comes to decisions involved in home-building. Included in the firm’s customer-centered approach are weekly status meetings, email updates, and phone calls. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive Gantt chart that shows the most important milestones throughout the building process.

The team’s comprehensive building approach has been nationally recognized by different associations and publications. In 2020, Carlisle Classic Homes was named as one of the Best Small Businesses to work for in Seattle. In addition, its works have also been published in Remodeling Magazine, Seattle Magazine, and Seattle Business Magazine. Featured is one of the team’s notable Modern-Traditional custom homes. It displays a sleek and seamless design with a formal and sophisticated approach. The home is kept bright and inviting by muted hues of yellow, blue, red, and brown. The eclectic mix of muted tones works perfectly with its overall home architecture and coastal location.

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Best Custom Home Builders in Washington

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.