Vancouver, Washington is ranked among the 100 best places to live in the country. Despite being in another state, this Washington area is considered the largest suburb of Portland, with a population count of around 184,000. Although it has a small-town atmosphere with a tight community, it has also become a modern hub with a plethora of recreational activities: food parks, brunch spots, hiking trails, museums, and the like. No state income tax and affordable housing are more of the city’s perks: the minimum price of starter homes cost less than a million dollars.
The list below features some of the best custom home builders in the region. If you’re interested in setting root in the homey bustle of Vancouver, this list is for you. These firms were selected through an extensive research process that factored in criteria such as each company’s history, portfolio quality, client reviews, awards and accreditations, and more.
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. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Vancouver, check out our cost guide article.
A.C.T. Builders
1811 Main St. 206, Vancouver, WA 98660
ACT Builders is a name synonymous with quality construction and customer service. It specializes in custom home building, home remodeling, home additions, and commercial construction. The full-service firm is one of the most trusted home builders not only in Vancouver but also in Woodland, Southwest Washington, and the Portland Metro area. Its team’s ability to connect and forge relationships has led to a long list of clients of industry partners in the public and private sectors. To date, ACT has a portfolio that includes residential projects, indoor pools, call centers, manufacturing facilities, and shooting ranges.
The father and son team of co-owners Charlie and Aaron Marvin spearhead the operations of the company. Charlie is a seasoned professional who started in the industry over 40 years ago. Prior to the inception of ACT in 2004, he was owner of another construction firm in Southern California and foreman for million-dollar residential projects. Second generation builder Aaron was exposed to the construction field at a young age, so his foray into the industry became an organic career path. He has a background in business administration, social sciences, and economics, which serve as vital facets of his business development proceedings for the firm.
Affinity Homes
1111 Main St. Ste. 109, Vancouver, WA 98660
Affinity Homes is known for crafting custom houses that accurately match the owner’s style and vision. Committed to providing a superior client experience with an unwavering dedication to creating unique home designs, they pride themselves on working within each client’s budget with full transparency of costs. A mastered skill that redefines quality and showcases versatility within the field.
This builder’s remarkable track record has earned them several accolades from industry leaders, including five People’s Choice Awards in the 2019 NW Natural Parade of Homes and 12 Building Industry Association (BIA) awards in 2019 and 2020, three being Presidents Awards for Excellence in Vision, Builder of the Year, and Volunteers of the Year.
Led by co-founders John Colgate III and Charles W. Neibert, Affinity Homes offers over 20 years of combined custom home building experience, working with thousands of clients. This experience, coupled with their comprehensive industry knowledge, has enabled them to create a streamlined approach to the home building process.
As industry leaders and active members of the Building Industry Association, John and Charles both serve on local BIA boards. Charles currently serves as Builder Director for the BIA Board of Directors, and John holds the Chairperson’s seat for the NW Natural New Homes Tour. Affinity Homes will appear in two 2021 home tours, the NW Natural Summer New Homes Tour in June and the NW Natural Parade of Homes in September.
Axiom Luxury Homes
2370 E. 3rd Loop, Vancouver, WA 98661
Axiom Luxury Homes is a full-service builder with high construction savvy and meticulous attention to detail. These traits are showcased in its gallery of residential properties which include upscale single-family houses and condominium suites for the Kirkland Tower at the Vancouver Waterfront. Three factors considered in every home building project include the client’s style, budget, and preference. Houses are personalized to suit the owner’s individual needs, so each project comes unique in terms of function and aesthetic. The Overlook project featured is a perfect example of the company’s strong craftsmanship and eye for style. Besides these traits, the firm is also known for its Green building. Owner Scott Benedetti is a certified professional of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and a member of the Earth Advantage, an organization dedicated to making sustainable homes for everyone.
Honesty and integrity bolster the firm’s construction prowess. These are reflected through The Ultimate Open Book Policy, a business approach that offers full transparency in all aspects of the job. Clients are provided with access to supplier and subcontractor bids, budgets and estimates, and discounts and rebates, and receive transaction breakdowns every month. Through the in-house system, owners are assured that the agreed-upon budget stays the same and no surprise costs will pop up anytime soon.
Craig Barton Homes
4110 N.W. Spruce St., Vancouver, WA 98684
Craig Barton Homes is distinguished throughout Clark County for its home building expertise and quality customer service. Its core specialties include custom home construction, general contracting, new building, additions, renovations, and remodeling of kitchens, baths, bedrooms, and basements. The company is owned by eponymous Craig Barton, an industry stalwart with over 30 years of experience in the field. He established the firm to provide residential construction services based on quality, attention to detail, and competitive pricing, a goal that stays true even to this day. Aside from building, Craig is also proficient in selling high-end homes across the county.
The Modern Riverfront residence is a custom luxury home constructed by the Craig Barton team. Located in Vancouver, the project was completed during the summer of 2017 and features a posh living area, a kitchen, a personal office, four bedrooms, and three baths. Its outdoor yard features an infinity pool and a private dock, which is ideal for social gatherings with family and friends. Tall windows all around the house provide natural light during the day as well as scenic views of the Northwest, particularly the Columbia River. The property also has energy-efficient properties that provide cleaner energy and promote environmentally-responsible living.
Doriot Construction
7208 N.E. Hazel Dell Avenue Suite C, Vancouver, WA 98665
Doriot Construction’s operations are tethered to values of collaboration, excellence, and integrity. The staff forms smooth working relationships with clients and industry specialists, which leads to repeat clients and referrals as well as professional partnerships with subcontractors, artisans, and tradespeople that last for years. In order to produce long-lasting structures, the firm uses top-grade materials and modern techniques in building, complemented by transparent and honest management that yields quality results.
Tracy Doriot is the owner and managing partner of the firm. He is a seasoned professional with 44 years of industry experience and is equally committed to positive construction advocacy as he is with building quality. Tracy is a member of the two legs of the Building Industry Association, served as a 2-term president of the Clark County chapter and is the Executive Board of the state division. He is also the current president of the BIA of Washington. Furthermore, he is serving as the chair for both Cascadia Academy’s Construction Technology Board and Locks Save Lives, as well as a board member of the Clark County Parks Foundation.
The firm’s main services include custom luxury home builds, large scale additions, and total home refresh. Its exceptional work has received numerous accolades from high-profile organizations within the state. These awards include the Best Custom Home over $1 million from the BIA’s Building Excellence Awards in 2019 and the Best in Show, People’s Choice, Best Architecture, Best Master Suite, and Best Kitchen Awards, all from the 2018 Parade of Homes.
Gecho Homes
5107 N.E. 81st Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662
Gecho Homes is a Vancouver-based firm with a strong commitment to high-quality construction. The company’s forte lies in custom home building, with a service area that spans Southwest Washington, Seattle, and Portland. Its client-driven approach integrates customer input through a seamless collaborative process that allows smooth back and forth between the owner and the team. To date, the company has completed over 400 homes in the region that range from contemporary manors to quaint abodes. Its standout work has earned many commendations in third-party sites, most of which praise the firm’s proficiency and efficiency in the field.
Peter Gecho founded the company in 1991 and currently serves as its president. His resume includes over 25 years as a custom luxury home builder and 11 years as a realtor. The high caliber of his work, coupled with his creative eye for detail, earned him a status as one of the most prominent residential contractors in Southwest Washington. Another important personnel is his wife Rachel Gecho, a seasoned professional with vast expertise in the residential property market. She is a top real estate agent for Keller Williams Luxury International Realty who consistently offers goal-driven solutions and personal attention in order to help clients find their dream homes.
Glavin Homes
415 E. Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver WA 98660
Glavin Homes made a mark in Vancouver’s residential landscape through stunning homes constructed with green building disciplines. This provides cleaner energy, lower electricity bills, and long-lasting durability thanks to locally-sourced materials used in every project. Niall Glavin, the owner of the firm, is a proponent of sustainable building and uses environmentally-responsible, energy-efficient methods in home construction. He spent his formative years around the construction field and, influenced by his father, eventually pursued the industry as a career choice. Glavin currently has over 15 years of experience in the profession and serves as a member of the green building council of the local Home Builders Association (HBA).
Founded in 2007, the family-operated business consistently crafts top-notch projects that fit the owner’s vision and style. The practice is certified by Energy Star and one of only two home builders certified by the National Green Building Standards (NGBS) in Vancouver. The former recently awarded the company with the NGBS Green Partner of Excellence Award for its outstanding work in the field. One of the firm’s greatest strengths, aside from construction, is its ability to provide prompt and professional customer service. As a locally-owned business, it is also well-attuned to the needs of the community, which adds a personal touch to its building services.
Jack Harroun Construction
312 W. 37th St., Vancouver, WA 98660
Jack Harroun Construction, also known as Hough Renovation Group, is acclaimed for its comprehensive approach to construction and design. Located in Vancouver, the design-build practice caters to clients in the residential and commercial markets through a full-service range that includes design, building, remodels, and commercial services.
Eponymous owner Jack Harroun and his wife Dana spearhead the operations of the firm. Jack carries a diverse portfolio filled with a wide variety of residential styles that range from Dutch Colonial estates and Bungalows to Modern Farmhouses and Vintage Industrial homes. He spent the seminal years of his career framing custom homes in the area and eventually dabbled in the construction of high-rise buildings, becoming a well-rounded builder in the process. He met Dana in 2006, herself a creative expert whose sophisticated style fuels the design aspects of the company. The two went on and started a business focused on whole restorations of historic houses. Their combined expertise, commitment to quality, and meticulous attention to detail serve as the company’s backbone event to this day. Under their leadership, the company has become a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), NAHB Remodelers, BIA, and BIA Remodelers, and a Lead-Safe Certified Firm by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Karlsen Building
9704 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98662
Karlsen Building earned its status as one of the most sought out firms in Vancouver for its personal approach to quality construction. The company is well-versed in crafting projects that perfectly match the owner’s specifications, thus bringing dream homes to life. Its expertise in residential building is backed by reviews from former clients, who attest to its strong workmanship, smooth project management, and upstanding service. The custom home builder is known for building projects efficiently while providing owners with a positive experience from start to finish. This is achieved through a number of factors such as a highly organized job site, a professional roster of seasoned craftspeople, hands-on supervision of the job site, and acquiring the best prices through prompt transactions with suppliers and subcontractors. All of these guarantee top-quality results delivered on-time and within budget.
The company serves all of Southern Washington including the Long Beach Peninsula. Owner Paul Karlsen, a native of the Northwest, is an esteemed general contractor since 1982. His handiwork in residential projects ensures function and aesthetic appeal, plus high property value. Karlsen’s body of work includes Craftsman homes, beach houses, multifamily residences, interior design, and specialty projects. Aside from building, his firm also offers pre-designed floor plans for single and two-story homes.
Modern Home Design+Build
6610 N.W. Dogwood Dr., Vancouver, WA 98685
Modern Home Design and Build earned prominence for its distinct signature style—custom homes that exude Mid-century modern style. The studio combines contemporary technology with the airy aesthetic of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s architecture. Cleaner lines and sleek colors are integral elements of its work, which yields stunning and sophisticated results. Openness is a quality that’s evident in its homes, achieved through the use of large windows and wide interior spaces. Though it stands out as a specialized builder, it shares other companies’ penchant for quality work and client-driven service.
Seasoned designer and builder John Taylor heads the practice as its principal. Taylor is an all-around expert whose comprehensive skill set includes staging, engineering, construction, and design. His passion for his craft was sparked after flipping his first California home, which developed a desire to “push the limits of art and design”. Projects completed by the industry stalwart were crafted to match the owner’s taste and showcase equal parts beauty and function. Aside from homes, he also works on personal art pieces and sculptures in select residential spaces. He only works on a limited number of projects annually, which allows him to focus his creative energy and perform at an optimal level.
Precision Homes & Remodeling
9655 S.W. Sunshine Ct. #700, Beaverton, OR 97005
Precision Homes and Remodeling is a full-service firm that specializes in new construction, remodeling, and home additions. Considered as one of the top design-build firms in Portland, it is a one-stop-shop for residential improvement services, perfect for owners who require ground-up builds and long-time residents looking to renovate old houses. Through a streamlined and collaborative process, clients are kept in the loop from the design phase until the post-construction touches, which opens room for owner input.
Ron Hayes, the company’s president, runs the operations based on honesty, integrity, and family values. He leads a team of skilled specialists who share a quality-focused mindset. Each craftsperson is dedicated not only to creating exceptional spaces but also to providing efficient project management and upstanding client service. To date, they’ve completed a versatile portfolio of custom homes, kitchens, baths, and whole-house remodels that have earned rave reviews in third-party sites for their strong craftsmanship and detail-oriented design. Owners can rest assured that projects meet the industry’s standards and are completed within the set timeline and budget.
The Oregon-based company is a member of the NAHB and the HBA Metro Portland. It serves Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Vancouver, Portland, and Milwaukie, as well as adjacent communities located in Washington.
Pyramid Homes
10013 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave. #510, Vancouver, WA 98685
Pyramid Homes Inc. is noted for its dedication to energy-efficient green building and proficient work towards a better future. As a certified partner of Energy Star, the firm is an expert in environmentally-responsible methods that minimize electricity costs and provide a cleaner and healthier living environment. Its commitment to sustainability, function, and style are reflected in its vast portfolio of houses, all designed and built by specialists who sculpt projects based on the owner’s lifestyle, accessibility, and personal taste.
The company made a mark in the design-build landscape through innovative construction and a collaborative process between staff and clients. Mark Bush’s leadership shaped its reputation as an honest builder with a skilled crew of certified professionals who share the same mindset. His team is filled with quality-driven experts who are committed to upstanding service, so each project is completed strictly within the agreed-upon schedule and with full transparency. Former clients have praised the team for their strong workmanship and the positive environment provided in the field.
The builder’s ability to meet both the industry standards and the homeowner’s approval made it one of the most trusted builders in the Vancouver region. To date, the NAHB-accredited company has completed over 500 homes across over 25 years, mostly Craftsman-style abodes in suburban communities.
Quail Homes
4501 N.E. Minnehaha Street #200, Vancouver, WA 98661
Quail Homes has earned commendations not only for its exceptional homes but also for the promptness and professionalism of its experts. Owner Jon Girod has served as the company’s leader for 31 years, his firm’s longevity attributed to its client-driven process that prioritizes high-quality building and strong customer service. Girod’s team of in-house seasoned professionals and trade partners operate like a well-oiled machine to ensure that optimal results are completed on-time and on-budget. This collaborative approach has led to a steady number of repeat clients over the years, a testament to the firm’s ability to forge strong interpersonal bonds.
The featured estate is a residential project located in Vancouver, masterfully crafted to reflect the landscape’s aesthetic style and structure. The firm customizes every home to the owner’s lifestyle and preference, infused with modern elements that are complemented with a long-lasting aesthetic. Each project is built with a focus on quality and attention to detail, and owners are guided from the planning phase until the post-construction touches, keeping them updated throughout the entire process. The firm’s strong handiwork has earned awards from the 2019 BIA President’s Award and the 2019 BIA Industry Advocate Award.
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.
