Waterloo is a fantastic place to live with a vibrant downtown, world-class attractions, and diverse housing market. Homeowners can make the most of it by working with the best custom home builders in Waterloo, Iowa. We have gathered a list of builders to help homeowners in the area find the right partner. We chose these builders for their skill, expertise, and reputation.
Fairbanks Builders
405 Spruce Hill Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Fairbanks Builders strives to build homes that will last a lifetime. The company is committed to quality projects that will serve the needs of homeowners as their lifestyles evolve over the decades. As a custom home builder, Fairbanks specializes in design, construction, remodeling, and project management. As a Better Business Bureau® accredited company, it aims to deliver quality projects while advocating for worker safety and community wellness.
Based in Cedar Falls, the company serves clients in Waterloo and the surrounding areas. It primarily builds single-family homes with Mid-century and Craftsman architecture. Its highly capable staff have National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Graduate Master Builder, NAHB Certified Green Professional, and NAHB Certified Aging-Place Specialist certifications.
Its projects include the Waterloo Yellowstone, a two-story home with coffee-color window frames, gray siding, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Designed with multi-generational living in mind, the home features a primary suite on each floor.
Owner and Design Expert Craig Fairbanks has decades of industry experience—he began learning about custom home design with his father. He is a member of the Remodeler’s Council of the NAHB. Craig also holds an NAHB CAPS Designation and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation.
Dream Homes Construction & Design
3315 W 1st St. Suite #202-U, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Dream Homes Construction & Design is a husband-and-wife team that builds exceptional and distinctive homes for a discerning clientele. The company specializes in new construction, general contracting, remodeling, and interior design for custom homes. It delivers superior service throughout the building process. From design through construction and beyond, Dream Homes is dedicated to exceeding clients’ expectations.
Its projects include a home with an all-black exterior with fiber cement siding, black windows, and doors giving this elevation a twist on the modern farmhouse. This striking home was built for living and entertaining; it has many unique features. The main level features two master suites, an office, laundry, and a large open concept living room and kitchen area. The fully finished basement provides a spacious family room with a wet bar and access to the patio; perfect for entertaining. This walk-out level also features three additional bedrooms, two bathrooms and a home gym, and a hydronic heating system. With just over 4200 square feet and an oversized four-stall garage, this home is spacious and flexible enough to grow with the family.
Owners Amina Begic and Esnad Begic established Dream Homes in the 2000s. Esnad is a general contractor with over ten years of experience in residential construction and project management. Amina has nine years of experience in real estate, residential construction, and home design. Dream Homes serves clients in Waterloo and the greater Cedar Valley area. Each home is tailored to the owner’s unique style and personality. Dream Homes primarily builds single-family homes and excels in Traditional, Modern, Ranch, and Prairie-style architecture.
Panther Builders
616 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Panther Builders is dedicated to “building exceptional homes.” Based in Cedar Falls, the company is known for intelligent homes with modern designs and clean interior finishes. Founded in 2014, Panther provides real estate and new construction services in Waterloo and the surrounding area. As a BBB-accredited company, it promotes fair labor practices and believes in protecting worker well-being.
The company primarily builds custom single-family homes. Its knowledge of Craftsman and Prairie-style architecture is unsurpassed. Panther also provides access to real estate listings for clients in search of move-in-ready homes.
Its listings include 2311 Andy Avenue, a custom-built home with Ranch-style architecture. The home offers 2,812 square feet of living space. With five bedrooms, an open layout, and a spacious driveway, the home is ideal for large or growing families.
Co-owner and Partner Brian Wingert has more than seven years of leadership experience, having joined the company in 2014. He is also a Realtor with home buying and selling experience. Brian studied marketing and business management at the University of Northern Iowa.
JSR Construction
409 Shirley Avenue, Elk Run Heights, IA 50707
JSR Construction Inc. is a family-owned business committed to quality workmanship and superior service. The company helps clients build their dream homes and bring their vision to life. The firm makes the building process easier and more enjoyable by going the extra mile for its clients. From floor plan design and blueprint creation to roofing and remodeling, JSR handles all aspects of home construction.
As a fully-licensed and insured contractor, it is one of the most trustworthy companies serving the Cedar Valley area. The company works evenings and weekends for clients’ convenience. As you’ll see if you read the firm’s excellent reviews, the company has a proven track record that puts clients at ease.
JSR specializes in medium to large-scale custom homes as well as additions, deck installations, and kitchen and bathroom remodels. Its portfolio includes some of the finest New Traditional, Modern, and Craftsman-style homes in the Waterloo area. These homes have clean finishes, timeless designs, and impeccable craftsmanship.
Owner Ben Rasanen established the company in 2010. With over 12 years of industry experience, Ben specializes in new construction, custom renovations, and restoration work.
Custom Builders, LLC
3510 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50703
Custom Builders takes pride in the quality and superior craftsmanship of its custom-built homes. As the leading home builder in Cedar Valley, the company is known for delivering projects on time and on budget. It is dedicated to building homes that enhance the communities in which they are built. The company achieves this through on-site supervision and meticulous attention to detail. It also ensures that the building process creates minimal disturbance to the surrounding neighborhood.
Aside from custom home building, Custom Builders is a premier residential developer and real estate firm serving clients in Waterloo and the surrounding areas. While its main service is custom home building, it also offers a variety of ready-to-make floor plans to meet client needs.
Since its founding in 2015, the company has developed a robust portfolio of Craftsman and New Traditional-style homes in the Waterloo area. These homes include The Piper, a five-bedroom home with a covered porch and attached three-stall garage. It features a spacious family room, a modern kitchen, and a finished basement. The property offers 2,274 square feet of living space.
Founders BJ Collins and Chris and Tony Fischels have diverse backgrounds in residential construction and real estate. Chris serves as managing director; BJ Collins serves as a director of construction.
