The United States has a rich history and heritage reflected in the number of historic homes across the country. Home styles from the Colonial period to more recent eras require strong skills and thorough knowledge of historical architecture for restoration.
In restoring historic homes, contractors are dutifully assigned with a task to maintain the integrity of the homes while updating features for contemporary living standards. Contractors that are experienced in this field are supervised by well-entrenched historical residential organizations. A number of these firms are also recognized with historical restoration awards and subsequent design awards.
This list features 50 of the country’s best historical restoration contractors. To come up with this list, our editorial team gathered a list of contractors. We assessed each firm using a set of criteria that measures work history, capacity, and overall quality of work.
If you are thinking about doing a historical restoration, 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.
Advance Design Studio, Ltd.
30 Railroad St., Gilberts, IL 60136
Led by the Jurs family in the small farming community of Gilberts, Advance Design Studio offers a no-nonsense approach to construction, renovation, and historic preservation. In 1992, Master Carpenter Todd Jurs founded Advance Builders, Inc., a residential remodeling and customer home building business just northwest of Chicago.
A decade later, Todd’s wife Christine, who holds a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in architecture and interior design, joined the company. With their combined specialties, the business evolved into Advance Design Studio in 2002.
The firm abides by its “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, a five-step process that emphasizes the logical and methodical nature of remodeling. This method enables customers to become fully acquainted with the firm and its team to ensure their visions are fully realized.
Advance Design Studio has an award-winning portfolio in remodeling, restoration, and construction. The firm garnered the Chrysalis Regional Historical award in 2019 and GuildMaster Awards from 2015 to 2020.
One of the firm’s most impressive projects is the 1891 Victorian Home renovation project. The Chrysalis Award-winning project balances the sensitivity of old and the functionality of the contemporary. The firm preserved the original aesthetic of the home by using a delicate porcelain backdrop and veined granite countertops. The project includes custom cabinetry and vintage range and oven by Heartland to complete the timeless appeal of the home.
Allen Construction
963 E Main St., Ventura, CA 93001
Founded in 1983 by Dennis Allen, his namesake firm creates sustainable, high-quality, and health-conscious homes throughout Santa Barbara. The firm operates with the core values of relationship building, confidence, conscious learning, and do-what-you-say attitude.
These values continue to result in major awards including 2020’s Best of Santa Barbara Award, 2020 Central Coast Green Building Council (CCGBC) Green Homes Honor Award and Green Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, the Santa Barbara Beautiful Golden Leaf Award, the 2017 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) National Historical Award, to name a few. Last year, the firm was ranked No. 19 by Remodeling 550, and it has been featured in Pacific Coast Business Times.
The firm’s portfolio is a result of nearly four decades of detail-oriented workmanship and close customer relationships. The featured project is a renovation of the 1920s-era home that won the 2017 NARI National Contractor of the Year Award for Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and Over. The Spanish Revival home is considered a landmark in the neighborhood due to its unique stature and irreplaceable history. Allen Construction took the challenge and gave the home a much-needed update without losing its appeal and history.
Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.
7913 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John, MD 20818
The duo of Anthony and Elizabeth Wilder represents the leadership of the namesake firm Anthony Wilder Design/Build. The full-service firm specializes in architecture, interior design, and custom homes, serving the Washington D.C. Metropolitan and tri-state area.
Anthony is a seasoned construction professional and Elizabeth is a graduate of North Texas State University’s computer science program. The tandem’s close ties with D.C. Metro neighborhoods ensure a personal approach to projects. The firm has been featured in The Washington Post on several occasions during the last two years. It has also received major awards from NARI and National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).
The firm’s portfolio includes a farmhouse home built in the 1800s. The home has a balance of museum-quality history and home-like comfort. The firm updated the technical qualities of the home by revamping the timber framing and connecting the original structure to a two-story addition. The project earned the firm a long list of awards including the coveted Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration for $250,000 and Over by NARI.
Avenue B Development, LLC
824 W 10th St. Suite #100 Austin, TX 78701
Raised by a family of builders and tradesmen, Daniel Kennedy is no stranger to the construction industry. His background and upbringing give the firm an unmatched insight into the city’s building scene.
Daniel and his team of professionals have a strong understanding of Austin’s housing market and the necessity of great workmanship to maximize each project’s value. The firm acts as a realtor, architect, and designer simultaneously. Its versatility has gained the attention of local publications and HGTV Magazine. Avenue B Development also sports an award-winning portfolio.
The 1927 Craftsman home represents one of the firm’s most promising projects. This Hyde Park project modernizes the 1,200 square-foot bungalow by providing a second-story addition and a master suite. The firm garnered the Chrysalis 2015 National Award for Residential Historic Renovation and various NARI national and regional awards for this home.
Baxter Construction
31 W Broad St. Suite B, Hopewell, NJ 08525
With nearly four decades in the construction industry, Baxter Construction has provided highly detailed and technical projects across New Jersey. The firm gained local popularity because of its value for integrity and superior craftsmanship.
Baxter Construction follows a methodical approach to each project to deliver the best solution and finished product. The firm was founded by Jim Baxter, a lifelong Princeton resident and well-known figure in the community, serving as the company’s president. He renders volunteer efforts with the Historical Society of Princeton and Morven Museum and Garden, among other organizations. He oversees the company operations and its relationships with the local communities in New Jersey.
The firm’s trophy case includes the Chrysalis Historical Preservation Award, New Jersey Historic Preservation Award, and The Princeton Historic Preservation Award. The Baxter portfolio possesses a wide range of robust projects including the 2017 Chrysalis Residential Historic Renovation award-winning home built in 1797.
BDS Design Build Remodel
14052 W Petronella Dr. Suite #103, Libertyville, IL 60048
A family-owned business based North of Chicago, BDS Design Build Remodel team of professionals is seasoned in home remodeling and additions. The firm understands that residential projects are more than bricks and beams, they are places where memories are built. Through this principle, the firm carefully conducts its operations throughout Chi Town’s North Shore.
Bryan Slowick, an alumnus of Roger Williams University, takes charge of the company operations. Under his leadership, the firm won an array of awards including Chrysalis Awards for Whole House Remodel and Residential Historic Renovation in 2017, as well as Glencoe Historic Preservation Awards. The firm has also hit the pages of This Old House magazine and Chicago Home Magazine in its 2017 Remodeling Big 50 list.
BDS Design Build Remodel’s project in Libertyville testifies how the firm won the hearts of Chicago locals. The project’s scope includes remodeling the entire home and giving it a modern look. This project earned the firm a Chrysalis award.
Buck O’Neill Builders
1250 Missouri St. Suite #102, San Francisco, CA 94107
California-based Buck O’Neill Builders is known for offering high-quality development ideas performed with tight customer relations and skilled workmanship. The eponymous Buck O’Neill founded the firm in 2004, leveraging his experience in construction management. He has been in the industry since 1995, working on high-end residential and boutique commercial projects in San Francisco. O’Neill’s work experience gave him a strong drive and goal to provide the highest quality possible in every project. One of the core tenants of the firm’s operations is its environmentally-conscious nature. Most of the firm’s staff are certified Green Building Professionals with BuildItGreen, and several more have LEED Green Associate certifications.
Projects handled by Buck O’Neill have been featured in major design publications including Dezeen architecture and design magazine, gb&d, ArchDaily architect magazine, and Architizer magazine. The Dolores Heights home, renovated by the firm, includes several historical renovation aspects. The firm utilized many of the home’s handmade detailings to preserve the historical appeal.
Classic Homeworks
3430 E 12th Ave., Denver, CO 80206
Denver-based Classic Homeworks is a full-service general contractor offering a wide range of construction services from conception to completion. The firm launched in 1985 and underwent new management in 2005 by Kelli Cost, who has extensive experience in corporate architecture. Her experience prompted her drive to provide better remodeling experiences through integrity and quality service. The firm has numerous awards including the NARI Historical Renovation Awards, Colorado Awards for Remodeling Excellence, and the Remodeling 550 list.
Classic Homeworks is experienced in restoring complex home styles such as bungalow, Tudors, Victorian, farmhouses, and mid-century. The firm has completed a variety of residential projects, including the featured 1907 Denver Highlands house, which has been modernized for contemporary times.
Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers
3505 W Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
Dave Fox is a design-build company based in Central Ohio. In business since 1982, the firm has provided quality remodeling and renovation services with well-oiled company operations. Dave Fox is an employee-owned firm with a strong company reputation as a trusted local brand in remodeling. Through the decades, the firm has been recognized by major awards in the industry, including NARI Contractor of the Year Award every year since 1986.
Gary Demos and his team of seasoned professionals make amazing homes such as the 1900-era home in Worthington, winning NARI’s 2016 Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration for $250,000 and Over. The firm worked painstakingly to retain the charm and character of the home.
For more information, you may visit their website here.
Davitt Design/Build, Inc.
4 Frank Ave. Suite A1, W Kingston, RI 02892
A pioneer of the design-build industry in the southern New England area, Davitt is a New England-based firm offering award-winning services backed with 24/7 customer support and insurance. The firm understands the area’s complex and competitive residential market, which is why it puts great emphasis on top-notch design and workmanship. From the start, the firm envisions itself as a provider of seamless design-build experience. Matt Davitt, founder of the firm, is a Certified Master Builder. He led the firm in award-winning projects, such as NARI Historical awards on the national level.
The firm’s portfolio includes coastal and luxury homes and timeless historical renovations. The featured Turquoise house represents a significant restoration project by the firm, earning it a NARI National award.
DD Ford Construction
303 Palm Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
With a signature attention to service and construction detailing, DD Ford Construction has built a name for itself within the Santa Barbara Construction market. The firm was originally founded by Doug Ford, an industrial arts fine woodworking alumnus of California State Long Beach University. Ryan Prahm and Blair Edwards have succeeded the company’s founder, and partnered in 2012 to continue the company’s legacy of success. Ryan and Blair now lead a team of individuals skilled in both professional and interpersonal aspects of the job. DD Ford’s strong passion for the construction industry and exceptional design, has resulted in several major National awards, including the Chrysalis Historical Renovations Awards, Remodeling Magazine’s Best Of Award, and the Santa Barbara Contractor Association’s Builder of the Year Award.
The firm’s portfolio includes several historic restorations, including this highlighted Valley Club Mid-century Home, originally designed by Lutah Maria-Riggs. DD Ford worked hand-in-hand with the Brown Design Group to restore this home and adapt it to modern day living. The home has a unique appeal because of its relevance in recent history, leaning toward a mid-century aesthetic.
Dewson Construction
9 Jefferson Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
Dewson Construction is a premier customer home builder and home renovator serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Its mission is to provide “excellent customer service and craftsmanship for every client, every project, every time.”
Owner and President Tim Dewson is a 30-year veteran of the construction and building industry. His meticulousness covers a wide aspect of the business from design to value engineering. His lengthy experience in the field is matched with keen attention to detail and established customer relations.
The firm has a reputation for completing projects on time and within budget. Its team of experts work alongside customers at every phase of a job to ensure their dream project exceeds their expectations. Named on the Remodeling Big50 list, Dewson Construction’s Historic Renovation project in Greenville, DE, was cited as being one of the largest restoration projects on the list.
DPS Construction Corp.
4412 Monroe Rd. Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28205
Founded in 2007, DPS Construction Corporation is an award-winning construction firm known to use the principles of architecture, sustainability, and modern technology. The family-owned firm possesses more than 60 years of combined experience in residential construction and remodeling. It holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau of Charlotte, a testament of its quality of work and customer satisfaction.
Founder Steve Sebrell has lived in Charlotte for decades, which provides an unobstructed view of the city’s residential market. Sebrell is a NARI 2017 Hope Award Winner, and he led the firm in winning major awards including several NARI Contractor of the Year awards in numerous categories. In the featured project, the firm renovated two bedrooms and added a master suite and screened porch on the main level.
Finish Line Building
6295 Maxtown Rd. Suite #300, Westerville, OH 43082
As the name infers, Finish Line Building takes every project over the finish line. Since 2000, the firm has provided the best solutions across central Ohio. The firm is a full-service design-build company led by a team of seasoned professionals.
Andy Hrynkow and Dan Custer built the firm with a passion for the craft. Hyrnkow began his career in construction during college. He has more than 25 years of industry experience. Custer went to the University of Cincinnati Architecture. Custer has a natural sense of three-dimensional design.
The featured farmhouse restoration project in the photo is one of the most complex projects in the firm’s portfolio. The project won 2017-Local, 2018-Regional, and 2018-National Winner for Residential Historical Renovation.
Glass Construction
3307 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20008
Tom Glass, a historic preservation expert, has been in the industry for more than 30 years. His namesake firm focuses on architect-designed home renovation projects. Glass also specializes in historic restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse. The firm serves the D.C. Metropolitan area. Glass Construction gained attention when a full-scale article was written by The Washington Post about Tom Glass and his journey. Decades of experience and instinctive skill elevated the bar of the local historical restoration scene.
The firm is committed to finding value in old homes, which entails finishing projects to an optimal budget. The featured Georgetown home is a restoration project in collaboration with Architect Richard Foster. The home has a vertical layout that was common in the period. The project showcases the firm’s sensibility and passion for restoring historical.
Golden-Eye Construction
1 Schoolhouse hill Road Glenwood landing, NY 11547
Winner of the 2019 NARI Contractor of the Year award and 2020 Regional Historical award, Golden-Eye Construction is a New York-based, full-service design firm specializing in offering the best craftsmanship. The firm was built on the values of honesty, integrity, work ethic, and respect. Golden-Eye has developed a strong following locally because of its superior services. President Michael Emmert takes charge in the firm’s operations, combining unwavering services with its signature values.
Golden-Eye’s historical restoration portfolio consists of projects with strong respect for tradition and heritage. The Craftsman home, for instance, validates the firm’s work ethic and diligence. The home has a light yellow exterior that perfectly matches the historic nature of the property.
Haven Design and Construction
P.O. Box 701665, San Antonio, TX 78270
The husband-and-wife duo of Armando and Jana Valdez takes the center stage for Haven Design and Construction. The firm provides top-tier construction services throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas. Armando acts as the custom home builder and remodeler, while Jana serves as principal interior designer, with a degree from Georgia Southern University.
The firm has garnered NARI Contractor of the Year Awards, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Legacy of Design Awards, and other major industry awards. The 1902 kitchen renovation represents one of the firm’s top-notch works. The project won the 2020 Regional CotY Award for Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration Under $250,000.
Hopedale Builders
925 Magnolia Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203-5751
Since 1997, Hopedale Builders has built a reputation for its stellar custom construction projects. The firm offers a wide variety of services from kitchen and bathroom remodels to outdoor home improvement. Hopedale Builders’ business model relies on its close ties with local architects, designers, and engineers.
Company Principal Brett Taylor has an unusual start to construction, having studied history at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He founded Hopedale with this unique perspective and training to complete historical restoration projects.
The firm won several NARI Contractor of the Year awards including the 2019 Residential Historical Renovation Under $250,000. The Hopedale portfolio includes a variety of interesting projects such as a Federal Colonial home, earning several awards for the firm.
Integro Builders, LLC
5312 S Cornell Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60615
Integro Builders is a custom home builder specializing in custom residential work and commercial interiors. The firm offers an array of full-service general contracting throughout Chicago and southwestern Michigan. The firm has a savvy understanding of the local construction industry and the residential market. Allyson Case Anderson is the Founder and CEO. She also serves as the Vice President for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Greaterland Chicago, and is a Council Member for the Urban Land Institute.
The firm’s array of projects include a Beaux-Arts Classic restoration, originally designed by the late legendary architect Robert Seeley De Golyer. The project follows the vintage appeal of the condo and the architectural heritage where De Golyer trained in Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
Jackson & LeRoy Remodeling
4980 S Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Established in 1998, Jackson and LeRoy Remodeling is a home-remodeling specialist known for providing personalized work for discerning clients across the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
Founders Jeremy Jackson and Brandon LeRoy met in their framing class at Brigham Young University and later decided to build a business together. The firm’s mission is to provide better services to the local market. This client-first mantra has earned the 2016 Chrysalis Historical awards in different categories, as well as features in Poetry of Place: The New Architecture and Interiors of McAlpine, Qualified Remodeler Magazine, and Remodeling Magazine.
The full-home remodel of a 1948 Salt Lake City home is one of the firm’s most prominent works. To refresh the project, the firm incorporates environmentally conscious features. The project won the Chrysalis Award 2011 Best Whole House Remodel National Award. Another noteworthy remodeling work is the Tudor remodel in Salt Lake City. As seen in the photos, the home retains the glorious Tudor silhouette while using modern design changes at the base of the project.
Jackson Design & Remodeling
4797 Mercury St., San Diego, CA 92111
Since 1989, Jackson Design & Remodeling has completed more than 1,000 remodeling projects throughout San Diego, known as America’s Finest City. The firm’s portfolio includes high-caliber projects done in various home styles such as Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, and Bungalow.
Todd Jackson, the firm’s president and CEO, understands the need to build long-term relationships and lasting projects. As a result, the firm has received several major awards including the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics six consecutive times, the 2019 Chrysalis Regional Historic Award, and the 2019 NARI Whole Home Remodel Award.
The featured 1928 eclectic Mediterranean home renovation has an Old Hollywood look and feel. The project included extensive renovations while preserving the classic appeal of the home.
John Kraemer and Sons
4906 Lincoln Dr., Edina, MN 55436
John Kraemer and Sons is a family-owned enterprise building and remodeling homes since 1978. Known as Minnesota’s only four-time builder-of-the-year award winner, the firm has an operational focus on luxury homes with experiences in large estate home construction, empty-nester homes, lake cabins, and a variety of other major renovations. The firm operates on an open-book basis, allowing full transparency with its customers and partners.
The firm’s president, Gary Kraemer, co-founded the company with his father John. Gary has more than 40 years of industry experience, earning a coveted Certified Graduate Builder designation. Only one other builder in the State of Minnesota, and only approximately 500 builders nationwide, have earned this prestigious designation.
The firm’s award-winning portfolio consists of projects that reflect clients’ unique lifestyles and preferences. The firm contributed to the restoration of this 1929 French-Burgundy Tudor house, adding custom mahogany doors, marble countertops, and updated fixtures.
Jones Pierce Studios
400 Plasters Ave. NE Suite #225, Atlanta, GA 30324
The triad of Bryan Jones, Cooper Pierce, and Jason Moss completes the Jones Pierce Studios leadership. The firm is a residential, commercial, and client-representation specialist serving the Greater Atlanta area. The firm, known for its problem-solving architecture and passionate design expertise, operates with ten principles: listening, viability, design consciousness, planning for change, project stewardship, teamwork, reality check, the need for speed, information sharing, and enjoying the journey.
Jones handles the residential studio division, Pierce takes charge of the commercial studio, and Moss leads the historic preservation and adaptive reuse studio.
As a result of its personalized works, the firm has garnered awards including the Chrysalis Historical award in 2016. Looking at Jones Pierce Studios’ portfolio is a treat because of its versatile range. The featured photo is a Morningside neighborhood residence that has been completely overhauled by the firm.
JW Construction Inc.
12 Garfield Cir., Burlington, MA 01803
Since 1993, JW Construction has earned a reputation as a customer-first business. Jon Wardwell founded the firm, operating as a small company with a modest number of employees.
Wardwell follows a philosophy of getting the job done seamlessly and frictionless. This principle created a strong local following in the Greater Boston and New England areas, as well as recognition from relevant organizations. JW bagged national and regional awards from NARI, and historical renovation awards from the Lexington Historical Society.
As featured in Luxe Interiors & Design Magazine, JW Construction projects are both luxurious and functional. One of the firm’s most well-known projects is a 1890 Queen Anne style home. The firm preserved the legendary home style by carefully restoring every molding and detail of the home from the basement to the third floor.
KCH Contracting LLC
2470 Plainfield Ave., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
KCH Contracting is a home-remodeling company offering remodeling, custom home construction, and design-build services throughout Union County and surrounding neighborhoods. Possessing a strong alignment with the local community, the company was established to provide Union County with localized construction services. KCH makes affordability a priority, regardless of the size or scope of the project. The firm has an in-house millwork, taking customization a step further.
Owner David Hagan steers the company in project execution services from structural civil engineering to remodeling. Hagan and his team work on a variety of projects including top-tier renovations and remodeling jobs. The 1873 Italianate-style home is a prime example of the firm’s work. This NARI national award-winning project was renovated using reclaimed wood and contemporary materials.
Kohlmark Group
5206-B Rolling Rd., Burke, VA 22015
Mark Kohler, president of Kohlmark Group, is a distinguished member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Metro D.C. NARI Board of Directors. His leadership resulted in various awards including NARI Contractor of the Year awards and historic-renovation awards.
Kohler acquired his architecture degree from Virginia Tech. The firm has a strict adherence to team values, which enables it to uphold a streamlined process that results in award-winning projects.
The Clifton Farmhouse project in the featured photo is a great example of the firm’s capacity. The home was given an update by Kohlmark by adding contemporary details to the work. The project has four sections spread evenly across three shingle structures and a barn. The home’s unconventional structure and detailing make a case for historic renovations with more creative licensing.
Landis Architects/Builders
7059 Blair Rd. NW Suite #300, Washington, D.C. 20012
Landis Architects/Builders is a design-build firm operating with more than 30 years of experience. The firm has an astonishing 40 percent repeat-client and referral rate.
Landis makes a case for design-build delivery. Instead of hiring an architect and a contractor separately, hiring a design-build firm makes the job frictionless and more seamless. Landis has operated throughout the Washington Metropolitan area since 1990, which gives the firm a potent understanding of the D.C. housing market and its emphasis on historical home styles.
The 1950s-era two-story home in the photo is a historic Capitol Hill estate refurbished by the firm. The firm provided lighting design solutions along with the complete interior remodel of the home.
Leff Construction
6791 Sebastopol Ave. Suite #140, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Leff Construction is an award-winning remodeling firm serving Sonoma County since 1978. Dave Leff is the sole proprietor of the company, giving him the creative freedom he needs to make top-tier quality projects.
The firm has a sustainable and green building capacity, giving it a competitive edge. In addition, it has won awards from NARI and several publications.
In 2016, the firm updated this 1902 six-bedroom, six-bath Petaluma Victorian home. The home renovation, with an eclectic mix of teal and clean colors, earned the firm the 2018 NARI Whole Home Remodel Award.
Marrokal Design & Remodeling LLC
9474 Kearny Villa Rd. Suite #205, San Diego, CA 92126
With more than 40 years serving Greater San Diego, Marrokal Design & Remodeling has cultivated a reputation for providing finely detailed design adored by locals and relevant organizations. The firm has been frequently featured in Professional Remodeler and Qualified Remodeler Magazine. It has also won major awards including the NARI Historical Award in 2020.
The firm was established in 1981, with a strong emphasis on the values of integrity and quality service. Marrokal’s capacity in historical restoration is validated by the Chrysalis Decade of Excellence Award and Historic Award. Since 2000, Marrokal has received five National Chrysalis Awards and 29 Regional Chrysalis Awards.
The featured 1912 Craftsman home landed Marrokal several awards such as the 2020 NARI Residential Historical Renovation/ Restoration $250,000 and Over on the national level. The project is an example of the firm’s strong commitment to the craft.
Myers Constructs, Inc.
702 N 3rd St., Suite #734 Philadelphia, PA 19123
Incorporated in 1998, Myers Constructs is a veteran general contracting firm operating in and around the Philadelphia Metro area. Tamara Myers, the firm’s principal, created the firm as an extension of her pursuit to provide culturally-relevant services in Philly.
Tamara has trained in institutions such as the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Temple University Tyler School of Art, where she graduated magna cum laude. Her expertise extends from residential works to restored fine art paintings, museum-grade furniture, historical murals, and even boats.
Myers’ portfolio involves projects that reflect its specialization for restoration. The residential historical renovation project featured in the photo is a modest home in Fairmont. Myers restored the cupola of the home that was previously damaged by natural events. In completing the restoration, the firm acquired the blessings of the historic commission before starting. This project won the NARI CotY Northeast Regional Award for Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration in 2017.
Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling
804 N Alberta St., Portland, OR 97217
Founded in 1947, Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling is a firm serving the northwest region with an unyielding focus on remodeling and home improvement. The multi-faceted firm has a diverse portfolio that transcends remodeling. Whether clients need a new roof, solar panels, or a finished basement, Neil Kelly handles every project from top to bottom, and everything in between. Over the course of seven decades, the firm has served thousands of clients in the two states.
Under the leadership of President Tom Kelly, the firm has grown to include five key locations in Oregon and Washington, served by a sizable team of more than 200 professionals. Kelly recently chaired the Portland Development Commission and garnered the coveted Fred Case Award for Entrepreneur of the Year.
The firm earned back-to-back historical restoration awards from NARI in 2017 and 2018. Featured is the 2017 Region 6 Northwest CotY Award Winner for Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration Under $250,000. The restoration included repairing and restoring the original style of the home, as well as improving traffic flow, increasing lighting throughout the home, adding a master bath, and increasing closet space.
Nicholson Builders, Inc.
6525 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229
Central Ohio’s Nicholson Builders is a sought-after design-build remodeling firm run by the Nicholson family. Owner Bill Nicholson is dedicated to ensuring integrity and quality workmanship for its clients. President Mike Fought has been with the company since 2003. His aerospace engineering degree from Ohio State University helped give an unparalleled insight into the residential market in Ohio. The firm ensures quality service by employing quality professionals from design consultants, interior designers, and seasoned craftsmen to commercial construction experts.
Nicholson Builders has been recognized numerous times for its superior products, services, and workmanship. During the last two years, the firm has received nearly a dozen awards, including nine NARI Contractor of the Year awards and two NARI Best in Show awards.
Nicholson Builders renovated this 1937 Tudor-style home using rare construction materials and decorative features including a clay roof, limestone finishing, and boral composite that serves as trim. Much of this project was imagined and designed by John Nicholson, an architect and brother of the owner.
Olson & Jones Construction, Inc.
PO Box 19563, Portland, OR 97280
Since 1982, Olson & Jones Construction has pursued quality construction and exceptional service for Portlanders. The firm has strong ties with Portland-based trade talents. It conducts remodeling, new construction, passive home building, and historical renovations.
President and Owner Greg Olson leads the team in its award-winning capacity in the construction industry. Olson & Jones’s portfolio consists of historic renovations, remodels, and new builds. In addition to numerous awards, the firm is the recipient of the 2020 Chrysalis Regional Award for Historical Renovation.
The whole-house remodel featured is a historic three-story remodel. The majority of the work revolves around the functionality of the aging home. The firm raised the sensibility and unique character of the home by using timeless details and decor from designer rugs to sophisticated artwork.
Orfield Design & Construction, Inc.
9344 Nesbitt Rd, Bloomington 55437 Bloomington, MN
Orfield Design, founded more than 40 years ago, is a provider of creative solutions to the local design/build industry. Captained by second-generation builder Laura L. Orfield-Skrivseth, the firm keeps the tradition of quality workmanship. She has worked with large international firms and small-scale companies in business development, marketing, and management. Laura, along with her valuable team, has made a name for her unique ideas and creative input & has been featured in many publications & even local news featuring their projects on tour. She also gives careful consideration to budget sensibility and project details, balancing homes original architecture with customized placement of current features. Her contribution to the company has spiked the firm’s growth through the years.
Orfield Design & Construction, Inc. offers plan drafting, remodeling, new construction, project management, and interior design services. The firm won NARI Regional and National awards in 2019 as a result of the “Girls Wing” project in an 8,000-square-foot 1929 historical mansion.
To know more, you can visit their website here.
Paul Kowalski Builders
416 Crompton St., Charlotte, NC 28273
Paul Kowalski has devoted his life’s work to improving the quality of remodeling services throughout the Carolinas. He does so by emphasizing the values of collaboration, thoughtful design, and creativity. His background and history in the Carolinas also contributes in posturing the firm’s influence in the area.
Kowalski moved to Charlotte after graduating from the University of South Carolina. His attention to detail and high regard for quality is attributed to his use of innovative construction techniques. Paul Kowalski Builders specializes in high-quality custom projects that bring clients’ dreams to life. The PKB team of architectural designers, project managers and estimators collaborate with homeowners to creatively reconfigure or rebuild their home with a concierge level of service.
Paul Kowalski Builders has an impressive portfolio that captures its essence and workmanship. The 1923 estate is a testament to the firm’s greatness in historic restoration, which captured a NARI National Contractor of the Year award.
R.L. Connelly & Company, Inc.
4062 Peachtree Rd. Suite A-266, Atlanta GA 30319
R.L.Connelly & Company brings more than 50 years of experience in the custom design-focused residential market in Atlanta. Today, in its third-generation leadership, the firm upholds its tradition of client satisfaction, quality, longevity, and excellence … applying these core values to every project.
Bob Connelly now holds the torch passed down by his family. He began his career in the industry working for his father during summer and holiday breaks. Later, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for architecture and, after a stint in the army, he returned to Atlanta and the family business. He has served the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association since 1990, along with other relevant organizations in the area.
The firm’s award-winning portfolio of historic renovation projects includes the featured Georgian home. Connelly did a Chrysalis award-winning job of preserving the historic value of the home in its original glory.
R4 Construction Inc.
P.O. 7968, Tacoma, WA 98417
R4 Construction was formed with the desire to provide nothing but the best craftsmanship and service people deserve. The duo of Steven Rork and Dawn Fast commandeers the team of professionals in providing award-winning services throughout the Tacoma and Pierce County area.
Rork is a member of the Master Builders Association and Remodeling Council. He also has a strong background in historical renovation, being one of his passions and professions. Fast is an AKBD-certified designer with 27 years of experience in the remodeling industry.
R4 Construction, which has earned some 30 prestigious industry awards, has completed a full restoration of the featured 1903 home. The project involved completely rebuilding the deteriorating porch, stripping more than 500 pounds of wallpaper from the walls, and removing six layers of paint from the woodwork, which was restored to its natural beauty.
Strobel Design Build
2716 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Mark Zdrojewski is a prominent figure in local home building. He is a member of the Board of Directors for NARI and serves as Chairman of the Education Committee. Zdrojewski serves as Strobel Design Build’s president. Alongside founder Don Strodel, Zdrojewski takes charge of the firm’s operations throughout Tampa Bay.
Strobel Design Build brings more than 120 combined years of experience, and 80 percent of the team has at least one national certification. Among the firm’s dozens of awards are several NARI Contractor of the Year awards, and the firm was named Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 Remodelers in 2016.
The firm’s design-build portfolio reflects the core values of quality workmanship and service. Strobel reinstalled a 12-foot steel beam along with numerous cosmetic updates in the featured 1925 Craftsman home.
T. Hurt Construction
8529 Wirt St., Omaha, NE 68134
Locally owned and operated T. Hurt Construction has been in operation since 1994. Through the years, the firm has performed additions, historic renovations, home remodels, and new home construction across the state of Nebraska.
Andy Hearn, the current owner of the company, manages the day-to-day operations of the firm as it provides nothing short of the best end product and superior customer service. The previous owner, Terry Hurt, stays on as a designer and estimator for the firm.
In 2014, the firm won a Chrysalis Award for historical renovation, proving its capacity in the complex industry. The featured project is a 2015 NARI regional award-winning home remodeling project. The home has a unique posture and detailing. Off-white finishing and mid-century articles give the house an unmistakable appeal.
The Cleary Company
989-A Old Henderson Rd., Columbus OH 43220
Columbus-based The Cleary Company is a full-service design-build firm that offers streamlined remodeling services conducted by a team of seasoned professionals and locally respected experts.
George Cleary, a NARI-accredited professional with more than 40 years of remodeling experience, takes the seat as the firm’s leader. He leads a team of design, production, and project-management specialists in completing each unique project with consistent quality and efficiency.
The Cleary portfolio shows a variety of work from new construction to remodeling projects. The featured 1906 home remodel landed the firm a NARI CotY Award. This historic home’s kitchen was relocated to the dining room’s footprint. The award-winning design incorporated original architectural details and adding additional storage and function to accommodate the client’s lifestyle
The Levine Group
2323 B Stewart Ave. #95, Silver Spring, MD 20910
The Levine Group is an architecture and building firm famed for its integrated approach in home building and remodeling throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Jerry Levine and his team of professionals use the latest in building techniques and technology including smart home solutions.
Due to the firm’s expertise in architecture, interior design, and construction, Levine-made projects are of high caliber. As a result, The Levine Group has been recognized with numerous industry awards and has been featured in several publications including Women’s Day, Bethesda Magazine, Home and Design Magazine, and Washingtonian Magazine.
The firm restored an 1898 Victorian home, preserving the historical aspects of the home while bringing it back to structural soundness. The home has a bold Salmon pink color with matching neutral tones.
Timber Innovations LLC
110 East Kimberly Ave., Kimberly WI 54136
Recognized by the local community, peers, and media, Timber Innovations is a sought-after contracting firm based in East-Central Wisconsin. Timber has been a popular choice for homeowners looking for specialized projects such as architectural woodwork and cabinetry/fine furniture.
The firm has sustained a strong reputation for craftsmanship and style, thanks to its top-tier woodwork and innovative design solutions. Paul Driessen, the firm’s owner, is a master craftsman with more than 35 years of experience.
Recipient of a 2020 NARI National Contractor of the Year Award, the firm has also garnered awards in historical renovations and remodeling. The featured project represents a superior remodel project built on a wooded cul-de-sac. The remodel includes contemporary themes, giving the home a unique appearance.
TreHus
3017 4th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408
Founded in 1982 by David Amundson, TreHus operates as an architecture, interior design, and building firm, which is a highly celebrated, reputable firm serving the Twin Cities. TreHus leadership’s philosophy is to assign project managers to handle organizational details so its professional carpenters can focus on their core competency. This ensures focused, dedicated craftsmanship for every project.
The firm is decorated with major industry awards including the 2020 Contractor of the Year Regional Award for Historical Restoration, 2019 Design Excellence Awards, and 2019 Chrysalis National Award.
Amundson is a second-generation craftsman, which is why the firm is skilled in multiple home styles. The featured 1923 English Cottage home is a great example of how the firm optimized the character of the historical home.
Urban Herriges & Sons, Inc.
121 Wolf Run #1, Mukwonago, WI 53149
Founded in 1972, Urban Herriges & Sons provides residential remodeling services to homeowners in Waukesha County and surrounding areas. The firm specializes in room additions and extensions, as well as interior remodeling services, including kitchen and bath renovations.
Sixth-generation carpenter Dean Herriges runs Urban Herriges & Sons with his brother Bob. Dean learned from his grandfather while apprenticing for him as a youth. In later years, he served as the national president of NARI from 2012 to 2013. Committed to providing superior products, services, and craftsmanship, the Herriges family continually remains knowledgeable about the latest industry techniques and technology. This has resulted in myriad industry awards, as well as press features from NARI and M Magazine.
The 136-year old farmhouse made of bricks is an award-winning project completed by the firm. As part of the renovation, the firm installed custom-built clad and copper flashings to modernize the structure.
Vujovich Design Build
275 Market St. Suite #521, Minneapolis, MN 55405
One of the longest-standing construction professionals in the Twin Cities, Vujovich Design Build is a dynamic and diverse firm that has proven itself in the local industry by bagging major awards and citations including the 2018 NARI Minnesota Residential Historical Award.
Vujovich uses a concierge-style approach to management to better serve the needs of customers. The Vujovich leadership includes the minds of three design directors Lori Balestri, Greg Kraus, and Karie Zemlicka. The triad has a diverse professional background. Balestri was raised in a family business in the construction industry, Kraus went to the University of Minnesota, and Zemlicka studied Interior Design at the University of Wisconsin Stout.
Since 1977, the firm has completed remodeling and historical renovation projects. The featured 1937 White Oaks cottage, situated on a tree-filled corner lot, received a new contemporary kitchen, replacing the original kitchen that was lacking in functionality. The firm also transformed the old porch into an enclosed, insulated butler’s pantry, an extension to the kitchen.
Welsh Construction, Inc.
15A N. Randolph St., Lexington, VA 24450
Welsh Construction is a family-owned business known for being faithful to clients’ ideas and the consistent quality of craftsmanship. The firm offers full-service design services throughout Lexington and Rockbridge County. Owners Tim Welsh, Janeen Welsh, and Matt Humphries have turned the firm into one of Lexington area’s most revered construction companies, garnering awards from NARI and making Remodeling Magazine’s Big50 list.
The firm takes a hands-on approach with every project and maintains close communications with its clients. As a result, customers cite how helpful and polite the staff is, and they boast about the firm’s high quality of work.
The firm’s dynamic and imaginative output has yielded quality projects such as the traditional French home with a mix of wood and stone exterior.
White Crane Construction, LLC
5001 28th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
With an award-winning experience in home remodeling and historic renovation, White Crane Construction operates throughout Minneapolis. Susan Denk, company founder, and owner built a team of top designers, project managers, carpenters, and trade partners who value great design, superior craftsmanship, and exceeding client expectations.
The team has a solutions-driven approach in operations. In completing the featured Italian Renaissance project, the firm revived a 1924-built home with classical detailing. White Crane took the liberty to use the latest amenities and technology in the efforts of making the updating the home, earning it the 2017 Contractor of the Year Award for Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration Under $250,000.
Windhill Builders
16 Market St., Ipswich, MA 01938
Operating throughout Boston’s North Shore, Windhill Builders is a skilled construction company with a modest business structure. Founder Shawn Cayer, an industry veteran of more than 20 years, has instilled a strong sense of ethics, morals, and integrity to the company culture. In turn, Windhill is recognized as a highly professional and well-organized firm. The firm won coveted industry awards including the Mary P. Conley Award and Chrysalis Award. Windhill puts effort into making its services affordable and smooth.
Windhill not only solves present solutions in construction but also provides services for historic homes and antiques. The Georgian farmhouse, known as the Johnson-Thompson House) in Winchester was built c. 1750 and represents the firm’s superior craftsmanship. The Johnson-Thompson House is the oldest structure in the area and, consequently, one of the area’s most important architectural structures. Built-in collaboration with Cummings Architects, the firm has salvaged most of the original materials and retained the structural integrity of the home.
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 doing a historical restoration, 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.
