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Best Custom Home Builders in Seattle (2024)

8 Min Read

Our annual ranking of top construction firms highlights the top companies in Seattle based on their project volume over the past year, with a focus on relevance. This compilation is derived from permit and contractor information sourced from city, county, and state building departments through our partners at BuildZoom. For further information regarding data accuracy, please consult the note at the end of this article.

Construction data plays a crucial role for various stakeholders in the industry. For businesses supplying materials and services, this data helps in pinpointing key moments and trends within contractors’ projects. By monitoring major construction milestones and trends in building construction, these businesses can align their marketing efforts with the times when contractors are seeking new resources, making their outreach more effective and timely. Moreover, understanding contractors’ business patterns through construction analytics allows suppliers and service providers to focus their efforts on those who are expanding or showing growth potential. Similarly, subcontractors can use contractor data to identify and approach general contractors they wish to collaborate with. On the other hand, real estate developers, property owners, and others who require contractors can utilize detailed construction history to assess the quality and expertise of potential contractors and subcontractors, ensuring they choose the best professionals for their projects.

Business# Projects (’23)Average Contract Value
D.R. Horton 80 $564K
Murray Franklyn Companies 39 $569K
Conner Construction Co. 20 $476K
Emerald City Construction 10 $279K
Arcadia Homes LLC 9 $240K
High Country Homes, Inc. 6 $530K

D.R. Horton

Address:
11241 NE Slater Ave, #200, Kirkland, WA 98033

D.R. Horton, America’s largest homebuilder, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to quality and affordability since building its first home in 1978. With over 1,000,000 homes constructed by 2023, the company has become a leader in the residential construction industry. As a comprehensive provider, D.R. Horton offers not only homebuilding services but also integrated financial solutions through DHI Mortgage, DHI Title, and DRH Insurance, ensuring a seamless experience for homeowners. The company’s dedication to customer care is evident in its extensive support system, which includes options for financing, title coverage, and home protection. With operations across the country, D.R. Horton has been the preferred choice for more people than any other builder since 2002. Its innovative approach includes smart home features and a focus on affordability, addressing the needs of every stage in life. The company’s commitment to both its clients and employees is reflected in its community-building efforts and career opportunities, fostering a strong, collaborative work environment. D.R. Horton continues to lead the industry with its expansive reach, dedication to quality, and integrated homebuyer services.

Data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections was examined by the Seattle Architects team to uncover past projects completed by D.R. Horton. In 2015, a new single-family residence was constructed with a permit value of $392,083. More recently, in 2024, a residential building project was undertaken with a permit value of $203,855.


Murray Franklyn Companies

Address:
14410 NE Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue, WA 98007

Since its inception in 1966, Murray Franklyn Homes has established itself as a cornerstone of luxury homebuilding in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With over five decades of experience, the company has garnered a reputation for crafting exquisite residences that seamlessly blend innovative design with the distinct Northwest lifestyle. Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, Murray Franklyn Homes boasts a team of seasoned professionals who bring unparalleled expertise to each project, ensuring top-notch quality and attention to detail. The company has built an impressive portfolio of luxury homes in premier locations such as Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and Sammamish, each reflecting a commitment to excellence and unique architectural elegance. Employing between 51 and 200 dedicated staff members, including many long-term employees, Murray Franklyn is distinguished by its deep-rooted local knowledge and personalized service. The firm’s dedication to superior construction is matched by its engagement with the community and its emphasis on using high-grade local materials. Murray Franklyn Homes not only builds houses but also creates dream homes tailored to individual visions, embodying the pinnacle of luxury living in the Pacific Northwest.

The Seattle Architects team investigated data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to identify previous projects by Murray Franklyn Companies. In 2024, a residential project with a permit value of $607,795 was completed, involving new construction. Additionally, the same year saw the development of a two-story single-family home, with a permit value of $743,436.


Conner Construction Co.

Address:
12600 SE 38th, Suite 250, Bellevue, WA 98006

Conner Construction Co. has a notable track record of completing significant residential projects as evidenced by recent work.

The company’s past projects were reviewed by the Seattle Architects team, who analyzed data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. They discovered that in 2023, Conner Construction Co. completed a new residence project with permit number 509225, valued at $455,746. Additionally, the team found another new residence project from the same year, which had permit number 455746 and was valued at $509,225.


Emerald City Construction

Address:
2571 NE 152nd Ave, Redmond, WA 98052

Emerald City Construction is a distinguished family-run business that has been serving the greater Seattle area with exceptional design and remodeling services since 2009. With a dedicated team of 2-10 employees and 7 associated members, the company has built a solid reputation over its 17 years of operation. Specializing in a diverse range of projects from custom homes and kitchen remodels to home additions and complete renovations, Emerald City Construction is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. The company’s expertise extends beyond construction, offering comprehensive design support to help clients realize their unique visions. Their emphasis on attention to detail and client satisfaction has earned them a top spot among Seattle’s remodeling teams. Emerald City Construction prides itself on delivering luxury and value at any price point, ensuring every project enhances the potential of the property while respecting the client’s budget and timeline. Their collaborative approach and dedication to getting the job done right the first time make them a trusted choice for transforming homes into personalized masterpieces.

Emerald City Construction’s recent projects were analyzed by the Seattle Architects team using data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. In 2024, the company undertook a residential addition project with a permit value of $435,000. Another notable project from the same year involved constructing a residential building, which had a permit value of $552,457.


Arcadia Homes, LLC

Address:
1118 SE 79th Ave, Lake Stevens, WA 98258

Arcadia Homes, LLC has demonstrated a strong track record in residential construction, showcasing their expertise with recent projects that include notable single-family residences.

The Seattle Architects team examined data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to review past projects by Arcadia Homes, LLC. They discovered that in 2022, Arcadia Homes, LLC completed a single-family residence with an attached garage, which was a new 2-story project valued at an estimated $175,000. Additionally, in 2024, the company worked on another project described as a 2-story single-family residence with an attached garage.


High Country Homes, Inc.

Address:
2102 E Main Ave, Suite 201, Puyallup, WA 98372

Founded in 1998, High Country Homes, Inc. has established itself as a premier family-owned homebuilding company based in Puyallup, WA. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, the company has built hundreds of high-quality homes across Pierce, King, and Thurston counties. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and customer-focused approach, High Country Homes specializes in creating custom residences that reflect the unique needs and desires of each client. Their dedication to quality and service has earned them accolades, including the 2023 Best of South Sound award. The company offers comprehensive support throughout the homebuilding process, from land acquisition and financing to design and permitting. High Country Homes prides itself on transparent communication, meticulous attention to detail, and a client-centered approach that ensures every project exceeds expectations. Their team of experienced professionals, including industry veterans Jeff and Lori Caseber, works tirelessly to bring clients’ visions to life while adhering to the highest standards of integrity and craftsmanship. With a strong focus on building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional results, High Country Homes continues to be a trusted name in the Pacific Northwest homebuilding industry.

High Country Homes, Inc. was examined by the Seattle Architects team, who analyzed records from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. In 2024, they discovered two notable projects: the first was a new single-family residence with a permit value of $460,371, and the second was another new single-family residence valued at $612,744. Both projects were completed in the same year, highlighting the company’s active presence in residential construction.


Note: The data used to compile this list may not be complete based on the availability of permit data – collecting and consolidating this data is a time-intensive and difficult task. It may not be complete in all areas due to jurisdictional reporting requirements and the availability of data. Job values and permit fees should be taken as estimates rather than exact values, based on the most complete permit and contractor data available. Additionally, number of projects and typical job size may be updated per contractor request.

The time period for the data used for this ranking was the past 365 days, plus an additional 45 days to account for the average timeline of a building permit. If you have any suggestions on the data or see any corrections that you’d like to give feedback on, please fill out this form. For more insights on construction data outside that are not directly related to contractors, there are other resources available as well.

Author

  • Alex Mericle

    Alex Mericle is the Chief Editor at Seattle Architects with five years of experience in the construction space. Alex has always had a strong interest in residential and commercial construction and architecture, and he has built up technical experience with building permit data, subcontractor operations, and materials procurement over the years. On top of his experience at Seattle Architects, he has prior experience at BuildZoom. His analytical skillset, honed through a degree in Business Analytics from Creighton University and from his work experience, allows him to transform complex construction data into actionable insights and useful, captivating content. Expertise: Residential and Commercial Construction, Building Permit Data, Home Design and Build, Architecture, Subcontractor Operations, Material Procurement Key Highlights: Over 5 years of experience writing and editing in the construction space, Chief Editor at Seattle Architects, Previous experience at BuildZoom Education: Creighton University, Degree in Business Analytics

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