The Best Custom Home Builders in Salt Lake City, Utah

Last updated on May 28th, 2024 at 03:08 pm

Salt Lake City neighborhoods possess diverse architectural styles. Framed by the Wasatch Mountain Range, the city offers everything from traditional farmhouse to contemporary minimalist and everything in between. As you explore the area, you can often see various design elements from different periods incorporated in a home. Newer communities exhibit contemporary minimalist homes, modern farmhouses, and the recurrent mountain vacation home. The city also has numerous historic architectural gems, thanks to its active preservation group and tax incentives for maintaining homes on the historic register. 

This article presents 15 of the top custom home builders in Salt Lake City. Our team researched and selected the best based on their credentials, their versatility in project types, their work history, their principals, their awards, and the attention they’ve received from the press. 

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 Salt Lake City, check out our cost guide article.

Big Canyon Homes

1925 S West Hoystville Rd., Wanship, UT 84107

Big Canyon Homes has built a reputation as a sterling custom home builder in the Salt Lake area and the Western region of Utah. Captained by Paul Berman, the company employs expert subcontractors and uses cutting edge building technology based on today’s trends. The company is a proud industry leader in energy-efficiency and net-zero building. 100 percent of homes Big Canyon builds are green-built. With knowledgeable and experienced craftsmen that have more than 10 years of work experience with the company, Big Canyon is able to meet every client’s sustainable need for a home. 

Big Canyon Homes has a diverse skill set in construction seen in its experience as a commercial contractor doing industrial projects, commercial remodels and tenant improvements for 20 years. Today, referrals have taken its residential projects to Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and even California. The firm generally completes 12 to 20 projects a year. In its home state, it has done more than 15 parade and showcase homes in Northern Utah, Salt Lake City, and Park City. 

Douglas Knight Construction

1434 E 4500 Suite #103, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 

Douglas Knight Construction is a residential construction firm emphasizing concept building or fine custom homes built with particular themes. These homes feature careful craftsmanship and range from $600,000 to $1 million or more. For more than two decades, the collaborative effort between father and son team, Doug & Nick Knight, has garnered numerous awards from the Home Builders Association and Best of Show awards in the Greater Salt Lake Parade of Homes.

Aside from being an award-winning home builder, the company is known for its charming craftsman and mountain chalet-style houses. Clients come to Douglas Knight Construction for its rustic yet modern approach to these types of homes. An example is this expansive home in Granite Oaks. Creative geometry in the lines and curves paired with steel and large windows gives a contemporary look to this mountain home, while variations in stone and wood help it blend into the mountainscape. 

Ezra Lee Design + Build

4601 N Toscana Hills Dr., Lehi, UT, 84043

Since 2010, Ezra Lee Design + Build’s thoughtful and collaborative approach to custom home building has resulted in gorgeous homes found throughout the Salt Lake and Utah Valley areas. As a design-build firm, the company is able to perform architecture, construction, and interior design services all under one roof. It has also done a handful of commercial projects in the area. 

The company has collected an impressive list of awards from the state’s various Parades of Homes. This list includes Utah Valley Parade of Homes Judge’s Choice Award 1st Place 2016 and 2017; the Utah Valley People’s Choice Award 2016; the Salt Lake Parade of Homes Best Interior 2016; and the Salt Lake Parade of Homes Best Architecture 2016. Recently, its Promontory home won the 2019 Park City Showcase of Homes People’s Choice Award. It has also been featured on various publications such as Utah Style and Design, Kindesign, Utah Business, and Embark Magazine.

Working in an exciting blend of styles, from organic and modern to contemporary and mountain, Ezra Lee has created some of the most eye-catching homes in the state. This 2019 Parade of Homes winner maximizes the views of Promontory to give the best indoor-outdoor lifestyle to its owners. Contemporary use of industrial mountain materials such as cedar, oak, walnut, and stone, makes the sprawling home luxurious yet warm. 

Hess Construction LLC

1926 North Calloway Drive,  Heber City,  Utah 84032

Known for its distinct and exquisite homes, Hess Construction crafts gorgeous masterpieces across the rugged landscape of Utah. The family-run business was founded in 1982 by Arden Hess. The firm has completed ground-up construction of residences from concept to completion, along with remodels and additions .Hess Construction LLC has an unwavering commitment to communication, service, and quality. Any size, any location, any features-on time and within budget. Team-oriented approach, coordinating architects, designers and subcontractors to artfully craft your home that reflects each individuals lifestyle. Utilizes dedicated customer care and exquisite attention to detail to form business relationships and long-term customer loyalty through our company’s integrity and commitment to serving others.

A member of the Park City Home Builders Association and the HBA of Utah, the firm has earned its share of awards for its exquisite homes, such as the Builders Award of Excellence. It is also a member of Build Green Utah and practices sustainable and environmentally friendly methods in custom home building. 

 Featured here is a Promontory home overlooking pristine views of Park City. The home is a 2017 Parade of Homes participant. It features a mine shaft, themed elevator with art and decor from around the world. Some of the materials used are reclaimed barn wood, oak, and trestle wood timber posts and beams.

Ironwood Custom Builders

2825 East Cottonwood Pkwy. Suite #500, Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Ironwood Custom Builders is a nationally-recognized home building and remodeling firm based in Salt Lake City. Great leadership has allowed the company to become one of the most awarded custom home builders in the region. Steve Wille and Kelly Anderson combine almost 60 years of residential construction experience and both are recognized as leaders in the industry. Company president Wille is recognized as one of the top drywall contractors in the state, receiving honors in the Parade of Homes for Best Drywall. Anderson, the company’s general manager, started his career when he was 14, working as a cabinet and furniture carpenter. He has served as a board member of the Salt Lake HBA and the Architectural Codes Council for the State of Utah. He has also earned awards from the Parade of Homes, was named Home Builder of the Year by the Salt Lake HBA, and has made it onto Professional Remodeler’s list of America’s Top Remodelers. 

The company offers custom home building, pre-planned homes, and remodeling. Its floor plans can be customized in thousands of ways, providing unlimited options and a plan for every homeowner’s needs and preferences. Its upscale custom homes display a high level of detail and accuracy, bringing the best to the table each time. Featured here is a modern custom home Ironwood Custom Builders completed in Salt Lake City. 

Lane Myers Construction

9348 South 500 West, Sandy, UT 84070

Specializing in high-end custom homes, Lane Myers Construction has made a name for itself as the builder of choice for many professionals and families in  Salt Lake Valley, as well as the Park City Area, Wasatch County, and the Utah Valley. Aside from custom homes, the company has also developed several enclaves and neighborhoods in the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas. 

Founder and principal Lane Myers personally works on every project. His resume includes experience from all facets of construction. He has worked as a laborer, a framing contractor, an excavator, and even owned and operated a tile company. His subcontractors have worked with him for decades and he leads a team of skilled in-house painters and specialty labor craftsmen. It is this level and expertise that has made him and his company one of the most sought after custom home builders in the area. 

Some of the company’s notable projects have been featured on the Salt Lake City Parade of Homes and the Park City Parade of Homes. These include one of the first craftsman-style homes seen in Utah and a mansion modeled after the Palace of Versailles. The company has built over 50 unique homes, from residences for peers in the industry to homes for multiple generations of families. Additionally, its homes have been featured on Utah Style & Design, Mountain Express Magazine, Western Home Journal.

Living Home Construction + Design

2019 South Main St., Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Salt Lake City-based Living Home Construction + Design is a custom home builder that specializes in new construction and renovation services. It serves the Salt Lake and Park City communities with on-schedule and on-budget projects that cater to discerning clientele. East Coast native Christopher Towson founded the company in 2007. He assembled a dedicated team of construction professionals with decades of experience capable of producing excellent homes. 

Setting it apart from its peers is its active pursuit of construction practices that sustain and protect the environment. With hundreds of construction and remodeling projects in its portfolio, homeowners can rely on Living Home’s certified professionals to deliver homes built with expertise. The company is also capable of historic renovation and preservation and is an active member of Preservation Utah. Featured here is a modern abode in a Salt Lake City country club with views of the golf greens. 

Magleby Construction

1816 Prospector Ave. Suite #100, Park City, UT 84060

Magleby Construction started in 1974 as a group of three men framing homes by hand. Over the decades, it has grown to become a nationally-acclaimed luxury home building company through the leadership of founder Paul Magleby and his son, and current company CEO, Chad Magleby. The Park City-based custom home builder has earned NAHB’s National Custom Home Builder of the Year Award twice, as well as the HBA of Utah’s Builder of the Year Award. Most recently, it placed as 2nd runner up in the ICF Builder Awards and was named 2018 Remodeler of the Year and Best Custom Luxury Home in the Denim & Diamonds Awards. The Maglebys have also earned their share of recognition and certifications. Paul was given the Lifetime Achievement award by the Utah Home Builders Association, while Chad is an NAHB Certified Green Professional and an NAHB Certified Graduate Builder. 

Backing up its award-winning reputation, Magleby Construction performs exceptional residential construction defined by honed craftsmanship and attention to detail. From small remodels to complex estate homes, the company’s unique way of building has drawn Utah residents and out-of-state homeowners alike to partner with them in creating homes. 

Magleby Construction’s portfolio of homes spans the architectural spectrum, from traditional craftsman to mountain modern. With more than 250 team members, the company is capable of providing a full range of residential construction services in-house, including architectural drafting, custom millwork, and property services. 

McEwan Custom Homes

P.O. Box 1265, American Fork, UT 84003

A love for architectural design in high school and a degree in building construction management drove Matt McEwan to start his own homebuilding company. This passion, coupled with experience working for a local custom home builder, soon proved to be a solid foundation for McEwan Custom Homes. It has created elegant yet comfortable homes that are meticulously crafted and tailored for every homeowner. 

This luxury custom home builder is often a  favorite in the Utah Valley Parade of Homes, earning People’s Choice Awards every year for its opulent homes. While most of its homes can be found in Utah Valley, the company has also built homes in Salt Lake City, Park City, and nearby areas. 

Featured in Utah Style & Design and winner of the 2019 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Home in the Park City Parade of Homes, this estate dubbed Creekside Resort blends comfort and recreation into one home. McEwan completed it in five years. It was the largest home in the event and had more than 30,000 visitors during the run. The 22,872-square-foot home features a full indoor tennis court, theater, and a creek running through the property.

Northstar Builders

1059 E 900 South Suite #201, Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Greg Ross and Phil Winston started Northstar Builders back in 2005, in the humble space of Greg’s basement. From a handful of clients, the company has grown into one of Salt Lake’s well-known custom home builders. It has amassed a diverse portfolio of homes, evidence of the company’s versatility in home styles. Colonial, dutch, and Tudor architecture can be seen as well as a blend of contemporary styles. Its superb work has been featured on Utah Style & Design. Today, Greg continues to head the company along with partner Taylor Mulcock who joined the team in 2012. 

The company is also becoming one of Salt Lake’s fastest-growing boutique commercial developers. It has completed projects for local businesses from dental, medical, and law offices to restaurants, retail spaces, and clinics. 

Russell & Co Construction

2625 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84109

Superior work at great value is the goal of 18-year-old custom home building company Russell & Co Construction. This small, personable, and professional construction company builds and renovates homes throughout Salt Lake Valley, Park City, and Summit County. Its work ranges from small remodels and additions to full rebuilds and new custom home construction. Styles from the company range from traditional European like Tudor cottages to contemporary mountain manors. 

Founder and company president Matthew Russell brings decades of experience to the table. He has worked with remodeling contractors since college and has done work for high-end clientele in Manhattan. This has resulted in impeccable craftsmanship in every project, whether its a kitchen update or a mountain mansion. In addition to his experience with multi-million-dollar projects, clients and contemporaries praise Russell for his effective communication and approachable attitude throughout the process. 

Steven Dailey Construction

12441 South 900 East Suite 185, Draper, UT 84020

Steven Dailey has been in the home building industry since 1979. His beginnings as a brick contractor developed him into an effective hands-on builder, gaining the trust and respect of numerous clients and subcontractors alike. Alongside him is a team of in-house craftspeople and subcontractors that adhere to the highest standards of homebuilding. As an established leader in the industry, he has also served as a vice president on the Board of Directors for the State of Utah Homebuilders Association, former president of the Salt Lake Home Builders Association, former parade Chairman for the Salt Lake Parade of Homes, and current president of the Utah home builders association.

Featured here is a modern contemporary home Steven Dailey Construction did in collaboration with Landforms Design. The home was a participant in the 2018 Salt Lake City Parade of Homes. A contemporary residence softened by walnut wood details, it features a floating steel staircase, wide-open layout, and a Make-A-Wish room inspired by Legoland. 

The Fox Group

2290 Murray Holladay Rd., Holladay, UT 84117

Beautiful and timeless homes and spaces are the bread and butter of The Fox Group — a custom home building company run by husband-and-wife team Tom and Cara Fox. Tom is an architect by profession while Cara is an interior designer and stylist. Together, they design and build some of the most beautiful residences in Utah, specializing in seamless paneling, millwork, and wainscotting. Their picturesque homes have been featured on Utah Style and Design and Fine Homebuilding. 

While the Fox Group tends to stick to historic design, the firm often plays with various elements to modernize design to each client’s vision. This can be seen in this family home in Cottonwoods. The stately home is the best example of their exacting attention to detail without sacrificing comfort. From the outside, the house and its landscape are decidedly formal. Indoors, the home is comfortable and inviting.  A large circular foyer welcomes guests to a gorgeous home filled with Herringbone-patterned white oak floors, raised wall panels, and Calcutta marble. 

Watts

5200 S Highland Dr, Ste 101 Salt Lake City Utah 84117

Watts is a residential and commercial builder serving Salt Lake City and Wasatch County with bespoke homes and tailored commercial spaces. The company was started in 1976 by father and son team Kevin and Russ Watts. In its early years, Watts Enterprises produced custom luxury homes and the occasional apartment complex. Russ and a couple of partners soon bought the company and renamed it Watts, extending its services to businesses and large communities. It went on to work on business parks, recreational facilities, and assisted living centers without losing its passion for building the best homes for Utah residents. 

From farmhouses to open mansions, Watts is able to deliver high-quality homes according to each client’s functional needs, style preferences, and budget. It offers design, construction, and post-construction services in an efficient turn-key process. Aside from luxury custom homes, the firm also offers floor plans for its communities and developments.

How can I find a home builder near me?

Read our latest articles on the best custom home builders near Salt Lake City. If you don’t see your city below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

The Best Custom Home Builders in Utah

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.