Last updated on May 28th, 2024 at 08:14 am
From the Northland suburbs of Kansas City and the historic urban neighborhoods of St. Louis to the lakeside developments in the Ozarks, Missouri certainly has its fair share of beautiful custom homes. It’s not surprising then that the Show Me State also boasts a world-class stock of elite custom home builders. This list of the 15 best custom home builders in Missouri showcases the contractors who build big, complex, million-dollar homes. These builders also have the most experience, education, and certifications in the construction trades.
Many of these professionals have been in the industry their entire lives, and many are second- and third-generation Missourian home builders. Additionally, a number of the companies on this list have embraced the green building movement and have studied this still-emerging building trend for the past few years. These are also the Missouri custom home builders who have won awards for their work from local and national home builders associations and home and design publications.
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.
15) Bernskoetter Construction
3408 Route M, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Based in Missouri’s state capital of Jefferson City, Bernskoetter Construction has been around since 1979. The Missouri custom home contractor’s managing member and founder is Wayne Bernskoetter, an expert with more than 40 years of experience in the residential construction. He was the charter president of the Home Builders Association of Central Missouri (HBACM). The company has long-term relationships with some of the area’s best craftsmen and artisans; their in-house carpenters have been with them for an average of 13 years. The firm’s employees and leaders have a combined 150 years of construction industry experience.
Second-generation managing member Brice Bernskoetter has a degree from the University of Missouri in finance and real estate, and more than 10 years of experience building custom homes and in commercial storage construction. He served in the US Navy during Operation Inherent Resolve and served as second-vice president of HBACM. The residential contractor also offers home design and remodeling services, from bathroom and kitchen projects to full-house renovations.
14) UIC Homes
1607 Tower Grove Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
Founded in 2005 by two architects, UIC Homes offers architecture, urban design, real estate development, general contracting, renovation, and carpentry services throughout urban St. Louis, MO. Managing Principal Brent Crittenden received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Kansas State University (KSU) and a master’s in architecture and urban design from The Berlage Institute in London. Co-owner Sarah Gibson also has a degree in architecture from KSU. The company is one of largest single-family home builders in St. Louis and strives to construct efficient, innovative, and beautiful homes in vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods.
The company has experience working with green and sustainable construction techniques and materials and is skilled in historic renovation. They offer standard plans for elegant, innovative two- to four-bedroom homes, which can be personalized down to the smallest detail. Many of their designs are sleek and contemporary, standing out in their neighborhoods while also integrated into their surroundings. Crittendon told the St. Louis Post Dispatch that the company’s primary goal is to create “healthy, dynamic urban communities” and to help shape “re-emerging, walkable neighborhoods” in St. Louis’ urban core.
13) Noblit-Didier Design Build
11 W. 77th Street, Kansas City, MO 64114
These custom home builders in Missouri began more than two decades ago in Kansas City’s historic Waldo neighborhood. Partner John Noblit started out in the industry on a construction crew, learning the business by doing the work. He also has a real estate license. Partner Rick Didier has more than 30 years of experience in residential building. He got his start building homes in the Ozark region and doing commercial work for the Lodge of the Four Seasons at Lake of the Ozarks. Noblit and Didier have built more than 100 custom homes in the metro area. The firm has also completed many home remodel projects of all sizes and complexities, and they also do light commercial work, including restaurant remodels.
The company is committed to green and high-performance building techniques, such as structural insulated panels and reclaimed materials. An Energy Star partner and a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the firm has an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau (BBB).
12) Masterpiece Builders and Design
566 Gretna Road C, Branson, MO 65616
One of the leading custom home builders in Branson, MO, Masterpiece Builders and Design is owned and operated by the Caruso family. Tom Caruso learned the construction business by following his builder father around construction sites from the age of five or six. He worked for his father for 15 years and then started building on his own in Florida in 1979. He moved to the Ozarks in 1993 and started a custom home building company with his wife.
Happy clients have noted Caruso’s equal attention to infrastructure and artistic details, and that he builds homes with equal emphasis on style and function. Susan Caruso, co-owner of the custom home builder in Missouri, is an interior designer with 25 years of experience. The Carusos’ son, Trevor Caruso, is a University of Missouri graduate and handles various office and construction duties for the company. He is also the broker for Masterpiece Realty. The company won a 417 Magazine’s Homes of the Year Award.
11) Built By Brett
4465 S. Ridgecrest Drive, Springfield, MO 65810
A boutique custom home builder in Southwest Missouri, Built By Brett has twice been named Builder of the Year by the Home Builder Association of Greater Springfield (HBA). Owner Brett Godfrey started out in the new home business in 1985. He has served as president of the Springfield HBA. A graduate of Missouri State University, Godfrey has been an NAHB Certified Green Professional for 10 years, and he provides expert advice and guidance to his clients on building green.
The Springfield Business Journal has named Built By Brett one of the top 10 builders in in the area. The custom home contractor builds elegant and distinctive homes throughout greater Springfield and southwest Missouri. Godfrey and team have built over 100 custom homes in the area, including in Mt. Vernon, Miller, Lockwood, Osage Beach, and Lake of the Ozarks. The company also develops residential communities in the region. Built By Brett offers a two-year written warranty on every new custom home. Their typical project ranges from $400k to $2M.
10) Hibbs Homes
3 The Pines Court, St. Louis, MO 631141
Hibbs Homes, one of the fastest growing custom home builders in Missouri, began in 2004. As Kim and Jan Hibbs looked at the homes being built in the St. Louis area, they set out to do something different from what every other St. Louis area home builder was doing. In an age of cookie cutter construction, Kim and Jan decided instead to offer homes that were personalized for the homeowner in every respect – custom crafted, lifestyle inspired homes.
“We believe that in creating physical spaces that support the lifestyle and goals of each client. Int his way, we help them build the life they’ve always wanted to live. If their goal is more family time, we’ll build a space that supports that. If their goal is to lead a healthier life, we can incorporate features into their design that will do that as well. We are here to help our clients achieve the home and life of their dreams,” said Kim Hibbs.
From luxurious estate homes to family homes, no two houses built by Hibbs homes are the same. The builder has done especially ground-breaking work in the green home building area. Founder Kim Hibbs built one of the first sustainable homes in Missouri, verified through the St. Louis Home Builder Association’s Green Building Initiative. The construction company has considerable experience building energy-efficient luxury homes in the St. Louis area.
Hibbs Homes has an A+ rating from the BBB in part because of their unique approach to home building. They offer a Pre-Build Process unlike other builders in their class. Individuals interested in building a home can work with the custom home builder and their team for a nominal commitment to fully design and budget their home before they commit to the full construction project. This ensures that every client is fully comfortable with their plan, their budget and their support team as they move forward.
Hibbs serves as a National Director of the NAHB. Locally, the builder has served as Past President, and Chairman of the Custom Home Builder Council and Green Building Council of the St. Louis HAB. Hibbs is a Master Certified Green Professional through the NAHB and an Energy Star/RESNET builder. Hibbs’ wife, Jan Hibbs, is the company’s operations manager. Director of Construction Chris Pedigo is a fourth-generation home builder with more than 25 of experience in the industry. The contractor builds custom homes throughout St. Louis and St. Charles Counties, including in, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Eureka, Town and Country, Chesterfield and Wildwood.
9) Greg Terbrock Design Build
722 Spirit of St. Louis Boulevard, Suite D, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Greg Terbrock is a third-generation custom home builder with more than 35 years of experience in residential construction. The company offers residential architecture, construction, interior design, and landscape design services throughout greater St. Louis. The firm also works on intricate, high-end luxury custom homes, renovations, and additions — including pool houses and outdoor spaces — and makes custom cabinetry.
Terbrock is a member of the exclusive NAHB Builder 20 Group called the “Pacesetters,” a gathering of elite custom home builders who share insights and knowledge about the field. The company is a member of HBA St. Louis Home Builders and has an A+ rating from the BBB. The residential contractor offers a full range of building and design services, including help finding a lot, and architectural, interior, and landscape design services. Terbrock’s satisfied clients have praised his deep knowledge of the construction industry and his ability to deliver the exact home they wanted. Many have returned to the company with new projects.
8) Homes by Chris
1621 Hampshire Court, Liberty, MO 64068
Husband and wife custom home builders Roy and Chris Ragland have built more than 200 homes in the Kansas City, MO, Northland suburbs, including throughout Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties. They have also built in upscale developments such as Copperleaf, Forest Ridge Estates, The Highlands of Weatherby, and Overland Ridge.
Since starting out as new home builders in 2003, the firm has had more than 33 projects featured in the Kansas City Parade of Homes and won over 30 awards during the event. These include the 2016 runner-up American Dream Award and the 2015 Grand Award and American Dream Award. In 2014, the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (HBA) inducted Homes by Chris into the Builder Hall of Fame. That same year, Kansas City Home & Gardens Magazine awarded them a Gold Home of the Year Award.
Roy Ragland has a long background in real estate, and Chris Ragland has a master’s degree in business administration and served as president of the HBA. Both owners work directly with each client, building custom homes, remodels, and additions from mid- to high-end and in many different styles.
7) Herman Custom Critical Homes
2200 E. Sunshine, Suite 118, Springfield, MO 65804
Founded 1994, Herman Custom Homes builds distinctive properties ranging from $500K to $4.5M. The company’s modern, contemporary, and French country homes throughout greater Springfield have won many awards from 417 Magazine, including multiple Homes of the Year honors. The company is an Energy Star builder, and both its principals are NAHB Certified Green Professionals. Herman Custom Homes is a member HBA Greater Springfield.
Owned and operated by Terri and Gary Herman, the company builds in upscale communities, such as High Springs, Stonegate, The Enclave, and Southern Hills. Terri is a graduate of Missouri State University (MSU) with a degree in business management and is also a realtor. Gary is a also an MSU graduate. He has a long history in the construction industry, including about a decade working for regional builders before going out on his own.
Working with architect Matthew Huff, the company constructed the amazing “curved house” in Springfield, MO. The gorgeous, modern, green masterpiece features bold forms, a beautiful exterior of Ipe wood from South America, a clay tile roof, and large, sliding glass doors.
6) Rehnquist Design & Build
11084 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO 63128
A luxury home building company in greater St. Louis, Rehnquist Design & Build’s projects range from $1M to $4M. The homes are located in some of the area’s most exclusive and upscale developments, such as Stonemont, Windsor Oaks, Mason Heights, Hunter’s Grove, and Country Life Acres. The company builds about five to 10 elite homes per year.
Owner and President Rob Rehnquist graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in architecture. Rehnquist worked for a design-build firm while pursuing his degree, and then started his own firm in St. Louis in 1983. He has more than 35 years of experience building custom homes and still works personally with each client.
Rehnquist works out of an 8,000-square-foot office and facilities building in St. Louis, which houses a full wood shop. Here the company’s expert craftsmen build cabinets, built-ins, and other millwork for custom homes. With such a large facility, Rehnquist is able to stock all manner of materials, woods, and other home building essentials, providing seamless and delay-free delivery of his client’s wishes.
5) Ramsey Building Company
201 N. Main Street, Nixa, MO 65714
Rick Ramsey is one of the top custom home builders in the greater Springfield area. He has more than 20 years of experience in residential home building and was still in his early 20s when he built his first project. But his interest in building started much earlier than that. He was just in the seventh grade when he told his mother he wanted to have some rental properties. He realized this ambition as an adult, but soon moved on to more complex and intricate home projects, which these days start around $400k. He is an NAHB Certified Green Professional and Certified Graduate Builder, as well as a member of HBA Greater Springfield.
Building in various styles, including Arts and Crafts and modern, Ramsey is fond of using uncommon materials, such as zinc countertops and stove hoods, reclaimed wood flooring, steel beams, and corten metal. The company is also committed to green and sustainable building. They have experience with geothermal heating and cooling systems and foam insulation, among other high-performance materials. Ramsey Building has been featured in 417 Magazine and won the publication’s Homes of the Year Award in 2016.
4) Rhoads Design & Construction
| 415 South Union Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802
Adrian Rhoads, founder of Rhoads Design & Construction, is a popular and respected custom home builder in greater Springfield. He appeared many times in 417 Magazine and won that publication’s Homes of the Year award in 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2012. Rhoads is an NAHB Certified Green Professional and a member of the HBA of Greater Springfield. He has been in the residential construction industry for nearly 15 years. Rhoads started out in home building as a remodeler with a background in architecture. His custom home projects typically start at around $500k.
Rhoads says the most important element of home building is to “really focus on partnering with the clients and working very closely with them.” This strategy appears to have worked well, as clients have praised the company’s new-build and remodel projects, noting the firm’s professionalism, attention to detail, high-quality workmanship and materials, and cleanliness. While he builds many large and complex homes throughout the region, Rhoads also still takes on home remodeling jobs, from small interior updates to whole-home renovations.
3) Millstone Custom Homes
1519 N. Commercial Road, Nixa, MO 65714
Second-generation builder Sam Clifton, owner of Millstone Custom Homes, builds eco-friendly custom homes throughout southwest Missouri, including in Springfield, Joplin, Branson, and Lake of the Ozarks. The custom home contractor was the lead builder on two episodes of the ABC television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The company builds homes in various styles, including contemporary, traditional, Old World, Tuscan, Craftsman, and French country. An NAHB Certified Green Professional and Energy Star builder, Clifton serves on the HBA Springfield Green Builders Committee. Millstone employs many green and sustainable building techniques in its new-home builds, including high-performance insulating concrete forms.
Clifton has a degree in construction management from Missouri State University. He served on the board of directors of the Springfield HBA and won a Builder Member of the Year Award. The company was also a Design Excellence Award Winner from Residential Design + Build Magazine. They also received several Homes of the Year Awards from 417 Magazine, a taste-making publication in southwest Missouri.
2) Homoly Construction
924 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
A family-owned, custom green home builder in greater Kansas City, Homoly Construction builds custom homes, commercial projects, and remodels throughout the Northland. Founded in 1997, the firm won the Grand American Dream Home Award from the Parade of Homes, as well as several prestigious honors from Kansas City Homes & Gardens Magazine. These include the Gold Award for Best Custom Home over $1M, the Gold Award for Best Green Home, and the Silver Award for Best Modern Architecture.
President Andrew Homoly grew up in construction industry working for his father, and he has more than 30 years’ experience across the various trades. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in civil engineering and an environmental emphasis, Homoly is a local leader in green and sustainable building. He is Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited and credentialed by the NAHB as a Master Certified Green Professional. The company has been named among the top 25 contractors in Kansas City by the Kansas City Business Journal.
1) R.E.A. Homes
2401 Centerline Industrial Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
R.E.A Homes has decades of experience creating High Performance Luxury Homes℠. Their remarkable homes can be found throughout upscale areas, such as Ladue, Frontenac, Town & Country, Creve Coeur, and several other locations. Priced anywhere from $750K to $10M+, they feature elements like gourmet kitchens with custom millwork, as well as luxurious master baths with marble, freestanding tubs, and heated tile floors. Some have Irish pubs/full wine cellars, wet bars, and butler’s pantries. Some include two-story high stone fireplaces, dramatic spiral staircases, and barn-style doorways. The exteriors are magnificent, many featuring classic stone or brick. But that’s just the start…They focus even more on what’s “behind the drywall” with an intense passion centered on the “shell” of the home creating healthier, more comfortable, and more energy efficient homes.
With more than 30 years of experience in residential construction, R.E.A.’s founder, Jeff Bogard builds award winning custom homes. A fully credentialed LEED Green Associate, R.E.A. Homes is a nationally recognized leader in sustainable luxury in St. Louis, Missouri. They are affiliated with ENERGY STAR®, RESNET, the US Green Building Council, EPA Indoor Air Plus, and the St. Louis Home Builders Association. R.E.A. Homes was awarded the 2017 Millwork Award from St. Louis Magazine, and has been featured in St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles magazine, as well as Modern Home Builder magazine and others.
How can I find a custom home builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best custom home builders across Missouri. If you don’t see your city below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
Custom home builders in St. Louis
Custom home builders in Kansas City
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.
