Best Custom Home Builders in Seattle (2024)

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 serves many important functions for different players in the industry. For companies supplying materials and services to general contractors, this data can help them effectively connect with their audience. By keeping an eye on significant events, such as the start of large construction projects, these businesses can time their outreach to coincide with when contractors are looking for new resources, making their communications more relevant. Furthermore, by examining construction market trends, suppliers can focus their efforts on contractors who are expanding their businesses. Subcontractors also benefit by being able to identify and reach out to general contractors they wish to work with on specific projects. Additionally, real estate developers, property owners, and others in need of contractors can use detailed contractor data to assess the quality and expertise of both contractors and subcontractors before making decisions.

D.R. Horton Seattle Division Office

Address:
11241 Slater Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033

D.R. Horton, a leading contractor in the Greater Seattle area, has been a trusted name in homebuilding since 1978, demonstrating over four decades of expertise in crafting quality homes that prioritize energy efficiency and value. With an impressive milestone of building over 1,000,000 homes nationwide, the company has earned the title of America’s Builder, reflecting its commitment to providing affordable housing solutions for every stage of life. D.R. Horton’s diverse range of thoughtfully designed floor plans caters to various lifestyles and budgets, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers and families alike. The company has consistently ranked as the number one builder in the U.S. since 2002, a testament to its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction and community development. D.R. Horton’s projects extend from the scenic North Sound to the vibrant South Sound, ensuring residents enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities of Western Washington. Beyond home construction, D.R. Horton also offers a seamless experience through its family of brands, including DHI Mortgage, DHI Title, and DRH Insurance, making the home-buying process straightforward and convenient. As the Seattle region continues to thrive with its robust job market and rich cultural scene, D.R. Horton remains at the forefront, committed to building not just houses, but welcoming homes in this dynamic environment.

Data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections was analyzed by the Home Builder Digest team to uncover previous projects by the Seattle Division Office of D.R. Horton. In 2016, a new single-family home was constructed by the D.R. Horton Seattle Division Office as part of a $431,987 project. More recently, in 2024, the office completed a new single-family residence that included an attached garage, with a project budget of $525,774.

Murray Franklyn Companies

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

Murray Franklyn has been a cornerstone of homebuilding in the Seattle area since 1966, specializing in premium quality new homes that cater to the Northwest lifestyle. With over 50 years of experience, the company has established a reputation for innovative home designs, emphasizing customer satisfaction by thoroughly understanding and responding to client needs. The strength of Murray Franklyn lies in its dedicated team, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade, fostering a sense of community that enhances both the workplace and the homebuilding process. This locally-owned company is proud to have crafted countless exceptional homes, blending quality craftsmanship with a commitment to premier locations. Recognized for its excellence in luxury home construction and outstanding customer service, Murray Franklyn has received numerous awards that underscore its status as one of the premier builders in the Pacific Northwest. The collaborative spirit among employees extends beyond work, with team-building activities that strengthen relationships and contribute to a positive work environment. By maintaining high standards and incorporating standard inclusions in every project, Murray Franklyn sets itself apart from competitors. Ultimately, their goal is to deliver superior homes that reflect the values and needs of their clients, making them a leader in the industry.

Data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections was reviewed by the Home Builder Digest team to uncover previous projects by Murray Franklyn Companies. In 2023, the company completed a new single-family home construction with a budget of $625,156. Additionally, in the same year, Murray Franklyn Companies undertook another project for a single-family residence featuring 4,557 square feet of living space, costing $612,544.

Sockeye Homes

Address:
14638 SE 229th Pl, Kent, WA 98042

Sockeye Homes has been a distinguished name in the construction industry since its founding in 2007 by President Tod Sakai, who has built a robust reputation over his career that began in the early 1990s. With credentials as a NAHB Certified Graduate Builder and Remodeler, Tod’s expertise was honed while working for a general contractor that specialized in custom homes worldwide, where he developed a patented system to create a network of 43 franchisees, successfully completing over 1,500 homes. Under his leadership, Sockeye Homes has garnered impressive recognition, including a record-breaking nine Excellence in Remodeling Awards from the Building Industry Association of Washington in 2012, contributing to a total of 179 awards to date, including 35 at the national level. Tod’s commitment to the industry is evident through his various accolades, such as the Emerging Trader of the Year Award in 2003 and the Remodeler Member of the Year Award in 2014. His role extends beyond construction; he actively shares his knowledge as a keynote speaker and lecturer for various organizations, promoting best practices in the building sector. Moreover, Tod’s dedication to community service is exemplified through his involvement with numerous charities, including Habitat for Humanity, for which he and his wife received a volunteer award from the governor. Sockeye Homes prides itself on custom construction, ADUs, and package construction, driven by a mission to provide superior quality and design that meets the needs of its clients. With a focus on building strong relationships, Sockeye Homes stands out as a leader in the Pacific Northwest construction market, committed to transforming houses into cherished homes.

Data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections was reviewed by the Home Builder Digest team to identify previous projects completed by Sockeye Homes. In 2014, the company undertook a project for a single-family residence with a budget of $359,352. The following year, Sockeye Homes completed another project for a new single-family home, which cost $507,473.

Emerald City Construction

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

Emerald City Construction, a family-owned business, has been a trusted name in the Greater Seattle community for over 17 years, specializing in design and remodeling services that transform houses into true homes. The company prides itself on a commitment to craftsmanship and exceptional customer service, ensuring every project is completed to the highest standards. Their reputation is built on getting the job done right the first time, with a meticulous attention to detail that highlights the luxury of their work. In addition to construction, Emerald City offers comprehensive design support, helping clients visualize and achieve their dream home aesthetics. Whether building custom homes from the ground up or renovating existing spaces, the team at Emerald City works closely with clients to tailor each project to their unique needs and lifestyle. They understand the challenges of the competitive Seattle housing market, offering personalized floor plans and energy-efficient solutions to meet modern standards. The skilled contractors and designers collaborate to ensure a seamless experience, emphasizing thorough communication throughout the process. Emerald City Construction is dedicated to enhancing homes, whether through new builds or remodels, and remains focused on delivering quality and integrity in every project they undertake.

The Home Builder Digest team reviewed past projects of Emerald City Construction using data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. In 2024, the company completed a new two-story residence measuring 3,038 square feet, which featured a 576 square-foot attached garage and a 1,968 square-foot covered porch, at a cost of $552,457. Earlier, in 2022, Emerald City Construction worked on a $1,000,000 project that included a 3,866 square-foot single-family home, along with a 595 square-foot garage and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

Sustain A Build Ity

Address:
2522 N Proctor, Tacoma, WA 98406

Sustain A Build Ity is a licensed construction contractor recognized by the Washington license board, specializing in innovative residential projects. The Home Builder Digest team reviewed data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to explore past projects completed by Sustain A Build Ity. In 2022, the company undertook a new project to construct a three-story single-family dwelling featuring two bedrooms and three bathrooms, which had a budget of $150,000. Additionally, in 2020, Sustain A Build Ity completed another $150,000 project, which involved the construction of a three-story duplex.

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.