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The Best General Contractors in Connecticut

19 Min Read

Last updated on July 8th, 2024 at 04:46 pm

Building a new home is a challenge unlike any other. You’ve already made the important decision to create your own custom home rather than buy a home for sale. You’ve pick the design professionals to create a floor plan for your lifestyle and design a home in the ideal style. Working with the right general contractor to build those plans created by your architects is now the most important things you can do to ensure a quality and long-lasting custom home. Because we know it can be hard to find to find a builder you trust with such an important investment, when there are so many to choose from, we looked into hundreds of construction companies to determine the 10 best custom home builders working in Connecticut.  

These general contractors can do everything from home improvement, major residential renovations, historic restoration, and kitchen remodels — but what they really stand out for is their new home construction, especially custom homes. From classic mansions to modern estates, these CT home builders have relationships with the best subcontractors and artisans from Greenwich to New Haven and Hartford and further, to give you what you want in your new home. Whether you are in Fairfield County or Litchfield County in eastern Connecticut, or perhaps along the coast, the home builders on this list have knowledge of  local zoning regulations, building codes, and the building permit process. Hiring the right builder will make the process of your new construction project stress-free, on schedule, and within budget.

About our methodology: We considered hundreds of professionals while making this list of the 10 best custom home builders in Connecticut. In addition to professional associations, we heavily weighed recognition the firm has received in the form of awards and press, any prestigious clientele they have worked with, whether or not they collaborate with other top industry professionals, including architects and interior designers, and what areas they work in, the more exclusive and high-end neighborhoods having greater influence. We also took into account the value of the projects they undertake, years in the business, customer reviews for quality and service, and range of services offered.

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.


10) Duce Construction Corporation

412 W 127th St, New York, NY 10027

Where they work: New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey

The full-service general contractor and construction management firm of Duce Construction is specialized in building and renovating high-end luxury homes and estates. Working throughout New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey, this company has rightfully earned their reputation for excellent craftsmanship and personalized service. Working on some pricey homes by high-end architects, Duce Construction has proven for three decades their ability to handle any type of job and work environment. The work of Duce Construction has caught the eye of many publications, among them: Connecticut Magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Downtown Magazine, Metropolitan Home, Connecticut Magazine, Home & Living Trends, Elle Décor, Classic Homes, House & Garden, Traditional Home, Modern Luxury Manhattan, Interior Design, and Classic Home.

“Considered a leader, Duce Construction “prevails” when matching existing antique materials with old-world craftsmanship.” – Franklin Report

Duce Construction was founded in 1990 by Irish-born Rory McCreesh. He has instilled his firm with a culture that emphasizes uncompromising quality, craftsmanship, and service above all else. Past clients have taken note of the personalized approach Duce Construction offers and appreciates their ability to troubleshoot problems with innovation and expertise, as well as honest and up-front budgeting and cost-limiting offerings. They have the proven skills and meticulous focus needed for high-end custom home building and collaborate exceptionally well with other team members, including architects and interior designs, to ensure that signature elements and fine details are executed according to plan. Along with their new construction projects, the company offers Duce Property Maintenance Management, with provides clients with the peace of mind that the company will continue to service their masterpiece after the initial build is completed.


9) Brindisi & Yaroscak Custom Builders

1082 Post Rd, Darien, CT 0682

There is a reason Brindisi & Yaroscak Custom Builders of Darien, Connecticut have become a popular choice for clients looking for excellently built custom homes. Their meticulous attention to detail and ability to translate an architect’s plans into a reality have caught the attention of many of the area’s most exclusive homeowners and led to many repeat clients. They have had the opportunity to collaborate with top industry professionals, such as Beinfield Architecture, and their work has been featured in periodicals ranging from New England Home and Greenwich Magazine to Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, and athome. Recognition for their work also includes multiple HOBI Awards.

“Dream homes just don’t happen… They require a construction team that strives to blend a custom luxury home design, excellent craftsmanship, and the client’s personal taste. Brindisi & Yaroscak cares as much as you do, and recognizes that your home says a lot about you and we want it to say nothing but the best.” – Brindisi & Yaroscak Custom Builders

In addition to excellent craftsmanship, Brindisi & Yaroscak Custom Builders places a high emphasis on client service and satisfaction. By making the custom home building process as pleasant and enjoyable as possible for their clients, they believe they can build an even more superior building that speaks volumes about the care and concern put into it. As one local industry professional who has worked with the builders on multiple opportunities raves: “I have had the privilege to work with Jon Brindisi and his extremely talented team on multiple projects over the past ten years. Many of the projects has won an architectural award. Jon’s attention to detail is complemented by his integrity, work ethic, and a total commitment to his clients, associates, and friends.”


8) Blansfield Builders

2 High Fields Dr, Danbury, CT 06811

Named by USA Architecture as one of the Best 100 Custom Home Builders in the country, Danbury-based Blansfield Builders has been building grand homes in southwestern Connecticut and Westchester County, New York since 1985. Not one to accept anything less than excellence, the firm is recognized for constantly adding to their already solid knowledge of construction. This commitment helps them keep in step with new products and innovations and apply the latest technology and ideas to their client’s high-end residential projects. The company is so proud of and confident in the quality of their work, they are happy to offer a five-year warranty to their clients. Blansfield Builders has won many prestigious awards, including earning HOBI awards every year, an A-List Award, being named Contractor of the Year The International Remodeling Contractors Association, Inc, and Builder of the Month by Builder/Architect Magazine.

“Blansfield Builders have been inspired by the rough luxe look. Combining reclaimed materials with sleek contemporary finishes have proven to be an exciting design medium which our clients are loving.” Jim Blansfield

Not only does Blansfield Builders provide clients with top-quality home construction, but founder and owner Jim Blansfield’s passion for the builder’s art has proven to be a valuable resource for clients. He has assembled a staff and crew that share his goal of providing not only a new home to their clients, but a better way of life. The company works closely with well-respected architects, such as Beinfield Architecture, to ensure that the client’s vision and needs are properly built into the home. By using the right, talented people for a project, and ensuring the right materials and craftsmanship, Blansfield Builders hopes to provide their clients with a sophisticated custom home that will be relevant and comfortable for years to come.


7) I-Grace

1150 Summer Street, 2nd Floor, Stamford, CT 06905

Where they Work: New England, New York, Los Angeles

With four offices across New York, Connecticut, and in Los Angeles, including an office in Stamford that handles projects across New England, I-Grace is uniquely positioned to offer high-end residential construction services anywhere in Connecticut. Founded in 1988 by David J. Cohen, the firm has almost 30 years of experience working with the most discerning homeowners, architects, and designers to build ground-up custom homes as well as undertake major renovations and historic restorations. Their often unmatched expertise as a luxury home builder and provider of high-end residential services have made them a sought-after choice for collaborations among some of the best industry professionals and have earned them a loyal client base. I-Grace’s exquisite homes can be seen in the pages of Elle Décor, New York Magazine, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, Veranda, Quest, New Traditional Architecture, Vogue, House Beautiful, Ocean Home, New York Cottage & Gardens, and the Robb Report, among others. Their work has also been published in a variety of books.

In addition to their quality construction, I-Grace is also known for working closely with clients and making them feel comfortable and involved in the home building process. Conceived as a firm with a deep commitment to artisan level craftsmanship and the best of modern management practices, founder and CEO David Cohen has re-envisaged the traditional patron-builder relationship. And although he has grown the company into one of the leading purveyors of high-end residential services in the country, they keep their client-centered, personalized approach to each project.

Cohen developed a love for historic architecture and learned the impact the built environment and changes to it can have on a community from a young age. While studying for and then after earning a degree in European History, he worked for Marvin Hammerman, Inc., an architectural woodworking and general contracting firm in New York City. He later joined William Crawford, Inc., an old-line residential construction firm, where he had the opportunity to work with some of the most prestigious decorating and architecture firms in New York. He applies all of these experiences and the lessons learned to his practice today, helping them be one of the top choices when it comes to extravagant projects.


6) Tallman Building

10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824

The Tallman Building Company, based in Southport, Connecticut, is a general contracting firm with unparalleled experience in constructing high-end custom homes for elite clients. As one of the premier home builders in the area, their resume includes some of the most prestigious homes and clients in Fairfield County along with corporate properties of national reputation. Their passion for fine craftsmanship and commitment to realizing plans as designed has led to their collaboration with many of the most highly respected architects and designers in the region. This has allowed them to work on a broad range of architectural forms including classical, contemporary and period restoration, giving them a wealth of knowledge. The work of Tallman Building has been published in Veranda, Period Homes, athome, Fairfield Magazine, Elle Décor, Custom Home, Architectural Digest, CT C&G, Luxe, and Serendipity, among others. They have also received national awards from Custom Home and Period Homes.

“This even-handed firm stands tall among Fairfield County’s elite general contractors. The go-to guy for upper-echelon architects and designers […] Tallman’s client list reads like a who’s who of Wall Street.” – The Franklin Report

With their more than 30 years of experience, Tallman Builders takes on anything from renovations on extravagant accessory structures to building a new estate on 24-acres from the ground up. They were previously trusted to renovate Riegel Point in Southport, widely considered to be one of the most exclusive properties on the East Coast. In addition to their residential projects, the company undertakes diverse projects including institutional facilities and commercial buildings. The firm’s main principals — Paul Tallman, Bill Manderville and Robert Griggs — have assembled a team of veteran field managers and loyal and talented craftsmen with expansive knowledge and technical expertise. Together, the team is known for seeking out great building challenges and embracing difficult projects with enthusiasm and ease. The Principals, in particular, have a reputation for their personal approach and working directly with clients on everything from choosing fixtures to budgetary decisions.


5) Davenport Contracting Inc.

78 Harvard Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

Where they work: Mainly Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY and occasionally Manhattan

For over 30 years, Davenport Contracting Inc. has been creating stunning, high-end homes to the highest standards and is endorsed by architects and clients alike for their exceptional homes. This has led to lasting relationships with industry professionals and many repeat clients. The company has worked with distinguished architects, including Austin Patterson Disston Architects, Mark Finlay Architects, Robert Joyce Architecture, and SRW Architects. Often undertaking multi-million dollar projects throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, and perhaps a restoration or major renovation in Manhattan for the right client or property, Davenport Contracting typically limits the number of large-scale jobs they take on at any given time in order to provide the best, personalized service to each client.

The work of Davenport Contracting has been published in Elle Décor, Custom Builder, East Coast Home Design, Greenwich Home & Estates, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, Design + Decor, and Connecticut Builder, and has been recognized with many awards from the Home Builders & Remodelers Association Of Connecticut, including the 2016 Best Custom Home over 10,000 SF, the 2016 Outstanding Modern Custom Home, and 2014 Best Custom Home.

President Brian MacDonald, who founded the company with Rick Koch after the two met on a job site in 1983, has put together a stellar team. A key to their success has been their proven ability to tackle changes during a build and handle problems with creativity and grace. They have rightfully earned a reputation for their communication, keeping all necessary partners and clients up-to-date on each project along every step of the way. They foster a collaborative environment that includes the client, architect, interior designer, project manager, and crew, to provide clients with an exceptional home at an agreed upon budget. Along with their new construction projects, Davenport Contracting also runs a Property Management division to handle specialty projects and handle any issues for past clients.


4) Taconic Builders Inc.

125 Spencer Place, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Where they work: New York, including The Hamptons, Connecticut, southern California, and London

With 6 office locations – in Mamaroneck, NY, New York City, Southampton, NY, Santa Barbara, CA, Culver City, CA and in London — Taconic Builders is uniquely positioned to offer high-end service to their esteemed clients. Working on numerous multi-million dollar projects, the company utilizes its vast resources and long-standing industry connections to deliver the best skills, materials, and ultimately, results, to their clients. The company has numerous Connecticut Home Builders Association HOBI Award-Winning projects. Their buildings are published frequently and widely, including in Architectural Record, Luxe, The World Of Interiors, Interior Design, Celebrated Living, Tribeca Evolution, Classical Invention, Architectural Digest, Avenue Décor, East Coast Home + Design, Robb Report Luxury Home, Metropolitan Home, Interior Design, New York Times – House & Home, The Modern Estate, Veranda, and others. It is not surprising that Taconic Builders have been a top-choice on projects from many of Connecticut’s top architecture firms, including SRW Architects, Charles Hilton Architects, Robert Joyce Architecture, and Austin Patterson Disston Architects.

“This class-act contractor has established a reputation over its fifteen-plus years for being “first rate in every way.” Architects, decorators and homeowners all praise both the quality of the work and the ease of teaming with Taconic…” – Franklin Report

Founding Partners Gerry Holbrook and James Hanley began the firm over 25 years ago and are joined today by President and CEO Vince D. Tyer. Collectively, these leaders “have an encyclopedic knowledge of building procedures and practices, a phenomenal rolodex and a history of support for their business, educational and cultural institutions.” Under their direction, Taconic Builders works with only the most competent professionals for each job and are known for an uncompromising commitment to nothing less than perfection. Their staff has the expertise to implement even the most complicated designs and troubleshoot any problems with creativity and efficiency. And the company actively encourages and seeks out green initiatives, in pursuit of their founding principle ”to custom-build exceptional environments that will enhance the lives of the current and future occupants.” Their service staff are available to clients long after project completion to ensure everything is working and looking as it should.


3) Significant Homes, LLC

199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840

Where they work: Mainly Fairfield and Westchester counties, with occasional projects in other states

New Canaan’s Significant Homes, LLC has become one of the most sought-after custom home builders in Connecticut due to their commitment to executing designs with only the finest craftsmanship and their excellent customer service which has resulted in a large portfolio of satisfied clients. Their beautiful custom homes have been published in many top trade magazines, including New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, House & Garden, Interiors, Luxe, Serendipity, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, New England Home, athome, Greenwich Magazine, Connecticut Magazine, Connecticut Builder House Beautiful, and East Coast Home + Design, as well as numerous books. They have won multile CT Cottages & Gardens Innovation in Design Awards, Home Builders Association of Connecticut awards, and were an athome A-List Award finalist.

“We are inspired by the designs of the many great architects that we work with and the ultimate satisfaction of our clients” – Matt & Whit Matthews

Whether it is building grand estates or exquisite homes, or undertaking a whole house renovation or historic restoration project, Significant Homes emphasizes attention to detail and premium quality work and materials. The company has full-time on-site supervision and uses the services of a hand-picked team of professional craftsmen who are all experts in their respective specialties. Throughout their 45 years of luxury home building, Significant Homes have built long-standing collaborations with other industry professionals. They are a common choice for architects who want to ensure their design is executed to the highest standards. In addition to their local projects, they occasionally complete gorgeous vacation projects in Maine, Nantucket, Long Island, Palm Beach, and Aspen.


2) Hobbs, Inc

27 Grove St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Where they work: New England and New York

Founded in 1945, Hobbs, Inc has become one of the best and most respected custom home builders across the northeastern US, with offices in New Canaan, New York City, Bridgehampton, and Saddle River. Regularly undertaking multi-million dollar projects, Hobbs, Inc is often working with wealthy and prominent clients (such as the head of one of the world’s largest corporations) who expect nothing but the best craftsmanship, materials, customer service, and accuracy in budgeting and scheduling. Hobbs, Inc. delivers on all accounts. They are trusted by the top architects, such as Amanda Martocchio Architecture + Design, who know they will faithfully execute their vision. The company builds first-class craftsmanship into every detail big and small, from elegant woodworking and hand worked masonry to the structural integrity of the home that will be evident over the years. Not surprisingly, Hobbs, Inc. has earned many accolades, including CT Cottages & Gardens Innovation in Design Awards, tons of HOBI awards, and a Pacesetter Award from Custom Home. Impressively, they have been named ‘Custom Builder of the Year’ by Custom Home Magazine and won the award for ‘Remodeled Home of the Year’ from the Connecticut Home Building Industry Awards.

“This third-generation builder is widely considered the “best of the best” of Connecticut and Westchester residential builders” – The Franklin Report

Scott Hobbs, who now heads the practice established more than have a century earlier by his grandfather and then run by his father, has filled the company with the best employees from the top down. His project management team is composed of “top-brass talents” and the first-class estimating department has earned a reputation for being spot-on and “brutally honest” — qualities his (often repeat) clients have come to greatly value. Committed to and knowledgeable about green building, Hobbs, Inc. also encourages clients to take a holistic approach to their projects, optimizing the health, safety, and comfort of their homes while minimizing its impact on the environment. The firm also has a personal estate maintenance group for their past clients after a job is completed, which handles single-trade maintenance and repair job. The company also operates Hobbs Distinguished Additions and Renovations (DAR), which tackles more complex projects, up to a ceiling of about $500,000.


1) Prutting & Company Custom Builders

75 Camp Ave, Stamford, CT 06907

Where they work: Westchester and Fairfield counties

Stamford-based Prutting & Company Custom Builders has become a go-to-choice for professionals and clients looking for top-notch builders capable of executing sophisticated and technically challenging homes. With exemplary craftsmanship and comprehensive customer service, the company has worked on luxury projects throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties for the most discerning clients, many of whom come back to the firm for any and all future construction projects. Their homes have received numerous accolades, including multiple CT Cottages & Gardens Innovation in Design Awards, Custom Home Design Awards, a New England AIA Merit Award, and being a Luxe Magazine 2016 Gold List Honoree. The firm has also been named by USA Architecture as one of the Best 100 Custom Home Builders. Prutting & Company Custom Builders have worked with dozens prominent architects, including Connecticut’s Joeb Moore & Partners, Amanda Martocchio Architecture + Design, Paul McKean Architecture, and Specht Harpman.

“It is our purpose to produce distinctive, well-executed renovation and new construction – drawing from many years of collective experience of our employees and management team, and the best of current technologies available to builders today. We appreciate and are inspired by good design and well executed building plans.” – Prutting & Company Custom Builders

Solely owned by David and Deborah Prutting, who founded the company in 1975, Prutting & Company has grown from a roofing company to a full-service contracting company working on luxury, multi-million dollar projects. Today, the company has hundreds of projects in the Fairfield and Westchester County areas on their resume, ranging from award-winning modern homes to massive historic restorations. Architects and clients alike respect the company’s commitment and ability to achieve the full potential of plan, while using the highest-quality materials and construction techniques. No matter how large or complex a project may be, Prutting & Company Custom Builders beautifully execute even the smallest of details.


How can I find a contractor or home builder near me?

Read our latest articles on the best residential contractors and home builders in and near Connecticut. If you don’t see your city or project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

The Best Residential Architects in Connecticut

The Best Interior Designers in Connecticut

The Best Custom Home Builders in Connecticut


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.

Author

  • Blaine has served as Editor at Home Builder Digest for six years, drawing from over ten years of experience in construction and real estate. His comprehensive understanding spans commercial construction, architecture, and home builds, cultivated through diverse roles in the industry. With four years at BuildZoom and a background as a licensed real estate agent, Blaine possesses a unique perspective that enriches his editorial work. His dedication to delivering informative content is underscored by his extensive tenure in the field, ensuring that readers receive valuable insights into the dynamic world of construction and home design. Expertise: Commercial Construction, Commercial Remodeling, Home Design and Build Key Highlights: Over 6 years of experience writing and editing in the construction space, Editor at Home Builder Digest, Previous experience at BuildZoom and Keller Williams Realty Education: Ohio University, Bachelor of Science in Human and Consumer Science - Minor in Business, 120+ Hours of New Jersey Real Estate Education, 120+ Hours of Arizona Real Estate Education

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