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Best Home Builders in Raleigh (2024)

10 Min Read

Last updated on November 11th, 2024 at 06:44 pm

Our annual ranking of top construction firms highlights the top companies in Raleigh 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 players in the industry. Companies that supply materials or services to contractors can use this data to more effectively connect with their target audience. By keeping track of key milestones—like the start of significant construction projects—they can time their outreach to match when contractors are likely to need new resources. This helps ensure that their communications are relevant and timely. Additionally, by analyzing business patterns through construction analytics, these suppliers can identify contractors who are experiencing growth and may be more in need of their products or services. Subcontractors can also use contractor data to find general contractors they want to collaborate with on new projects. For real estate developers, property owners, and others in need of construction services, this data offers a way to verify the quality and expertise of contractors and subcontractors before hiring them, giving them more confidence in their selection. By leveraging trends in building construction and contractor licenses, businesses and property owners can ensure they are working with reputable professionals in line with industry standards.

Business# Projects (’23)Average Contract Value
Lennar Carolina, Inc. 356 $1039K
DR Horton Custom Homes 98 $518K
Toll Brothers, Inc. 16 $118K
Homes by Dickerson, Inc. 14 $90K
Drees Homes Company 12 $89K
Lone Wolf Design Build, LLC 11 $56K

Lennar Carolina, Inc.

Address:
6701 Carmel Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226

Lennar, founded in 1954 in Miami, Florida, is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, renowned for its commitment to quality, value, and integrity. Over the years, Lennar has built more than one million homes across 19 states, including a strong presence in North Carolina, where it serves cities like Raleigh and beyond. The company offers homes for a variety of buyers, from first-time purchasers to luxury homeowners, with its popular Everything’s Included® program that provides high-end features at no additional cost. Lennar also offers a range of financial services through Lennar Mortgage and Lennar Title, ensuring a streamlined homebuying experience. Known for its innovation, Lennar introduced the first Wi-Fi Certified™ Home Designs and its Lenˣ platform to integrate smart home technology into every build. The company’s strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of U.S. Home in 2000 and WCI Communities in 2017, have helped solidify its position as the largest homebuilder in the country. Lennar also pioneered the Next Gen® home model, designed for multigenerational families. With a deep focus on customer satisfaction and technological advancement, Lennar continues to expand its footprint in key markets like Raleigh, North Carolina, while maintaining its founding principles of providing affordable, high-quality homes for families across the nation.

The Home Builder Digest team also examined data from the City of Raleigh Planning and Development to explore previous projects by Lennar Carolina, Inc. In 2024, Lennar Carolina, Inc. undertook a new single-family construction project valued at $500,333. Additionally, in 2024, the company worked on another new single-family construction project valued at $499,066.


DR Horton Custom Homes

Address:
8025 Arrowridge Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has grown to become the largest homebuilder in the United States, proudly earning the title of “America’s Builder.” With over one million homes built by 2023, the company has been the number one homebuilder in the nation since 2002. D.R. Horton’s services extend across the country, including in key markets like North Carolina and Raleigh, where the company offers a variety of homes, from affordable entry-level properties to luxurious estates. Their expansive operations are designed to meet the diverse needs of homebuyers at every stage of life. In addition to homebuilding, D.R. Horton provides a full range of services, including DHI Mortgage, DHI Title, and DRH Insurance, to ensure a seamless experience for their customers. Their commitment to affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted name in the housing industry. Whether in Raleigh or across the nation, D.R. Horton is dedicated to delivering homes that meet the highest standards and help individuals and families realize their dream of homeownership.

DR Horton Custom Homes’ past projects were also analyzed by the Home Builder Digest team using data from the City of Raleigh Planning and Development. In 2024, DR Horton Custom Homes completed a new residential project with a permit value of $220,000. Additionally, in the same year, the company worked on another residential new construction project, valued at $155,020.


Toll Brothers, Inc.

Address:
8208 Last Oak Ct, Raleigh, NC 27613

Toll Brothers, Inc., founded in 1967, is a premier luxury homebuilder and a Fortune 500 company with an exceptional reputation for creating high-quality, custom-designed homes. With 57 years of experience, the company operates in over 60 markets across 24 states, including prominent locations in North Carolina like Raleigh, Charlotte, and surrounding areas. Toll Brothers specializes in a variety of housing options, from first-time buyer homes to luxury estates, active adult communities, and second homes. Known for its architectural excellence, the company offers a wide range of personalized design options, ensuring that each home reflects the unique tastes and preferences of its owners. Toll Brothers is also recognized for its full-service approach, offering in-house services including architecture, engineering, land development, mortgage, title, and smart home technology. The company’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including being named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and receiving the Builder of the Year award twice from Professional Builder magazine. Toll Brothers has consistently been listed among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies and in 2024, its CEO, Douglas C. Yearley, Jr., was named one of the Top 25 CEOs by Barron’s magazine. With a focus on luxury living and unparalleled customer service, Toll Brothers continues to be a leader in the homebuilding industry, offering homes that combine sophisticated design, high-end craftsmanship, and the latest in smart home technology.

The City of Raleigh Planning and Development’s records, as analyzed by the Home Builder Digest team, show past projects completed by Toll Brothers, Inc. In 2024, Toll Brothers, Inc. worked on a new single-family dwelling project valued at $467,100. Additionally, in 2010, the company completed another new single-family construction project with a permit value of $242,480.


Homes by Dickerson, Inc.

Address:
2841 Plaza Pl, Raleigh, NC 27612

Homes By Dickerson, a custom homebuilder based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been a trusted name in residential construction since 1975. Over nearly five decades, the company has grown from a small two-man operation into an award-winning builder known for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to quality. Homes By Dickerson prides itself on its ability to deliver highly personalized homes, never building the same design twice. The company’s dedication to service, design, commitment, and flexibility ensures that each project is crafted to meet the unique needs of every client. With a strong focus on high-performance homes, Homes By Dickerson integrates cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into its builds, delivering homes that stand the test of time. The company’s team of talented professionals is deeply embedded in the local community, forging lasting relationships with vendors, Realtors, and homeowners. Through their emphasis on detail and design excellence, Homes By Dickerson consistently exceeds industry standards, earning recognition in the Parade of Homes and numerous local accolades. Now serving multiple markets across North and South Carolina, the company remains a privately owned, family-oriented business, dedicated to continuing its legacy of quality custom homebuilding for generations to come.

The Home Builder Digest team also reviewed data from the City of Raleigh Planning and Development to uncover past projects by Homes by Dickerson, Inc. In 2019, Homes by Dickerson, Inc. completed a residential new building project valued at $725,000. Additionally, in 2024, the company worked on a new single-family dwelling project with a permit value of $883,263.


Drees Homes Company

Address:
8521 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

Drees Homes is a nationally recognized homebuilder with a long-standing reputation for excellence, delivering high-quality homes across the United States since its founding. Headquartered in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, Drees has built a legacy of superior craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional customer service, which has earned them numerous industry accolades. Among their prestigious awards are the coveted “Triple Crown” of homebuilding, America’s Best Builder award, and National Builder of the Year, each highlighting their commitment to quality, service, and innovation. Ranked as the 41st largest homebuilder in the U.S. by Builder Magazine, Drees also stands out as a top 20 private builder. The company’s commitment to excellence extends beyond construction to include award-winning financial operations and community involvement. Drees Homes is also recognized as a “Great Place to Work” by Great Place to Work® and has earned a spot as one of the U.S. Best Managed Companies by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Known for its exceptional customer service, Drees has built a strong reputation based on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients. With a diverse portfolio of custom homes, Drees continues to set the standard for luxury living, making it a trusted choice for homeowners in Raleigh and across the country.

Drees Homes Company’s past projects were also analyzed by the Home Builder Digest team using data from the City of Raleigh Planning and Development. In 2024, Drees Homes Company completed a new single-family building project with a permit value of $335,775. Additionally, in 2008, the company worked on a residential new family dwelling project, valued at $333,299.


Lone Wolf Design Build, LLC

Address:
45 Ventasso Dr, Clayton, NC 27527

Lone Wolf Design Build, LLC, founded in 2015 by Eddie Meekins, has established itself as a premier general contractor specializing in design/build consulting for custom-built homes and commercial properties. With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, the company has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation. Lone Wolf Design Build takes pride in delivering turnkey construction solutions, ensuring that each project is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of its clients. Over the years, the firm has successfully completed a variety of notable projects, showcasing their versatility and expertise in both residential and commercial sectors.

The City of Raleigh Planning and Development’s records, as analyzed by the Home Builder Digest team, show past projects completed by Lone Wolf Design Build, LLC. In 2024, Lone Wolf Design Build, LLC worked on a new residential construction project valued at $672,730. Additionally, in the same year, the company completed a custom new single-family home project with a permit value of $456,116.


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 Home Builder Digest 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 Home Builder Digest, 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 Home Builder Digest, Previous experience at BuildZoom Education: Creighton University, Degree in Business Analytics