Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 02:58 pm
Rochester is the fourth most populous city in New York. In 2013, Forbes ranked the city as the third best place in the country to raise a family. The area also ranks high when it comes to the quality of life based on crime rates, availability and quality of healthcare, average commute time, well-being, and education. Living in Rochester is often described as a unique blend of history and innovation. The area’s architectural landscape is a mix of homes and commercial buildings; its residential side is rendered in the latest modern styles as well as the most timeless.
This list is a showcase of ten of the best custom home builders in the area, handpicked for their experience, various industry awards, and exquisite portfolios. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Rochester, check out our cost guide article.
Anco Builders
7245 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd. PO Box 1109 Fairport, NY 14450
Anco Builders offers its clients a full and comprehensive range of custom home building services. Since its inception, the firm has worked on over 1,200 upscale, custom homes and townhomes in the Rochester area. It crafts homes in one of its communities or on a lot a homeowner already owns. It also employs a highly hands-on approach. It emphasizes the importance of closely communicating with its clients throughout the process, ensuring that their needs and visions are met in their new homes and spaces. The company also provides off-site building services throughout Monroe and Ontario Counties in New York State. The firm was founded in 1958 by Andrew Colaruotolo and is now run by his son, John Colaruotolo. The firm specializes in luxury custom homes and has curated an excellent portfolio for itself.
Depicted above is one of its classic American colonial homes. For this project, the team opted for farmhouse-inspired shutters and an inviting palette of white, red, and blue. Several brick finishes can also be observed coupled with the exteriors’ paneled walls that complement the clean slate roofs.
Antonelli Construction
1266 Brighton Henrietta Townline Road Rochester, NY 14623
Recognized as one of Rochester’s best custom home building firms, Antonelli Construction has secured a solid reputation for its excellent services and commitment to the highest standards. The firm is led by owner Craig D. Antonelli, a professional who has been in the construction business since 1987. He first got his glimpse into the industry at an early age and has since had the privilege of gaining experience in every facet of the industry, including construction management and structural and construction engineering. He is also well-versed in both the design and construction of residential projects and commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities around Fairport. Under his leadership, the firm has been recognized in various magazines and has had the honor of being regarded with several industry distinctions.
The project above was showcased in the 2018 Homearama and won the firm numerous accolades. Some distinctions it took home include Best in Show, Best in Bath, and Best Decorated. The firm’s team opted for deep blue, wood-paneled exteriors coupled with brick touches and custom millwork.
Gerber Homes & Additions, LLC
1260 Ridge Road Ontario, NY 14519
Consistently named by the Rochester Business Journal as among the area’s Top 5 leading contractors, Gerber Homes & Additions, LLC offers its clients a complete range of custom home building and remodeling services. The firm has been in business since 1981 and works with its clients throughout every aspect of a project. As a result, the challenge of looking for additional subcontractors or professionals is lessened, given the firm’s ability to keep the entire process in-house. The firm provides its clients with online consultations as well as free land consulting. These services encompass looking for a piece of land, site cost evaluations, and floorplan recommendations. Clients can pick out any of the firm’s premade plans—plants that vary from estate-sized for acreage homesites to a smaller single-story home.
The firm uses only the best materials and ensures that its clients’ lifestyles and needs are incorporated into its work. The firm’s portfolio depicts an extensive range of home styles varying in size and complexity. The firm regularly demonstrates and executes its expertise for challenging and intricate projects on gourmet kitchens, in-law suites, home offices, home theaters, and game rooms.
Ketmar Development
502 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Ketmar Development has been servicing the entirety of upstate New York since 1988. It has three distinctive communities in Pittsford, known as Hawkstone, Malvern Hills, and Evesham Place. The firm uses a design-build approach and works with its clients from site planning and building to the finishing touches. Marie Kenton, the firm’s co-owner, works personally with each client to better understand and tailor suit the firm’s processes and methods to each project that it takes on. She is joined by Charlie Kenton, who works as the point person for Ketmar’s quality control. Ketmar’s process is meticulous and works to serve everything its clients may need. The firm guides homeowners through the process and intricacies of design as well as the practical requirements of formulating budget plans and obtaining permits.
The firm’s portfolio depicts a particular skill for classic and traditional designs. The showcased project above is one of its excellent lake homes. The Ketmar team opted for a warm, inviting palette, several terraces, and custom millwork for this house. The result is reminiscent of classic beach homes.
Mascot Inc.
1577 Ridge Road West, Suite 201 Rochester, NY 14615
Mascot has been servicing the area for over 60 years and specializes in both residential and commercial projects. It dedicates itself to focusing on its clients’ needs and delivering outstanding results. Now on its third generation of builders, Mascot maintains a hands-on approach and sees a project through from inception through to completion. The firm has developed many relationships with homeowners in the area and takes great pride in the ones it has maintained over the years, resulting in several repeat clients. The firm maintains affiliations with various essential organizations, including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Rochester Home Builders Association. As for the firm’s designs, its portfolio is subdivided into various designs for its several communities.
The project above is taken from its CapStone portfolio, a 16-lot subdivision located in Penfield. It primarily features a neutral color palette, arches by its entrance, and several trellised windows.
Pinnacle Homes
59 Longtrail Lane Henrietta, NY 14667
With features in publications such as Professional Builder, Pinnacle Homes specializes in every facet of the custom home building process. The firm is also well-known for its excellent home additions, renovations, and communities. Its latest neighborhood offers potential homeowners access to 59 acres of open space conservation with meadows, ponds, woodlands, and trails. The firm is also amendable to work on other locations and is always more than willing to assist clients in looking for the perfect piece of land to build their new home. Pinnacle Homes is family-owned and operated and is a boutique builder: it never produces the same two homes. Even if a homeowner opts for one of its premade plans, they may and are highly encouraged to add their own personal touches.
Ron Henkel leads the firm. He first got into the residential market in 1982 when he obtained his real estate license and later began building homes in the Wayne County area. Since 2003, he has been overseeing the firm’s day-to-day operations. Under his leadership, the firm has worked on hundreds of custom homes and townhomes throughout Rochester. He has also had the privilege of serving as the Rochester Home Builder’s Association president and as Director of the New York State Builders’ Association.
Premier Homes
150 Willow Ridge Trail, Rochester, NY 14626
Premier Homes is recognized as one of the area’s leading custom home builders and land developers. It takes great pride in the excellent reputation it has established for itself over the years and consistently provides high-quality craftsmanship. The firm uses only the best materials available and is well-respected for its communication, attention to detail, and personal relationships with its clients. Bob Marcello oversees all of the firm’s operations and projects and is often onsite. That level of attention ensures that all of the firm’s projects receive the benefit of his years in the business. He is a member of the Rochester Home Builders Association and a member of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors.
As previously stated, the firm has also been recognized for its excellent land development. Its portfolio depicts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its exciting amenities and features. As for its designs, the firm primarily works on modern and transitional home styles.
Sortino Properties
2015 Maiden Lane Rochester NY 14626
Sortino Properties specializes in working on both single-family homes and townhomes. It extends its services throughout Rochester and has a reputation as one of the community’s best builders. The firm’s expert artisans and contractors—who have over three decades of experience—have built an excellent portfolio of homes rendered in traditional and classic architectural themes. The firm strives to educate homeowners about the construction process to make the whole experience easier for all involved. The firm’s approach emphasizes the importance of communicating with its clients to avoid any significant revisions.
The project above spans nearly 2,000 square feet and features carriage-style garage doors and a partial stone front. Inside, the team opted for missionary style, white cabinetry with granite countertops that seamlessly blend with its full-size dining area. The home also has what the firm calls a “three-season” room near the patio deck.
Woodstone Custom Homes
15 Fishers Rd – Suite 202 Pittsford, NY 14534
Woodstone Custom Homes is a premier custom home builder specializing in crafting and designing homes rendered in Rochester and New York’s popular architectural vernaculars. The firm draws inspiration from its over four decades of experience: some of its best work can be found in Pittsford, Victor, Brighton, and Mendon. The firm is known for its attention to detail, innovative design, and investment value. Clients have the option of building their new homes in one of the firm’s various communities or on their own land. The firm works closely with its clients from their initial meeting to closing and can work on any project regardless of scale or complexity. Woodstone maintains affiliations with organizations like the NAHB, its local Home Builders’ Association, and Energy Star, ensuring that all of its projects are efficient and highly sustainable.
The showcased project above depicts one of its excellent offsite homes. It features various French Country elements, as seen in its shutters and fine details. Several trellised windows can also be observed as well as clean, shingled roofs.
