The Best Custom Home Builders in Cleveland

Last updated on July 16th, 2024 at 02:31 pm

Finding a reliable contractor for building a custom home in Cleveland, Ohio, is essential to ensure the project meets your expectations, adheres to local building codes, and withstands the region’s weather challenges. A skilled contractor can effectively manage the complexities of custom home construction, delivering a high-quality and durable result that aligns with your vision and budget. The average residential project in the city ranges from $150,000 to $550,000, with high-end homes potentially costing upwards of $650,000. Projects often take around 30 weeks to complete, provided there are no unexpected delays, which are common in construction. Given the substantial investment of time and money, finding a trustworthy contractor is crucial to ensure a smooth building process and avoid unnecessary stress and additional costs.

With a population of approximately 361,607 people and a median home value of $109,453, Cleveland is an attractive location for those looking to build their dream home. Despite the relatively affordable housing market, the demand for custom home builders remains strong. The city boasts 109 contractors specializing in residential projects, as reported by the local building department’s permit data. While beneficial, this plethora of choices can also be overwhelming, making the decision process challenging for potential homeowners.

If you’re considering building a custom home in Cleveland, selecting the right contractor is your first critical step. The construction cost in Cleveland has averaged around $29.48 per square foot over the past two years, and working with a reputable builder can make all the difference. To help you navigate this important decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best Cleveland custom home builders who can bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and reliable service.

Overview: The Best Custom Home Builders in Cleveland

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

Keselman Construction Group

2475 Maple Hill Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094

When Ukranian immigrant Zakhar Keselman established his firm, his first challenge was gaining the trust of his clients. His firm’s gratitude towards its clients gained the respect and trust of homeowners. Now, Keselman’s majority-immigrant Construction Group has over 2000 construction projects under its belt and two consecutive Best of Ohio awards for its whole-home renovation and custom-home services. 

The home pictured is the award-winning entry for the 2018 Best of Ohio awards. Its neutral-toned brick and stone lining gives this quaint craftsman home character. The pop of blue in the front door is a welcome accent against the beige exterior of the home. There are also large dormers and window sills, bringing in natural light. The neutral color palette is also carried on inside the home, with dark hardwood floors and lighter neutral-toned walls. 

Makoski Construction 

11139 Caves Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

Makoski Construction is one of the most popular and successful firms in Cleveland, and it was established by one of the most seasoned builders in Ohio. Founder Frank Makoski has been building homes since 1976. He has been the pioneer of many prestigious accreditations in Ohio, including the Certified Green Professional (CGP), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designations. Perhaps his most memorable award is HBA’s “Presidential Recognition Award” for his participation in creating the first HBA Remodeling Warranty. Makoski Construction has won numerous awards itself and has been featured in publications and television shows. Among the top Cleveland custom home builders, the firm was featured in a Columbus Monthly article.

The firm is aware that only some homeowners understand the meaning of green building. For this reason, the firm’s builders and architects go the extra mile to explain to clients why this process is necessary. Makoski Construction also highlights how green building differs from the normal building process. 

Payne and Payne Builders

10750 Mayfield Rd., Chardon, OH 44024

One of the most successful firms in Northeast Ohio is family-run Payne and Payne Builders, the first firm in Ohio to be named the NAHB National Custom Home Builder of the Year. The firm is also a yearly winner of the Cleveland Choice awards and has been part of Qualified Remodeler magazine’s Top 55 in the National Customer Service list. When David and Mike Payne established the firm, the brothers ensured their family would uphold the quality service the firm offered from the beginning. Today, the firm has over 30 people on its team, and the second generation of the Payne family manages it. Payne and Payne Builders earned the Guildmaster Award Winner distinction from GuildQuality, solidifying its reputation as the go-to Cleveland custom home builders.

Payne and Payne Builders has mastered several home styles, from traditional to modern. The firm is also not limited to single-family homes; it builds grand multi-level and lake homes. Its project portfolio is a collection of diverse homes in various styles. However, there is a distinct similarity to these homes, which is the play of rustic elements throughout every design. 

Kingdom Home Builders

32333 Aurora Rd. Suite #300, Solon, OH 44139

Kingdom Home Builders has constructed some of the most distinctive and ambitious homes, led by passionate husband-and-wife team Jeff and Stacie Halper. The seven-time Cleveland Homearama winner makes grand homes reminiscent of European Manor Houses with a more traditional facade. The couple established their own firm to go above and beyond for clients’ homebuilding experiences. The National Association of Home Building (NAHB) recognized the firm’s success, from which the firm earned a Best in American Living award. 

The home pictured is one of the firm’s standout projects showcasing Frank Lloyd Wright’s Organic Design Architecture principle. Wright believes that architecture should reflect the natural surroundings. This home’s dark beige color palette perfectly blends with its site’s lush greenery. Its interiors also practice this principle by incorporating tree stumps into the furnishing. 

Old World Custom Homes

7056 Mears Gate Drive, North Canton, OH 44720 

A long lineage of homebuilders led Andy and Andrew Eggeman to found Old World Custom Homes. Old World’s process begins with getting to know the families it builds for. The firm produces the custom floor plan and style that meets their needs, and then they build it within the agreed-upon budget. Andy and Andrew are joined by a skilled team of designers and builders who share their vision for high-quality buildings at affordable rates.

This hillside home on a one-acre lot close to downtown Cleveland offers a sense of privacy in its wooded location. The 4,500-square-foot structure includes four bedrooms. The owner’s suite is on the first floor, and a spacious kitchen extends onto an outdoor porch. There is also a cozy family room in the basement. Old World infused the home with custom detailing, from the built-in shelves flanking the living room fireplace to the home office’s light wood desk.

Knez Homes 

7555 Fredle Dr. Ste #210, Concord Township, OH 44077

Having won over 50 Cleveland Choice awards, Knez Homes is one of the most decorated firms in Northeast Ohio. Unlike many builders in the area, the firm’s designs are mostly contemporary and modern, though it can build artisan and ranch-style homes. The firm aims to reinvent the homebuilding scene. This Cleveland custom home builder was featured in The News-Herald.

The firm’s standout contemporary projects are products of its custom home services. This Tremont Custom Home is a classic example of a contemporary home. The home’s large windows utilize natural light. The home is also made with sustainable materials since the firm’s homes are built according to Green Building Initiative Standards. 

Charis Homes

6231 NW Frank Ave., North Canton, OH 44720

Charis Homes is an innovator in the homebuilding industry. The firm is part of the 1% of builders in the U.S. that have met the guidelines and quality specified by the U.S. Department of Energy. These homes are called Zero Energy Homes because they filter the air and prevent harmful pollutants from entering the home. Every Zero Energy Home has superior insulation, windows, air sealing, and space conditioning systems that ensure even temperature and low humidity inside the home. These efficient homes have caught the attention of many organizations, and Charis Homes has earned many custom home awards from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Building Industry Association (BIA), and the Envision awards.

These homes are energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing—the firm constructs mostly Ranch homes, ranging from single-family homes to two-story homes. The firm also takes the extra step of making these homes functional without compromising elegance. Examples of this effort are the hidden pantry, radiant floor heating system, and tankless hot water tank. 

Petros Homes

10474 Broadview Rd., Broadview Heights, OH 44147

Second-generation builder Sam Petros founded Petros Homes in his hometown. Today, the firm has built over 2000 homes and is one of the top volume-producing companies in the city. The firm boasts of building beautiful homes and neighborhoods of distinction, which have won numerous awards, including Community of the Year. Despite being a spec builder, the firm makes custom homes in its Cleveland communities. Petros Homes recently participated in the Parade of Homes to show homeowners that its custom communities are composed of impressive homes. 

The Roswell is a five-bedroom home with an open floor plan perfectly suits the luxurious Lake Forest Subdivision. The home is a classic colonial with master floor plans built for convenience. For example, the guest room is on the home’s first floor, which is more practical for the guest and more secure for the homeowner. 

Otero Signature Homes

8559 East Washington St., Bainbridge Township, OH 44023 

Otero Signature Homes, one of Cleveland’s premier builders, constructs luxury homes using green building methods. The firm’s achievements are credited to its founder, Ted Otero, one of the area’s most successful builders. Otero has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial construction and is the current President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland. As a civil engineer, Otero believes that great homes make a great community, so he ensures every home in his community is made with the best environment-friendly materials. His green homes have won the Cleveland Choice Awards’ 2015 Best Green Built Home, and the firm has won 16 other Cleveland Choice Awards awards since its establishment. Among the top custom home builders in Cleveland, Ohio, they received the 2019 NAHB Best in American Living Silver award for Interior Design in the Custom Specialty Room/Project category.

The firm’s Aurora Homearama entry is a modern craftsman home accented by white wood boards and subtle stone accents. Its interiors feature a rustic exposed wood beam ceiling and large overlooking windows that bring natural light into the home. These rustic accents balance the predominantly modern furnishings and layout. 

Sareth Builders 

30628 Detroit Rd. #256, Westlake, OH 44145

Founded with the family in mind, Sareth Builders aims to build family-functional and universally-designed homes. The firm constructs homes suitable for every age demographic using advanced construction techniques and generally works in ranch and Cape Cod styles. The firm constructs all homes with different-abled people in mind, and its homes are suitable for every type of homeowner. Sareth Builders has earned many accreditations from respected organizations, including the Passive House Institute U.S. and the Society of Building Science Educators. The firm has also won numerous Cleveland Choice Awards, including Best Green Built Home and Best Custom Home. 

Aside from its universal design, the firm also has noteworthy green homes. The Morning Journal and Cleveland.com have featured the firm’s Zero Energy Homes. The firm aims to make a community composed primarily of Zero Energy Ready Homes, certified by the Department of Energy. 

Prestige Homes

17 W Streetsboro St., Hudson, OH 44236

Perry E. Bourn established Prestige Homes to provide luxury homebuilding services. True to its name, Prestige Homes continues to build prestigious homes offering a distinct old-world charm. The firm generally builds traditional homes in ranch or craftsman styles, but what sets it apart is its organized floor plan. Cleveland.com praised the firm’s Parade of Homes entry, a functional 9,867-square foot with several unique features to make home life easier. This is the main goal of Prestige Homes—luxury for the sake of convenience. To ensure the firm achieves its goals, Prestige Homes has cultivated a relationship with the best industry professionals to bring the best home for every homeowner.

Two homes Prestige Homes have showcased have won Best Exterior Architectural Design in the Cleveland Choice Awards. These two award-winning entries are Cape Cod-style homes with rustic stonework exteriors and barn-style doors. 

ProBuilt Homes 

9124 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060

For the past 15 years, ProBuilt Homes has built a reputation for its excellent customer service. The spec builders are a household name among Northeast Ohio homeowners. While many of the firm’s customers are looking for a ready-made home, the firm’s custom home services are particularly renowned. Its designs are simple, cozy, and welcoming farmhouse-style homes. The firm continuously impresses its clients and has won the News Herald’s Best of the Best Home Builder award for the past seven years. Probuilt Homes’ George Davis was recognized in the Professional Builder 40 Under 40 list, establishing a reputation as one of the most reliable Cleveland custom home builders.

The home pictured above shows one of the firm’s stunning farmhouses. The white barn board details and beige stonewall detailing give a fresh look to a traditional style. However, ProBuilt Homes’ homes are not limited to this design. The award-winning Cleveland Choice entry for Best Custom Home was a rustic interpretation of a farmhouse-style home. It also had an outdoor pool with an overlooking sunroom that perfectly completed the stone landscaping. 

KNL Homes

172 1/2 Milo Ave., Barberton, OH 44203 

KNL Homes offers simple, traditional homes with a modern, innovative twist. The firm ensures that every step of construction is done in-house and takes on a limited number of projects per year to maintain the highest quality of its work. KNL Homes’ mission is to bring groundbreaking lifestyle design into its clients’ homes; its three awards for Best Single Custom Home from the Envision Awards prove that the firm creates beautiful and practical homes. 

The featured work perfectly exemplifies how KNL Homes blend traditional designs with a modern take. The wooden columns, steep roof, and central door are all common features of a colonial home, but the barnboard details and wide porches give the home a fresh look. Mixing two classic designs gives a modern look to a more traditional style. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of builders, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the custom home builders in the Cleveland area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.