The Best Custom Home Builders in Columbia, South Carolina

Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 12:57 am

Building a custom home is a dream for many, and choosing the right builder is crucial to turning that dream into reality. In Columbia, South Carolina, finding the best custom home builder can significantly impact your new home’s quality, budget, and overall experience throughout the project. With its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and low cost of living, Columbia is an attractive place for homeowners looking to build a custom home that reflects their unique style and needs.

Custom home projects in Columbia typically range from $200,000 to $650,000, with some reaching up to $700,000. These projects often take around 16 months to complete, emphasizing the importance of partnering with a builder who can efficiently manage time and resources. Customizing every aspect of your home—from the layout and design to the materials used—requires a skilled and trustworthy builder who understands your vision and can bring it to life.

This article will highlight some of the top custom home builders in Columbia, SC. These builders have been selected for their expertise, commitment to quality, and proven track records in delivering exceptional custom homes. With Columbia’s population of 139,698 and a median home value of $231,012, the demand for quality custom homes is high. Whether you’re planning to build a cozy family home or a luxurious estate, these custom home builders in Columbia are equipped to meet your needs and ensure a smooth, successful construction process.

Overview: The Best Custom Home Builders in Columbia, South Carolina

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

Celtic Works, Inc.

7436 Forest Court, Suite 102, Irmo, SC 29063

Celtic Works, a home-building company, is known for its quality craftsmanship. Its in-house team of experts works hard to maintain and continuously improve its craft and reputation in the industry. Celtic Works follows a rigorous pre-construction process to ensure that its clients’ wants are actualized. The firm has been featured in Columbia Metropolitan Magazine, Jacksonville Daily Record, The State, Builder Magazine, and Free Times.

David Barry, owner of Celtic Works, moved to America in 1994 from Ireland. He has a fine woodworking and organ-building background and an education from the Technological University of Dublin. 

Blythe Custom Homes

1492 Lake Murray Blvd. Columbia, SC 29212

Over its 17 years in the industry, Blythe Custom Homes has built over one hundred quality, custom homes across the Greater Columbia, South Carolina area. The company is known for its attention to detail and architectural elegance. The firm has been featured by Home Builders Magazine, Freetimes, and The State and also received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Blythe Custom Homes CEO, Lee Blythe, is a University of South Carolina graduate with 20 years of construction experience. He is also a Certified Master Builder in South Carolina and a Certified Green Professional. 

Gallup Design Build

113 Columbia Ave. Chapin, SC 29036

Gallup Design Build is a turnkey, design-build residential construction firm. They have finished over 300 projects and always prioritize their client’s satisfaction. One of the best custom home builders in Columbia, SC, the team is well-connected with quality subcontractors and suppliers that assist them in bringing value to every project. They have earned the SC Certified Master Builder and Columbia Custom Homebuilding awards. The firm was also named the #1 Builder in the Midlands Market for 2020. 

In 1995, owners’ Dick and Elaine Gallup founded Gallup Design Build. Dick has more than 25 years of experience in real estate, and Elaine has a background in interior design. The couple became a perfect match in the homebuilding business. 

Paradime Construction

P.O. Box 5892, Columbia, SC 29250

Paradime Construction was established to build amazing and affordable homes. They have worked with clients for 22 years in Columbia, South Carolina. The company has received great reviews from its clients. Their positive feedback includes comments about the team’s wonderful design and build process. Because of their excellent work, Paradime Construction received a Custom Building Award from the BIA of Central SC in 2018. Among Columbia’s respected, affordable home builders, it was also hailed as Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Best of Columbia 2023 and runner-up for Best General Contractor.

The Belleclave in Columbia is a sample from Paradime Construction’s portfolio. It was built through the leadership of Stan O’Brien, Paradime Construction’s CEO. He was an employee of a homebuilder in North Carolina before starting his own company. O’Brien earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Clemson University, has a strong passion for architecture, and a particular preference for antebellum-style homes. 

Galloway Family Homes

10100 Broad River Rd. Suite 4, Irmo, SC 29063

Galloway Family Homes has won many awards, including Certified Master Builder and the Builder of Integrity Award from Quality Builders Warranty. Among the leading home builders in Columbia, SC, it was recognized by the Home Builder Association of South Carolina for Building and Customer Service Excellence. They have also been featured in publications such as 2020 Lowcountry Living & Real Estate, The State, Post, and Courier.

Brothers Clint and Bennett Galloway run Galloway Family Homes. The siblings instilled their values of honesty, integrity, and excellence into the foundation of their business. They were exposed to the home-building industry at a young age and are extremely passionate about their craft today. 

Wilson Co. LLC

1049 2nd Ave. Columbia, SC 29209  

Wilson Co. LLC was established over a decade ago. It is one of the most reputable homebuilding companies in Columbia and Lexington. Among the most affordable home builders in Columbia, its team of experts is committed to guiding families through the entire construction process. 

Wilson Co. has a positive reputation for seamless renovations and new-build results. Clients have been pleased to see the firm bring their dream homes to life.Evan Wilson, a graduate of Landscape Architecture at Clemson University, is the owner of Wilson Co.

Birch Home Builders

110 Ministry Dr. Suite B, Irmo, SC 29063

Birch Home Builders’ goal is to erect homes with timeless elegance. They have the newest technologies to oversee project costs and to track progress. The team utilizes build science and top-notch techniques for every project. 

They have partnered with a designer to aid them during the selection process. Birch Home Builders’ most notable work includes Willow Cove, a lakefront 2-acre property in Chapin, SC.

Rumsey Construction and Restoration

2630 Shop Rd. Columbia, SC 29209

Rumsey Construction and Restoration handles both residential and commercial projects. The company is proud of its 30 years of service in the industry, with 100% satisfaction from over 5000 happy customers. Their niche is restoring homes with the destruction brought by various disasters, including fire, storm, and water damage. 

The firm is owned by partners Tony and Brendon Rumsey. Rumsey dedicated 20 years of his life to the construction and restoration field, while Tony has 30 years of experience in construction and is a licensed general contractor. Due to their combined expertise, Rumsey Construction and Restoration earned certifications and accreditations in NAHB, BIA, and the Chamber of Commerce. 

Dunbar Builders, Inc.

130 Cobblestone Court, Chapin, SC 29036

Dunbar Builders is an award-winning, family-oriented company. The firm has built numerous quality communities across Columbia. Pat and Patrick Dunbar own Dunbar Builders. Pat Dunbar is a graduate of Indiana University School of Business. After his service in the Air Force and his career in banking and finance was adjourned, he established Dunbar Builders. Additionally, Patrick Dunbar, a graduate of the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, joined Dunbar Builders in 1999. 

Patrick has served on the board of directors for the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia. He is also a Greater Columbia Green Building Council member and is pursuing certification as a Certified Master Builder in South Carolina. The Salud River Club is included in the Dunbar Builders portfolio. 

Southland Log Homes

7521 Broad River Rd. Irmo, SC 29063

Southland Log Homes serves Greenville, Columbia, Indiana, and other neighboring areas. The firm is America’s most award-winning designer and the largest manufacturer of log cabin kits and homes. With over 30,000 homes built for decades, this team has garnered numerous awards and certifications. They have also consistently received recognition from the National Association of Home Builders. As one of the best Columbia home builders, it has also been featured in a 2021 Post and Courier article.

Ken Sekley, the CEO of Southland Log Homes, and his “Dream Team” have made the firm consistent and robust over the years. Sekley graduated from Harvard Business School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University. He brought his experience in consumer and industrial products, marketing, and sales to Southland Log Homes. 

Lady Street Builders, LLC

702 West Main St. Lexington, SC 29072

Lady Street Builders promises to deliver excellent homebuilding results with each project. The firm focuses on building custom craftsman and traditional homes, but it is open to building other home varieties. A preferred pick among the many home builders in Columbia, SC, the company has been featured in a 2019 The State article.

Tony Carnagio has 25 years of experience in the industry and is a licensed residential and commercial contractor. Carnagio believes it is a powerful experience to see happy families move into their newly built dream homes. 

Schumacher Homes

743 Jacobs Mill Pond Rd. Elgin, SC 29045

After 29 years in the industry, Schumacher Homes is one of America’s largest custom home builders. The firm operates in 14 states nationwide and has 22 showcase and design studio locations. They strive to provide fully customized, affordable, and innovative homes. The team promises their clients a no pressure environment and a process free from hidden costs. With over 20,000 projects completed, Schumacher Homes is proud to share that all of their custom craftsman and cape cod homes are unique, and that no two locations are the same.

Due to the team’s hard work and exemplary performance in the industry, Schumacher Homes is a recipient of the National Housing Award for Excellence in Construction. They have been recognized as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) #1 Design Studio in America, the 2015 International Builders Show for Best Multi-Generational Home, and a 2020 Platinum Builder Award Winner. 

Capogrossi Construction, Inc.

2 Office Park Court, Suite 203, Columbia, SC 29223

Capogrossi Construction, Inc. is one of Columbia’s premier residential custom contractors. They are known for their great workmanship and quality results. For the past 25 years, the firm has been fully committed to its clients and giving extra attention to every project. The team embodies what a true custom builder should be by offering exceptional value in creative floor plans, luxury designs, and various services. 

The team is led by President Jeffrey Capogrossi, who, along with his team, firmly believes that a home is a personal investment. Under his watch, the firm won the Critic’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award by Parade of Homes on multiple occasions. They have also repeatedly received the Sales and Marketing Council of Greater Columbia’s Regal Award.

Executive Construction Homes

161 Pontiac Business Center Dr. Suite 1020, Elgin, SC 29045

Executive Construction Homes specializes in craftsman, farmhouse, and cape-cod style homes. The firm has erected more than 1,000 new homes in Columbia, South Carolina. In 2013 and 2015, the organization received a Houzz Award for being a “Top Ten Builder,” and in 2014, it won an HBA Crosthwaite Award for Builder Member of the Year.

A respected pick from the many Columbia home builders, the firm is led by SC Master Certified Builder Eddie Yandle. He is also a Certified NAHB Green Professional and has received awards for his innovative floor plans and design trends in homebuilding. Yandle focuses on incorporating green principles into every project. 

One of Executive Construction Homes’ best works is the Blythewood – a mid-sized beige-colored home. This two-story brick house was built with a basement and situated for full advantage of the magnificent lake scenery. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, 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 Columbia, South Carolina 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.