Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 12:59 am
With over 20 lakes and wetlands, Minneapolis is best known for its lush and lively outdoors. Residents here enjoy a highly-efficient bike-sharing system, making it one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in the nation. Given this, Minneapolis locals rarely have to face stressful commutes, with their longest travel times lasting only up to 30 minutes. Being the perfect combination of an urban and rural landscape, Minneapolis is home to a rich array of architectural sights. Houses here come in the form of numerous designs. These include classic colonial homes, inviting Cape Cod houses, bungalows, ranch homes, and luxurious Victorian estates.
This list contains the top 15 custom home builders in the Minneapolis area. Several of these firms have been featured in publications of nationwide circulation, with some even having earned numerous national awards for their excellent work. They were chosen based on merit, media presence, reviews, and their respective portfolios.
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. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Minneapolis, check out our cost guide article.
15) Erotas Custom Building
21930 Minnetonka Blvd., Excelsior, MN 55331
With over 26 years of service, Erotas Custom Building is a premier luxury custom home builder owned by Tom Hendrickson. Prior to working for Erotas, Hendrickson worked for a large commercial construction company in the 1980s. He would not cross paths with Erotas until 1997 when he and his wife hired the firm to construct their new home. After seeing the process firsthand, he developed a passion for construction. He would go onto work for the company the following year and stay long enough to become its president.
Hendrickson’s story is a testament to the firm’s excellent artistry and fine craftsmanship. With their luxurious homes, typically priced at $500k to well over $10 million, the firm proudly showcases a portfolio filled with designs ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. Some of their work was recently featured in Midwest Home.
14) Kyle Hunt and Partners, Inc.
18324 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, MN 55391
Established in 1989, Kyle Hunt and Partners is a design-build firm that heavily utilizes an “artisan approach”, wherein clients can choose from a large pool of builders to lead the construction of their new home. Although the builders are given the liberty to lead the process, they still must work closely with the design professionals the client wants. These artisans, of course, tailor their styles to the client’s budget and needs to mirror their specific lifestyles.
The firm has three estimated ranges for their projects: $1 million and up, $400k to $800k, and under $400k. The price estimates are, naturally, relative to the project’s intricacy and required resources.
With over 29 years of experience, the firm’s unique and fairytale-like homes have earned them industry recognition. Kyle Hunt and Partners was the 2014 EcoBLEND Award Winner for New Construction and the winner of the People’s Choice Award Parade Home in 2002. These fairytale-like designs have become the firm’s signature with its portfolio presenting a gallery of storybook-inspired homes. The chosen project pictured serves as a fine example of this. Here, the firm constructed a whimsical cottage fit for a children’s bedtime story.
13) AMEK Inc.
9340 James Ave., S Bloomington, MN 55431
A family-owned business, AMEK Inc. is an award-winning firm that was founded in 1996. It prides itself on its strong relationships with its satisfied, repeat clients. The company proudly uses a LifeDesign™ process, by which they take extra efforts to get to know each client’s lifestyle and vision in order to create a truly customized home.
The firm’s approach has resulted in numerous beautiful homes. AMEK Inc. has received several Remodeler of Merit Awards from the Builder Association of the Twin Cities (BATC), and numerous regional and national Contractor of the Year (CoTY) Awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
12) Michael Lee Homes
1890 Wooddale Dr. Suite #400, Woodbury, MN 55125
Established in 2003, Michael Lee Homes services the Wyncrest Villas, Wyndham Hills, Dancing Waters, and Easton Village neighborhoods in addition to lots along the East Metro Area. It is led by David Frosch, a builder with over 30 years of experience who first started working in the industry in 1983 as a designer. Under his leadership, the firm has earned several industry awards, including a Reggie Award. Furthermore, it was chosen to build the Annual Idea Home for the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show- the largest Home and Garden show throughout the entire country- for two consecutive years.
The firm specializes in traditional and craftsman designs. As seen in the pictured project, it often utilizes palettes of blues and whites and makes use of classic craftsman beams and woodwork.
11) Ron Clark Construction & Design
7500 W 78th St., Edina, MN 55439
Ron Clark Construction and Design is an award-winning firm responsible for constructing some of the Minneapolis area’s most beautiful townhomes, condominiums, and multi-million dollar single-family homes. Having been in the industry since 1975, the firm has made a stellar reputation for itself for building top-quality homes. Under the supervision of its CEO, Ron Clark, the firm has built over 800 houses in Minneapolis throughout its 43 years in the industry.
Ron Clark Construction & Design is the proud recipient of multiple Reggie and Trillium Awards from the BATC, along with the Outstanding Conservationist Award from the Dakota County Soil and Conservation District; the Home Builders and Associates in Partnership (HAP) Award from the BATC; and the MN Business Ethics Award. It has also been featured in the St. Paul Business Journal.
10) Pratt Homes
3500 Willow Lake Blvd. Suite #100, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
Founded in 1973, Pratt Homes is led by Len and Lowell Pratt, two brothers who have built over a thousand homes together throughout their time in the industry. Both brothers have served as president of the St. Paul Builders’ Association, and have been inducted into the Minnesota Building Industry’s Hall of Fame. Furthermore, under their leadership, the firm has won several BATC and Parade of Homes awards. In addition to constructing luxurious single-family homes, the firm also takes on development projects and has built several neighborhoods. Its first one, Birch Lake Woods, was composed of over 60 single family homes and 128 multiple condo units.
Its portfolio showcases an extensive array of craftsman designs and cottages. Utilizing cool tones and farmhouse-inspired woodwork, the firm’s projects are often characterized by its porches and single-story homes.
9) Highmark Builders, Inc.
8720 Eagle Creek Pkwy., Savage, MN 55378
Highmark Builders is an award-winning custom home builder that specializes in new home construction, whole house remodeling, and custom home furnishings. Its portfolio is a showcase of lavish and luxurious lakeside homes, English cottages, elegant craftsman houses, Victorian estates, and Cape Cod-inspired houses. Its work is often distinguished by the firm’s use of straight lines and contemporary takes on traditional styles and architecture. It often highlights its exteriors with extravagant beams, and on occasion, stucco against wooden finishes. The firm provides clients the option of constructing their home on a pre-owned lot or in one of its several luxury communities comprised of acres and acres of land, wetlands, and golf courses.
Throughout its years in the industry, the firm has been recognized with several awards, including Reggie Awards from BATC, a Chrysalis Award, and numerous Contractor of the Year Awards from NARI.
8) Denali Custom Homes
18352 Minnetonka Blvd., Wayzata, MN 55391
Denali Custom Homes is a luxury home builder that prides itself on delivering homes that range from cottages to sprawling and massive estates. They denounce the “one size fits all” process and have built homes from 2,200 to 12,000 square feet in size. As the son of a home builder and an interior designer, David Bieker founded Denali Custom Homes on the basis of his passion for home building design. Denali Custom Homes is proud to credit its artistic process for building no two homes alike.
The firm has also worked collaboratively with some of Minnesota’s best architects and interior designers. In addition to creating beautiful homes, the firm also embraces the green building movement by providing highly energy-efficient homes. The firm’s work has been recognized with a Reggie Award of Excellence and a People’s Choice Award from the BATC, along with various spreads and features in Midwest Home.
7) Kootenia Homes
1890 Wooddale Suite #400, Woodbury, MN 55125
Kootenia Homes has been building homes since 1969. It has withstood the test of time and has become a trailblazer in the industry after winning numerous awards over the years. Its owner, David Frosch, was a long-time employee prior to leading the company. He brings over 30 years of design-build experience to the table and proudly oversees each project. In addition to luxury custom home building, the firm also specializes in kitchen, basement, and bathroom remodeling.
With its artisan and traditional styles, the company is a 16-time Reggie Award winner and a recipient of six Trillium Awards. It has also been named Builder of the Year by the Home Builders and Associates in Partnership.
6) Stonewood LLC
153 East Lake St., Wayzata, MN 55391
A family business now in its fourth generation of builders, Stonewood LLC is headed by J. Sven Gustafson, who was introduced to the world of construction after working for his father, a home builder. Gustafson learned about building from the bottom up and also learned how to communicate with clients. Since the company was entrusted in his care, Gustafson has made it a point to build only a few handpicked homes every year to ensure that each project receives all the time and resources it demands. He personally oversees each home the firm builds and helps each client from the start to the completion of the project.
The firm’s excellent work has graced the covers and pages of various publications over the years, with some magazines featuring Stonewood multiple times. Some of these publications include Midwest Home, Spaces, Professional Builder, and Architectural Digest.
5) Swanson Homes
1360 Hamel Rd., Medina, MN 55340
Established in 1965, Swanson Homes is a family-owned design-build firm that specializes in an extensive array of designs. Led by Curt Swanson, its portfolio showcases numerous contemporary farmhouses, modern homes, luxurious European residences, cozy cottages, and sprawling mountain lodges. It boasts its own full-service residential interior design studio, and is known for its custom millwork, furnishings, and cabinetry. It is a recipient of a Reggie Award and has been featured in StarTribune, as well as on KARE TV and WCCO TV. In addition, it also participates in the area’s annual Parade of Homes and Artisan Tours. Here, potential clients may see firsthand the firm’s skill and fine craftsmanship through its model homes.
The pictured project is an example of one of the firm’s contemporary lakeside homes. With this home, the firm utilized large floor-to-ceiling windows, neutral tones to bring out the more modern vibe, and smooth stucco exteriors.
4) Sustainable Nine Design + Build
3302 W 44th St., Minneapolis, MN 55410
Sustainable Nine is a custom home builder that specializes in building contemporary, modern, and eco-friendly homes. The firm takes extra effort to ensure that each home they build is highly energy-efficient. The appliances used in the homes, such as furnaces, heaters, garages, and lights, all contain LED bulbs. They also partner with several other green advocates, including Energy Star, Green Path, and the Passive House Institute. The firm’s contemporary designs make their homes functional and sustainable.
The firm’s homes are 62% more efficient than the average newly constructed home and are 70% less likely to leak. Sustainable Nine is a proud, five-time winner of the Artisan Dream Home from the BATC.
3) MA Peterson Design Build
6161 Wooddale Ave., Edina, MN 55424
MA Peterson Design Build is a full-service custom home building and remodeling firm that emphasizes the design-build process. The firm has been serving the Twin Cities and Minnesota metro areas for more than 39 years. Manned by a team of experts in design, carpentry, landscaping, cabinetry, and illustrations, the firm specializes in modern and mid-century styles and has worked on mud rooms, wine cellars, entertainment bars, and boathouses. MA Peterson has also built Tudor homes complete with elegant beams and stucco finishes.
The firm is a proud recipient of a Chrysalis Regional Award for Residential Specialty, and a CoTY Award for Best Residential Addition. The firm has also been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Vanity Fair, and Architectural Digest.
2) L. Cramer Builders + Remodelers
5500 Lincoln Dr., Edina, MN 55436
Cramer Builders + Remodelers was founded in 1978. The firm is a nationally recognized firm originally founded by Larry Cramer, a Builders Association Hall of Fame inductee. He eventually turned ownership of the firm over to Greg Jurvakainen, a long-time business associate and trusted subcontractor, in 2015. Known for its luxury custom homes throughout the Twin Cities, L. Cramer Builders provides both custom home building and remodeling services, with a specialization in rustic lake homes and classic designs. Its portfolio also showcases timeless estates and country homes with dynamic exteriors, relaxing patios, and beautiful landscaping.
Jurvakainen and his team make it a point to keep up with all the latest trends in design and technology, which manifest in their sleek combination of function and style. In particularly busy rooms, such as kitchens, appliances are hidden, which creates a classic, clean, and timeless look. Additionally, every element of its master closets and home theaters are custom made. The firm is a proud winner of numerous Reggie and Trillium Awards. It was named Builder of the Year in 1999, and has been featured in several publications, including Midwest Home, Trends, and the Mpls St. Paul.
1) Streeter & Associates
18312 Minnetonka Blvd., Wayzata, MN 55391
For over 25 years, luxury custom homes, lofts, and condominiums built by Streeter and Associates have been leaving people in awe of their elegance and style. Founded by Streeter siblings Steven, Donald, Kevin, and their late brother, Mark, the firm is known for its sophisticated, modern designs, which are often accented with straight lines and beautiful finishes. The team calls themselves “Renaissance builders” for their excellent command in all architectural styles and for their unique creation of the new through renovating the old.
The firm’s superior work has been recognized by various organizations in the industry. In 2017, it were given a Special Award by the American Institute of Architects Minnesota for a project it worked on with Peterssen/Keller Architecture and Otto Painting Design. The firm was also a winner at the 2014 Rave Awards. In addition, Streeter and Associates received the Contractor of the Year Award in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011.
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 Minneapolis. 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 Custom Home Builders in Saint Paul, Minnesota
The Best Custom Home Builders in Minnesota
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.
