Last updated on May 27th, 2024 at 11:01 am
Sonoma and Santa Rosa are just two of the many cities that suffered from the destructive Tubbs Fire, a tragedy that ravaged Northern California in 2017. What happened not only changed the economic landscape of the region but also affected the lives of thousands of people. The wildfire destroyed over 5,600 residential and commercial structures in the region, and a majority of those were in Santa Rosa.
Those who stayed behind picked up the pieces and started rebuilding their lives and their homes. Soon, people from neighboring cities saw the growing allure of the valleys and made the region their own sanctuary, revitalizing not only its economy but also refueling its markets, especially the housing industry. With the help of builders and general contractors in and around the region, everyone came together to achieve one collective goal: to revive the region’s former glory by constructing, restoring, and designing the most stunning residential spaces that represent the cities’ endurance, resiliency, and strength.
Our list enumerates the best custom home builders in Sonoma and Santa Rosa. We considered general contractors that are based in Sonoma County and have completed single-family residential projects in Sonoma City and Santa Rosa City. Some of these builders have helped homeowners find a home in this iconic region while others inspired residents to transform their dream homes into reality once again. The ranking was determined by a number of categories, including the value, size, quality, and the number of projects that the firm completed over the years. We also considered any awards firms had won, industry affiliations, the background of company principals, and most importantly, the quality of testimonials and reviews from clients.
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.
14) Arrowtown Construction
17180 Park Ave., Sonoma, CA 95476
For over 20 years, Arrowtown Construction has developed its reputation for delivering unforgettable residential spaces across Sonoma, Marin and Napa areas. While the firm calls these regions home, its founding years were spent in New Zealand, building detailed and high-value custom homes that focused on sustainability and were modeled after the industry’s green building innovations.
Clayt Bertlesman, the company’s owner and founder, is a licensed general contractor who came from humble beginnings. Bertlesman entered the industry in his early twenties when he joined his father and brother. His first experiences were flipping houses and learning the basic trades in carpentry, electricity, and plumbing. Over the years, he accumulated the skills and talent not only to transform homes but to construct residential spaces from the ground up.
The Sobre Vista Mid-century Mansion located in the Sonoma Valley shows how the company’s decades of experience in home building evolved from renovating houses to constructing architecturally-impressive structures. For this project, the firm delivered a residential space that celebrates the classic elements of the Old World and Modern Midcentury architecture.
13) Bridges Construction
PO Box 440, Sonoma, CA 95476
When Bridges Construction was established over 40 years ago, the firm initially focused on building speculative homes and commercial restaurants. Today, it is one of the county’s most skilled residential contractors. While it is recognized for its multi-awarded historical renovations and additions, the company is also capable of constructing custom residential homes that can last for generations. Its background in home preservation across Sonoma allows it to handle complex projects with distinct structural and architectural demands.
In 2017, Luxe Magazine featured one of the firm’s most notable home transformations. For this project, the company collaborated with designer Stevi Michner to convert a Sonoma house with new material palette. The new home plan was drafted to create a strong connection between the residence’s indoor and outdoor elements. The overall architecture was designed to engage its surroundings.
Under the leadership of Thom Bridges, the family-owned company has left a lasting legacy among Sonoma’s most sophisticated clients. What makes the company a choice builder for highly-demanding works is its dedication to taking on only a single large project at a time. Its customer-centered approach also helps aspiring homeowners feel confident about every decision that they make in every step of the construction process.
12) Sonoma Custom Homes
62 Brookwood Avenue, Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95472
Sonoma Custom Homes was founded over 15 years ago with a vision of building custom luxury residential spaces that are designed to take advantage of the picturesque sceneries that Sonoma County can offer. To do this, the firm prioritizes an approach that puts its clients first. By understanding the aesthetic and functional demands of every living space, the company is able to create an ideal home that stays true to the authentic identity of its homeowner.
By following the same method, the firm has completed complex and high-value projects across Northern California. Many of its luxury custom homes serve as reminders of the classic allure of Victorian, Colonial, and French architecture. Their brick wall tapestry, tiled roofs, stylized chimneys, massive windows, and signature columns introduce spaces that impose their majestic presence against their equally stunning surroundings.
David Crouch, Heather Mckay, and Russ Wenke make up the company’s management team. By combining their experience in construction, millwork, and design, the company is able to deliver the highest quality of homes regardless of size and levels of complexity.
11) Salt Shed Design Build, LLC
414 1st St. East Suite #5, Sonoma, CA 95476
The efficiency and quality that comes from integrating the design and building process make Salt Shed Design Build, LLC a leading choice in the field of custom home building. Architects, engineers, and construction experts make up the firm’s arsenal. With its manpower and resources, it is capable of catering to a wide range of clientele that spans from the Sonoma region to Marin, Napa, and San Francisco areas.
As a custom home builder, the firm relies on a creative collaboration between experts and homeowners to design, manage, and build memorable homes that represent the client’s unique lifestyles. This integrated process is headed by the firm’s owner and CEO, Matthew Tippell. Before setting up his own company, his background in construction management and urban planning helped him secure management positions. Additionally, he served as the Community Development Committee chairman in Napa and was a former chair of the City of Sonoma Planning Commission.
Contemporary and Modern Ranch homes fill the firm’s impressive portfolio. The use of natural materials can be observed in the residential spaces that are built for Sonoma’s most sophisticated homeowners. The design elements of these homes are representations of how the aesthetics of traditional craftsmanship can be perfectly blended with the sleek and minimalist elements of modern designs.
10) Design Build Company
3554 Round Barn Blvd. Suite #205, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
In Design Build Company’s effort to offer a more organized, efficient, and client-centered construction process, the company has pioneered a cutting edge approach that is centered on a solid collaboration between the architect and the builder, while keeping in mind the unique architectural and functional needs of every client. Rob Auger, its founder and CEO, has managed residential construction and rehabilitation projects in his a decade plus of experience in the industry.
True to its name, the firm’s design-build approach brings out accountability and transparency in every building project it takes on. At the same time, the method eliminates failures that typically spring from the lack of end-to-end design and construction process. These business practices are what the company is known for.
Many of the firm’s projects inspired by Modern and Contemporary versions of Ranch and Farmhouse styles are especially fascinating. They are constructed in a fast-paced time frame at a fair market price, but without cutting corners. This dedication extends to the company’s efforts to help rebuild Sonoma County, one project at a time. Its past and current projects tell the story of homeowners who want to rebuild their lives not as victims, but as survivors. These new residences not only represent their unique lifestyles, but also the resilience and strength of its homeowners.
9) Benchmark Construction
18963 Sweet William Ct., Sonoma, CA 95476
Jim Glade’s over 35 years of experience has guided Benchmark Construction in creating residential spaces that blend right into Sonoma Valley’s magnificent surroundings. For years, the company has constructed custom homes of different sizes and scope using methods that were not only focused on stunning designs, but on structural endurance and cost-efficiency. New homes, remodels, and landscape construction projects are part of the firm’s extensive portfolio.
The company’s residential projects are characterized by natural stone materials and wooden elements that exude a charming rustic farmhouse vibe. While these projects make use of the traditional structural elements that can be found in old architectures, its modern touch of heavy lines and contrasting color palettes highlights its contemporary inspirations.
The care and quality that the firm’s team exhibits in every building project have been commended by new and repeat clients. Reviews and testimonials suggest that the company is known for transforming the typically stressful process of home building into a fun and inspiring experience. For every project, the firm delivered thoughtful, valuable results.
8) Annadel Builders Incorporated
4010 Montecito Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404
The promise of delivering finely built homes is the mission at the heart of Annadel Builders. As a construction company that serves Sonoma, Napa, Marin, and Mendocino counties, the firm not only focuses on building stunning and enduring structures but in making its clients’ visions come to life through sustainable, environmentally-conscious methods.
Under the leadership of Richard Kirby, the company leads the region’s green building movement by keeping itself updated on the latest trends and techniques in residential building. As a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and an active participant in many local AIA-sponsored seminars and courses, Kirby is able to marry the best of both worlds of architectural aesthetics and sustainable designs.
The company has completed numerous residences throughout Northern California. Its new construction projects can be found in various parts of wine country. Modern Ranch, Farmhouse, Spanish, and Contemporary elements are the most common characteristics of the firm’s high-end homes.
7) Carreiro Builders Inc
2989 Wiljan Court, Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA
Over 30 years of construction and project management experience solidify Carreiro Builders’s foundation as a firm that champions superior craftsmanship, dependability, and integrity. Since its founding, the company has been a preferred builder of complex and sustainable custom homes throughout the North Bay area. Additionally, the company’s construction expertise expands to interior remodeling and home addition services.
As a family-owned firm, Carreiro makes sure that it stays true to the company’s professional traditions that are focused on communication, attention to detail, and personal services. This work philosophy allowed it to secure the much-coveted Better Business Bureau (BBB) membership, an industry institution that recognizes companies with outstanding business practices and stellar customer service. The firm, as a green builder, is also affiliated with the Build It Green organization.
A look at the company’s portfolio reveals high-value custom home projects that celebrate the qualities of the old and new architectures. Every project is a combination of the timeless charms of traditional structures and the modern innovations of contemporary designs. Barn and ranch houses designed after modern patterns make use of the welcoming warmth of earth tones. Its choice of palette exudes simplicity and harmony with the homes’ surrounding environments.
6) Kirby Construction Company
625 Ware Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Safety, quality, time, and value: these are the cornerstones of Kirby Construction Company’s construction philosophy. By incorporating these essential factors into the heart of the firm’s business philosophy, it has secured its rank as one of the most preferred builders in the region. Its 2011 win as the Best Contractor/Builder in a readers’ poll by the Northbay biz magazine is just one of the many indications of its trustworthy reputation.
Aside from the company’s focus on quality and adding value to the structures that it builds, its relationships with the region’s leading engineers, subcontractors, architects, and local building officials make its processes smoother and more transparent. The firm is a member of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, the North Coast Builders Exchange, and the US Green Building Council. Throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties, these connections help the firm serve a wider market and complete projects with high levels of schedule and cost demands. By ensuring that these preliminary processes go forward without hassle, the team can focus more on building high-quality, enduring residential spaces.
Since its founding in 2003, it has been serving the North Bay area and has completed project management, design-build, and new construction projects in the region. One example of its work is a private residence in Napa Valley, which is located about ten miles from Sonoma. The house is a 4,300-square foot private residence that has been commended for its nod to modern designs and use of traditional materials. The final construction process included expanding the landscape to accommodate a private pool. The resulting building features design elements that are dominated by reclaimed wood materials used for its exposed beams, its interior doors, the fireplace mantles, and even the furniture pieces.
5) Reiter Fine Home Building
9212 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, CA 95452
Reiter Fine Home Building’s expertise in home building and design aesthetics allows it to deliver authentic, richly detailed residential spaces. Its outstanding estates with architectures worthy of recognition have been featured multiple times in many of the industry’s biggest magazines. The Home & Architecture Trends, Sonoma Magazine, and the Valley of the Moon are just some of the publications that commended the company’s for its capability to transform the most beautiful home ideas into life.
Jon Reiter, the firm’s principal, is a seasoned craftsman with over twenty years of experience in building California’s most memorable houses. His design sensibilities and construction expertise can be seen in many of his finished projects. What is unique about the company is how clients can get transparent and up-to-date details about their home construction process. To make this possible, a private website is provided so that future homeowners can view the progress of their dream home, wherever they are in the world.
Tuscan villas, French country estates, and Craftsman architectures are featured in the firm’s extensive luxury custom homes portfolio. With these construction projects, the firm always expresses its openness to collaborate with the homeowner’s architects and designers to pursue one vision: to deliver a home that genuinely reflects the client’s functional and aesthetic preferences, with characteristics that can fit their lifestyles.
4) Landers Curry, Inc
PO Box 1549 Sonoma, CA 95476
A Sonoma native heads Lander Curry’s everyday operations. Jon Curry is a licensed general contractor that leads a team of builders and designers. The team’s combined experiences and familiarity with the region’s architectural and lifestyle preferences make the company an ideal custom home builder for the area’s most demanding clients. Additionally, the firm’s ability to take on complex restorations of many of the region’s most historically significant residences serve as evidence of its attention to detail and its dedication to quality. With the help of his team, Curry has received numerous historic preservation awards for new construction and renovations.
Even Curry’s personal residences have been featured in publications and other types of media. These stunning architectural masterpieces have been used for the Pottery Barn, Wiliams-Sonoma catalogs, and commercials shot for the banking firm, Charles Schwab. Other press features that recognized these praise-worthy projects are from the California Homes, Sacramento Home, and Cottage Style magazine.
Spanish, Modern and Contemporary Barn and Farmhouse residences can be found in the company’s rich home-building and renovation portfolio. These homes not only feature architecturally impressive interiors and exteriors but are also set in picturesque landscapes. The consistent color palettes applied to these spaces often imitate the warm and natural feel of their surrounding environment.
3) Jim Murphy & Associates
464 Kenwood Ct. Suite B, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Mendocino counties are home to many captivating home sites that have won the hearts of aspiring homeowners who want to get a piece of these havens for themselves. Jim Murphy & Associates is one of the luxury residential construction companies that continue to answer the call for one-of-a-kind living spaces. Be it a home nestled on the hilltops of Healdsburg, a vineyard villa in Napa, or a living space overlooking vast greenery, the company can satisfy the most sophisticated demands of any client.
Farmhouse, craftsman, contemporary, and Mediterranean masterpieces can be found scattered on the most scenic views of the valleys. These residential spaces boast the elements of luxury and style and provide a glimpse into the graceful harmony between the clean lines of architecture and the rustic, homey feel of natural structural materials.
Jim Murphy, the firm’s principal, has a passion for details. Throughout his career, he has committed to constructing high-quality buildings and his commitment can be seen in the firm’s dedication to hiring only the best in the field. Since its founding in 1968, the company has collaborated with architects, designers, engineers, and subcontractors whose values and capacities exceed the industry’s standards. These partnerships resulted in numerous recognitions, including the 2011 Custom Builder of the Year award given by the Custom Home magazine.
2) Leff Construction Design Build
6791 Sebastopol Ave. Unit #140, Sebastopol, CA 95472
LEFF Construction Design Build, founded in 1978 by David Leff, quickly established itself as an early adopter of green and sustainable building processes when it built the first solar multi-family project in Cotati, California. Throughout the company’s history, it has continued to develop and build environmentally responsible and resource-efficient whole-home remodeling and new residential construction projects. LEFF was the first design-build firm in Sonoma County with its own design center. There, the entire LEFF team of architects, designers, estimators, project managers, admin staff and carpentry crew partner closely with clients to design and build beautiful and functional solutions efficiently and cost-effectively.
In the town of Sonoma, LEFF designed and built a new home for a client that often entertained for their gourmet-food products company. An open floor plan was designed to allow for natural light to flood the gathering spaces where guests could wine and dine; an indoor-outdoor kitchen space allows visitors to dine al fresco. To further enhance the expansiveness of the interior, skylights and large sliding doors were installed.
To maintain a sense of history for this family’s new home, an old barn that had existed on the estate property for over 100 years was deconstructed. The recycled and repurposed wood and barn fixtures were then used to create several new interior barn doors. A waterproof deck was built above the garage which allows access from the master bedroom suite and via an exterior spiral staircase leading to the backyard. A charming outside shower graces the attached guest suite.
Homes such as this one helped LEFF Construction Design Build gain recognition from industry publications such as the Guild Master with Distinction Award (2016-18), Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 list and Qualified Remodeler’s 2017 Master Design Award for Universal Design. In the same year, NARI also awarded LEFF two first-place Regional Awards for a home remodel over $1 million, and another award for a whole home remodel priced at $750,000 to $1 million.
1) Earthtone
6932 Sebastopol Ave. Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Green construction and sustainable building methods characterize Earthtone’s contribution to the region’s construction industry. The firm currently serves major counties across wine country. Many of its projects across the region won numerous accolades from the huge design and building organizations. In 2019, the company was awarded the Best Green Builder of Sonoma while the Remodeling Magazine gave the firm a Merit Award for its Whole-House Remodeling, highlighting the project’s cool, efficiently-designed homes.
The company’s founder, Andy Bannister, is a LEED accredited professional who has served the industry for decades. Since he established the firm in 1988, he has grown into a trusted builder in the North Bay with a reputation as an excellent manager and craftsman. Many of the firm’s success can be attributed to his focus in producing high-quality buildings while making use of many emerging trends in construction.
One of the company’s most notable home construction projects is a collaboration with Arkin Tilt for a 200-acre property in Sweetwater Springs. The project was one of the first to use the Rammed Earth Block technology, an approach that reduces the use of cement in structural masonry. The home also boasts sustainable features such as living roofs, straw bale walls, and the substantial use of lumber milled from the site itself.
How can I find a home builder or contractor near me?
Read our latest articles on the best home builders and residential contractors in and near Sonoma and Santa Rosa. If you don’t see your city below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
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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.
