The Best Custom Home Builders in Vermont

Last updated on August 7th, 2024 at 02:46 pm

If you’re considering building a custom home in Vermont, navigating the sea of options for home builders can feel overwhelming. With the average residential project ranging from $100,000 to $800,000—and high-end projects exceeding $1.3 million—selecting the right contractor is crucial to ensuring your vision becomes reality without unwelcome surprises. A reputable contractor can recommend materials and construction techniques suited to Vermont’s climate, ensuring the durability and energy efficiency of the home. Custom home builds in Vermont can take up to 30 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used.

Vermont, with its population of approximately 647,064 and a median home value of $392,682, presents a unique landscape for custom home construction. The state’s natural beauty and distinct seasons make it an attractive place to build a dream home. Still, it also poses specific challenges that demand expertise in local building practices. Over the past two years, the average cost of construction projects in Vermont has been about $20 per square foot, making it essential to choose a contractor who can balance cost-efficiency with high-quality craftsmanship.

Finding a trustworthy contractor is critical to avoid unnecessary delays, expenses, and stress. Our guide to the best construction companies in Vermont will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your construction project proceeds smoothly and meets all your expectations.

Overview: The Best Custom Home Builders in Vermont

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

Red House Building

Suite 5 & 6, 382 Hercules Dr., Burlington, VT 05446

Red House Building is a full-service building and restoration company specializing in custom residential construction, renovations, and historic restoration. With significant expertise in complex building projects spanning from contemporary mountain retreats to meticulously restored historic buildings, the firm excels in meeting intricate and peculiar needs. Red House Building, honored with the 2021 American Institute of Architects Honor Award in the Single Family Residential category, showcases its exceptional craftsmanship and design expertise in crafting new construction homes in Vermont.

With a diverse staff of approximately 30 full-time employees, the firm has the capacity to take on large projects and manage multiple smaller projects. In addition to providing comprehensive building solutions, the firm has a full-service woodworking shop and a dedicated Home Services division, which is geared towards helping clients maintain the structural and functional integrity of their homes.

Newschool Builders, LLC

P.O. Box 494, Waitsfield, VT 05673

Residential building company Newschool Builders, LLC is dedicated to providing high-quality new construction homes in Vermont. Over the years, the firm has combined innovative design and local and regional knowledge with established methods and the latest industry developments to create marvelous custom homes, additions, renovations, and more.

The firm is led by Blake Hackerson, who has immersed himself fully in the state’s residential construction industry since he graduated from high school. At 22, he secured his unrestricted building license. He honed his expertise in constructing structures and spaces of varying scopes and sizes throughout Vermont. This experience translated well into the firm’s operations, with Newschool performing each project with the utmost care, quality, and precision.

Sisler Builders, Inc.

56 Park St., Stowe, VT 05672

Sisler Builders, Inc. is a firm with over thirty years of construction experience. Its areas of expertise include custom homes, renovations, remodels, and custom woodworking. Touting a reputation for honesty, integrity, and high-quality craftsmanship, the firm consistently completes even the most demanding projects efficiently and timely. Additionally, Sisler leveraged its extensive experience to become a regional leader in thermal efficiency.

The firm’s Custom Woodworking Division creates fine interior woodworking and unique exterior carpentry details. Whether a client needs a one-of-a-kind coffee table, a handcrafted staircase, or custom window seats, Sisler’s experienced craftspeople can design and fabricate high-quality, durable doors, furniture, staircases, cabinetry, spaces, and other elements.

Sisler’s work has been regularly recognized by distinguished industry organizations such as the Building Performance Institute, Efficiency Excellence Network, VBRA, NAHB, VGBN, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. The firm and its work have also been regularly featured in Stowe Guide & Magazine.

Peregrine Design Build

49 Commerce Ave. Suite A1, South Burlington, VT 05403

Peregrine Design Build has been providing exceptional custom homes and remodels. Through trustworthy service, a reliable management process, and quality craftsmanship, the firm has amassed an impressive roster of clients and industry connections. Peregrine Design Build, featured in a 2016 Dwell article, exemplifies excellence among Vermont home builders renowned for their innovative and sustainable approach to construction.

The firm is a member of several prominent trade organizations, namely the VBRA, the NAHB, and the Vermont Green Building Network (VGBN). These affiliations testify to Peregrine’s dedication to upholding professional practices and keeping abreast of emerging technology and techniques. Many of the firm’s projects have been recognized with awards, particularly in design, energy efficiency, and remodels.

Conner & Buck Builders

16 Main St., Bristol, VT 05443

Operating on quality craftsmanship and personal integrity, Conner and Buck Builders is in its 31st year of designing, building, and renovating unique homes. It has forged strong relationships with clients, employees, suppliers, subcontractors, and designers, which has allowed it to provide unmatched construction services at great value. 

Touting a crew of skilled carpenters, job foremen, project managers, a field supervisor, and an office manager, the Conner and Buck team has significant experience in various aspects of construction. The firm keeps clients fully engaged in every stage of the construction process by maintaining regular, open communication and providing practical advice during decision-making. The firm also provides exceptional value, quality, and craftsmanship, which is why it has gained so much recognition, winning a 2016 Fine Homebuilding Best Remodel Award and a 2015 Efficiency Vermont Award – Merit Award. The firm was also featured in Fine Home Building: Houses 2016 and in other publications.

Leach Construction of Vermont, LLC

30 Bradley Bow Rd., Jericho, VT 05465

Leach Construction of Vermont, LLC boasts of a remarkable portfolio featuring custom-built energy-efficient homes. Over the years, the firm has specialized in tailoring spaces to meet disparate wants, needs, and lifestyles through meticulous building and remodeling services. The family-owned and operated company brings a diverse professional background that contributes to the overall success of each job. Its team comprises talented and dedicated crew members, subcontractors, energy consultants, suppliers, and architects.

Moore Design Builders

925 Route 100, Warren, VT 05674

Moore Design Builders has successfully built, renovated, and remodeled numerous homes. Its affiliations with respected trade organizations—namely, the NAHB, VBRA, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA)—enable it to keep abreast of the latest industry developments and trends, which helps further the firm’s design, energy efficiency, and cost management expertise.

Clients look to Moore for its managerial integrity, fine craftsmanship, and well-rounded home improvement solutions. The team collaborates with customers to establish project goals, budgets, and deadlines and consequently ensures precise delivery and architecturally sound and visually striking builds, such as the featured home, which was designed by Levon Manuelyan and William Moore.

Donald P. Blake Jr., Inc.

59 Old Creamery Rd. Suite #1, Morrisville, VT 05661

Over the past 34 years, Donald P. Blake Jr. has collaborated exclusively with outstanding design professionals and knowledgeable subcontractors. Doing so has allowed the firm to provide homeowners with remarkable building solutions complemented by experience and professional integrity. In addition to custom residential new construction, renovations, restorations, and energy enhancements, the firm offers design-build services for small-scale projects and general contracting and construction management solutions for some commercial projects.

The firm is proficient in constructing spaces of distinct styles. Its portfolio features Scottish, contemporary, modern, Old World, farmhouse, and Greek revival elements integrated into harmonious designs, which underscore individuality and functionality. Past clients have vouched for the team’s creativity and impeccable sense of service and responsibility. Its members are skilled in working in a collaborative environment and continuously improving the quality and value of their work by keeping up-to-date on the latest industry trends and practices.

New Frameworks Natural Design/Build

1 Mill St. Suite #161, Burlington, VT 05401

What sets New Frameworks Natural Design/Build apart from other builders is its conscious effort to use local, non-toxic materials to create stunning remodels and new construction projects. Its ecologically minded practices and comprehensive, full-service systems design make the firm a premier choice for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions. New Frameworks Natural Design/Build, the recipient of the 2018 Efficiency Vermont Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Over $12,000 Merit Award, stands out among construction companies in Vermont for its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

From simple bathroom and kitchen remodels to deep energy retrofits and new design-build projects, the firm ensures low-impact, healthy construction and mechanical detailing. Because the firm builds to the highest energy efficiency standards, its structures provide ultimate comfort and significant savings. Thanks to this care, New Frameworks Natural Design/Build has won several awards, including two Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Merit Awards and two Honor Awards. Additionally, as a member of various industry organizations—like the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) and Natural Builders NorthEast—the firm stays current on the latest industry techniques and technologies. This allows the team to learn regularly and incorporate current design and construction trends into every project.

HJ LeBoeuf & Son, Inc.

149 Pine Cone Ln., New Haven, VT 05472

With decades in the building industry, HJ LeBoeuf and Son have developed significant expertise in designing and constructing new homes. The firm has mastered creating spaces in several styles, including Federal-style Vermont farmhouses, formal Classic Revival homes, Lakeside Shingle-Style retreats, and Contemporary homes. Many of the firm’s projects have received positive recognition and feedback from clients and industry experts like the NAHB and the VBRA (Vermont Builders and Remodelers Association). As a result, the firm has grown into one of the area’s most prominent custom home construction companies.

Structures and spaces made by HJ LeBoeuf and Son are carefully crafted to maximize space and ensure coordinated and balanced designs. In addition to assuring structural soundness, the firm guarantees exacting standards, durable materials, and superior craftsmanship.

Patterson & Smith Construction

515 Moscow Rd., Stowe, VT 05672

For over two and a half decades, Patterson and Smith Construction has helped Stowe home and business owners address their unique construction needs through comprehensive building, renovation, and maintenance services. It has a team of more than two dozen carpenters, painters, and woodworking artisans. Patterson and Smith offer the finest quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service, whether a project entails building a new home or breathing life into an otherwise outdated space.

The firm’s current president, Chapman Smith, lends years of hands-on construction experience and a degree in Architectural Engineering Technology to the firm’s operations. These have helped Patterson and Smith define and translate its clients’ visions into striking, long-lasting buildings through a strong commitment to customer service, community, and excellence.

Roundtree Construction

5450 Ethan Allen Hwy., New Haven, VT 05472

General contracting firm Roundtree Construction is behind many of Vermont’s finest homes. The firm has worked on numerous architect-designed houses, renovations, additions, and historic restorations in the area. Partnering with local and national industry-leading architects, the firm brings unmatched craftsmanship, exacting attention to detail, and striking creativity to fashion and fabricate award-winning structures and spaces.

Roundtree’s projects reflect its dedication to green building practices. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, the firm is committed to constructing homes that embody eco-friendly and sustainable principles and working in correlation with Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, LEED for Homes, and Vermont Energy Star Homes.

Reap Construction

840 West Main St., Richmond, VT 05477

For more than twenty years, Reap Construction has been building, remodeling, and adding on to homes and working on a number of commercial projects. Its versatile team of project managers and carpenters has experience in all facets of building, from frame to finish, enabling the company to take on a variety of project types and sizes. A sizeable portion of its referrals stems from its exemplary design-build solutions. 

This lakefront home is Reap’s exemplary realization of a chef and interior designer couple’s dream. From the Italian glass tile backsplash in the kitchen to the floating sink in the powder room and the many details in between, this house is filled with custom features that embody the clients’ passion for fine finishes. Additionally, this house is Energy Star-rated, and the exterior is nearly maintenance-free. The walls facing the lake were sprayed with closed-cell foam insulation to battle the fierce lake winds and ensure the house was airtight. And because the house is so well-sealed, a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system was installed to help it ventilate properly.

The McKernon Group

381 New Rd., Brandon, VT 05733

Touting a reputation based on distinctive home designs, innovative artistry, and excellent customer service, the McKernon Group offers more than three decades of invaluable building experience to Vermont and upstate New York. The custom home builder has since devoted itself to first-rate sustainable construction practices encompassing diverse styles and distinctions. The firm’s projects have been acclaimed by distinguished industry associations, such as the VBRA and the NAHB, and have won prestigious construction, design, and remodeling awards.

The McKernon Group—led by Kevin Birchmore and Justus Cameron—boasts of a team of 45 employees working in various capacities, as well as a network of professional contractors and artisans specializing in design, general construction, timber framing, energy audits, spray foam insulation, and solar energy-saving projects. The firm also has its own custom cabinet shop, panel shop, and storage for equipment, tools, and materials, offering a better and more convenient client experience.

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 Vermont 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.