Our method for selecting the custom home builders was a time-consuming manual process. We read reviews on platforms such as Google, Houzz, and more. To make the cut, the builder had to receive at least a 4-star average. We also looked at sites such as the BBB and other consumer complaint sites to ensure the builders were squeaky clean. We reviewed each builder's website, read testimonials, and browsed through portfolios of past custom home projects. Each builder site listed displayed their address and contact information and listed out their team members' names and bios. Each company listed has been in business for at least 7 or more years. We should note that many high-quality custom home builders do not have online presences, and if they do, may not have enough reviews to make this list. Therefore, this list is biased towards custom home builders that have an active presence online.

When selecting the best custom home builder for your project, it is important to do your own due diligence in addition to what we have researched. You should not rely solely on review sites and ratings, but also ask your architect, family, and friends, and do your own research. It is important to talk to past customers and view homes they previously built. Additionally, you should check with your local building department to make sure that the builder's licenses and insurance are active and that there are no complaints filed. Lastly, it is important to consider the geographic proximity of the builders to your area. Many contractors will only service regions that are within close driving distance, or in areas they are familiar with or licensed.

Select your region in New York:

1. Western New York
2. Finger Lakes
3. Southern Tier
4. Central New York
5. North Country
6. Mohawk Valley
7. Capital District
8. Hudson Valley
9. New York City
10. Long Island

1. Western New York

Forbes Capretto Homes

• Cheektowaga, NY
• (716) 202-0839
• https://forbescapretto.com

Review Summary

Forbes Capretto Homes has been building custom homes for over 30 years in the Western New York area, including Buffalo, Amherst, Clarence, Grand Island, East Amherst, Williamsville, East Aurora, Hamburg, Lancaster, and Orchard Park. Prices for their custom homes start in the $400,000's, and they are an ENERGY-STAR certified builder. Forbes Capretto Homes has been awarded the Buffalo Niagara Builders Association Builder of the Year for the past three years. They specialize in designing and building custom homes that suit the needs of their customers. Their experienced team of builders is committed to delivering quality homes that reflect the dreams of their clients.

2. Finger Lakes

Starland Builders, LLC

• Ithaca, NY
• (607) 351-7606
• https://www.starlandbuilders.com/

Review Summary

Starland Builders is a custom home builder business located in Ithaca, NY. It has built over 100 homes in the Ithaca area and has been the recipient of the Best of Houzz 2018 through 2021 award. Starland Builders specializes in Net Zero homes, which are homes designed with solar panels in mind to maximize energy efficiency. It serves many areas in and around Ithaca, including Brooktondale, Cayuga Heights, Dryden, East Ithaca, Etna, Forest Home, Freeville, Ithaca, Jacksonville, Lansing, Newfield, Newfield Hamlet, Northeast Ithaca, Northwest Ithaca, Slaterville Springs, South Hill, Trumansburg, and Willseyville. Customers have frequently mentioned the excellent work quality, communication, and value that Starland Builders provides.

3. Southern Tier

Owl Homes

• Allegany, NY
• (716) 372-2322
• https://owlhomes.com

Review Summary

Owl Homes is the largest home builder in Western NY and PA, with four locations in the Southern Tier of NY and Pennsylvania. Since 1968, the Owl Homes Group has been providing home design and completion of hundreds of home projects every year. Owl Homes specializes in modular homes and low-cost homes, as well as complete home-building services, including site improvements, foundations, heating and cooling, garages, decks, porches, basement finishes, and more. With over 50 years of experience, Owl Homes is dedicated to providing quality, cost-effective, and timely completion of your dream home.

4. Central New York

Millback Custom Homes

• Liverpool, NY
• (315) 708-9110
• https://www.milbackcustomhomes.com/

Review Summary

Millback Custom Homes has been a premier custom home builder since 1912, serving Baldwinsville, NY, Camillus, NY, Onondaga, NY, and the Central NY region. They specialize in construction projects ranging from budgets of $300k to over $2 million, and they are A+ rated on the BBB, and a Certified Green Professional. Their construction projects are structured with one of their principal officers as the chief project manager, and a working supervisor or foreman is on the job from start to finish to ensure the design is implemented correctly, and an on-staff licensed NYS Architect is available to resolve construction difficulties as they arise. Reviewers frequently mention the quality, responsiveness, price, and punctuality of this company.

5. North Country

Choice Custom Homes

• Lyon Mountain, NY
• (518) 312-5853
• https://www.choicehomes.me

Review Summary

Choice Custom Homes is a custom home-building business that specializes in log homes and Adirondack-style homes. They are members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and New York State Home Builders. Their builders are certified with CGB (Certified Graduate Builder) and CGP (Certified Green Professional) and are committed to building energy-efficient homes. In addition to custom home building, they also specialize in project management, site selection, and permit processing. Whether you're looking for a traditional log home or a more modernized Adirondack-style home, Choice Custom Homes is the perfect choice for all your home-building needs.

6. Mohawk Valley

Diesel Construction

• Yorkville, NY
• (315) 749-3095
• https://www.dieselconstructionny.com

Review Summary

Diesel Construction is a custom home builder business based out of Utica, NY, and servicing the surrounding areas. Zack LaZore and his team of contracting professionals have more than 20 years of experience in the trade, making them experts in the field. Diesel Construction is fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau, EPA Lead Safe Certified, and Google Guaranteed, giving customers the peace of mind of working with a trusted and reliable contractor. As a testament to their quality work, reviewers consistently cite the quality of the team’s work, their responsiveness, and their professionalism. With an extensive portfolio of completed projects, Diesel Construction is the perfect choice for your next home-building project.

7. Capital District

Razzano Homes & Remodelers, Inc.

• Albany, NY
• (518) 915-1800
• https://www.buildittolast.com

Review Summary

Razzano Homes & Remodelers is a custom home builder and remodeling business that has served the Capital Region since 2007. Over the years, they have earned a spotless reputation and have won two prestigious awards from the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association (CRBRA). Razzano Homes & Remodelers is proud to be an A+ rated business with the Better Business Bureau and is proud to serve Albany County, Columbia County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, and Schenectady County. They also have a showroom and design center for customers to visit.

8. Hudson Valley

Peak Construction

• Fishkill, NY
• (845) 896-5496
• https://www.peakconstruction.biz/

Review Summary

Peak Construction is a custom home builder dedicated to providing clients throughout The Hudson Valley with high-quality construction and remodeling services since 1994. With a 4,000 square foot main office in Fishkill, NY, and a satellite office in Katonah, NY, they serve clients in Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester counties. They are experienced in all phases of new construction, including surveying and situating the house for optimal placement on your lot.

9. New York City

Grandeur Hills Group

• New York, NY
• (212) 880-5484
• https://grandeurhillsgroup.com/

Review Summary

Grandeur Hills Group is a custom home builder business headquartered on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. They specialize in creating unique and luxurious homes that meet the individual needs of their clients. Their team of experienced professionals has a passion for design, construction, and craftsmanship. Services include planning, architecture, interior design, construction management, and more. They have completed projects in many of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city, including Riverside Drive on the Upper West Side, Greenwich Village, Brooklyn, and The Hamptons. They have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and our clients often cite their quality, timely completion, attention to detail, and competitive pricing as reasons for their satisfaction.

10. Long Island

Ambassador Home Improvement d/b/a Long Island Custom Homes

• Massapequa, NY
• (516) 799-0040
• https://www.ambassadorhi.com

Review Summary

Located in Massapequa, NY, Ambassador Home Improvement has been providing high-quality custom home builds and renovations for over 36 years. With 2,000 projects completed and a dedicated project manager assigned to every project, Ambassador Home Improvement has a large team of over 50 skilled professionals to ensure that each project is completed to the highest standard. Reviewers are raving about the level of service and attention from the dedicated project manager, and frequently cite Ambassador's professionalism, punctuality, quality, and responsiveness. Services include custom home builds, exterior and interior home renovations, plumbing and installations, electrical contracting, windows and siding, additions and dormers, kitchens, and baths.