Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 06:28 am

Working with a builder who has local knowledge of everything from permitting and clearance to building customs and regulations makes the building and remodeling process a breeze. In Sanibel, these are the builders who are best equipped to deal with the topography of Southwest Florida and realize the needs and desires of clients.

This list compiles the best general contractors in Sanibel, contractors who are well-versed in building and remodeling for the area. These firms were chosen based on their background, experience, and ability to cater to the unique needs of Southwest Florida homeowners.


BCB Homes

3696 Enterprise Ave, Suite 100, Naples, FL 34104

Based in Naples, BCB Homes is a custom home building and remodeling company that has been serving Marco Island, Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sarasota since 1993. The firm is led by Joe Smallwood, who oversees the firm’s operations and its growth. 

Over the years, BCB Homes has come to be recognized as one of the leading contractors in Southwest Florida. An example of the firm’s work is this contemporary living room remodel in Naples. Drizzled in shades of white and blue, this bright and airy living room mimics the hues of the ocean. The symmetry of the room is astounding; this quality is only played up by the floor-to-ceiling windows that allow views of the water to spill into the room. The living room makes the most out of its proximity to the sea.


Benchmark General Contractors

16836 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Originally founded as a niche general contracting firm in 1984, Benchmark General Contractors offers residential construction and remodeling, commercial construction and remodeling, and small multi-family construction. In addition to these services, the firm has also amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge in local permitting procedures and processes, floodplain construction, windstorm protection, and sustainable and green technologies. 

An example of the firm’s work can be found below. This open concept living, dining, and kitchen area has a loud character, thanks to its vibrant orange color palette and furnishings. The vaulted ceiling makes the room look all the more spacious, even as the room itself is already made expansive by the open concept. The predominant wood material of the kitchen also adds to the warm tone of the rooms, while the owners’ personal artwork mounted on the wall serves to spice up the room’s overall appearance.


American Gallery Homes

1149 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

Building in Sanibel requires a special kind of local knowledge, and for American Gallery Homes, this knowledge is constantly refreshed in its daily practice. For more than two decades, the firm, under managing partner and founder Ken Colter’s leadership, has been working exclusively on the Southwest Florida Barrier Islands of Sanibel and Captiva, giving the firm a specialized skill set especially when it comes to building in this unique environment.

American Gallery Homes offers new custom home construction, additions, and home and condominium remodeling. Below is an example of the kind of work the firm provides. This project was completed for HGTV’s “Vacation Homes for Free” program. The scope of this Sanibel Remodel involved three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The result was a relaxed and light beach-style home that plays around with hues of blue and green to mimic the ocean and natural life. The color palette imbues the home with a sense of serenity and freshness, and with many open spaces, the ocean breeze is sure to find its way into every part of the home.


Luxury Home Solutions

12244 Treeline Avenue, Suite 7, Fort Myers, FL 33913 

Luxury Home Solutions is a locally-owned and operated new construction and remodeling company. Through a collaborative relationship with clients, designers, consultants, sub-contractors, and suppliers, the firm is able to complete high-value construction projects. As a result of its positive relationship with its collaborators, 90% of the firm’s business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

Below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This open concept kitchen was part of a whole home remodel, and it features a light wood floor, a predominantly white and neutral color palette, and splashes of color through the blue island chairs. Other amenities include an undermount sink, white shaker cabinets, quartzite countertops, a gray glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and an island. 


Dan Hahn Custom Builders

1630 Periwinkle Way Ste H, Sanibel, FL 33957

When co-owners Dan Hahn and Kevin Vertesch founded Dan Hahn Custom Builders in 2000, it was with the mission of enriching Sanibel through the building of extraordinary homes in the area. Today, Dan and Kevin continue to serve Sanibel with their hands-on approach to the firm’s operations. They also believe in giving back to their community and take every opportunity to contribute to making Sanibel a better place to live. 

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a home remodel. The spacious room is set out in an open concept plan, allowing the merging of spaces into one cohesive area. In this room, you will find the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The room is spacious enough to entertain guests, and is also still well-delineated in terms of function, thanks to the different color palettes, textures, and materials employed in each space, from the solid and sharp kitchen area, to the warm-toned dining space, to the comfortable and colorful living area. 


Daniel Wayne Homes

5961 Northland Road, Unit #1, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Founded in 1992, but with roots going as far back as the 1950s, Daniel Wayne Homes is a new construction and remodeling company that is led by second-generation builder Daniel W. Dodrill. Daniel’s firm has been serving the Tri-County area since its inception, and it has become one of the premier custom home builders in Southwest Florida.

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This kitchen owes its vibrancy to the colorful hues present in the room. From the lime-colored walls to the speckled red countertops, and even to the shade of the wooden cabinetry, color jumps out at you from every conceivable space. The tile backsplash also adds a charming character to the kitchen and the dining area provides the perfect nook from which to enjoy meals in this lively room.


Calusa Construction

16010 Old 41 North, Unit 101, Naples, FL 34110

Serving Southwest Florida, and Seabrook Island, South Carolina, Calusa Construction is a high-end custom home builder and general contractor led by the experienced duo of Aidan Weir and John Kennedy. Aidan and John have proven expertise in all aspects of construction, as well as in the financial aspects of running a business. Aidan manages the firm’s projects; John is in charge of auditing. Together, the two continue to grow Calusa’s success and reputation as a go-to for additions and remodeling in Southwest Florida.

Photo by Architectural Photography Inc.

Pictured above is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. The spectacular blend of an indoor/outdoor lifestyle is immediately apparent in this home. A terrace hangs over the outdoor lounge area, which comes with a fireplace that offers a warm respite from the chilly coastal nights. The wooden brown flooring that runs throughout the space also adds to the feeling of warmth in tone, while at the same time providing a structured and grounded look to the space. Meanwhile, the pool, when not in use, is almost mirror-like, reflecting the tropical palm trees that dot the property. As it stretches out, there seems to be almost no telling where the pool ends and the beach begins.


M.A.B. Homes

16848 McGregor Blvd, Suite 110, Fort Myers, FL 33908

With deep roots in Southwest Florida, M.A.B. Homes is a local custom home builder led by Mark Barriball, whose experience of building in the area spans more than fifteen years. In addition to serving the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, Mark and his firm also offer their home building services to the surrounding areas of Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers.

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This living room exudes a relaxed, breezy feel. The L-shaped couch provides structure to the space, as do the wall-mounted shelves which display some sea-related trinkets belonging to the homeowners. To the right, the room’s floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors offer a beautiful sight of the outdoors, while allowing light and ocean breezes to flow into the room.  


Specialty Building Services

1919 Trade Center Way, Naples, FL 34109

Specialty Building Services is a Naples-based general contracting firm with a focus on custom home building. The firm also offers remodeling services and has received rave reviews from many satisfied clients who do not hesitate to recommend Specialty Building Services to their family and friends. 

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This charming kitchen is laid out in a traditional floor plan. There are classic white shaker cabinets, granite countertops, a gray tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and an island, which offers the option to eat in the kitchen. Overall, the room follows a logical flow of movement, while facilitating a warm atmosphere. 


De Sanctis Enterprises

26381 S Tamiami Trail #138, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

De Sanctis Enterprises has been building custom homes and remodels in Sanibel, Fort Myers, and Naples for over three decades. The firm is led by its namesake, Gino De Sanctis, who studied construction management at Florida International University. The firm is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to local building, guaranteeing solid methods of construction in Southwest Florida’s tricky environmental conditions.

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a remodel. This Fort Myers renovation features an open concept kitchen, dining, and living room. A trendy chandelier hangs over a six-person dining table; to its left is a unique fireplace. Other fixtures include shaker cabinets and a compartment for the owners’ wine collection. Further inside the room is the kitchen, with an island and counter seating, as well as a marble countertop and backsplash. Overall, the area is spacious and wide, able to accommodate many functional spaces and entertain a considerable number of guests too.

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