The Best Commercial Contractors in New Orleans, Louisiana

Last updated on June 19th, 2024 at 06:08 am

Navigating the commercial construction realm in New Orleans, Louisiana, can feel like traversing a maze. Choosing among the top general contractors in New Orleans is paramount, as projects range from modest renovations to elaborate architectural feats. The stakes are high; commercial endeavors in this vibrant city carry financial implications and contribute to its cultural fabric.

Every detail matters in a city where the average commercial project costs between $200,000 and $1.5 million, and premium endeavors soar well beyond $2 million. From the historic charm of French Quarter renovations to the sleek modernity of downtown skyscrapers, the spectrum of projects reflects the diverse character of New Orleans. Commercial projects typically span 18 months, a timeline often stretched by the city’s unique construction challenges. Amidst this architectural tapestry, the demand for reliable, skilled contractors who can navigate these complexities is ever-present, with only two businesses specializing in high-stakes projects.

New Orleans pulses with life. It is home to approximately 370,000 residents, each woven into the rich tapestry of its neighborhoods. Despite its vibrant culture, the city grapples with socioeconomic challenges, evident in a median home value of $240,000. Against this backdrop, the importance of selecting the right commercial contractor becomes even more pronounced. In the past two years alone, 5,195 commercial projects have been undertaken, underscoring the city’s ongoing evolution. In a town where every project is a testament to resilience and reinvention, the choice of contractor can spell the difference between success and setbacks.

Overview: The Best Commercial Contractors in New Orleans, Louisiana

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

Mayer Building Company

1000 N. Broad St., New Orleans, LA 70119

Mayer Building Company has expertise in each aspect of the commercial construction and design process. The firm operates out of its office in New Orleans and extends its services throughout the metropolitan area. The firm’s impressive experience in the design-build process allows it to keep the entire project in-house, streamlining the need for subcontractors for both the firm and the client. Mayer has justifiably received outstanding reviews through the years. It was recently given the 2020 Excellence in Construction and Real Estate distinction from the New Orleans City Business. The firm is personally led and overseen by its owner and namesake, Ryan Mayer. His portfolio includes renovations at Le Petit Theatre, Harrah’s Casino, the Baryshnikov Dance Studio, the Matthew Williamson flagship store in Manhattan, and numerous French Quarter properties.

The photo shows an example of the firm’s talent and expertise. The project depicted was completed for the Xfinity Store in November 2019 and entailed various repairs and finishes. For this project, the firm’s team worked with its longtime trusted construction manager partner, VCMG.

Landis Construction Co., LLC

8300 Earhart Boulevard Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70118

Based in the heart of New Orleans, Landis Construction is an award-winning firm with a long history. Its distinctions include the Excellence in Construction Award from the ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter. The firm benefits from over six decades of experience in and around the industry and has established many productive partnerships. Now on its third generation of builders, the company is led by Anne Teague Landis. Under her leadership, the firm has curated an outstanding portfolio and has expanded its services. ABC gave this New Orleans commercial construction firm the 2016 ABC’s Eagle Award for Renovations Between $4 to $10 Million.

The project depicted is an indication of the firm’s talent and expertise. Landis completed the New Orleans Jazz Market to transform a former historic market site built in 1848. It spans over 14,000 square feet and two stories. Some of its unique elements include a rehearsal room, an education room, two bars, and executive offices.

LANCO Construction Co.

241 Woodland Dr., Laplace, LA 70068

One of the leading commercial construction companies in New Orleans, LANCO Construction is a family-owned business that draws on decades of industry experience and skill-building. It has become known for the integrity and expertise of its talented professionals. These strengths are demonstrated by LANCO’s large percentage of repeat clients. The firm’s lasting relationships have also resulted in excellent partnerships with some of the area’s best subcontractors and artisans. It comes as no surprise that the firm is also the recipient of many awards and distinctions. Of particular note is the firm’s achievement of the title Louisiana Builder of the Year by Construction and Engineering Magazine.

The company has worked with well-known brands such as Sperry, Walgreens, Starbucks, and Burger King. Its portfolio also includes projects completed for Louisiana State University and other organizations.

The McDonnel Group, LLC

3350 Ridgelake Drive, Suite 170, Metairie, LA 70002

The McDonnel Group is an award-winning firm that provides a comprehensive range of commercial services. Composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals, The McDonnel Group draws inspiration from its team’s decades of experience in the industry. The company adheres to the highest standards and provides a highly hands-on approach, allowing for a personal and customized product. The photo shows an excellent example of the company’s expertise.

Completed for the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum in the former Jackson Brewery building, this project entailed a unique renovation totaling 11,000 square feet and featuring excellent custom millwork. Other outstanding elements included over 500 installations and specialized audio and video equipment.

Jos. R Labadot, Inc.

1418 Edwards Ave. Suite A, New Orleans, LA 70123

Jos. R Labadot extends its services throughout Greater New Orleans and is a licensed commercial general contractor. Since its establishment, the firm has developed a prime clientele of well-known brands. The firm’s excellent portfolio includes different projects, and it is also fully licensed and insured, composed of some of the area’s best and most prominent professionals. Under their leadership, the firm has become noted for its excellent cost control and methods.

The project shown below was completed for Lindt Chocolate in 2014. The firm’s team collaborated with Sargenti Architects professionals on this space. Our editorial team was impressed by its open floor plan and adherence to the brand’s signature themes.

BEI General Contractors

22278 10th St., Abita Springs, LA 70420

BEI General Contractors is fully licensed and insured and has been in business for three decades. Headquartered in Abita Springs, it offers a comprehensive range of services. The firm achieves this success through a highly meticulous and personalized process, allowing its team to infuse the new spaces with the client’s visions. The firm also emphasizes the importance of close communication throughout the process.

The company extends its services throughout the Greater New Orleans area.  It can handle projects regardless of size or scale. Its portfolio of designs includes a gallery of meticulously rendered spaces with various themes. Featured here is Manning’s Sports Bar and Grill in New Orleans. The company built the restaurant’s unique setup that caters especially to sports fans. It has 30 flat-screen TVs, two 13-foot mega-screens, a sports anchor desk, and a recliner dining section.

Arkel Constructors

1048 Florida Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Arkel Constructors is operating out of its office in Baton Rouge. It assists clients throughout the process and can handle projects at any level of challenge or complexity. Our editorial team was impressed by its portfolio, which contains medical, office, retail, industrial, warehousing, hospitality, automotive, and banking spaces. The company’s projects range from ground-up construction work to extensive renovations and build-outs.

The firm has been in business since 1996 and is noted for its excellent engineering work. Arkel attributes its success primarily to its talented staff, which is composed of qualified and experienced professionals. The photo below is a characteristic example of its work. Completed for All-Star Volvo, the project is a LEED Certified space. 

DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc.

3030 East Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70448

DonahueFavret Contractors takes great pride in its solid reputation. The company brings expertise to each project and has received over 19 prestigious national awards, including Excellence in Construction distinctions from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The company has been in business for five decades and provides a comprehensive range of services. 

This commercial construction company in New Orleans was featured in a 2019 NOLA.com article. This mention underscores its influence and prominence within the industry, cementing its reputation as a trusted partner for commercial construction endeavors throughout the vibrant city of New Orleans.

The photo illustrates one of the firm’s commercial projects. This massive project, which spanned roughly 125,000 square feet and was designed in collaboration with several architects, was completed for JCPenney in two locations in about 225 days.

Ryan Gootee General Contractors

1100 Ridgewood Drive, Metairie, LA 70001

Headquartered in Metairie, Ryan Gootee General Contractors provides a comprehensive range of services. It has been voted seven times as one of the best places to work in New Orleans. Ryan Gootee is also an award-winning national firm and has received various distinctions from AGC Build America. The family-owned firm maintains affiliations with essential organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA), EPA, and the US Green Building Council. The project depicted is an excellent example of the firm’s expertise.

The newly renovated 51,987-square-foot Sazerac House is a state-of-the-art interactive cocktail museum, active distillery, corporate headquarters, and event venue under one roof. Located adjacent to the historic French Quarter, Ryan Gootee General Contractors revitalized one of New Orleans’ most prominent corners—Canal Street and Magazine Street.  The full-scale landmark rehabilitation and adaptive reuse incorporate two 1860s-era historic buildings that had remained vacant and derelict for 30 years. The six-story Sazerac House pays homage to the storied history of America’s first mixed-spirits drink and the official cocktail of New Orleans’, not to mention the namesake and homeplace of America’s largest spirits company.  The museum experience immerses visitors in the cocktail culture of the vibrant city of New Orleans through history while elucidating the craft and traditions that inform the creation of spirits into the modern era.

Perrier Esquerré Contractors

326 Almedia Road, St. Rose, LA 70087

Perrier Esquerré Contractors anchors its services in an adherence to high standards. The company’s range of services is extensive and includes various innovative techniques. The firm is particularly noted for its excellent project collaboration and cost-efficiency. This ensures all its spaces are completed on time and within the agreed-upon budget. The firm is the product of the vision of its founders and namesakes, Brett Perrier and Keith Esquerré, who founded the firm a decade ago. They first gained experience working on commercial projects totaling $750 million. They assure clients that the firm benefits from this experience for each project.

The firm is also noted for its take on the design-build approach, which has resulted in outstanding interior build-outs. The firm’s comprehensive construction management work particularly impressed our editorial team. The company’s portfolio includes several noteworthy commercial, restaurant, retail, office, and healthcare spaces.

Block Companies

619 Jefferson Highway Suite 2G, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Block Companies operates from two offices in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas. It has experience in all aspects of the commercial construction process and has developed a systematic approach to its work. The company has received countless excellent reviews throughout its years in business.  As one of the top general contractors in New Orleans, its commitment to sustainability assures its clients that its projects are designed and created using environmentally friendly practices, resulting in sustainable spaces. The photo shows an excellent example of the company’s expertise.

Completed for Carrol Cuisine, this photo depicts the firm’s work on the Sac-a-Lait Restaurant. Located in the heart of New Orleans, the project was completed in collaboration with the professionals of Graham Little Studio. The restaurant was initially constructed in 1882, and the firm was tasked with working on its extensive updates while retaining its transitional and rustic interiors.

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the commercial contractors in the New Orleans, Louisiana 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.