Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 12:48 am
Situated in the Seattle metro area, Mercer Island sits on an island sharing the same name located in the southern portion of Lake Washington. It is regarded as an excellent place to live in and offers its residents a large variety of amenities and access to two large cities. Quality of living in the area is relatively high, which has given rise to the popularity of home remodeling in the area.
This list showcases 15 of Mercer Island’s best general contractors who are behind some of its most beautiful homes and spaces. They were chosen based not only on merit, but also on their respective portfolios, experiences, and backgrounds.
Aspen Homes North West
8015 SE 28th St. Suite #214, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Extending its services throughout the Puget Sound and surrounding areas, Aspen Homes draws inspiration from more than two decades of industry experience. It is known for its distinctive homes and uses only the best materials and methods. It dedicates itself to meeting its clients’ lifestyles and needs, resulting in a loyal and stellar clientele list. The firm can take on projects regardless of size or scale and adheres to the highest of standards. It is also known for its great landscaping and architecture work. As for its designs, its portfolio depicts an excellent gallery of traditionally themed spaces and homes.
In the project above, the firm’s team used an open concept floor plan and allowed for seamless integration of the home’s most active areas. It also used paneled flooring, overhead lighting, and several transitional touches.
Baklinski Home Improvement
PO Box 1102, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Baklinski Home Improvement for its excellent ability to add value to its projects and comprehensive range of services. It specializes in extensive renovations, exterior drain systems, and waterproofing work. It also offers its clients outstanding handyman, deck, and landscaping services. The firm has years of working in and around the area and uses a highly transparent and hands-on process that also emphasizes the importance of client collaboration. Its team is composed of a group of highly trained and talented professionals who bring their range of specialized skills.
The project featured here is an example of one of its deck revitalization works. The old deck was showing signs of aging and growing rot. As a solution, the firm worked on stripping it of its old planking and replacing this with a protective rubberized membrane. Learn more about them at baklinski.com
Dream Home Construction
22525 SE 64th Pl., Issaquah, WA 98027
Dream Home Construction is best known for its excellent kitchen and bathroom work. Its services include an in-home initial consultation to better understand its clients’ needs and begin working on idea books for prospective plans, as well as preparing budgets and various plans. Its team assists with every phase of a project, including the smallest of details, such as obtaining all necessary permits, daily updates, and material selection. The firm also takes on full-scale remodels and is noted for its great painting, drywall, and framing services. It uses only the best available materials, as well as the latest industry techniques.
Showcased here is one of the firm’s best kitchens. Completed in Issaquah, it boasts a perfect mix of traditional and modern aesthetics. A white and gray palette makes this open kitchen timeless. Floating wood shelves and classic cabinets surround the space while a large island serves as both a prep area and additional dining space.
EightBlox
4104 93rd Ave., SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
EightBlox uses a design-build approach and specializes in the custom construction and remodel of any residential project type. It emphasizes the importance of open communication and uniquely uses software that it calls “Project Central.” Its website allows homeowners to track their new projects and watch them slowly unfold throughout construction. The site also allows clients to follow along from conception to completion, as well as track expenses and used material. The firm is led by its founders Shane Katsoolis, who serves as the company’s lead designer and craftsman, and Hana Nguyen, the firm’s project manager.
In the photo above, the firm was tasked with the project’s extensive interior and exterior remodel. It primarily used a Queen Anne theme for this home and created various one-of-a-kind finishes. It also worked on all-new windows, siding, and roofing, as well as a handcrafted staircase, natural live-edge vanity, and contemporary bath finishes.
Gallagher Co. Construction
3010 77th Ave. SE Suite #202, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Founded in 2005, Gallagher Co. has worked on some of the Island’s most beautiful and luxurious homes. It has had the privilege of working around some of its best communities and depicts a skill for any project regardless of size or scale, from waterfront homes to solitary kitchen and bathroom remodels. At the firm’s helm is Tom Gallagher, its owner and project manager. He draws inspiration from more than three decades of industry experience. He first started out placing concrete and working as a carpenter, and he has since expanded and worked on many types of projects, including hotels, office buildings, multifamily, single-family residential, parking structures, industrial, and high-tech facilities. He holds a bachelor of science degree in construction management from Washington State University.
The firm’s work has graced the pages of publications like Luxe Interiors + Design and Portrait magazine. The project above best shows the firm’s expertise. This space primarily challenged the firm’s team with several updates, which resulted in wood-paneled floors, excellent brick backsplashes, and several transitional finishes.
Higgason Homes Design Build
24846 SE 19th St., Sammamish, WA 98075
Higgason Homes is a fully bonded general contractor that uses a comprehensive design-build approach, which allows it to keep its entire process in-house. It extends these services throughout Sammamish, Bellevue, Renton, Issaquah, and more, while providing them at highly competitive prices. The firm specializes in home upgrades, expansions, remodels, and repairs and is an expert in terms of Washington’s architectural vernaculars. Higgason assists its clients with designing and building and offers in-home consultation work for interested homeowners. The firm was founded in 2007 by Shannon Higgason, under whose leadership the company has become known for its stellar services and designs.
The photo above depicts its Sepic project. It was completed in Mercer Island and challenged the company with its living room remodel. It features new flooring made of refinished hardwood and custom cabinetry. Higgason also provided custom carpentry and various other finishes to the project.
JBN Remodeling
6811 136th Ave. SE, Newcastle, WA 98059 3177
JBN Remodeling extends its services throughout the Seattle area and is a multi-operational construction business. It provides an extensive range of general contracting services, as well as electrical panel installation. Its owner, Johnson Nasona, is a celebrated electrician in Seattle. He oversees the company’s electrical division while lead project manager Jose Gomez supervises the general contracting side. Together, they have worked in securing a solid reputation for the firm and are credited for its success. Under their leadership, JNB has become a trailblazer in providing timeless design concepts, all completed within the agreed-upon timeframe and budget.
Its expertise is best seen in the kitchen above. For this space, its team opted for a transitional theme. It worked on custom cabinetry, a large kitchen island, and unique fixtures. A uniquely patterned backsplash can also be seen in the background.
Joseph McKinstry Construction Company
3304 Beacon Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98144
Joseph McKinstry Construction draws inspiration from over four decades of experience and specializes in both residential and commercial work. It extends its services throughout Seattle and has had the opportunity to work on some of the best areas in Mercer Island, Bellevue, Hunts Point, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Issaquah, and Lake Forest Park. It has been in business since 1977 and has worked on an extensive range of architectural themes. Additionally, the firm is experienced in terms of working in challenging conditions. These include complex sites, fine-tuned detailing, tight budgets, and tight schedules. It assists its clients throughout the entire process and works with them in architect and designer selection.
The firm’s work has been featured in publications such as The Seattle Times’ Pacific Northwest magazine and Luxe Interiors + Design. It is also the proud recipient of a Best in America Living Award from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The project above best depicts the home’s expertise and was completed in collaboration with Stillwell Hanson Architects and LeeAnn Baker Interior.
Matthew King Construction, LLC
2240 72nd Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Matthew King Construction is the brainchild of its namesake Matt King, who first established his practice back in 1999. He founded the company with the philosophy of adhering to a process that emphasizes the close coordination among builder, architect and client, which have resulted in timeless and elegant results. King is a Washington native and experienced professional who is well-versed in the area’s most popular architectural themes. He specializes in high-end custom home building and remodeling, which often reflects itself in its firm’s work. Under his close supervision and leadership, the company has become renowned for its expertise for an extensive range of themes, mostly contemporary and waterfront work.
The project above was completed in collaboration with the talented professionals of Susan Marinello Interiors. The home is an original of famed architect Ralph Anderson and sits in the heart of Mercer Island. It features a custom skylight coupled with wonderful wood paneled finishes.
Mercer Builder
3026 78th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Mercer Builder specializes in high-end residential construction. It can take on projects regardless of size or scale and crafts no two projects alike. Its team oversees every facet of the process and is regarded for its meticulous and hands-on methods. Its superintendents closely manage its crew and handle every aspect, including paperwork and assisting with the nitty gritty details. It uses a comprehensive approach, which it achieves through having only a single person in charge. This allows for little to no communication issues, as well as allowing for clients to have one point of contact throughout the project. The firm’s work has been featured in various magazines like Gray, Luxe, and the Seattle Times’ Pacific NW Living.
The project above sits in the heart of Mercer Island and was completed in collaboration with the talented professionals of Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects. For this project, the firm’s team opted for the use of high ceilings and large glass windows to allow in a rich amount of ambient light. It also opted for an overall contemporary aesthetic, which it further enhanced through the use of straight lines.
Peak Builders Inc.
3011 78th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
With features in publications like Northwest Home, Peak Builders specializes in custom home, complete home renovation, kitchen, and smaller scale remodeling services. It uses a highly seamless and integrated approach and makes use of only the best materials. It is led by its founder Jeff Rudd, who is present throughout the entire process. He and his team oversee every aspect of a project from conception to completion and emphasizes the importance of open communication with its clients. It achieves this through what it calls an “open book” policy, which allows for little to almost no revisions. The firm is noted for its excellent and creative solutions as well as its collaborative approaches.
The firm prides itself for its relationships with some of the area’s best architects, subcontractors, designers, and vendors. This has enabled it to curate an excellent list of resources which have helped it in crafting stunning and outstanding spaces. It uses top-of-the-line appliances and is regarded for its great fireplaces, windows, and fireplaces.
RKK Construction Inc.
3056 70th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
RKK Construction extends its services throughout Mercer Island and Seattle Eastside and has been in business for the greater part of four decades. It is regarded for its excellent luxury custom home remodeling and construction work and has worked on projects as far south as Renton and north up to Bellevue and Kirkland. Its team assists throughout the entire process and works closely with its clients’ chosen architects. Together, they specialize in an extensive range of architectural themes—from Pacific northwestern contemporary styles to east coast traditionalist and modern architecture. RKK Construction is no stranger to accolades and has been recognized with awards numerous times, including in the Seattle Street of Dreams competition, taking Best of Show, Best Interior Design, and Best Master Bathroom accolades.
For the project above, its team crafted box beams with groove paneling and installed great carpets and lighting. Double doors can also be observed, as well as clean minimalist finishes.
Sunrise Construction
12626 88th St. SE, Snohomish, WA 98290
Sunrise Construction has secured a solid reputation for its extensive renovations, large-scale remodels, and repairs. It is an experienced general contractor that has been in business since 2001 and extends its high-quality services throughout Greater Seattle and the entire Puget Sound area. It provides interested clients with free estimates and is regarded for its outstanding painting, decks, roofing, basements, and stone masonry. Aside from its residential services, it has also taken on several commercial work and is experienced in every facet of the process.
For the living room above, its team opted for an open floor plan coupled with large windows. The firm also provided several unique fixtures and opted for a neutral color palette.
Suzanne Zahr Design | Build
2441 76th Ave. SE Suite #160, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Led by its founder and namesake, Suzanne Zahr uses a design-build approach and operates out of its office in Mercer Island. Zahr is a licensed architect and personally leads the firm’s team of talented and experienced professionals. Under her leadership, the company typically leverages a symbiotic approach to designing and building, which has resulted in functional and wonderful spaces. Zahr herself is a well-traveled professional and once went on an academic fellowship in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her trips and experiences have influenced, and are reflected in, the firm’s many projects. Suzanne Zahr was most recently lauded on Luxe Interiors + Design’s “Gold List” for 2021. Aside from its residential work, the firm is also known to work on several commercial projects.
Caruccio’s, shown above, is an excellent example of a truly Architect-led Design-Build effort, including the development of their brand identity and website. When speaking with Lisa Caruccio about her satisfaction with the project, she stated, “I knew Suzanne would honor my dream and make my investment so worth it. And she has continually proven this to be the case.” Realized from beginning to end by the efforts of Suzanne and her team, Caruccio’s showcases their deep involvement in all aspects of bringing a creative space come alive.
True Design Build
4210 85th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
True Design Build is a locally owned and operated firm that specializes in both custom home building and remodeling. It is a small firm that dedicates itself to devising brilliant and sustainable solutions. This has resulted in environmentally conscious projects, which are also regarded for their high efficiency and beautiful craftsmanship. True Design Build employs streamlined professional project management services, which enable it to complete all of its homes on time and within the agreed-upon budget. It has been in business since 2002 and is the brainchild of Justin Davis, a professional with more than two decades of industry experience. He has worked on numerous award-winning projects in California and Washington and prior to his establishment of the firm, first gained experience serving as the Director of Custom at Green Canopy. Through his vision and skill combined with the talent of his team, True Design Build has worked on more than 80 remodels since its inception.
The photo above showcases one of its best projects. For this project, the firm revamped this modern farmhouse. It now features sleek clean lines, all-new windows, rustic hardwood, and an entirely new floor plan.
