The Best Commercial Contractors in Knoxville, Tennessee

Last updated on November 19th, 2024 at 08:10 am

Did you know planning is the most important step in building a commercial structure? This step is where you will discuss locations, budgets, and other key components with your contractor. As you set out to find the perfect team to bring your vision to life, the weight of decision-making may feel overwhelming. After all, choosing the right contractor can make or break your commercial project. 

The average cost of a new commercial building ranges from $50,000 to $300,000, with upscale ventures soaring to $400,000 or more. The duration of these projects can span up to four months, assuming smooth sailing without any unforeseen challenges—which, in construction, are more the rule than the exception. Every detail, from the initial design concept to the final touches, contributes to the ultimate investment.

In the world of commercial construction, the decision to choose an accomplished contractor you can trust is not to be taken lightly. According to permit data from Knoxville’s building department, there are 136 contractors specializing in commercial builds, so there are plenty of options. Yet, this abundance of choice underscores the importance of selecting the right contractor. It can mean distinguishing between a remarkable, efficient project and one filled with delays, budget overruns, and headaches. Every hour lost to miscommunication or subpar workmanship translates into tangible costs. 

Read more to explore some of the top commercial construction companies in Knoxville, TN, helping you make informed decisions and realize your commercial aspirations.

Overview: The Best Commercial Contractors in Knoxville, TN

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

Merit Construction

10435 Dutchtown Road, Knoxville, TN 37932

Merit Construction, Inc. is a general contracting and construction management firm in Knoxville, Tennessee. With nearly four decades in the industry, the firm has proven itself as a versatile, responsive firm that provides exceptional commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. Merit Construction strives for excellence by incorporating creative building techniques, cost-efficient solutions, and cutting-edge technology in every project. Its client-centered processes have resulted in a smooth and streamlined construction experience that delivers high-quality projects on time and within budget. The firm has a long list of satisfied clients that serve as a testament to the superior quality of its work. 

One of Merit Construction’s notable projects is the Mountain Commerce Bank branch in Knoxville. This financial center spans approximately 10,488 square feet and includes a traditional bank branch, corporate offices, conference rooms, and a community room on the upper floor. 2016 Merit Construction received the Build Knoxville Award–Commercial from the Associated General Contractors of America for this project.

Citadel Construction

1866 Country Meadows Drive, Sevierville, TN 37862

Citadel Construction is one of the leading construction companies in Knoxville, TN, which provides commercial construction and renovation for Sevier County and Knox County residents. Its impressive portfolio includes large-scale amusements and attractions, hotels, restaurants, financial institutions, civic and municipal centers, and retail and commercial facilities. With over a decade of experience, the firm is committed to excellence and consistently delivers projects on time and highest quality. The firm strives to create a streamlined and optimized construction experience based on its core values of integrity, trust, and teamwork. It employs an integrated problem-solving approach to meet each customer’s unique needs. Its commitment to superior quality, workmanship, and cost-efficient solutions has satisfied many clients. 

Citadel Construction constructed many attractions at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The project involved installing a massive, multi-level play structure requiring rigorous welding inspections and safety tests. Citadel Construction oversaw the complete construction process on an expedited schedule from start to finish in the atrium of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

RTC General Contracting

10425 Cogdill Road, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37932

Since its inception over four decades ago, RTC General Contractors has built an impressive portfolio of over 2000 projects totaling 700 million dollars. The firm has experience building in the retail, restaurant, office, healthcare, financial, and automotive sectors. Over the years, the firm has established its reputation as one of the premier construction companies in Knoxville, TN, with its retention of customers, commitment to quality, and ability to meet its clients’ needs and demands. The firm takes an integrated and quality-oriented approach to ensure successful projects that consistently exceed expectations. The firm is committed to fully understanding the client’s ideas and visions and translating them into actual spaces that achieve their goals. 

The featured project perfectly exemplifies the firm’s impressive quality and unparalleled professionalism. Completed in 2019, Adventure Action Park is a family entertainment center in Knoxville. It provides its client with Go-Karting facilities, obstacle courses, and more.

Denark Construction

1635 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921

Denark Construction was established to be the “premier builder of choice.” Now, nearly four decades later, the firm has completed over $1.3 billion worth of construction projects in the public, institutional, commercial, and industrial sectors. The firm offers full services, from general contracting and construction management to design-build. The firm is backed by experts who are passionate about delivering exceptional projects on schedule and within budget. Its systematic and team approach to project planning and execution consistently leads to successful outcomes that exceed client expectations. The firm’s dedication to excellence and client satisfaction has resulted in over 70% return business.

Over the years, the firm has been featured in several noteworthy publications, including the Knoxville News Sentinel. The firm provided construction management at-risk (CMAR) services to complete the Knoxville Convention Center. The project, which opened in 2002, includes a 500,000-square-foot building strategically situated across the scenic scenery of World’s Fair Park and between the city’s urban core and the University of Tennessee’s campus. It offers event services and amenities and hosts over a million attendees annually. 

Blaine Construction Corporation

6510 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919

Blaine Construction Corporation offers general contracting, construction management, and pre-engineered metal building services. The firm has worked with many clients nationwide, including Fortune 500 organizations. Its team of highly skilled designers and builders is committed to providing exceptional service and is guided by its core principles of honesty and integrity. The firm takes a hands-on, attentive approach to every job to achieve top quality and exceptional client service. As a result, for more than 50 years, the firm has maintained an excellent reputation. The firm has a strong track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

The Stokely Residence Hall, a 380,000-square-foot post-tensioned concrete frame with brick veneer dormitory in Knoxville, is one of the firm’s most interesting buildings. It consists of nine floors of apartments, a basement for mechanical and culinary services, dining facilities for 700 students, a workout facility, apartments for the residence hall director and assistant director, laundry rooms, vending areas, study rooms, an amusement room, and meeting spaces are among the amenities.

Rouse Construction

11121 Kingston Pike, Suite G, Knoxville, TN 37934

Rouse Construction is a commercial and industrial general contracting firm specializing in pre-construction and construction services. Since its inception, the firm has been dedicated to providing its clients with high-quality services at an affordable price. The firm offers a one-stop-shop solution to its clients by meticulously handling every project detail with its team of qualified and competent construction managers. It focuses on building long-lasting relationships with its clients, subcontractors, and trade partners to ensure smooth and seamless transactions throughout the project. Over the years, the firm has remained dedicated to providing a safe working environment while meeting and exceeding the expectations of its clients. 

The James A. Haslam II Business Building at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is one of the firm’s remarkable projects. It is a six-level, 174,000-square-foot facility with 34 classrooms, 50 staff and administration offices, 35 team and presentation rooms, a technology center, an investment center, and an atrium with a glass elevator.

Johnson & Galyon Construction

1130 Atlantic Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917

With over a hundred years of extensive construction experience, Johnson & Galyon Construction continues to build remarkable projects in East Tennessee. The Knoxville, Tennessee-based firm provides comprehensive services, including construction management, general contracting, and design-build. The firm has a solid track record of exceptionally completed healthcare, education, commercial, and residential building projects. It provides a single-source solution for its clients by handling every project detail, including materials, methods, systems, and phasings. The firm emphasizes constant communication and close collaboration to ensure high-quality projects and enable its clients to make sound decisions throughout construction.

In 2010, the firm completed a renovation of Ayres Hall at the University of Tennessee. The project consisted of updating the major systems, including the utility infrastructure and mechanical, electrical, and non-code-compliant structures. This LEED Silver-certified restoration and renovation enhanced the building’s features through new and modern technology systems and was included in an Architect Magazine feature. 

Jenkins & Stiles

10617 Deerbrook Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922

Jenkins & Stiles, LLC is a full-service construction firm established to provide exceptional projects in over twenty-five states. With fifteen years in the industry, the firm believes its success is based on its clients’ success and strives to deliver excellence on every project. The firm’s client-centered processes have resulted in quality commercial and specialty projects delivered on time and within budget, consistently exceeding expectations. Regardless of the project size, the firm has proven its ability to deliver exceptional projects through its high commitment and desire to provide the best service in the construction industry.

One of the firm’s notable projects is Vida and the Vault in the Holston Building in Knoxville. Vida is a pan-Latin restaurant located on Krutch Park’s main floor and patio. The Vault, on the other hand, is a unique throwback cocktail bar located in the building’s basement. The firm completed the project in 2021, in collaboration with architectural firm Robin Easter Design and interior designer SK Ballard.

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 best commercial contractors in the Knoxville 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:

• 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.