The 16 Best General Contractors in Charleston, South Carolina

Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 07:17 am

Hundreds of new people are flocking to Charleston, South Carolina, for its cobblestone walks, grand historical buildings, world-class restaurants, and miles of outstanding beaches. People are fascinated by the Holy City’s charm, laid-back culture, and friendly citizens. Visitors come from all over the world to experience a distinct taste of Southern culture in Charleston. The city is an attractive place to raise a family and establish a career because of its excellent schools, affordable cost of living, and flourishing economy.

If you are thinking of moving into this lively and exciting city, read the list below, which includes fifteen of the best general contractors in Charleston, South Carolina. These contractors have been evaluated based on their extensive construction experience, expertise, and ability to deliver high-quality projects. 

Classic Remodeling & Construction Inc.

1832 River Rd., Johns Island, SC 29455

Classic Remodeling & Construction has been in the industry for over thirty years and has solidified its reputation as one of Charleston’s premier design-build home remodeling companies. Bob Fleming established Classic Remodeling & Construction with just two employees. The firm has come a long way from its humble roots, now with a team of expert craftsmen handling every project with a meticulous eye for detail. Over the years, it has delivered exceptional design, quality craftsmanship, and superior customer service for every project. It has remained committed to providing a smooth and stress-free remodeling experience for its clients. 

The firm has gained massive recognition for its impressive works, and it has been featured in prestigious publications such as 2021 Charleston Living Magazine, 2020 I’On Life, and 2019 Post & Courier. One of the firm’s impressive works includes this kitchen remodel. Previously with builder-grade finishes and an unusual layout, the firm remodeled this kitchen by eliminating a wall and cased opening to provide an open flow and maximize the use of space. The blue base cabinets and island with quartz countertops are the focal center of the room, creating a light, airy feel.

Renaissance South Construction Co.

220 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Renaissance South Construction Company is a residential construction company that specializes in custom-built homes, remodeling, and restorations. This South Carolina-based firm has provided high-quality projects across downtown Charleston and East Cooper for over thirteen years. For each project, it combines expert craftsmanship with technology, comfort, and energy efficiency to guarantee customer satisfaction. The firm is dedicated to creating a space that truly reflects a client’s personality and lifestyle. The mindset has earned the firm an overwhelming amount of positive reviews from clients whose expectations were exceeded. 

Over the years, the firm has been recognized for delivering exceptional projects. It has received several prestigious awards, including the 2020 66th Carolopolis Awards – Pro Merito Award and the 2019 PRISM Awards – Remodeled Home Over $1.25M. This beautiful home in Daniel Island’s Captains Island enclave,has been featured on The Post and Courier. Its architecture is a nod to Lowcountry’s past while its interior boasts state-of-the-art luxuries. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom, 4,774-square-foot house features a rear office, porch-flanked breakfast room, sewing and reading room, laundry area, and ADU with kitchenette for visiting family or friends.

Stono Construction, LLC

980 Travers Drive, Charleston, SC 29412

Stono Construction is a Charleston, South Carolina-based general contractor that provides a diverse range of services, including residential remodeling, custom home building, and home additions. The firm specializes in delivering complex projects that require several tradespeople from start to finish. The team at Stono Construction ensures customer satisfaction in each project by paying attention to every detail and maintaining strong communication with clients. It completes work on time, on budget while sourcing out the best materials, providing unsurpassed craftsmanship, and maintaining a high standard for quality. 

With its five-year run in the industry, the firm has received various awards, including the 2019 Carolopolis Award (New Home Construction) and the 2018 Prism Award (Home Remodel). In this featured project, the firm provided complete house remodeling services in James Island. Stono Construction has wholly transformed the outdated space into a fresh, sophisticated area. The project included a new kitchen and wet bar, renovated master bathroom, an office, new walk-in closets, and a study nook.

Priester’s Custom Contracting, LLC

PO Box 60040, North Charleston, SC 29419

Priester’s Custom Contracting is a family-owned and operated residential custom house builder dedicated to providing exceptional service and ultimate customer satisfaction throughout the Greater Charleston area. Since 2013, the firm has provided a wide range of services, including custom homes, renovations, remodels, and additions. The firm employs a unique luxury custom house building procedure that professionally guides homeowners through the new construction and remodeling process. The firm is dedicated to delivering the best possible service with a hands-on team. It ensures that every client has a relaxing, comfortable, and worry-free experience.

The firm has been featured in several publications, including Charleston Home + Design Magazine and Charleston Style & Design Post & Courier. One of the firm’s remarkable projects is this custom-built home in Johns Island. Priester’s Custom Contracting partnered with Crosby Creations Drafting & Design Services to build this farmhouse-style home. The house had a formal and open concept throughout the space, with warm hardwood floors. Each room reflects each family member’s personality and lifestyle. 

Tom Martin and Son, LLC

3069 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455

Founded in 2004 by father and son duo Tom and Tommy Martin, this South Carolina-based general contractor provides home remodeling, custom homes, home additions, and new home construction. Tom Martin and Son, LLC believes that close collaboration with its client is vital to a project’s success and has devised a client-centered process to guarantee satisfaction. The firm approaches each project with meticulous management to capture the client’s vision and turn it into a reality. With a highly-skilled in-house team of experts, the firm delivers exceptional projects on time and within budget.  

Photography by Patrick Brickman

The firm’s diverse portfolio contains various styles, ranging from modern to farmhouse to coastal. This living room space is one of the firm’s noteworthy projects. Tom Martin and Son aimed to create a warm and welcoming feel to the living room, incorporating rustic design elements throughout the space. The stone-clad fireplace serves as the center of the area, contributing to its rustic feel.

Kalman Construction

4054 Ohear Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405

Kalman Construction has built custom homes and renovations in the Charleston area for over thirty-three years. From initial design to the final project handover, the firm provides a comprehensive solution for its clients, managing each intricate detail of a project. Founder Kevin and Betsy Kalman adopt a standard of high-quality work using the latest products, top-notch craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service to exceed client expectations. The firm has earned various strong reviews from satisfied clients over the years, solidifying its reputation as one of the leading contractors in the area. 

Kalman Construction completed the home addition in this Burden Creek outdoor living space in 2019. The firm extended out the porch, complete with trellis roofing and new electrical lines. It has succeeded in seamlessly integrating the new area into the existing exterior of the house. 

Renew Urban Charleston

251 1/2 King St., Charleston, SC 29401

Renew Urban Charleston has served the Charleston, South Carolina area by offering various services focusing on residential, commercial, and historical renovations. Since its inception in 2009, the firm has emphasized the importance of building solid relationships with its clients, suppliers, and trade partners to guarantee exceptional projects. Its design and construction team work closely and collaboratively by examining each detail to create homes that prove durable. The firm provides a hands-on approach and monitors the site daily to ensure high-quality projects are delivered on time and within budget. 

Throughout its twelve years of construction experience, the firm has been recognized for its unique portfolio, including winning the 2020 Carolopolis Awards by the Preservation Society of Charleston. One of the firm’s remarkable projects is a beach-style beige two-level custom-built home in Charleston, South Carolina. The firm aimed for a coastal interior styling with a medium-toned wooden floor, white walls, and gray cabinetry. 

Brace Builders

557 E. Bay St. #20129, Charleston, SC 29403

Brace Builders is a hands-on residential construction and remodeling firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom, and whole-house renovations. The firm has served Charleston and its nearby areas with remarkable projects since 2008. Whether it’s a simple home addition or a full-scale custom-built home, the firm delivers a smooth and seamless construction and remodeling process that exceeds client expectations. The firm prioritizes respect, honesty, and transparency and provides impeccable quality and unsurpassed professionalism for every project. With a team of highly skilled professionals, the firm has proven its ability to build spaces that showcase the client’s unique personality and lifestyle.

This home in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, had its kitchen and master baths remodeled by the firm in 2016. The kitchen has a subway tile backsplash and soft-close bespoke cabinetry. The kitchen island was installed, as well as new stainless steel appliances and improved lighting. A soaking tub, updated lighting, and unique tile accents and niches give individuality to the main bathroom.

Salt Marsh Contracting, LLC

975 Lansing Dr., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Local residents Blake Bailey and Pate Dominick founded Salt Marsh Contracting in 2015 to provide a smooth and stress-free construction experience for its clients. With that purpose in mind, the team at Salt Marsh has grown to eight full-time employees, with Corey Frazier as a new business partner. Each member is dedicated to delivering top-notch quality and professionalism in every project. The firm has provided outstanding project management with clear communication, an accurate estimate of construction costs, and excellent onsite management. This strategy has resulted in projects completed efficiently, on schedule, and on budget, guaranteeing customer satisfaction. 

The firm has won several awards with its remarkable portfolio, including the recent 2020 Best of Mount Pleasant – Custom Builder (over $ 500K). This home renovation in Molasses Lane demonstrates the firm’s high-quality design and craftsmanship. The firm renovated the porch with a coastal styling in this featured photo, utilizing natural light, soft tones, and clean design elements. The muted neutral walls contrast with the dark hardwood floor and ceiling; the blue furniture serves as an accent.  

Harper Construction

3714 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island, SC 29455

Harper Construction is a Charleston, South Carolina-based general contractor specializing in high-end custom construction projects and remodels. Chris Harper founded the firm in 2009 by collaborating with homeowners, real estate brokers, and other builders to deliver high-quality renovation and remodel projects. The team at Harper is a group of industry professionals and artisans who have the experience, devotion, and knowledge to ensure that every project proves successful. It has solidified its well-deserved reputation as one of the best in the region through its quality custom construction, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service. 

The firm provided a full-service renovation for this home in Seabrook Island. In this featured photo, the firm remodeled this transitional kitchen. An island was added in the middle of the U-shaped kitchen to maximize the space and streamline the workflow. It combined classic and modern elements with the clean white walls and overhead cabinetry, warm wooden floors, and muted green cabinetry to accent the space. 

Brown Glaws Contractors

47 1/2 Spring St. Suite A, Charleston, SC 29403

Brown Glaws Contractors is an award-winning general contractor specializing in new home building, historic preservation, bespoke millwork, and tax credit development for residential properties. For nearly two decades, the firm has catered to Charleston, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and Sullivans Island. The expert team at Brown Glaws has seamlessly and meticulously managed various types of projects, evidenced by its impressive portfolio. It also has an in-house millwork shop specializing in custom cabinetry, which allows it to accurately design the space as the client envisions it. 

One of the firm’s noteworthy projects includes this beach-style home in Charleston, South Carolina. The firm built this coastal kitchen with light wood flooring and an exposed beam design in this featured photo. The island is placed in the middle of the open-concept space, doubling as a dining table. The firm also added shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and gray countertops to complete the look. 

Canter Construction

1014 Wayfarer Ln., Charleston, SC 29412

Since 2009, Canter Construction has solidified its reputation as one of Charleston’s best contracting and renovation firms. Now, over a decade later, the firm has remained dedicated to communicating effectively with each client, providing rapid estimates, and consistently meeting the client’s needs and timeframes. It provides a one-stop-shop solution for its clients, starting with conceptual drawings to help them visualize their visions before finalizing the blueprints. The firm has many positive reviews from clients who have testified to its ability to deliver homes on schedule and within budget while maintaining impeccable quality. 

This featured project is a testament to the firm’s high-quality standard in each project they undertake. The client wanted a more open kitchen with lots of light, so the firm incorporated white cabinets and a slightly darker granite top to accent the clean look. The space was originally two rooms, with one side as the kitchen and the washer and laundry area. The middle wall was torn down to give way for the open-concept space. 

Rogers Custom Builders, LLC

12 Paddlecreek Ave., Charleston, SC 29412

Roger Custom Builders has been in the industry for eight years, providing a full-service general contracting company specializing in custom work. The firm has progressed immensely since it began with minor house renovation projects. Now it manages high-end repairs, additions, and custom home construction from the ground up. The firm employs client-focused processing, working with the client to fine-tune the design and material selections to match budget and expectations. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication throughout the project’s planning, construction, and finishing phases. This commitment has resulted in projects that primarily come from referrals and repeat customers. 

The firm’s portfolio contains a wide variety of styles, including modern, farmhouse, and coastal. This custom-built home in Old Village of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is one of the firm’s excellent projects. Each room reflects a different side of the client’s personality and lifestyle. In this featured photo, the kitchen is a unique mix of both classic and modern elements. The white cabinetry and silver hardware and appliances greatly contrast with the accent of hardwood floors and wooden ceilings, creating a sophisticated look. 

Unique Constructors, LLC

461 Fleming Rd., Charleston, SC 29412

Unique Constructors is a full-service general contracting firm with the expertise and experience to undertake any construction project. Over sixteen years, the firm has gained its reputation as one of Charleston’s trusted contractors, building an impressive portfolio ranging from light commercial, historic preservation, high-end residential remodels, and renovations. The firm has a team of dedicated professionals who passionately utilize their knowledge and expertise for a personalized approach. Whether restoring your home or building a new custom-built home, the firm is committed to providing superior service and satisfaction.

One of the firm’s exceptional projects is the master bathroom below. The firm utilized a white color scheme for a clean, sophisticated look. The ward wooden cabinetry and gold hardware were added as an accent, creating a contemporary bathroom space. The large windows also bring in a lot of natural lighting, making it the perfect space to unwind after a long day. 

Caliber Construction

2265 Clements Ferry Rd., Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29492  

Since 1999, Caliber Construction has made a name for itself with its expertise and versatility when delivering construction projects. The firm specializes in remodels, renovations, space planning, drywall, painting, flooring that range from residential to commercial projects. As one of Charleston’s trusted general contractors, the firm is dedicated to delivering superior quality and customer service for every project. The firm has completed over 2,400 condominium and multi-family units and 4,000,000 square feet of office and medical construction in its impressive portfolio. Currently, Caliber Construction focuses on condominium, office, and medical facility construction in the immediate area.

This featured project is a home office remodel in Barbados Drive. Caliber Construction designed the transitional space by combining traditional and contemporary design elements throughout the area.  Its blue walls add a pop of color to the room, complementing the stark white ceilings, hardwood flooring, and wooden furniture. The windows bring in a lot of natural light, permitting the client to relax after the busy workday.