The Best General Contractors in Idaho

Last updated on November 9th, 2024 at 06:30 am

There’s a lot more to Idaho than its famous potatoes. It used to be known for its productive mines – it’s still referred to as the Gem State – but the state economy gradually turned to timber, farming, and ranching. And while they do grow a lot of potatoes in the southern areas of the State – which borders Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – the northern part of the State is known for its gorgeous forests and a robust tourist industry that surrounds Idaho’s deep mountain valley lakes. And throughout the entire state, you can find mountains that provide internationally renowned skiing only rivaled by the European Alps.

The state also has a low cost of living and a  crime rate that is difficult to believe; residents and tourists alike find it a peaceful, soulful place to live. Housing is affordable, and thus you get a strange paradox: houses in the state are comprised mostly of modest cottages or executive estates.

The capital, Boise, is where several of the firms – and a good percentage of the population – is found. The city is imminently livable, full of parks, beautiful homes, and surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Bungalows, ranch homes, and custom family homes tend to be common in Idaho, but visitors from outside the State might be surprised at the number of modern Spanish homes.

We’ve chosen 15 Idaho builders who have impressive awards, who have been repeatedly featured in the press, and, of course, the builders who have built and remodeled beautiful, reliable homes. Come to Idaho’s mountains, and buy – or build – an impressive home built by one of these firms.

If you are thinking about doing a construction project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

Shelter Associates

660 W Capstone Ct, Ste B, Hayden, Idaho

A creator and remodeler of luxury homes in North Idaho for 36 years, Shelter Associates specializes in log home construction. The firm is proud of its exquisite, functional, and comfortable luxury homes.

Co-owner and general contractor Matt Fisher, CGP, began his building career after finishing high school: he provided drywall, roofing, and excavating services in North Dakota. In 1995 he started his commercial work experience at Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana where he performed lift construction and maintenance. He continued his projects at Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana while also constructing his own home from start to finish. Matt enjoyed home construction so much, that he and a friend started Big Sky Home Builders in 2002, which is still a successful company today.

In 2015 wanted to focus on custom home building; he purchased Shelter Associates, an established home building company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for over 30 years. Shelter Associates is also a Certified Green Professional, a North Idaho Building Contractors Association (NIBCA) – Fisher is a former NIBCA president – and NAHB Member.

Messina Construction

2900 Government Way, PMB 239 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815

A premier North Idaho builder, Messina Construction has been serving Coeur D Alene and Dalton Gardens for the past 23 years. The firm builds custom homes, private resort homes, exquisite estate homes, and provides remodeling and renovation services.

The firm is the recipient of Builder of The of Year, Company of The Year, and Best of Parade of Home Show for Kitchen, Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom, Floor Plan, Interior Design.

Innovative Custom Homes

| 129 W Galvani Dr. Suite 100 Meridian, ID 83642

Having been around since 2004, the Innovative Custom Homes’ work usually involves modern and contemporary bungalows and single-family homes.

The firm is also the winner of the HERS Energy Efficient Builder. Its principals, Ben, and Heather Echeverria, have served in important positions such as the Building Contractors Association of SW Idaho Fall Parade Chair 2015 & 2016, Building Contractors Association of SW Idaho Board of Directors 2014-2015, 2016-2017, and the Building Contractors Association of SW Idaho Public Relations Committee 2016.

ICH is also a member of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  Innovative Custom Homes is also an NAHB Certified Green Professional and an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional.

Dennis Kavanagh Construction, LLC

P.O. Box 5556 200 East 8th Street, 2nd Floor, Ketchum, ID 83340-5556

For more than 26 years, Dennis Kavanagh Construction, LLC has served Ketchum, Idaho and nearby areas. The firm has constructed and remodeled more than 100 homes. It performs different kinds of remodeling, custom homes, general contracting, home extensions, and even custom furniture. Principal Dennis Kavanagh is hands-on with the entire process to ensure the best results, and he has the relationships with trusted area subcontractors to show for it.  

This firm won Valley’s Best Contractor in 2004 and is also a member of the NAHB. Dennis Kavanagh’s trademark when it comes to creating and remodeling homes are modern and luxurious cabins, bungalows, and single family ranch-style homes.

Icon Construction and Remodeling, LLC

2268 E. Meadow Wood Drive, Meridian, Idaho 83646

Icon Construction and Remodeling, LLC is owned and run by a local couple, Zach and Laura Arnstam, who have been remodeling in Treasure Valley – as well as Mountain Home and Caldwell – since 2007. The firm is intent on building and remodeling the most aesthetically-pleasing and comfortable homes, and proudly call itself a “life improvement company.” Icon especially puts importance on four elements when constructing and remodeling: comfort, composition, quality, and convenience. It offers all services included in custom homes and remodeling:  design, custom builds, Roofing, Decks, and Additions, among others.

Icon Construction and Remodeling, LLC has won Developer of the Year in 1993, 2001, 2007. It also won Eco-Friendly Design Award-Springfield Mall in 2005 and the Golden Skyscraper for 10 years in a row.

CCH Design |  Remodel

496 E Red Rock Dr, Meridian, ID, 83646-3741

Founder Mike Hill established Clear Creek Homes in 2005. He was born and raised in north Meridian, back when it was mostly corn and wheat fields. The farmlands where Hill played and worked as a boy are now covered by homes, and Mike built many of them himself. Hill worked summer construction jobs as a teen and studied Construction Management in college. He went to Texas for a while, working for various residential and commercial construction companies. Then he came back home and started building homes. He had a five-year sabbatical with the Idaho Army National Guard and when he returned to construction, he rebranded his company as CCH Design | Remodel in 2013, focused the company exclusively on remodeling. CCH Design | Remodel won 2017 NARI of Idaho Contractor of the Year and is also a member of NARI.

A unique and notable project CCH completed in 2016: a luxurious exercise room is built for an active family. The family wanted a bigger home gym and a place where their grandchildren could play, and where their daughter could practice gymnastics. And so CCH Design | Remodel tore down the decade old exercise room, and built a new one, blending it with the existing landscape and home.

Ealy Construction

PO Box 9746, Moscow, Idaho 83843

The firm has won the 2008 Orchid Award for Historic Renovation of David Residence, 2017 Master Design Award-Silver-Light Commercial, and the 2018 CoTY Award-Regional Winner-Bath Remodel $50k-$75k. It is a member of NARI, The Qualified Remodeler website has featured Ealy as well.

Ealy Construction’s won a Qualified Remodeler Silver for their approach to an eyesore site on the main city street. The firm was able to create a comfortable, modern community landmark and family-friendly gathering place out of the cramped and run-down space. A complete gut was done to the 2,905-square-foot space. A commercial kitchen was incorporated, including catering space, multiple commercial coolers, a wrap-around bar, and custom seating and tables. The team also installed custom-built counters and stalls for bathrooms and installed a full exterior façade.

Creekside Construction

10075 N Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835

Creekside Construction has been serving North Idaho for 30 years. It is one of the area’s premier custom home builders and expert remodelers. Creekside Construction has been featured in CDA Press and has won awards like the  2014 People’s Choice Parade of Homes, 2015 People’s Choice Parade of Homes,  and the Best of 2017/2018 for Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel. It is also a part of NAHB and the North Idaho Contractors Association.

Creekside Construction begins with the overall environment surrounding customers’ new homes, making sure that it makes an aesthetic statement that goes beyond the property lines. The firm also pays strict attention to sound engineering and construction practices as they build and remodel homes.

Ethos Design  + Remodel + Real Estate

500 S. 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702

Ethos Design + Remodel + Real Estate offers inventive design, custom remodeling, skilled real estate services, and a healthy sense of humor to its customers.  Ethos’ owner Sarah Cunningham strongly believes that helping customers build their homes contributes to a happy and healthy community. Sarah has headed the firm since 2010. She spent five years as a Design Consultant & Project Manager with Neef’s Creative Ventures in Boise, ID. She represented the firm on the board of the NARI of Idaho, serving as both secretary and vice president on the board of directors. That experience working with other remodelers molded her and allowed her to form her own standards and ethics for remodeling.

The above photo has been featured in the Idaho Statesman and the firm is the winner of NARI of Idaho 2017 Contractor of the Year (Up to $500,000), NARI 2017 CotY Photo Awards: 1st Place Residential Kitchen & 2nd Place Residential Bath, and the NARI 2017 Buzz Awards: 1st Place Print Ad & 1st Place Social Media Campaign. Some of its many affiliations include NARI of Idaho, Boise Regional Realtors, Boise, ID, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Boise, ID, Idaho Business League, Boise, ID, and Blue Skies – Ventures in Business.

Renaissance Remodeling

4220 N Osage St., Garden City, Idaho 83714

The president of Renaissance Remodeling, Chad Vincent, started his building career as a carpenter in the family business, Vincent & Sons Construction in Jerome, Idaho in 1990. He then developed his carpentry skills building new homes and remodeling existing ones before opening Renaissance Remodeling in 1997. He now runs the firm with his son, Jim.

The firm was named Renaissance because “a ‘renaissance’ is a rebirth.” It is the team’s belief that every remodeling project is more than just a cosmetic change. “With a new living space, kitchen or bath you can truly transform the way you live in your home,” they say. The firm has brought new life to hundreds of homes in Boise and the surrounding areas.

Renaissance Remodeling won the Remodeling BIG 50 Award from Remodeling magazine (this is a national award for the top 50 remodelers for exemplary business practices, management skills, community service, design, and craftsmanship). It was also a two-time Finalist Nominee for the  BBB Integrity Counts Award, in Boise. The firm has received favorable press from the Hanley Wood website. Apart from being a member of NARI, Renaissance is also a member of the Remodeler’s Advantage, a national peer-to-peer consulting network.

Keilty Remodeling

4678 N. Marylebone Place, Boise, ID 83713

Keilty Remodeling is led by a husband and wife team, Bill and Chris Keilty. The two combine their strengths: Bill’s expertise in carpentry meets Chris’s knowledge in administrative work, and together they provide their clients the best in remodeling services. Bil has actually been in the industry since 1976, but began his business in 1990; he now handles all the carpentry himself. Chris, on the other hand, has been working for Keilty Remodeling since 1997.

This builder has also been featured in Idaho Statesman and Treasure magazine. They’ve won Certified Remodeler on staff (Chris Keilty), and the NARI Coty (National Contractor of the Year) Remodeler of the Year, local and national, for many years. The firm is also a member of NARI of Idaho. Chris is also currently the Vice Chair on the Certification Board of NARI National to further promote education and the professionalism in the remodeling industry.

KMV Builders

500 North Washington, Suite 101, Ketchum, ID 83340

One of the most seasoned firms in this list at nearly 40 years, KMV Builders offers remodeling, custom homes, and sustainable design. Founder Steve Kearns built KMV Builders in 1980, after seven years as an investment advisor in a startup with his economics professor at UC Irvine. He is hands-on with all aspects of the company and deeply invested in maintaining its integrity.

KMV Builders is the recipient of the Industry Material Design Award and the State of Idaho Public Works License and Best of the Valley Award. The firm holds the Leed Gold Certification, and it is a U.S. Green Building Council Member. The multi-awarded KMV Builders has also been featured in publications like Western Home Journal, Sunvalleymag.com, and Architect Magazine.

Gammill Construction

1612 N. 6th Street | Boise, Idaho 83702

Founded in 1975, veteran firm Gammilly Construction is one of the founding members of the Idaho Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

The company originally specialized in building custom homes and providing consulting services to the apartment and commercial developers. Since 1980  the company’s sole focus has been residential remodeling. Gammill Construction has been featured in the Idaho Statesman and has won the prestigious Remodeler of the Year last 2012-2016, from NARI.

The firm’s current head, Tim Gammill, worked hard to become qualified for his post. In addition to his extensive experience, he prepared long and hard for the day-long examination that earned him the NARI designation as Certified Remodeler and continues to update that training even now.

Selle Valley Construction Inc.

401 Bonner Mall Way, Suite I Ponderay, ID 83852

Selle Valley Construction is Bonner County’s only Idaho Registered Master Builder. Various publications have featured the firm, including Small Homes magazine, Houses magazine, Sandpoint magazine, and Mountain Living magazine among others. Selle Valley Construction Inc is the first NAHB Silver Certified Green Home in North Idaho and also won Best Construction Company from the Bonner Daily County Bee in 2016.

Scott Schriber started Selle Valley Construction in 2004. He grew up around woodworking, and Schriber worked in construction as a child. Interestingly, he took a Wildlife Biology degree in college, but then returned to construction after being a fish and wildlife biologist in Oregon and Idaho. His wife, Barbara, convinced him to start his own construction company, and Selle Valley was born. The firm offers remodeling, custom homes, and additions in their services.

Strite Design and Remodel

2650 W Grover Ct Boise, ID

What makes Strite Design and Remodel stand out at first glance is their exceptionally exquisite designs. With clean, modern aesthetics and pops of color in its accessories, Strite has successfully adapted to modern times despite being a 43-year-old veteran.

Strite Design and Remodel is the only Idaho-based remodeling company to be ranked in the industry’s top 500 lists of remodelers nationwide. It is also consistently recognized as Remodeler of the Year by the National Association of Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Idaho chapter. To add to Strite’s long list of awards, the firm won the Guildmaster with Highest Distinction Award. The firm also has an effective workplace, since they won the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award. Strite has also been featured in Remodeling and Builder magazines. Strite provides remodeling and additions services, as well as design builds.

How can I find a general contractor near me?

Read our latest articles on the best general contractors in and near Idaho. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Idaho

About Our Rankings

This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.

Get Bids For Your Build

If you are thinking about doing a construction project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.