Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 07:18 am

Incorporated just over 30 years ago, Laguna Niguel is one of the cities that benefited from Orange County’s housing market boom as a result of Interstate 5’s completion in 1959. Today, the city is home to one of California’s most stunning upscale residential communities where the sophistication of its architectural landscape takes the center stage. Thanks to the presence of seasoned architects, builders, and general contractors, the city continues to build, upgrade, and revitalize some of the most unforgettable homes in the region.

This article features the best general contractors in Laguna Niguel. The firms featured here are either based in the city or have completed multiple projects in the area. We based the list on a number of factors, including the firm’s years of experience, the awards, publications, as well as industry affiliations that they have acquired through the years. We also looked at the background of the principals, their contribution to the city’s home improvement and residential construction industry, as well as the reviews that they received from their past clients. 


 

ACM Construction/Builder Group

23342 South Pointe Dr. Suite K, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

What started out as a small remodeling and flooring company in Irvine in 1988 has evolved into one of the region’s most comprehensive general contracting companies that serves as a one-stop-shop for residential construction. Today, ACM Construction/Builder Group serves the entire southern California region and highlights specializations in custom homes, residential remodeling, additions, ground-up construction, multifamily construction, and seismic retrofitting among others.  

Under the leadership of Arman Vakili, the company has completed hundreds of residential projects in the past decades. The firm’s design/build nature is made possible through the support of its full line of architects, engineers, and interior designers among other building professionals. As a residential general contractor, its portfolio includes classic, contemporary, and traditional interiors that represent the design aspirations of its clients. 

One of the firm’s most recent projects in Laguna Niguel is this remodel that transformed an old residential space into an elegant, traditional aesthetic-inspired home. In the kitchen area, the wall’s muted palette is contrasted with the natural tones of wood, used for its flooring and cabinetry. Exposed beams run across the ceiling to give a touch of farmhouse. Custom light fixtures add character to the room. Its polygon kitchen island and prep space introduce a more contemporary style for a more interactive space. Lastly, these traditional elements are balanced with sleek and polished modern kitchen equipment. 


Bourke Construction

816 Manzanita Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

For over 20 years, Bourke Construction has delivered some of the most iconic general contracting projects throughout Orange County. Aside from its loyal client base, seen through its stellar client reviews, the firm also has an established presence in the industry and has the respect of its biggest entities, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) where the firm is an active member. 

Founder and principal Ed Bourke leads the firm’s everyday operations. With the experience of over 35 years, he and his team deliver a comprehensive general contracting practice that covers additions, bathroom and kitchen renovations and remodels, roofing, painting, decks and landscaping, as well as doors and window installations. Regardless of size or complexity, the firm is known to produce home transformations that balance style and functionality.

In recent years, for instance, a Laguna Niguel homeowner commissioned the firm to lead one of the firm’s most unforgettable remodeling projects. The work involved the transformation of the home’s kitchen and other areas of the home into an expansive haven that balances the elements of traditional and modern styles. The highlight of the remodeling was the kitchen but the work followed the same bright palette, making the home visually expansive and freeing. Massive full-glass windows let in a generous amount of daylight, further amplifying the atmosphere of airiness and spatial freedom. The choice of shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a clean, stone-topped kitchen island, completes the home’s overall contemporary feel.  


Horizon Construction & Remodeling

614 South Euclid St., Fullerton CA 92832

Horizon Construction & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated company that has been helping homeowners transform old and dreary residences into functional, enduring, and aesthetically defining living spaces. The firm was founded in 2007 and since then, it has been an active member of the construction industry. Aside from its active membership with NARI, the company is also an affiliate of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and maintains an A-plus certification from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Mark Besnos founded the firm as a full-service construction and remodeling professional. One of the qualities that make the company stand out is its ability to deliver each project on-time and within budget. More importantly, testimonials from its past clients also highlight the firm’s ability to answer to the functional and aesthetic challenges of every build. The firm is also commended for its commitment to producing results that enhance the lives of homeowners and at the same time, increase the value of their homes. These qualities can be seen in how it handles its projects.

In Laguna Niguel, for instance, the firm completed an interior and exterior remodeling project, a work that highlighted the company’s ability to cater to the varying style and functional needs of its project owners. One of the challenges of this project was to transform the target interior and exterior spaces while designing them to match the existing overall architectural context of the home. The firm was careful to choose the materials and finishes that can smoothly blend in with the general aesthetics of the house while at the same time, achieve its goal of revitalizing these spaces to cater to the modern lifestyle of its homeowners. 


Monarch Development & Design

30011 Ivy Glenn Dr. Suite #123, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Since its inception in 1994, Monarch Development & Design has been delivering luxury residential spaces to Monarch Bay Area’s most sophisticated homeowners. The firm specializes in custom homes and remodeling and highlights specializations in architecture, construction, and quality customer services. Its decades of practice have produced a portfolio of high-end works that introduce the varying appeals of contemporary, modern, and transitional interior and exterior designs. 

Behind the firm’s highly-commended practice is Kim Holland, the firm’s principal and director of operations. Under her leadership, the firm has completed many iconic residential projects in the area, thanks to the company’s comprehensive and turn-key design/build delivery method. This approach to construction has also helped the company complete residential remodeling projects of varying size, value, and complexity. 

One of the firm’s biggest remodeling projects was for a complete remodeling work for a residence located in a nearby city. The company was tasked with the transformation of the home’s living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, powder room, and laundry area. One of the most exciting parts of this remodel was the revitalization of the dining area which now features contemporary aesthetics. The dining space presents a dark wood flooring set against a neutral palette for its walls and ceilings. Wood dominates the space–its dining table is of polished wood and is complemented by a dark brown seating. Faithful to its contemporary nature, elements of sleek and polished metals as well as glass storage areas add a more modern look to the space. Custom, sculptural light fixtures and mood lighting add hints of elegance to the room.


Opulent Design Build

9471 Irvine Center Dr. Suite #150, Irvine, CA 92618

Opulent Design Build was established over 20 years ago and since then, it has dominated the region’s residential and commercial building and remodeling scene. As a homebuilder recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the company highlights residential projects that represent its fluency in delivering modern, contemporary, traditional, and transitional residential spaces to the region’s most sophisticated project owners. 

Eddie Hodges is the firm’s principal and founder. Hodges has been in the building and real estate development industry for over two decades and since day one, he has applied a hands-on approach to design. From the initial consultation, project conceptualization, construction, through completion, he stays with the client every step of the way. Hodges applies the same practice to any project, from small to mid-range construction to large-scale and million-dollar builds. From its Irvine office, the firm extends its services throughout other residential communities in Orange County. 

In Laguna Niguel, the firm remodeled a kitchen into a contemporary space that introduces the minimalism and functionality of contemporary design while being in touch with the craftsmanship and woodwork of traditional aesthetics. Polished elements of wood and metal from its stained flooring and stainless steel kitchen appliances further present this interesting balance. Neutral color schemes for its cabinetry, walls, and backsplashes set a more harmonizing tone. Custom seating and light fixtures add character to the space. Its massive windows not only let in an abundance of natural light but also directs the attention to its expansive outdoors. 


Pacific Landmark

415 N. Terminal, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Pacific Landmark first opened its doors in 1990 as an answer to the region’s need for a reliable and transparent construction process. The two brothers who established the company share this vision that continues to guide the firm’s residential and commercial construction approach to this day. Aside from its dedicated 24/7 online portal that lets the client connect directly with the project and its contractors, the firm has a showroom where customers can personally choose and view the products and finishes that can be used for their projects. 

Abby Hashemi leads the firm’s present-day practice and under his leadership, the firm is an active member of the NKBA and the Association of Interior Designers, Orange County Chapter. These affiliations let the firm gain access to the latest in construction and design trends and technologies, allowing it to deliver comprehensive building practice that adheres to the industry’s most stringent standards. These characteristics can be observed in many of its works as a general contractor for the residential market. 

In Laguna Niguel, the firm recently completed this home transformation for a newly married couple who wanted to have a fresher look for their formerly simple, traditional-styled home. The firm answered this challenge by introducing subtle and major elements into the home’s interiors. Aside from installing a new wood flooring that features a lighter tone, custom light fixtures added more unique yet softer elements into the home. Minimal accents inspired by the carefree and nostalgic Bohemian aesthetics surround the home. The overall light and natural color palette complete the home’s relaxing and airy atmosphere. The firm also redesigned and rebuilt the home’s backyard and entrance. 


Rellion, Inc.

16560 Harbor Blvd., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 

Rellion, Inc.’s design/build nature allows it to deliver a turnkey approach to residential development and construction. The firm is not just a builder but also a developer and a real estate investor that has enhanced the lives of homeowners and communities through modern, functional, and enduring architectures. From its Fountain Valley studio, the firm extends its services throughout Orange County, including Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Costa Mesa, and other surrounding cities.

Behind the firm’s success in the industry is principal and CEO Lin He, a primary figure in the region’s real estate sector. Through the years of leadership, He’s accomplishments and his work have been featured in several local and national publications, including CNN Money, Think Realty, The Orange County Register, Bloomberg, and Los Angeles Times among others. As a builder for the residential sector, the firm is also a highly commended remodeler, recognized by GuildQuality for its client-focused approach to general contracting.

One of the firm’s most unforgettable works was for a complete home remodeling project in Calle Casita, San Clemente. The company updated a dark, old house into a spacious and brightly-lit cottage-style beach home that features an interesting play of vintage accents and urban aesthetics. The company introduced a light palette across its wall and flooring to complement the soft textiles and textures of its overall transitional and coastal-styled interiors. One of the most interesting spaces for this remodel was the living room. From a dim and dreary space, the firm opened it up to the breathtaking views of the ocean through massive, full-glass windows. 


Richard Louis Construction

144 Country Club Dr., Brea, CA 92821

Richard Louis Construction is one of the most established firms in Brea. Its over 35 years of services has produced an extensive portfolio of kitchen and bathroom remodeling works, full home remodeling projects, as well as additions and rebuilding commissions for the residential sector. Richard Louis is a second general builder. As a general contractor, the firm takes on remodeling and addition projects throughout the region, including Laguna Niguel, Corona del Mar, Alisa Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley among others.

Louis’s long history as a building professional has helped him establish lifelong relationships with industry entities, tradesmen, and suppliers. The result is a comprehensive practice that allows him to help homeowners make informed decisions about every project, especially when achieving results that adhere to the most stringent local building codes and requirements. His reliable reputation as a builder also allows hassle-free processing of permits and related documents before breaking ground. For these reasons, the firm is a highly recommended professional as seen through the stellar reviews given by its clients.

One of the firm’s biggest remodeling projects was for an Orange County residence. The project involved the construction of a second-story space designed to accommodate three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the new floor. The firm also installed new tubs, showers, tile and flooring, and vanities. The firm also updated the first floor’s living room area and kitchen. One of the challenges to this project was to make sure that the new elements perfectly fit the home’s existing architectural context, which the firm was able to overcome by working closely with the homeowners through a highly collaborative construction process.


Steven Foster Construction

26939 Camino De Estrella, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Steven Foster Construction’s almost four decades of construction practice has produced some of the most commended luxury residential spaces in the region. Reviews from its most recent projects highlight the firm’s ability to set and meet expectations on time and within budget. Project owners also emphasized the quality of work and craftsmanship that goes into every build. It’s not surprising that the firm has easily acquired clients through referrals and repeat business since its inception. 

Steven Foster’s decades of experience as a hands-on builder has helped him develop a construction process that emphasizes experience and skill. Having been trained the “old school” way as a journeyman carpenter and as a California State-licensed general contractor, Foster understands the fundamentals of building and how to combine the time-tested principles of old craftsmanship into the functionality and performance of modern construction. The result is a comprehensive commercial and residential portfolio from a notable list of clientele. As a home remodeler, the firm applies the same quality and detail-oriented process. 

For instance, in 2015, the firm completed this kitchen remodeling work in Laguna Niguel. The result is a traditional eat-in-kitchen that features dark wood cabinetry. Its use of warm tones extends to its wood seating and flooring, complemented by a warm illumination from its hanging artisan lighting fixture. The kitchen’s quartzite countertops, u-shaped ceramic tile island, as well as its blue and custom glass tile backsplashes and gold sink fixtures, all exude hints of elegance and generally balance the tones and textures to create a unique and sophisticated look. 


Streamline Construction

23632 Via Fabricante Suite F, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Specializing in custom home building and remodeling, Streamline Construction highlights over two decades of experience in serving Orange County’s residential sector. The firm is known for its client-focused approach to construction, a process that its founder and principal builder Jason Adams has refined through the years. Testimonials from its project owners highlight Adams’s thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to building, guiding clients through the process of informed decision making, and on-budget, on-time delivery. 

The company’s extensive design/build services include works in residential construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, custom cabinets, window, and door installation, residential electrical work, as well as commercial construction. The firm’s residential portfolio features spaces that draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of styles, including farmhouse, coastal, transitional, modern, and contemporary designs, among others.

One of the firm’s most recent projects was for this Laguna Niguel residence. For this interior and exterior remodeling work, the firm completely gutted the home to give way to larger and more updated spaces that answer to the modern functional needs and design aspirations of the homeowners. Aside from picking a new shade of neutral palette for its overall color theme, the clients wanted to play with the contrasting black and white elements. Against its white walls, ceiling, and marble countertops are custom black cabinetry, black fixtures, and wrought iron elements to complete the home’s unique transitional look.


Stud Construction

23372 Madero Suite K, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Stud Construction is an emerging figure in the luxury construction scene. The company was founded in 2013 and its portfolio of residential interiors and exteriors do not only represent the firm’s caliber as a builder but also embody their profound understanding of design. Since its inception, the firm has already completed some of the most iconic residential and commercial spaces in the region, many of which are inspired by the modern, contemporary, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional architecture and interior design.

Leading the firm’s design/build delivery approach is Andrei Damian. Damian spent his early years restoring homes damaged by flood and fire. This experience was one of the foundations of his career as a builder, one that helped him evolve into what he is today: a premier general contractor that has the respect of the industry and the trust of the region’s most demanding project owners, as seen through the stellar reviews that it received from its past clients. 

In Laguna Niguel, the firm completed a high-end remodeling work to produce a mid-century modern-inspired haven. Completed in 2018, the home’s interiors feature the textures and textiles of transitional home style. These are complemented by the polished and light palette of contemporary design. Custom accents such as unique light fixtures, dark wood flooring, and contrasting dark tones and shades of blue add personality to the home. The same materials of metal, wood, and fabrics as well as elements of contrasts, textures, and polished finishes can be seen throughout the home. 


Weeks and Falcone Construction

716 Diamond St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Since its establishment in 2008, Weeks and Falcone Construction has answered Orange County’s call for luxury contemporary residential spaces that can cater to the unique lifestyle needs of modern homeowners. Under Mark Weeks’s leadership, the firm serves a long list of high end neighborhoods, including Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and other surrounding communities.  

The firm’s commitment to putting its clients first has earned it a number of positive reviews from its former project owners. GuildQuality also recognizes the company’s approach and ethical business practices. For every project, the firm assigns a dedicated team of builders and tradesmen to complete thoughtfully-designed spaces with the highest attention to detail. By applying a highly collaborative approach to construction, the company allows homeowners to be a vital part of the design and construction process.

Over the years, the firm has taken on projects of varying value and complexity. Its portfolio features large-scale remodeling works as well as new construction projects for the mid-range and high-end residential market. These projects celebrate a wide spectrum of architecture and design inspirations, such as traditional, Mediterranean, and contemporary designs. One example of its work can be found in Corona del Mar. For this commission, the company partnered with Teale Architecture to complete a remodeling project inspired by the timeless elements of traditional design.

Author