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Best Commercial Contractors in Seattle (2024)

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Our annual ranking of top construction firms highlights the top companies in Seattle based on their project volume over the past year, with a focus on relevance. This compilation is derived from permit and contractor information sourced from city, county, and state building departments through our partners at BuildZoom. For further information regarding data accuracy, please consult the note at the end of this article.

Construction data is incredibly useful for various players in the construction industry. Businesses that supply materials and services to general contractors can use this data to better target their customers. By tracking key milestones and construction activity, such as the start of major construction projects, they can time their marketing efforts when contractors are most likely to need new resources, making their outreach more effective. Additionally, understanding the business patterns and construction industry trends allows suppliers to focus on contractors that are growing and expanding. Subcontractors can also benefit by identifying and reaching out to general contractors who are actively seeking project partners. Real estate developers, property owners, and others looking for contractors can use this detailed information to verify the quality and expertise of potential contractors and subcontractors.

Business# Projects (’23)Average Contract Value
Sierra Construction Co Inc19$166K
Schuchart Corporation11$40K
Abbott Construction Inc9$610K
Avara Construction, Inc8$40K
Venture General Contracting6$220K

Sierra Construction Co Inc

Address:
14800 NE North Woodinville Way, Woodinville, WA 98072

Sierra Construction is a Pacific Northwest general contractor that specializes in industrial, multi-family, commercial and tenant improvement construction, as well as self-performed concrete tilt-up construction and creative approaches to difficult sitework scenarios. With over three decades of partnering with the local subcontracting community, Sierra has the distinct advantage in procuring aggressive and responsible pricing. Sierra Construction also has the unique ability to self-perform concrete tilt-up construction. Since they employ, train and support full-time concrete crews who have successfully constructed over 45 million of square feet of tilt-up product for since 1986, our field crews offer a high degree of involvement which provides cost competitiveness, quality and schedule control that is unmatched in the region. With the majority of their construction teams located at the main office in Woodinville, WA, as well as regional offices in Tacoma, WA and Portland, OR, Sierra is able to provide services all over the Pacific Northwest.

The Seattle Architects team reviewed data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to examine past projects by Sierra Construction Co Inc. In 2023, the company completed Warehouse #3, a speculative tilt-up concrete semi-conditioned shell building covering 331,782 square feet. There is no current tenant, and any future tenant improvements will require a separate permit. This project had a total cost of $42,494,639. In 2024, Sierra Construction Co Inc. undertook a $500,000 project that involved altering the building shell by adding two enlarged drive-in dock doors, exterior ramps, and six forklift charging stations within the existing warehouse space.


Schuchart Corporation

Address:
919 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98164

With over three decades of excellence in the construction industry, Schuchart stands as a premier commercial general contractor known for its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Founded in 1988 by George Schuchart, the company has built a legacy of trust and reliability across five generations. Schuchart excels in a diverse range of construction projects, including ground-up builds, tenant improvements, and industrial developments, showcasing expertise in complex and innovative designs. The firm has consistently been recognized for its superior work, with notable accolades including multiple finalist positions at the NAIOP Night of the Stars and numerous awards for projects such as The Bullitt Center and Wagner Education Center. Schuchart’s dedication to detail and client satisfaction is evident in their impressive portfolio of high-profile projects, from corporate office spaces to cultural landmarks like Chihuly Garden and Glass. Their commitment to safety, community involvement, and environmental sustainability further underscores their role as a leading contractor in the Puget Sound region. Schuchart’s culture of teamwork and excellence continues to drive their success and impact, making them a trusted partner for any construction endeavor.

A review of data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections provided insights into past projects by Schuchart Corporation. In 2024, the company completed a commercial tenant improvement project at Microsoft Building 112, which involved non-structural interior updates, including the installation of a new chain-link fence and doors at driveway ramps to restrict access to the lowest parking level (P3) for R&D testing. The total construction area was 121,770 square feet, and the project cost $75,561. The previous year, Schuchart worked on a $95,098 project involving commercial extension alterations at a mixer door addition. This included the construction of double doors at existing curtain wall door operator pedestals, repaving of the exterior landing, and removal of an existing curtain wall sill, low wall, and spandrel assembly to accommodate the new doors. The total construction area for this project was 100 square feet.

With over three decades of excellence in the construction industry, Schuchart stands as a premier commercial general contractor known for its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Founded in 1988 by George Schuchart, the company has built a legacy of trust and reliability across five generations. Schuchart excels in a diverse range of construction projects, including ground-up builds, tenant improvements, and industrial developments, showcasing expertise in complex and innovative designs. The firm has consistently been recognized for its superior work, with notable accolades including multiple finalist positions at the NAIOP Night of the Stars and numerous awards for projects such as The Bullitt Center and Wagner Education Center. Schuchart’s dedication to detail and client satisfaction is evident in their impressive portfolio of high-profile projects, from corporate office spaces to cultural landmarks like Chihuly Garden and Glass. Their commitment to safety, community involvement, and environmental sustainability further underscores their role as a leading contractor in the Puget Sound region. Schuchart’s culture of teamwork and excellence continues to drive their success and impact, making them a trusted partner for any construction endeavor.


Abbott Construction Inc

Address:
3408 1st Ave South, Seattle, WA 98134

Abbott Construction, since its inception in the bustling Seattle of the 1980s, has been dedicated to providing a clear and connected construction experience from kickoff to ribbon-cutting. The firm prides itself on client empowerment, ensuring a front-seat view of every project through transparent communication and detailed planning. Integrity, stewardship, and collaboration are core to Abbott’s philosophy, fostering trust and long-term relationships with clients. Their approach is akin to a well-planned road trip, with clear schedules, budgets, and proactive problem-solving ensuring a smooth journey. Abbott’s commitment to quality and community is reflected in their diverse portfolio, including high-profile projects like the 150-bed behavioral health teaching facility at UW Medical Center and the transformation of historical sites such as Lucid Motors’ new home. Their dedication extends beyond construction, actively participating in community volunteer efforts and maintaining a focus on sustainable, long-lasting buildings. As part of the STO Building Group, Abbott leverages extensive resources and expertise, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and innovative construction partner across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections provides data on Abbott Construction Inc.’s past projects. In 2023, the company completed a $990,000 project that involved removing and replacing the entire roofing and insulation system to meet current energy code requirements. All equipment was removed and reinstalled in the same locations, while the existing lightning protection system was temporarily supported to ensure it remained operational during the roofing replacement. That same year, Abbott Construction also executed a $9,423,000 project, which included changing the occupancy classification of a mixed-use space from “F-1 B” to “B S” for technical production and support areas. This project added a second floor within an existing high-volume warehouse for initial partial occupancy and future expansion, with subsequent phases to be permitted later. The warehouse was upgraded to exceed thermal energy code requirements, and mechanical and electrical systems were improved with new equipment placed at grade adjacent to the building, screened from view, and minimal equipment on the roof. No additional exterior work was part of this initial Phase 1 scope.


Avara Construction

Address:
15333 NE 90th St, Suite S, Redmond, WA 98052

Before mobilizing for a project, Avara Construction’s team prioritizes understanding the client’s vision, priorities, and demands. This critical phase aligns their strategies with client expectations on budget, timeline, and outcomes. Utilizing advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) and comprehensive pre-construction services, they create a detailed roadmap to ensure a smooth journey to success. During the construction phase, their expertise and planning come to life through a collaborative approach and deep industry knowledge. The team uses top-notch technology, craftsmanship, and proactive problem-solving to ensure efficient execution without compromising quality or safety. Stringent quality control and clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders are maintained throughout the project. Completion isn’t the end of their partnership; they optimize operational systems, ensure a smooth handover with a final walkthrough, and provide a closeout packet. Avara is dedicated to supporting the client’s long-term success and is always ready to assist with future needs. Their diverse project portfolio includes premium office designs, urban living structures, industrial facilities, retail and restaurant spaces, fitness centers, healthcare facilities, and hospitality projects.

Our team reviewed data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections on past projects by Avara Construction, Inc. In 2022, the company completed a commercial tenant improvement for Teknon (Suite 100) involving non-structural demolition and the construction of new partitions, doors, casework, and finishes, covering a total area of 7,712 square feet. This project cost $275,000. In 2024, Avara Construction completed another commercial tenant improvement for Aigen, valued at $170,000. This project, spanning approximately 6,400 square feet, included non-structural demolition, installation of new partitions, doors, sidelights, an ADA-compliant drinking fountain, lighting, casework, and finishes, with a total construction area of 6,604 square feet.


Venture General Contracting

Address:
1518 1st Ave South #400, Seattle, WA 98134

Venture General Contracting, a full-service general contractor based in Seattle, excels in delivering top-quality projects across diverse market segments. Established with a collaborative approach, Venture integrates its construction team into the design phase, ensuring timely feedback on cost, lead times, and constructability. Noteworthy projects include the Skyglass Tower, a 31-story mixed-use building in South Lake Union, and the Sounders FC Center at Longacres. Embracing innovation and new technologies, Venture utilizes Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) to enhance efficiency and build superior projects. The company fosters a supportive community, emphasizing inclusivity, respect, and collaboration among its employees. Guided by principles of service, transparency, tenacity, creativity, and community, Venture promotes a culture of care, partnering with the AGC to champion diversity in the industry. With a team of industry veterans like CEO Matt Parent and President Jack Beaudoin, Venture prides itself on a family-like environment where employees can grow and thrive. With over 125 employees and more than 5 million square feet built in the Puget Sound area, Venture continues to set high standards in the construction industry.

Data from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections showcases Venture General Contracting’s recent projects. In 2023, they completed the Wizards of the Coast (also known as Dragons Keep) tenant improvement at Southport Tower, covering floors 7-9. This first-generation tenant improvement involved the construction of interior walls, ceilings, lighting, and amenity spaces, with a post-issuance revision on April 5, 2023, for Unistrut support for wood ceiling locations, including calculations. This project was valued at $10,000,000. In the same year, Venture General Contracting undertook a $193,362 project at Talisman Apartments. This commercial tenant improvement involved repairing and replacing interior finishes, sheetrock, and insulation damaged by water, using the same materials as those removed, with no changes to existing assembly types or occupancy. The total construction area for this project was 31,669 square feet.


Note: The data used to compile this list may not be complete based on the availability of permit data – collecting and consolidating this data is a time-intensive and difficult task. It may not be complete in all areas due to jurisdictional reporting requirements and the availability of data. Job values and permit fees should be taken as estimates rather than exact values, based on the most complete permit and contractor data available. Additionally, number of projects and typical job size may be updated per contractor request.

The time period for the data used for this ranking was the past 365 days, plus an additional 45 days to account for the average timeline of a building permit. If you have any suggestions on the data or see any corrections that you’d like to give feedback on, please fill out this form. For more insights on construction data outside that are not directly related to contractors, there are other resources available as well.

Author

  • Alex Mericle

    Alex Mericle is the Chief Editor at Seattle Architects with five years of experience in the construction space. Alex has always had a strong interest in residential and commercial construction and architecture, and he has built up technical experience with building permit data, subcontractor operations, and materials procurement over the years. On top of his experience at Seattle Architects, he has prior experience at BuildZoom. His analytical skillset, honed through a degree in Business Analytics from Creighton University and from his work experience, allows him to transform complex construction data into actionable insights and useful, captivating content. Expertise: Residential and Commercial Construction, Building Permit Data, Home Design and Build, Architecture, Subcontractor Operations, Material Procurement Key Highlights: Over 5 years of experience writing and editing in the construction space, Chief Editor at Seattle Architects, Previous experience at BuildZoom Education: Creighton University, Degree in Business Analytics

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