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Best Custom Home Builders in Tacoma (2024)

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Our annual ranking of top construction firms highlights the top companies in Tacoma 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 serves various important roles for different stakeholders in the industry. Companies that supply materials and services to general contractors can enhance their marketing strategies by using construction market trends to pinpoint key milestones and trends in the business. By monitoring significant events, such as the start of major construction projects, these businesses can time their outreach efforts to align with contractors’ needs for new resources, increasing the chances of engagement. Additionally, by examining the contractor data that reflects the business habits of contractors, suppliers can effectively identify those on an upward growth path. Subcontractors can also reach out to specific general contractors for potential projects. For real estate developers and property owners seeking contractors, access to detailed construction data helps them assess the quality and expertise of both contractors and subcontractors, ensuring they make informed decisions for their projects.

Business# Projects (’23)Average Contract Value
Richmond American Homes of WA Inc91$457K
Murray Franklyn Companies42$589K
Sockeye Homes19$33K
Sustain A Build Ity11$10K
Bluelam6$25K

Richmond American Homes of WA Inc

Address:
20819 72nd Ave S, Kent, WA 98032

Richmond American has been a trusted homebuilder since 1977, dedicated to making the American Dream a reality across the country. With a commitment to quality construction and community engagement, the company has built over 240,000 unique homes in 16 states. Their philanthropic efforts, highlighted by the MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation, reflect their belief in giving back to the communities they serve.

Data from the City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services was examined by the Seattle Architects team to identify previous projects by Richmond American Homes of WA Inc. In 2023, a new single-family residence was developed, costing $3,280,000. Additionally, in 2018, the company completed a $676,204 project, which involved a new 4,837 square foot dwelling.


Murray Franklyn Companies

Address:
14410 NE Bel Red Rd, Bellevue, WA 98007

Murray Franklyn is a distinguished homebuilder in the Seattle area, boasting over 50 years of experience since its founding in 1966. Renowned for crafting premium quality homes that reflect the Northwest lifestyle, the company has built a reputation for innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship. With a dedicated team of professionals, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade, Murray Franklyn emphasizes a collaborative work environment that enhances the homebuilding process. The company not only focuses on customer satisfaction but also values the importance of community, celebrating milestones and fostering strong relationships among employees. Murray Franklyn’s commitment to quality has earned it numerous accolades in luxury home construction and design, solidifying its status as one of the premier builders in the Pacific Northwest. Their streamlined processes and standard inclusions make home buying a smooth experience for clients, while their ability to adapt to customer needs sets them apart in the competitive market. With a legacy of building countless homes in prime locations, Murray Franklyn continues to uphold its promise of delivering unparalleled value and expertise to homeowners.

Data from the City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services was analyzed by the Seattle Architects team to identify previous projects completed by Murray Franklyn Companies. In 2024, a new 2-story single-family home was constructed at a cost of $743,436. Additionally, in the same year, the company also undertook a project for a new 3-story single-family residence, which amounted to $607,795.


Sockeye Homes

Address:
14638 SE 229th Pl, Kent, WA 98042

Sockeye Homes, established in 2007 by Tod Sakai, is a prominent custom home builder and remodeler based in Washington State, backed by over two decades of expertise in the construction industry. Tod, who holds the NAHB Certified Graduate Builder and Remodeler designations, previously developed a patented system for building homes through a network of 43 franchisees, resulting in over 1,500 completed homes. Sockeye Homes has garnered significant recognition, achieving a record nine Excellence in Remodeling Awards from the Building Industry Association of Washington in a single year and accumulating a total of 179 awards, including 35 at the national level. Tod’s leadership has also earned him accolades such as the Emerging Trader of the Year Award and the Remodeler Member of the Year Award from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. Active in community service, he engages with various ministries and received a Volunteer Award from the Department of Corrections for his efforts in Rebuilding Families Inc. Beyond his business accomplishments, Tod shares his insights as a keynote speaker for numerous organizations, including the University of Washington and the Japan External Trade Organization. A graduate of Western Washington University, he enjoys baseball, golf, and mountain biking in his free time, emphasizing a balanced life dedicated to both professional excellence and community involvement.

Data from the City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services was reviewed by the Seattle Architects team to identify previous projects completed by Sockeye Homes. In 2011, a new single-family residence was constructed at a cost of $722,462. Additionally, in 2021, Sockeye Homes undertook a project for a new 3-story, 3-bedroom single-family residence, which amounted to $473,429.


Sustain A Build Ity

Address:
2522 N Proctor, Tacoma, WA 98406

Sustain A Build Ity is a licensed construction contractor recognized by the Washington license board, dedicated to delivering high-quality residential projects.

The Seattle Architects team examined data from the City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services to uncover past projects completed by Sustain A Build Ity. In 2024, a new 1,897 square foot single-family dwelling featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, along with an attached garage, was built at a cost of $350,000. Additionally, in 2020, the company undertook a project for a 3-story single-family dwelling, which amounted to $240,000.


Bluelam

Address:
5115 240th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98053

Bluelam is a prominent Seattle-based construction company, founded nearly 15 years ago by local builders who recognized the need for quality and consistency in new construction projects. Specializing in shell and core construction, the company excels in sitework, foundations, framing, siding, and roofing, which streamlines timelines and enhances quality. With a commitment to workmanship and effective communication, Bluelam has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and problem-solving expertise. They offer a unique cost-plus pricing model, ensuring clients only pay when project phases are completed and approved, which adds transparency to the process. Bluelam provides a two-year labor warranty, reflecting their confidence in sourcing high-quality materials and delivering top-notch results. Their project management approach alleviates stress for clients, guiding them from blueprint to final product with dedicated support. The company’s portfolio includes single-family homes, townhomes, and detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), with a focus on efficiency and budget management. Bluelam’s commitment to accuracy helps prevent costly errors, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Their expertise and dedication make them a trusted partner for Seattle professionals seeking high standards in construction.

Data from the City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services was reviewed by the Seattle Architects team to identify previous projects completed by Bluelam. In 2024, the company constructed a new 2-story single-family dwelling featuring 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms at a cost of $364,500. Additionally, in 2023, Bluelam undertook a project for a new 2-story home measuring 1,825 square feet, which included 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, amounting to $272,920.


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 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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