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TRUSTED BY LAKE FOREST, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon44
    Verified custom home building reviews

Find Custom home builders in Lake Forest

Avatar for So Cal Builders & Design Inc

So Cal Builders & Design Inc

4.60(
223
)
Approved Pro

So Cal Builders & Design Inc

4.60(
223
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
897 local quotes requested
43 years of experience

So Cal Builders & Design have been helping the homes throughout California look perfect one nail and brick at a time! With the best prices and highest standard of service, we can deliver the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams on time and on budget! Our staff of trained technicians will build your addition or remodel to your specifications; using only the finest quality materials and the most up-to-date building procedures. We also have in house masonry service as well as perform a number of other services such as plumbing, lighting, painting, patios, and much more. Because we do it all ourselves, we eliminate miscommunication, stress and down time. We don’t use outside contractors or fancy gimmicks to get our customers. We combine new and modern building practices with tried and true hard work to deliver a work of art every time and that is why our customers make us #1. Request Your Free Estimate Voice Star: (888) 284-9122.

"Very good company . I am very satisfied with their professionalism . Highly recommended this company"

Leta W on December 2025

So Cal Builders & Design have been helping the homes throughout California look perfect one nail and brick at a time! With the best prices and highest standard of service, we can deliver the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams on time and on budget! Our staff of trained technicians will build your addition or remodel to your specifications; using only the finest quality materials and the most up-to-date building procedures. We also have in house masonry service as well as perform a number of other services such as plumbing, lighting, painting, patios, and much more. Because we do it all ourselves, we eliminate miscommunication, stress and down time. We don’t use outside contractors or fancy gimmicks to get our customers. We combine new and modern building practices with tried and true hard work to deliver a work of art every time and that is why our customers make us #1. Request Your Free Estimate Voice Star: (888) 284-9122.

"Very good company . I am very satisfied with their professionalism . Highly recommended this company"

Leta W on December 2025


Avatar for Sentri Homes

Sentri Homes

New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro

Sentri Homes

New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro
290 local quotes requested
2 years of experience

Sentri Homes is a full-service contractor delivering high-end home additions, whole-home remodels, new custom builds, luxury kitchens, structural framing, roof replacements, and every major renovation. We assign a dedicated project manager to every job, deliver meticulous craftsmanship with clear communication, and back our work with an industry-leading warranty to ensure complete peace of mind on your largest investments. Our in-house team of licensed builders and master craftsmen consistently earns 5-star reviews by turning big visions into stunning, high-value homes—when you need one trusted partner who truly does it all, we’re the proven choice.

Sentri Homes is a full-service contractor delivering high-end home additions, whole-home remodels, new custom builds, luxury kitchens, structural framing, roof replacements, and every major renovation. We assign a dedicated project manager to every job, deliver meticulous craftsmanship with clear communication, and back our work with an industry-leading warranty to ensure complete peace of mind on your largest investments. Our in-house team of licensed builders and master craftsmen consistently earns 5-star reviews by turning big visions into stunning, high-value homes—when you need one trusted partner who truly does it all, we’re the proven choice.


Avatar for Opulent Design Build

Opulent Design Build

5.00(
1
)
Approved Pro

Opulent Design Build

5.00(
1
)
Approved Pro
37 local quotes requested
23 years of experience

Opulent Design Build is Orange County's premier design-build company. We take the complicated process of home design, building and remodeling and make it an experience that you will love! There's no need to fear the design and construction process. We personally handle every aspect of the design, permitting and construction project process. Opulent Design Build is truly a one-stop design-build company.

Opulent Design Build is Orange County's premier design-build company. We take the complicated process of home design, building and remodeling and make it an experience that you will love! There's no need to fear the design and construction process. We personally handle every aspect of the design, permitting and construction project process. Opulent Design Build is truly a one-stop design-build company.


Opulent Design Build

5.00(
20
)
Approved Pro

Opulent Design Build

5.00(
20
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 95% of Angi customers
Recommended by 95% of HomeAdvisor customers
65 local quotes requested

Opulent Design Build . One point of contact from Start to Finish. Opulent Design Build takes the complicated process of home designing, building and remodeling and makes it an experience that you will love! There's no need to fear the design & construction process. Opulent Design Build personally handles every aspect of the construction process: design, engineering, site survey, permitting, construction and inspections. We are truly a "one-stop" design-build company.

"My wife and I were looking into adding some square footage to our home as well as remodel. We were going in circles trying to plan and budget and it honestly was one of the most stressful/hardest experiences of our marriage. That was until we stumbled upon Opulent. I do not remember how we found them, but man, I am so glad we did. Eddie and his whole team were OUTSTANDING throughout the whole process. They really made us feel like we were part of the Opulent Family as well as producing real results. They managed EVERYTHING just about perfectly. From dealing with the permit process to helping us figure out what we needed to fill our space with beautiful fixtures to actually getting the construction done. The preconstruction process was so simple thanks to their amazing team and construction flowed so smoothly. The field workers were respectful and clean every day. 10/10 cannot recommend enough. Thank you Opulent!!"

Shaun M on August 2025

Opulent Design Build . One point of contact from Start to Finish. Opulent Design Build takes the complicated process of home designing, building and remodeling and makes it an experience that you will love! There's no need to fear the design & construction process. Opulent Design Build personally handles every aspect of the construction process: design, engineering, site survey, permitting, construction and inspections. We are truly a "one-stop" design-build company.

"My wife and I were looking into adding some square footage to our home as well as remodel. We were going in circles trying to plan and budget and it honestly was one of the most stressful/hardest experiences of our marriage. That was until we stumbled upon Opulent. I do not remember how we found them, but man, I am so glad we did. Eddie and his whole team were OUTSTANDING throughout the whole process. They really made us feel like we were part of the Opulent Family as well as producing real results. They managed EVERYTHING just about perfectly. From dealing with the permit process to helping us figure out what we needed to fill our space with beautiful fixtures to actually getting the construction done. The preconstruction process was so simple thanks to their amazing team and construction flowed so smoothly. The field workers were respectful and clean every day. 10/10 cannot recommend enough. Thank you Opulent!!"

Shaun M on August 2025


W. L. McCarthy, RCE

4.28(
29
)
Approved Pro

W. L. McCarthy, RCE

4.28(
29
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Terrific value
10 local quotes requested
30 years of experience

W. L. McCarthy, RCE is a locally owned and operated business with over 20 years of experience. We will provide you with excellent workmanship and reasonable pricing for all phases of your engineering needs. We stay small so that we can give you personalized, individual service through final completion of your project. We are detail and quality oriented providing outstanding services on each and every project that we handle. W. L. McCarthy, RCE provides superior service and satisfaction. Let us show you why homeowners prefer our services above the rest!

"Although my project was small, William agreed to help. Professional and punctual, drawing delivery was on time. Thank you!"

Manny B on September 2023

W. L. McCarthy, RCE is a locally owned and operated business with over 20 years of experience. We will provide you with excellent workmanship and reasonable pricing for all phases of your engineering needs. We stay small so that we can give you personalized, individual service through final completion of your project. We are detail and quality oriented providing outstanding services on each and every project that we handle. W. L. McCarthy, RCE provides superior service and satisfaction. Let us show you why homeowners prefer our services above the rest!

"Although my project was small, William agreed to help. Professional and punctual, drawing delivery was on time. Thank you!"

Manny B on September 2023


Avatar for Nicolaisen & Sons Construction Company, Inc

Nicolaisen & Sons Construction Company, Inc

3.00(
2
)
Approved Pro

Nicolaisen & Sons Construction Company, Inc

3.00(
2
)
Approved Pro
41 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

Nicolaisen & Sons Construction Company, Inc is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"I find them totally unprofessional"

Jim M on March 2012

Nicolaisen & Sons Construction Company, Inc is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"I find them totally unprofessional"

Jim M on March 2012


Avatar for RCS Engineering Services

RCS Engineering Services

5.00(
3
)
Approved Pro

RCS Engineering Services

5.00(
3
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
7 years of experience

Our firm provides structural engineering support for all phases in the design and construction process. Our primary function is to create structural plan packages for submission to the governing authority. We are also available to conduct preliminary field visits and structural observations during construction. In whichever service you need, we pride ourselves in carrying out the job professionally, quickly, and for an affordable price.

"I searched many and started off with others and nobody came close in handling what we needed. I found Richard, he came in and took care of it all; it was completed in a timely manner with his accurate thinking. He definitely thought ahead and it saved me a lot of time, grief and money. He got ahead of any issues and resolved potential problems that could arise. He knew exactly what the city would require and did what needed to be done which saved us an untold amount of time and money. I did not know him from Adam, he works at a very different level of ability and knowledge. His pricing for me was the best! He is a gem, get him if you can!"

Constantine P on January 2020

Our firm provides structural engineering support for all phases in the design and construction process. Our primary function is to create structural plan packages for submission to the governing authority. We are also available to conduct preliminary field visits and structural observations during construction. In whichever service you need, we pride ourselves in carrying out the job professionally, quickly, and for an affordable price.

"I searched many and started off with others and nobody came close in handling what we needed. I found Richard, he came in and took care of it all; it was completed in a timely manner with his accurate thinking. He definitely thought ahead and it saved me a lot of time, grief and money. He got ahead of any issues and resolved potential problems that could arise. He knew exactly what the city would require and did what needed to be done which saved us an untold amount of time and money. I did not know him from Adam, he works at a very different level of ability and knowledge. His pricing for me was the best! He is a gem, get him if you can!"

Constantine P on January 2020


Avatar for Design X Architects

Design X Architects

4.99(
39
)
Approved Pro

Design X Architects

4.99(
39
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 97% of Angi customers
Recommended by 97% of HomeAdvisor customers
13 local quotes requested

The problem is "X", the solution is Design X. This Architectural firm offers premium quality designs for home owners in the Orange County area. Established in 2009, we have built a reputation of providing out of the box thinking Architectural Designs at competitive prices while completing our projects in a timely and responsible manner. Our integrity based approach allows us to connect with our clients in seeking the most optimal solution to their home renovation or ground up construction needs. We work closely with our clients through all facets of their project from concept, schematic, construction documents, working with cities to obtain permit approvals and through construction and coordinating with the respective contractor(s). Our consistent 5 star quality reviews speak for themselves. We hope to hear from you soon!

"I recently worked with Design X Architects on a tenant improvement (TI) project. We encountered several difficulties with the city that required design changes that I did not want to make. Design X was able to fight for what I wanted and get it through as is. They have a deep understanding of city codes and zoning, which enabled them to argue back to the city and make our vision a reality. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an architect."

Tarek O on August 2024

The problem is "X", the solution is Design X. This Architectural firm offers premium quality designs for home owners in the Orange County area. Established in 2009, we have built a reputation of providing out of the box thinking Architectural Designs at competitive prices while completing our projects in a timely and responsible manner. Our integrity based approach allows us to connect with our clients in seeking the most optimal solution to their home renovation or ground up construction needs. We work closely with our clients through all facets of their project from concept, schematic, construction documents, working with cities to obtain permit approvals and through construction and coordinating with the respective contractor(s). Our consistent 5 star quality reviews speak for themselves. We hope to hear from you soon!

"I recently worked with Design X Architects on a tenant improvement (TI) project. We encountered several difficulties with the city that required design changes that I did not want to make. Design X was able to fight for what I wanted and get it through as is. They have a deep understanding of city codes and zoning, which enabled them to argue back to the city and make our vision a reality. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an architect."

Tarek O on August 2024


Avatar for Jeffrey A. Matzek Architect

Jeffrey A. Matzek Architect

New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro

Jeffrey A. Matzek Architect

New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro
10 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

Jeffrey A. Matzek Architect provides outstanding architectural, planning and design work around So. California specializing in custom, residential and small commercial architectural projects. Your specific project goals and budget are tailored into creative, innovative and cost-effective design solutions. We have built great working relationships with many cities over the years allowing us to efficiently navigate the planning and permit processes. Together with a great team of engineers, JMA can provide documents for any goal from design-build to full service. Contractors appreciate the pre-planning that goes into our work, minimizing questions, conflicts and revisions in the field, saving our clients time and money. We provide each client the same personal, high quality service and deliver superior value and outcomes that has kept us in business over 30 years. We look forward to hearing from you!

Jeffrey A. Matzek Architect provides outstanding architectural, planning and design work around So. California specializing in custom, residential and small commercial architectural projects. Your specific project goals and budget are tailored into creative, innovative and cost-effective design solutions. We have built great working relationships with many cities over the years allowing us to efficiently navigate the planning and permit processes. Together with a great team of engineers, JMA can provide documents for any goal from design-build to full service. Contractors appreciate the pre-planning that goes into our work, minimizing questions, conflicts and revisions in the field, saving our clients time and money. We provide each client the same personal, high quality service and deliver superior value and outcomes that has kept us in business over 30 years. We look forward to hearing from you!


Envision Architecture

New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro

Envision Architecture

New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro
49 years of experience

Envision is a full-service architecture and interiors firm specializing in innovative design and client service. Our clients are linked by their desire to create imaginative spaces that improve the lives of the people that inhabit them. We build representing that reflect their core values. We work closely with our clients to gain an understanding of their culture and business operations. We view this as essential to the process of designing effective space. We believe in high performance sustainable design that provides long-term value.

Envision is a full-service architecture and interiors firm specializing in innovative design and client service. Our clients are linked by their desire to create imaginative spaces that improve the lives of the people that inhabit them. We build representing that reflect their core values. We work closely with our clients to gain an understanding of their culture and business operations. We view this as essential to the process of designing effective space. We believe in high performance sustainable design that provides long-term value.

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Custom Home Builders questions, answered by experts

Framing is often the most expensive phase of building a house because it’s time-consuming and requires a lot of materials. It costs between $20,000 and $50,000 on average, depending on materials and labor costs. Before construction begins, it’s possible that purchasing land is the priciest step in the process. Some plots of land sell for $3,000, while others cost upwards of $150,000.

Yes, you can finance cottage construction through several options. Construction loans provide funds in stages as work progresses, while home equity loans or lines of credit are available if you have existing property. Some lenders offer a combined construction and permanent mortgage. Always review loan terms and payment milestones before committing.

A carriage house is a freestanding building, while a townhouse is connected to other units. A townhouse is a full single-family home and typically shares a parcel of land with other connected homes. A carriage house is rarely used as the sole single-family home on a property and is most often an additional building sharing property with a traditional single-family home. 

The most significant expense when building a barndominium is constructing the metal shell, which includes the roof, doors, and windows. Additional exterior components impacting the overall cost include metal siding and the concrete foundation.

It pays to hire a project manager or general contractor when you have a large-scale project that will take over a week to complete, especially when it involves structural changes and multiple subcontractors. This includes hiring a general contractor to build a house, add an extension, or manage other projects that need a building permit.

The Lake Forest, CA homeowners’ guide to custom home building

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.