The best-rated general contractors serving Ithaca, NY, independently researched and ranked on rating, review volume and genuine local reputation.
The best general contractors in Ithaca, NY are Phelps Building & Remodeling, Upscale Remodeling, Ithaca Custom Homes, Moravec Construction and ITHACO Builders. Each is an independently researched local operator, ranked on reputation, reviews and genuine local presence, and none paid to appear.
One business can feature above the Top 5 on this page, clearly labeled. A great way for a newer or smaller pro to get seen first.
Phelps Building & Remodeling has worked in the Ithaca area since 1970, giving it more than 40 years of residential construction experience and making it one of the longest-established contractors in the region. The team handles full-house renovations, new construction and high-end kitchen and bath work, with a niche in passive solar and energy-efficient homes. It carries a strong local review reputation built on careful, detail-focused craftsmanship and fair pricing, and suits homeowners wanting a deeply rooted, accountable builder for a major project.
Founded by Steve Nash in 1991 and based just outside Ithaca in Freeville, Upscale Remodeling is a full-service design-build firm that has been transforming area homes for more than three decades. Combining architectural design and construction under one roof, it focuses on kitchens, baths and whole-home renovations, and backs its work with an industry-leading five-year warranty and complimentary annual inspections. It holds a consistently strong review reputation for integrity and responsiveness, making it a good fit for homeowners who want design and build managed by a single accountable team.
Ithaca Custom Homes is run by builder-owner Ralph Varn, who has more than 35 years in the trade and has been involved in over 150 custom homes across the Ithaca area. The company specialises in new custom and net-zero energy-efficient homes, handling architectural planning and permitting through Tompkins County building departments. Client feedback consistently praises Varn as a conscientious, budget-minded builder with real design expertise, making the firm well suited to homeowners planning a bespoke or high-performance new build.
Moravec Construction is a genuinely family-run Ithaca firm started by John Moravec in 1981, with his wife handling the books and a son-in-law managing operations and estimating. Nearly four decades on, the company covers new home construction, additions, basement and bathroom remodels, roofing, siding, decks and general contracting. Locally regarded as a dependable go-to for residential projects, it appeals to homeowners who value working directly with an established, hands-on family business.
ITHACO Builders is a locally based, fully insured remodeling company operating from Ithaca since 2012, serving homeowners within roughly a 30-mile radius of the city. Its work spans kitchen and bathroom remodels, home additions, window replacement and general home improvement. The firm has earned an excellent review reputation across independent platforms and carries full liability and workers' compensation coverage, making it a solid choice for interior renovation and addition projects in and around Ithaca.
The best general contractors serving Ithaca, NY are based in and around Ithaca and Freeville. With the Northeast's four seasons and older housing stock to contend with, how a home is built and remodeled really matters, so a proven local pro makes all the difference, and we've done the legwork to surface only the operators worth calling.
Phelps Building & Remodeling currently tops the list, but every business here earns its place the same way: we research each general contractor genuinely operating near Ithaca, weigh real customer reviews and ratings from sources like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and rank on merit. No business can pay into this list, the single featured spot above it is the only paid placement, and it's always clearly labeled.
| Business | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Phelps Building & Remodeling | Consistent, top-reviewed service |
| 2. Upscale Remodeling | Fast response and repairs |
| 3. Ithaca Custom Homes | Professional workmanship |
| 4. Moravec Construction | Dependable service and value |
| 5. ITHACO Builders | Everyday, all-round jobs |
Our current top picks are Phelps Building & Remodeling, Upscale Remodeling, Ithaca Custom Homes, Moravec Construction and ITHACO Builders. Every business is independently researched and ranked on merit, never paid placement.
We research every general contractor genuinely operating in and around Ithaca, then weigh real customer reviews and ratings from sources like Google and the Better Business Bureau, review volume, and a genuine local track record. No business can pay to appear in the ranked Top 5.
No. The ranked Top 5 is editorial and cannot be bought. The only paid option is the single featured spot above the list, which is always clearly labeled as featured.
Start with the five above, then get written quotes from two or three, read their most recent reviews, and confirm they cover your part of Ithaca. A good general contractor responds promptly, explains the work clearly, and is upfront about pricing.
We rank on independent reputation and reviews, not licensing checks. Requirements vary by state and trade, so always confirm a pro's current license and insurance directly with them before any work begins.
Own the featured spot above this Top 5, clearly labeled. A great way for a newer or smaller pro to get seen first. Early-adopter rate $19/month for your first 6 months, then $39/month.