The best-rated general contractors serving Traverse City, MI, independently researched and ranked on rating, review volume and genuine local reputation.
The best general contractors in Traverse City, MI are Shugart Builders, Widing Custom Homes, MAC Custom Homes, Easling Construction Co. and Hertler Construction. 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.
Shugart Builders has been building in the Grand Traverse region since 1952, making it one of the longest-established general contractors in the area. Working from its Traverse City base, the team handles new home construction, remodeling, siding, decks, porches and general contracting across Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Antrim and Benzie counties. Seven-plus decades of continuous operation have earned it a sterling local reputation for quality work and business integrity, a dependable choice for homeowners who value a proven track record.
Widing Custom Homes is an independently owned, fourth-generation building firm that has operated in Northern Michigan since 1976. Based in Traverse City, it focuses on high-end custom home construction across a wide swathe of the region, from Leelanau and Glen Arbor to Elk Rapids, Charlevoix and Torch Lake. With a strong reputation for craftsmanship and a multi-generational family legacy behind it, Widing suits homeowners planning a bespoke build who want an accountable local builder.
MAC Custom Homes has spent roughly 30 years building custom homes across the greater Grand Traverse area from its Traverse City base. Led by co-owners Marcy Hurst and Joe Colegrove, the firm manages projects end to end, from framing and siding through interior trim and final finish. It serves Traverse City and surrounding communities including Suttons Bay, Lake Leelanau, Elk Lake, Torch Lake and the Lake Michigan shoreline, and carries a solid local reputation for quality residential work.
Founded by Marty Easling in 1976 and based near Leland in Leelanau County, Easling Construction is a well-established custom builder serving Traverse City, the Old Mission Peninsula and throughout the Grand Traverse region. Unusually, it keeps most trades in-house, from foundations and concrete through carpentry, roofing, tile and finish work, and became 100% employee-owned in 2019. Its long history and self-performed approach make it a strong option for quality-focused custom home projects.
Hertler Construction is a licensed and insured Traverse City firm owned and operated by Tim Hertler, who has worked in the local building trade since 1986. The company handles residential and light commercial work including new construction, remodeling, design projects and insurance restoration across Northern Michigan. With a locally focused, owner-run approach and a well-regarded reputation, it suits homeowners wanting a hands-on contractor for a remodel or repair.
The best general contractors serving Traverse City, MI are based in and around Traverse City and Leland. With the Midwest's cold winters and humid summers 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.
Shugart Builders currently tops the list, but every business here earns its place the same way: we research each general contractor genuinely operating near Traverse City, 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. Shugart Builders | Consistent, top-reviewed service |
| 2. Widing Custom Homes | Fast response and repairs |
| 3. MAC Custom Homes | Professional workmanship |
| 4. Easling Construction Co. | Dependable service and value |
| 5. Hertler Construction | Everyday, all-round jobs |
Our current top picks are Shugart Builders, Widing Custom Homes, MAC Custom Homes, Easling Construction Co. and Hertler Construction. Every business is independently researched and ranked on merit, never paid placement.
We research every general contractor genuinely operating in and around Traverse City, 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 Traverse City. 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.