The Best Commercial Contractors in Austin, Texas

Last updated on July 18th, 2024 at 09:55 pm

The stakes can be very high when building commercial construction projects in Austin, Texas. Home to over 2.2 million people, Austin, Texas, quickly became one of the fastest-growing metros in the country. Its vibrant economy, burgeoning tech scene, and dynamic cultural landscape make it a top choice for commercial development. The average cost of these kinds of projects is between $100,000 and $10,000,000. For bigger and more complex projects, the costs can go up to $53,000,000 or even more. These numbers depend a lot on things like the job size, the scope of the project, the complexity of the design, and the materials used. It usually takes up to 18 months to complete a commercial project if everything goes well. 

According to permit data from the Austin building department, the construction market offers plenty of options, with over 700 contractors specializing in commercial projects. However, you might need help with all the available options, so choosing a commercial contractor with a proven track record is crucial. The difference between a reliable builder and an unreliable one can determine the success of a project, with the former ensuring a smooth build and the latter leading to issues, delays, and escalating costs. From navigating local building codes and regulations to managing subcontractors and managing the project, a reputable commercial contractor can streamline the construction process and ensure smooth project delivery. 

Over the last two years, the average cost per square foot for commercial building projects in Austin has been around $10,820, with warehouses being the top commercial project in the area. With a median home value of $664,500, it is clear that Austin has experienced significant appreciation driven by factors such as population growth, job opportunities, and investment in the city’s infrastructure. In Austin’s competitive real estate market, partnering with a trusted commercial contractor is more than a strategic choice. It is a crucial investment. In this article, learn about some of the best Austin commercial construction firms.

Overview: The Best Commercial Contractors in Austin, Texas

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more. 

Flintrock Commercial

11212 Metric Blvd, STE 200, Austin, TX 78758

A consummate construction professional, Flintrock Commercial President Tim Edwards has 30 years of experience working in all aspects of construction, from construction labor to project management. This expertise underpins Flintrock’s culture of customer-focused excellence and professionalism, which is carried on by every company member. It defines how the firm works and delivers results for each project build. Flintrock’s steady rise as a trustworthy and preferred contractor partner over the past two decades stems from the team’s determination to always promote, prioritize, and protect the client’s best interests. Many clients testify to the firm’s ability to exceed expectations, earning its name as one of the best general contractors in Austin, Texas, and nearby areas.

With a commitment to quality artistry and exceeding clients’ expectations, Flintrock Commercial is behind noteworthy Austin projects such as The Plaza on the Lake, Forthright Café, One of the Kids facility, Austin Peace Academy, Tire Hub, and Interceramic warehouses, and the remodel of Brazos Place. 

White Construction Company

2705 Bee Cave Road, Ste. 250 Austin, TX 78746

With 50 years in the construction industry, White Construction Company has a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy partner. That strong track record comes from the guiding principles established by founder Charles N. White. From the beginning, he focused on knowing, understanding, and upholding the client’s vision of success from the beginning until completion. That vision drives White Construction Company as it builds and delivers various commercial projects. The firm provides those projects on time, within budget, and with an unfailing commitment to excellence. The firm’s outstanding work includes the Texas Governor’s Mansion, the Mississippi State University Riley Center, and the John Minor Wisdom Court of Appeals Building. Chairman Neel White, CEO Guy H. White, President and COO Steve Burch, and their experts work hard to deliver high-quality projects that offer the best value possible. Senior Vice President – Regional Director, Neal Moon is a LEED AP from UGSBC.

The White Construction Company has received several prestigious awards, including the GSA Excellence Award in 2014, the 2015 ARE General Contractors Award for Retail Design, and the 2015 EPA National Building Competition Top Category Supermarket.

Sabre Commercial

2001 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78722

At the heart of Sabre Commercial’s success since its founding in 2008 is the belief that people and relationships are the cogs that turn the wheels of business. Sabre values the people in its team and the subcontractors and vendors it works with. No wonder the company has been honored by the Austin Business Journal and the Austin American-Statesman as one of the best places to work. This sense of value in people circles back through honest, quality work that produces the best results. These outstanding results have earned Sabre the trust and confidence of its clients, 90% of whom are repeat clients. With its expertise, business ethics, and safety records and recognitions, Sabre has built a reputation as the trustworthy construction company behind some of Austin’s best commercial projects. The firm is committed to partnering closely with clients to achieve set goals while keeping costs and project durations realistic and always without sacrificing quality. 

The company is also a well-respected member of the Austin community and is lauded for supporting local organizations like Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Caritas, and Capital Area Food Bank. Some of Sabre’s notable work includes corporate office buildings, healthcare facilities, manufacturing facilities, schools, retail establishments, and chapel renovations.

Wurzel Builders

630 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Austin, TX 78748

Wurzel Builders is consistently commended for its high level of professionalism and its commitment to quality artistry. The company embeds a culture of intentionality, integrity, and accountability in the day-to-day work among members of its team. This culture stems from Founder and President Barry Wurzel’s determination to build a team that is eager to learn and grow professionally and embraces the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Attention to detail, compliance with project specifications, and focus on coordination and follow-through have become part of its working DNA. As a result, clients benefit from the firm’s expertise. They can count on projects delivered with exceptional oversight by highly engaged and competent staff and highly skilled subcontractors. 

Wurzel Builders’ notable projects over the past two decades include HEB, Walmart, Starbucks, Target, CVS Pharmacy, and Charles Schwab. It has expanded its operations outside Austin and has set up offices throughout Texas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Oklahoma.

McCarthy Building Companies

8627 North MoPac Expwy, Suite 240, Austin, TX 78759

Throughout its history spanning 157 years, McCarthy Building Companies has been operating with the single-hearted goal of being America’s best builder. Driving this mission is the company’s client-centric creed of providing the most honest, reliable service and delivering results that exceed clients’ expectations. Adhering to the most stringent safety and quality standards, McCarthy believes that ensuring the ease of maintenance over time is just as important as finishing work by the completion date. 

The company’s notable work in healthcare facilities and heavy and civil transportation has earned it several awards. Its most recent accolades include the 2020 Innovator of the Year NEXT Coalition Construction Dive, the 2020 Premier Award for Client Satisfaction for PSMJ Resources, Inc., and the 2020 Diamond STEP Award, Excellence in Safety for ABC of Georgia. 

McCarthy is proud to be among the country’s top 20 green builders. Sustainability is strongly embedded in all of its projects. 2018, the firm won the AGC Austin 2018 Outstanding Construction Awards for Texas Children’s Hospital Austin MoPac Specialty Care Clinic. The building features over 365,000 square feet of hospital space and 170,000 square feet of outpatient facilities.

BEC Austin

8320 Bee Caves Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746

Because customer satisfaction ranks high on its priority list, BEC Austin has considered a building project to be just the first of many that it will have with each client. The firm has solidified its reputation as one of the best general contractors in Austin, Texas, and it focuses on delivering exceptional commercial services. The firm’s growing list of returning clients is a testimony to the level of trust and confidence that clients have in its expertise and its ability to get the work done right, on time, within budget, safely, and sustainably. Through close collaboration, clear communication, and transparency at every step of the building process, BEC Austin ensures clients are free from stress and worry. 

Established in 1971 as Bailey Elliot Construction, Inc., the company was renamed BEC Austin in 1991 under the leadership of current President and CEO Scott Wilson and Vice President Keith Pool. Despite the name change, the culture of integrity, strong work ethics, and the spirit of community service and family within the company and its clients live on.

The company’s completed projects include bank chains, multi-family complexes, and church and civic buildings. BEC Austin is certified as the Austin Energy Green Building by the US Green Building Council and LEED-certified by the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Workman Commercial 

2211 Interstate 35 #401, Austin, TX 78741

Celebrating 30 years as a premier General Contractor in Central Texas, Workman Commercial is now led by Travis Thrift. He began his construction career in 1992 and worked with several reputable construction firms until he started his commitment with Workman Commercial as the Senior Estimator in 2006. He became a partner and Vice President in 2013 and President, Owner, and CEO in March 2020. Travis brings a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the company by overseeing each project from its inception, through completion.  As a result, the firm has cemented its well-deserved reputation as one of the leading general contractors in Austin, Texas, with its quality, professionalism, and impressive portfolio.

For 30 years, the company has proven that it is capable of shaping the client’s vision into reality, regardless of the level of complexity. Clients can completely count on Workman’s team of seasoned project managers who take to heart the company’s commitment to a culture of excellence, standards of safety, quality work, and value that now sets a standard of excellence in the construction industry in Central Texas. Travis’s experience brings Workman’s clients accurate and highly detailed estimates and project management services. His dedication to working with his project managers and superintendents on each project ensures the best quality, service, and experience, ensuring long-lasting relationships with their clients. Travis’ commitment to client satisfaction and subcontractor relations sets his management style apart from many in the industry.

Workman is behind well-known Austin buildings like the Texas State University, Walgreens, Howdy Honda, Westwood Country Club, and chains like Pier One, Home Goods, Five Guys, RBFCU, and Capital One.

Engen Contracting, Inc.

11824 Jollyville Road, Suite 202, Austin, TX 78759

Engen Contracting, Inc. (ECI) is a full-service commercial general contractor that brings new meaning to client partnerships. Beyond working closely with clients, ECI adopts a sense of ownership on each project build, using its expertise and two decades of experience to overcome hurdles. With a laser focus on the details, remarkable professionalism, and a dedication to being a trustworthy partner, clients look to ECI to deliver beautiful, well-crafted projects that are competitively priced. President Chris Engen takes pride in his team of highly skilled project managers. They all believe in collaboration and have the capability and confidence to provide the information, insights, and solutions clients seek at any process stage, from pre-construction to construction to close-out.  

ECI’s ability to merge science, art, detail, and craft is visible in its noteworthy builds. The firm has worked with P. Terry Burger stores, Starbucks, Brake Check Plus, and the L Star Imaging facility. It has lent its expertise to varying market segments, including automotive, healthcare, restaurants, educational facilities, self-storage, and office buildings. Over the years, the firm earned massive recognition for its quality and professionalism. In 2022, the firm was named the Impact Awards Winner for the Mary Elizabeth Branch Park Pavilion Project by Urban Land Institute Austin. The project features over 19,000 square feet of gathering space. 

G Creek Construction, Inc.

9033 South IH 35, Austin, TX 78744

What has fueled the success and longevity of this family-run commercial construction company is its unchangeable commitment to honesty, trust, and hard work. G Creek Construction, Inc. is owned and led by two Austinite brothers, John Haralson, President, and Matt Haralson, Vice President. Both promote the importance of going the extra mile and being proactive to realize a client’s vision. For 50 years, the company has amassed deep knowledge and general contracting expertise from working with numerous clients from diverse market segments. This experience enables the G Creek team to consistently and intelligently present bold, out-of-the-box solutions to client’s problems. 

G Creek has made its mark on notable projects like the Historic Restoration of the Methodist Church and the Bell County Courthouse. It has also provided work in several sectors, including healthcare, recreation, entertainment, retail, and education. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, the firm has consistently delivered high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the commercial contractors in the Austin area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.