Built on steep hills, San Francisco neighborhoods are exciting, brimming with energy, and feature houses that are a cross between contemporary and traditional, with old age aesthetics. Homes in San Francisco, though smaller on average, are both urban and homey; just right for busy yet relaxed lifestyles.
These are the best general contractors who, in their work, reflect the unique urbanity and welcoming feel of a San Francisco home.
Upscale Construction
2151 Union Street, Suite #1, San Francisco, CA 94123
Upscale Construction has completed numerous renovation projects throughout San Francisco.. Founded by Danny Bernardini, and co-owned by Tony Kelly and Brad Hayes, the firm has journeyed from a sole proprietorship to a full-service general contracting company that is skilled in both contemporary and traditional design styles andoffers home remodeling, house framing, and kitchen remodeling.
The firm’s work include a 7,000 square foot South Beach house renovation, a family home in Pacific Heights, a contemporary take on a home on Sea Cliff Lake Street, and an elegant house in Presidio Heights, among others. The firm’s works have appeared in Metropolis Magazine, and California Home + Design.
Upcycle Builders
3450 3rd St Ste 3F, San Francisco, CA 94124
Upcycle Builders is a San Francisco-based general contracting firm that provides residential, commercial, and hospitality construction. Rob Walker, the founder, is also the firm’s current president and oversees the management and finances.
Upcycle Builders has completed renovation works for two- to three- story houses in Dolores Heights, Noes Valley, and Pacific Heights, as well as an Old World renovation of a Victorian home. The firm Upcycle’s works have appeared in Eater San Francisco, Hoodline, and Cottages and Gardens.
The firm offers a unique green building practice called Responsible Building, which aims to lessen the environmental impact of their building projects.
Superb Builders
388 Market Street Suite 1300 San Francisco CA 94111
Superb Builder provides a smooth and stress-free home building experience. The firm is one of California’s leading general contracting firms, and specializes in fast, high-quality remodeling projects.
The firm completed a stunning remodel on an estate house on Jackson Street in San Francisco; a contemporary house mixed with traditional aesthetics; a two-story renovation in Noe, a full-house remodel in Menlo Park, and various kitchen and bathroom remodels.
Superb Builders’ work has appeared in Los Angeles Times, Better Homes and Gardens, Fox News, Home & Design, Traditional Home, Home & Garden Television, and the New York Times.
Nova Designs + Builds
297 C Kansas St. San Francisco CA 94103
Nova Designs + Builds knows every complexity and design essential of the quintessential San Francisco downtown landscape. The firm has completed more than 1,000 projects in the area., including renovation and new home construction projects on Spruce Street, Green Street, Vallejo Street, Buchanan Street, and Palm Court Street.
Nova, with John Schrader, a licensed general contractor and a certified green builder, at the helm, strongly encourages design partnerships between contractors and clients.
With every project, comes new techniques for materials and buildings. The firm renovated a two-story house on 2736 Filbert in which the house underwent a complete ground-up renovation and installation of a rooftop deck, and is now on the market for $13 million.
Nova’s works have appeared in Elle Decor, the Basis Point, and John Schrader has been featured in San Francisco Gates.
HOUSEworks
485 Bayshore Blvd. #157, Suite 220 San Francisco, CA 94124
HOUSEworks is an award-winning design-build firm based in San Francisco. Founded by Jeff Kann in 2005, the firm specializes in remodeling houses in the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm won four National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) awards for their works in Cole Valley, Noe Hill, SOMA, and Sunset. The Remodeling BIG50 included the firm on its list of exemplary remodelers in 2012 which appeared in Remodeling magazine.
Kann has held various positions in the NARI from 2007 to 2013. He was the Executive Board, President, and the Board President. In addition, he was a Rebuilding Together volunteer from 2007-2012, and a Rebuilding Together NARI Committee Chair. Says Kann, “[We] respect the time and investment of our clients and the environmental impact of our actions. Create and meet measurable expectations for ourselves and our clients. Be accountable for our performance. Conduct our business in a professional and ethical atmosphere.”
The firm offers design and construction services, allowing the client to have a single point of contact throughout the building process, as well as green building options.
HOUSEworks recently completed kitchen and bathroom remodels and home additions costing upwards of $700,000 at Santa Ana, 16th Avenue, Church Street, 6th Street, and 31st Avenue.
McCutcheon Construction
1280 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
McCutcheon is a Berkeley-based general construction firm that has done a great number of projects in San Francisco. The firm, founded by Michael McCutcheon in 1980, is noted for its commitment to sustainable building practices, and has maintained strong ties with several green building groups including the US Green Building Council (LEED),the Build it Green Certified Professionals, and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
The firm received several Bay Area Remodeling awards for their kitchen and bathroom projects. In 2018, the firm was awarded the Bay Area Remodeling Award for Entire House over $1 million. In addition, The REMMIES Judge’s Choice Award chose the firm for the category of Whole House Renovation over $1 million in 2016.
McCutcheon’s remodeling projects include a 1911 San Francisco house, a classic apartment in Presidio Heights, and a 2,040 square feet Russian Hill apartment unit. The firm offers a wide range of construction services, including attic conversion, basement remodeling, waterproofing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, new home construction, and home additions. McCutcheon’s projects can cost upwards of $5 million; with an additional division at the company assigned to handle smaller, less expensive projects. Their work has appeared in Luxe magazine, Berkeley Times, Remodeling Magazine, Professional Remodeler Magazine, HGTV, Piedmont Post, San Francisco Chronicle, and the San Francisco Business Times.
Dijeau Poage
2261 Shafter Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Dijeau Poage, though based in San Mateo County, has performed many remarkable renovations in San Francisco. The firm also provides new home constructions that are both modern and classic. James Dijeau and Andy Poage set up shop in 2004 and encourage a familial culture and commitment to their projects.
Dijoue Poage worked on a ground-up renovation of a 5,000 square feet Edwardian house in the Lake District, modernizing the space and accentuating it with soft hues. The firm also completed a Queen Anne renovation in Cole Valley, expanded a 1908 Bay cottage into a modern home complete with electric car charging station and winery, and undertook a whole house renovation in Presidio Heights.
The firm also completed a 1,600 square feet, high-rise renovation of a condominium in Noe Hill. The Noe Hill home was selected to be featured at the American Institute of Architecture – San Francisco 2014 Architecture City Festival, and featured in the San Francisco Living: Home Tours.
Eastwood Development
3520 20th Street, Unit B San Francisco, CA 94110
Eastwood Development has garnered attention for their modern and elegant remodels in the neighborhoods of San Francisco. In describing their work, they explain, “Each project offers an intriguing set of design and building challenges. Balancing these challenges and keeping our client’s ideal concept in mind is our ultimate goal.”
The firm recently completed projects on Douglas Street, Manchester Street, Rhode Island Street, Beaver Street, Lyon Street, and Valley Street in San Francisco. Their work on a 5-story, 4,850 square feet Dolores Street home was LEED certified and included a two-car Phantom Park Car Elevator. The firm also successfully remodeled a 1911 home in Corona Heights, and a 19th-century Victorian house on Douglas Street.
Eastwood Development’s work has appeared multiple times in publications such as Modern Sanctuary, Curbed SF, and SFGate. Their work on Dolores Street appeared as a cover for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Aaron Gordon Construction
2261 Shafter Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Aaron Gordon Construction is a full-service general contracting firm in San Francisco. Led by founder Aaron Gordon, the team is composed of professionals qualified to take on high-end projects. The firm offers full-home renovation, bathroom, kitchen, exterior, retrofitting, dry rot repair, and home addition construction. Aaron Gordon Construction is a certified NARI member and a BBB accredited business.
Aaron Gordon conducts full-home remodels of century-old houses to mid-century homes. Their notable work on 17th Street involved a 1870s Victorian home. In collaboration with Architect Ari Gessler, the firm transformed the house into a modern home, with an additional 1,000 square feet of livable space, a music room, and a laundry room.
The firm’s work has appeared in Spaces Magazine, Marin Magazine, California Home + Design, San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate, CBS News, and Home Improvement. Their restoration of a 1,700 square feet condo in Russian Hill appeared prominently in California Home + Design.
Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders
355 11th Street, Suite 200 San Francisco, CA 94103
Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders evolved from a small-scale contractor to a large firm with a reputation as a master in executing complex designs. Dan Matarozzi and Dan Pelsinger founded the firm in 1986, and the firm now specializes in historical renovations, remodels, and retrofitting. The firm has become a leader in green building. Many of their recent projects have included repurposed materials, insulation, and extensive green roofs.
Matarozzi Pelsinger received a CH + D Award for sustainable architecture, the AIA SG Merit Award in 2009, the Custom Home Pacesetter Award, the AIA 2017 Housing Award, and the James Beard Award.
The firm has completed numerous projects in Pacific Heights, most notably their work on Skyhaus – as designed by the Aidlin Darling Design – which won an AIA San Francisco Citation Award. Matarozzi also completed a partial remodel of a historical Pacific Heights home which included a seismic upgrade and a grand circular staircase designed by Gast Architects. The firm created a Special Project Division; a rapid response unit for clients’ warranty services which include house and paint maintenance and furnace filter replacement.
Matarozzi Pelsinger’s work has appeared in numerous publications including Dwell, Luxe Interiors + Design, SF Chronicle, Introspective Magazine, ArchDaily, Curbed SF, Remodeling, SFGate, Washington Examiner, San Francisco Magazine, Archpaper, and Travel and Leisure.
Podesta Construction
344 Connecticut Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Podesta Construction, since its establishment in 1986, has specialized in whole-house remodels and residential improvements in San Francisco including San Mateo County. The firm excels in both design and construction – earning them plenty of awards and citations such as multiple National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) awards and a Chrysalis awards. The firm has been named Contractor of the Year twice, in 2004 and 2014.
Podesta Construction specializes in general construction services such as home additions, restoration of historic homes, and room-specific remodeling projects. They offer open communicative, fair and equitable quality, a safe and clean environment, timely project completion and the foundation for a lasting relationship.
The firm’s award-winning projects include a full-house remodel on 17th Street, a 1900 Queen Anne house remodel which won a 2009 Chrysalis Award and a 2008 NARI award, a rooftop deck in Arkansas Street, a whole-house remodel of a 1915 residence, and a modern-day restoration of 1898 Victorian house.
Design Line Construction
60 Dorman Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Design Line Construction is an award-winning, general contracting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Andrew McHale founded the firm in 1998 and the firm has since received acclaim for their work. In 2015, the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) California gave the firm a Residential Merit Award, while AIA-San Francisco included the firm’s work in San Francisco Living Home Tours in 2009, 2011, and 2014.
The firm’s projects include high-end renovations of San Francisco residences and custom construction of contemporary houses. Their remodeling projects include a double-lot in Noe Valley, a 2,800 square feet home in Tank Hill, a modern remodel of an old Victorian house, and a challenging remodel of a house with stabilization issue.
Their work on a 4,500 square foot San Francisco modern home in collaboration with the Feldman Architecture, won them the 2015 Grand Award for Remodeling.
Design Line Construction’s works have appeared in San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle-Home Design, San Francisco Magazine, Luxe, AIA San Francisco, Contemporist, Decoist, Design Milk, Elle Decor Italia, Curbed, Wall Street Journal, Dwell, Inhabitat, Remodelista, and California Home + Design.
Plath & Company General Construction
1575 Francisco Blvd East, San Rafael, CA 94901
Plath & Company is a San Rafael-based construction firm with house remodels and new home construction in San Francisco, including preservation of some of the area’s top historic landmarks. Steve Plath founded the firm forty years ago, and since completed hundreds of residential renovation projects.
Plath is led today by JB Ferrarone, who has 20 years of experience and is committed to continuing Steve’s vision of honesty, artistry, and excellence. Says Ferrarone, “We achieve this with straightforward teamwork, transparent business practice, and proactive problem-solving.”
Plath, a LEED certified builder, offers full-service general construction management from design to the post-completion phase. . The firm completed a remarkable whole-house remodel of a 1920s Pacific Heights corner residence which included a retractable skylight and a rooftop deck. Plath also did an addition for a Presidio Terrace residence in cooperation with the Andrew Skurman Architects, including demolishing a garage to create a 24-feet high wall and handcrafting furniture-like cabinets.
Plath worked with Doma Architects in renovating a near-dilapidated San Francisco property. The house needed a complete reconstruction, and the firm was able to transform it into a contemporary, mid-century home. The firm has received a total of 20 awards, including the Top 500 Contractors from the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI).. In addition, the California Preservation Foundation recognized the firm for its work in the Bourn Mansion and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Jeff King and Company
884 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
Jeff King and Company offer high-quality, beautifully-built remodeling work for residents in San Francisco neighborhoods, and founder Jeff King keeps the firm’s attention on design aesthetics and integrity. His management and commitment earned the firm notable construction recognitions including the Chrysalis Award, the Guildmaster Award for Service Excellence, and a National Association of Remodelling Industry (NARI) award. In addition, Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 2008 included the firm in its list.
The firm remodeled a 920 square foot residence in Cole Valley which appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of Kitchens & Baths Magazine, and their roof deck work for a house on Marina Boulevard won them a NARI award and appeared in Remodeling Magazine. Jeff King also worked on a 4,300 square foot whole house remodel of a 1929 beaux-style home in Pacific Heights that was featured in the March 2018 issue of Silicon Valley Modern Luxury .
Jeff King offers services that include all phases of construction, including a close-out warranty and maintenance guide for clients. The firm is also committed to sustainability, having undergone green building professional training.
The firm’s work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, EcoHome Magazine, Gardenista, Remodelista, San Francisco Business Times, Sunset Magazine, California Home and Design, The Architect’s Newspaper, Where Magazine, Dwell, Imagine Magazine, and House & Garden SA.
