As the third-biggest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland is known for its thriving economy. Established as a trading center, the city attracts many companies and entrepreneurs to set up their businesses here. A lot of companies from various parts of the state are considering moving to town to enjoy the opportunities Oakland has to offer.
Once you decide to open up your business here, you may find it challenging to look for a contractor, as the options may be too overwhelming. In this guide, we have compiled the best commercial contractors in Oakland to help you decide. We recommend you compare each contractor based on their credentials, specialization, and past clients. Each firm on this list was picked for its proven track record and positive reputation among clients and industry partners.
Suffolk Construction Company
525 Market St., Suite #2850, San Francisco, CA 94105
Suffolk Construction Company is one of the top commercial contractors in the U.S. Since 1982, the construction firm has had extensive experience in providing superior-quality building solutions across all regions. With 10 offices across three regions, the company has in-depth knowledge and expertise in local construction, codes, and requirements, making it the go-to contractor for all types of projects. Operating for 40 years, the firm has established itself as a leader in sustainable construction, focusing on providing efficient, environmentally friendly, and original building practices.
Recognized as one of the biggest contractors in the country, Suffolk Construction Company generates $5 billion in annual revenue. The firm is anchored on the principles of hard work and collaboration, employing a team of highly skilled builders with decades of experience across all industries. In 2022, the company was honored with the Best Commercial Project at the Pacific Coast Builder Conference Gold Nugget Awards. The 1700 Webster serves as one of the company’s most prominent projects and became the first high-rise building in Oakland to be constructed since 2008. Suffolk Construction built a 24-story residential tower that underwent a comprehensive and detailed pre-construction service.
Pankow Builders
1 Sutter St., Suite #200, San Francisco, CA 94109
San Francisco-based Pankow Builders is a full-service construction company serving clients throughout California. Since 1963, the firm has provided complete building solutions for commercial projects, focusing on preconstruction, delivery methods, virtual design and construction, self-performance, and delivery services. Collaboration is key to the contractor’s process, ensuring the customer’s vision is incorporated from inception to execution. Spearheading the firm is President and Chairman Dave Eichten, who is directly involved in the operations, including the planning, production, and scheduling.
Since the firm was established, Pankow Builders has completed projects ranging from simple build-outs to complex construction. With a team of problem solvers, the firm provides practical and efficient general contracting and design-build services using the latest tools and practices. One of the firm’s projects, the Center Twenty-One, located in Oakland, is worth mentioning. Pankow integrated sustainable design and techniques into building the tower, earning the firm a Certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) CS Gold Award.
Plant Construction Company
300 Newhall St., San Francisco, CA 94214
Founded in 1947, Plant Construction Company is a veteran commercial builder offering exceptional building services for customers across the Bay Area and South California. For 75 years, the firm has provided general contracting services, delivering projects ranging from historic restorations and adaptive reuse to large-scale renovations. The general contractor is composed of a team of highly skilled carpenters, project managers, architects, engineers, and staff with decades of experience across all aspects of construction.
Over the years, Plant Construction Company has established itself as one of the most reliable commercial builders in Oakland and surrounding areas. It has won numerous awards for its original build-outs, including recognition from various industry organizations, such as the Associated General Contractors of America, the Design-Build Institute of America, and the Pacific Coast Builders Association. The 2201 Broadway, located in Oakland, is a noteworthy project of the firm. Plant Construction was hired to renovate the 1931 Art Deco building, including tenant improvements, cosmetic remodels, and relocation of the entrance.
Ironwood Commercial Builders
3953 Industrial Wy., Suite E, Concord, CA 94520
Ironwood Commercial Builders is a well-respected construction company that provides a full scope of general contracting services across various types of industries. Since 2006, the firm has produced exceptional-quality build-outs, focusing on renovations, tenant improvements, preservation, and restoration services. The company has 15 years of experience in building structures from the ground up, particularly in the commercial and office sectors, as well as high-profile government projects. As a woman-operated company, Ironwood is committed to diversity and employs a group of talented professional builders with years of expertise in different areas of construction.
Over the years, the firm has received multiple recognitions, including the Construction Excellence Award and Outstanding Craftsmanship from The Wall and Ceiling Alliance. The Kaiser Oakland Specialty Medical Office Building is a notable project of the firm, which was tasked with constructing a medical office building. With outstanding results, the project earned the company the WACA Institutional Exterior Construction Excellence Award.
Mar Con Builders
8108A Capwell Dr., Oakland, CA 94621
Mar Con Builders is a trusted general contractor in Oakland, providing high-quality construction services for clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 2013, the commercial contractor has completed projects in various industries, particularly in the commercial, healthcare, office, education, technology, civic, and municipal sectors. Its services range from general contracting and tenant improvements to ground-up construction and design-build solutions.
Mar Con Builders is composed of a team of specialists with expertise in construction, carpentry, concrete work, and steel erection. Their experience allows them to work more efficiently with the region’s top subcontractors. Since its establishment, the construction company has earned numerous certifications, such as those from the Associated General Contractors of America, the Wall and Ceiling Alliance, and the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council.
The Kaiser Oakland Specialty Medical Office Building serves as one of the firm’s notable projects. Mar Con Builders was hired to renovate the existing building and install weatherproof windows.
Source Planning & Construction
909 Montgomery St., Suite #101, San Francisco, CA 94133
As one of the leading commercial contractors in Oakland, Source Planning & Construction provides exceptional-quality building services for a wide range of clients. Founded in 2010, the reliable builder offers complete construction services, ranging from minor to major renovations. The firm’s team of experienced planners and builders have deep knowledge and expertise across various areas of construction. Operating for a decade, the company has developed an efficient and systematic method from inception to completion.
With a collaborative approach, Source Planning & Construction guarantees clients a straightforward and faster process, ensuring the client’s wants and needs are reflected in every aspect of the project. This has resulted in establishing long-lasting relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors. The firm is strongly committed to using sustainable practices and is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Turnitin in Oakland is a notable project of the firm. The commercial contractor was hired to design and build a multi-floor building with plenty of open-floor concepts for this project.
Constructive Solutions
351 California St., Suite. B200, San Francisco, CA 94104
Since 2010, Constructive Solutions has provided exceptional general contracting services for clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Specializing in commercial construction, the firm offers complete building solutions, ranging from simple renovations to large-scale construction. With offices in San Francisco and San Mateo, the contractor has established a wide network of architects, engineers, and suppliers, working with the top subcontractors in the state. Its projects include corporate, retail, medical, and educational sectors.
Constructive Solutions is recognized for providing creative design and building services and has earned a solid reputation for consistently delivering exceptional results. Its team is composed of dedicated and talented builders who value quality, schedule, and budget. From planning and management to execution, the firm ensures every aspect of the project is up to standard. The ThredUP Tenant Improvement in Oakland is a prominent project of the firm, in which it was assigned to renovate the building, creating an elegant, modern, and spacious design for the tenants.
