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The Best Residential Contractors in Oakland, California

February 22, 2024 9 Min Read

Oakland, California, is a city brimming with a unique blend of cultural diversity, artistic expression, and a deep sense of community. Nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland’s charm lies in its stunning waterfront views and the vibrant neighborhoods that make up this dynamic city. Whether you’ve called Oakland home for years or are a newcomer drawn to its rich tapestry of experiences, one thing remains certain: the desire to create a living space that truly reflects your lifestyle and aspirations.

You’re in luck if you’re considering a residential renovation project in Oakland. In this guide, we’ve meticulously curated a selection of the city’s finest residential contractors. Our team has diligently assessed their track records, craftsmanship, client feedback, and industry accolades to bring you a list of professionals renowned for their dedication to excellence. These contractors specialize in turning your renovation dreams into reality, whether you envision a revamped kitchen, upgraded bathroom, or complete home transformation. 


Canyon Design Build

3630 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610

With five decades of experience and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Canyon Design Build (CDB) was founded in 1966 as the Federal Modernization and Building Company. Its journey has been defined by integrity, collaborative teamwork, and exceptional craftsmanship. The firm provides a comprehensive range of services, covering all phases. This includes preconstruction activities such as space planning, design, architectural drafting, and obtaining permits.

Nestled in the heart of the East Bay, CDB specializes in many projects, including kitchen and bath remodels, home additions, and complete home renovations. Its capabilities extend to green remodeling, rental unit conversions, seismic reinforcement, and outdoor structures.

As a Bay Area Green Business Program member and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the firm prioritizes sustainable practices. Its recognition as one of Remodeling Magazine’s Top 550 Full-Service Remodelers underscores its commitment to excellence. Featured in Dwell Magazine, the firm’s story is intertwined with the Pinsley family legacy. 


FMS Projects

4200 Broadway A, Oakland, CA 94611

FMSProjects, an esteemed remodeling firm, places a strong emphasis on open communication, offering realistic pricing, and providing meticulous attention to detail. With 30 years of dedicated service in the Bay Area, it has consistently delivered remarkable craftsmanship, spanning many projects from kitchens and bathrooms to home additions and basement conversions.

The firm’s founder, Frank Silver, carries his unwavering passion for construction within the company and throughout his everyday life. Whether breathing new life into vintage Vespas or reviving old guitars, Silver’s commitment to revitalization shines through in all he touches.

FMSProjects holds affiliations with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and EPA certification. Notably, its dedication to excellence earned the team the 2021 Piedmont Planning for Seamless Addition Commission Award and was also recognized by Oakland Magazine.


Cameron Habel Construction

3693 Lily St, Oakland, CA 94619

Established in 1993, Cameron Habel Construction, an award-winning company with Green Building certification, delivers exceptional solutions to its clients. It prioritizes collaboration, communication, and meticulous planning in its approach. The firm primarily aims to craft enduring, visually appealing structures that add value.

Cameron Habel Construction holds affiliations with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and Build It Green. Its dedication to excellence has earned the team recognition, including a Second Place award in the Bay Area Remmie Awards’ Residential Kitchen over $100,000 category.

Photo by: Ren Dodge Photography

Some of the company’s works can be seen in SFGate, demonstrating its commitment to quality and its projects. Led by president Cameron C. Habel, the team brings expertise from top institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, UC San Diego, and the California College of Arts and Crafts, contributing to its legacy of excellence.


Levitch Associates

1029 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710

Levitch Associates, a three-generation family business founded in 1960, offers a unique blend of architectural and construction expertise for residential and commercial projects. With a history spanning six decades, it has had the privilege of enhancing countless homes and businesses. The firm’s diverse portfolio encompasses everything from single-room renovations to expansive additions, major remodels, and the design and construction of custom homes. 

Levitch holds affiliations with esteemed organizations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Its commitment to excellence is further exemplified by its recognition in the 2022 Top 500 Remodelers List, a testament to its dedication to quality craftsmanship.

Photo by: Treve Johnson

Principal Maurice Levitch, AIA has been an integral part of the firm’s journey, starting his involvement in the family business at 11. Maurice’s passion for design-build led him to obtain his general contracting license before completing his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design in 1984. By 1991, he had also earned his architect’s license. Today, as president of Levitch Associates, Inc., Maurice spearheads projects as the principal architect and oversees all operational facets of the company.


MN Builders

2400 Union St, Oakland, CA 94607

For four decades, MN Builders has been a trusted name in high-quality construction and building services, serving clients across the Bay Area. It is a comprehensive general contracting company that covers the entire spectrum of construction needs, having a state-of-the-art cabinet shop renowned for its precision. The firm’s cabinet and mill-working shop runs on solar power, reflecting its commitment to a cleaner, greener future. With 30 skilled individuals in its mill-working shop and offices and a dedicated team of 55 professionals in construction, MN Builders brings unparalleled expertise to every project.

Recognized for its excellence, MN Builders earned the 2022 Outstanding Residential Remodel Design Award from the City of Piedmont and has garnered attention in publications like Architectural Digest.

Rich Robb is the company’s president and CEO, whose 17 years of dedication have seen him rise from project manager to general manager and now CEO. Robb holds a BA in studio art and urban studies from the University of Minnesota, embodying the team’s commitment to excellence in both form and function.


Wheeler Design Build

651 Santa Ray Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Wheeler Design Build, based in Oakland, California, is a family owned, operated, full-service design and build company. Its expertise lies in delivering modern and environmentally conscious design-build services for remodeling and construction projects. Wheeler Design Build believes in the power of the combined design-build model for residential and small-scale commercial projects.

Whether its clients are embarking on a new construction venture or planning a remodel, the team offers the finest modern, contemporary, and green design and consultation services. Its design offerings cater to projects of varying scales, from those in the early stages of conception to those with construction timelines further down the road. This approach allows the clients to break down larger projects into manageable phases in terms of time and financial resources.

Wheeler Design Build’s principal, Ezra Wheeler, holds three decades of experience in the field. With a background in carpentry and a professional degree in architecture from The University of Texas at Austin, Ezra brings a unique blend of skills. His work is marked by a strong commitment to green building practices, a modern look, and an unwavering dedication to crafting the best solutions for the studio’s clients.


Blues Brothers Construction

761 Mabury Rd, Suite 120, San Jose, CA 95113

Blues Brothers Construction is a company where design meets expertise. It takes a unique approach to the construction industry and is not just another company that outsources design work—it is the designer itself. With years of experience and a keen eye for architectural detail, it ensures that projects meet the necessary codes and stand out with their logical and creative designs. The company specializes in discovering original solutions, whether crafting custom cabinets or repurposing existing fixtures, all while keeping the client’s budget in mind.

Blues Brothers Construction is a member of the Better Business Bureau. The firm is also not about awards but delivering exceptional design and construction that exceeds expectations.

The team is led by principal Onn Cohen, serving as the CEO and president. Cohen leads a team dedicated to making its clients’ construction dreams a reality. At Blues Brothers Construction, design, expertise, and creativity unite to redefine the homeowner’s construction journey.


Bear Remodeling

2678 N Main St, Unit #28, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Bear Remodeling is a family-owned, fully licensed, bonded, and insured firm specializing in home remodeling services. It is a locally owned and operated company, deeply committed to honesty and integrity in every facet of its work. The firm’s approach to home improvement is tailored to suit the unique requirements of each project. It takes immense satisfaction in the quality of its craftsmanship and its unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional results. The company aims to cultivate enduring connections with its clients, ensuring their satisfaction with every endeavor.

Bear Remodeling is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, a testament to its commitment to ethical business practices. While its work speaks for itself, its focus remains on its clients’ needs. Idan Harush, the principal and owner, leads the team with a passion for excellence and a dedication to exceeding expectations. With the Bear Remodeling team, homeowners will find a reliable partner for all their home remodeling needs.