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The Best Residential Renovation Contractors in Oakland, California

March 1, 2024 8 Min Read
Photo for HDR Remodeling

Oakland is on a flat coastal plain on the eastern side of San Francisco Bay. This city-state in the Mediterranean has a mild climate and is home to more than 430,000 people. With so many places to eat, shop, and have fun, residents and tourists will always have things to do and see. As the area grows, people from nearby places come to Oakland because it feels like a small town, and they can start new businesses there. 

Find eight of the best residential renovation contractors in Oakland, California, in this article. These impressive companies were judged based on their strong portfolios, long history of happy clients, and awards and honors. No matter the project’s size, scope, or difficulty, these companies have shown they can do an excellent job of helping clients achieve their goals. 


HDR Remodeling

5677 Horton Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

HDR Remodeling is a full-service design-build firm that has served California and its nearby areas with exceptional projects and extensive services. Since its inception in 1988, the firm has earned an impressive portfolio that showcases its ability to deliver high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. No matter the project’s size, scope, and complexity, the firm offers a one-stop-shop solution that can meticulously handle every detail from the initial project conceptualization until the project handover. The firm utilizes an integrated process called the “HDR Remodeling Start-to-Finish Process,” which divides each project into three phases: planning, preparation, and production. This strategy allows the firm to keep the project on track, making the budget less likely to go over. As a result, the firm has earned a long list of satisfied clients who testify to its quality and professionalism. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Rand Oakland Bathroom Remodel. The contemporary design uses clean whites, soothing grays, and statement bronze fixtures that create a sleek and sophisticated look. The firm added patterned floor tiles and creative storage solutions to bridge the gap between a luxury spa master bath and a helpful family bath. The new bathroom is perfect for relaxing after a long, stressful day. 


DLR Custom Builders

2160 41st Ave, Oakland, CA 94601

Since its inception in 1983, DLR Custom Builders has helped clients across California and its nearby areas with their unique construction and remodeling needs. With 40 years of experience, the firm has focused on residential buildings. It offers a one-stop-shop solution that includes in-house design, cost planning, installation, consultation, supervision, and other related services. Whether a simple kitchen remodel or a full-scale home renovation project, the firm takes an integrated and personalized approach to manage each project and ensure it is completed on schedule and within debugging. The firm only takes a few clients a year as its principals are hands-on with every project. Over the years, the firm has built many solid relationships with its clients, suppliers, and trade partners. 

In this featured project, the firm did a few renovations to the 41st Avenue Kitchen. The old kitchen from the early 1990s needed an update to meet its client’s current needs and goals. The firm renovated the space with raised-panel natural wood cabinet doors, laminate countertops, and vinyl flooring to make it look and feel new.


Oliver Builders

1031 Pardee St, Berkeley, CA 94710

Since its inception in 1993, Oliver Builders has solidified its reputation as an industry leader with its impressive portfolio and solid track record of satisfied clients. Severin Oliver founded the firm, intending to create an expert team with a unique knowledge of the area. Its integrated and personalized approach allows it to better understand the client’s vision and turn it into reality. The firm’s expert team focuses on communication, collaboration, and solid relationships to ensure a smooth project delivery and an enjoyable experience for its clients. Oliver Builders focuses on building homes and is ready for the challenges when remodeling unique homes in an area prone to earthquakes. From new homes, large second-story adds, and striking kitchens and bathrooms, the firm utilizes quality craftsmanship, creative techniques, and cost-efficient solutions to ensure each project exceeds expectations.

The Rockridge Kitchen is one of the firm’s notable projects. It features a transitional design with a unique mix of white and wooden elements. The blue backsplash is the focal point of the space, adding a pop of color to the overall design. The unique U-shaped layout creates an efficient workflow and lots of workspace and storage.


Smith & Son Construction

817 Arnold Dr Ste 11 & 12, Martinez, CA 94553

Smith & Son Construction has built and upgraded homes across California since 2017. Although the firm has only been in the industry for a decade, it has earned an impressive portfolio that showcases its quality and professionalism. The firm understands that every project is unique, so it takes time to get to know its clients and create customized solutions that fit their needs and exceed expectations. Its integrated and personalized approach allows it to handle every part of the project meticulously and watch for every detail. The firm’s long list of satisfied clients is a testament to its ability to deliver successful results with the best value possible. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is this stunning home addition for a home office. The new addition was seamlessly integrated into the original home’s layout and character. It features large windows that bring light and breeze to the space. 


Jack Stabb

6982 Exeter Dr, Oakland, CA 94611

Since its inception in 1980, Jack Stabb has built, fixed up, and remodeled homes across California and its nearby areas. The firm specializes in custom additions and has done simple and complex repairs. From high-end kitchen and bathroom remodels to historic home renovations, seismic alterations and upgrades, structural corrections, and business improvements and repairs, Jack’s finished projects meet the highest standards of quality and accomplishment. This is possible with its expert designers, builders, and project managers who work hard to create well-thought-out, cost-efficient solutions offering the best value potential. Its impressive portfolio features a variety of exceptional projects and showcases its capabilities to guarantee satisfaction and exceed expectations. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is this kitchen and family room in Berkeley. The firm added a new kitchen with a family room and made changes to two bedroom areas . The latest addition was seamlessly integrated into the original home.


Gordon Reese Design Build

3021 Citrus Cir #170, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Gordon Reese Design Build is a reliable team of designers, builders, and project managers committed to helping clients realize their dream homes. The firm has been in the industry for 39 years, earning an impressive portfolio and a solid track record. It offers a one-stop-shop solution for its clients, handling everything, whether planning and remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, whole houses, or additions. From the first idea to the finished project, the firm works closely with its clients to guide them throughout the process and equip them with the proper knowledge to make sound decisions. Its dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction has earned the firm a long list of clients returning for their following projects. 

This refreshing kitchen remodel perfectly exemplifies the firm’s quality and professionalism. It features a neutral color scheme with clean lines and sleek finishes that create a bright and airy feel. The unique U-shaped layout with the island strategically placed at the center makes a visually pleasing and functional design. 


A2Z Remodeling

3291 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

A2Z Remodeling is a general construction firm that was founded in 2019. This up-and-coming firm has only been in the industry for four years but has solidified its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy contractor. It has earned an impressive portfolio that showcases its ability to deliver exceptional projects and unbeatable customer service. Whether it is a simple kitchen remodel or a full-scale home renovation project, the firm offers the capabilities of a big, experienced company while maintaining a personalized, hands-on approach of a small one. Its focus on communication and collaboration allows it to build solid relationships with its clients and ensure a smooth and seamless project delivery. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is this stunning kitchen. It features a transitional design with clean lines, white walls, ceiling, and cabinetry, creating a sleek and elegant look. The wooden cabinetry and accents balance out all the white, adding visual interest to the space. The large windows and glass sliding doors bring in a lot of natural light and breeze. 


Conscious Construction

1133 Ohio Ave, Richmond, CA 94804

Conscious Construction was founded by people who wanted to make a good change in the industry. Since its inception in 2006, the firm has worked with many clients, architects, and other design professionals to create stunning projects that offer the best value possible. It strives for continuous learning and improvement to perfect its processes and ensure an enjoyable experience for its clients. It has built many solid relationships with long-term workers and excellent subcontractors who share the firm’s core values in serving its clients. It utilizes high-quality craftsmanship, creative design-build techniques, cost-effective solutions, and sustainable practices to create projects that change people’s lives and improve the community. Conscious Construction is dedicated to becoming even more of a leader in the green building movement and building its reputation as a socially responsible builder.

This San Francisco Edwardian flat had preserved most of its original character and charm, but the current state of this late 1980s kitchen needed a renovation. The rebuilt area has historically correct features, including two-tone painted custom inset face frame cabinetry, Marmoleum linoleum floors, bespoke bifold exterior doors, and book-matched Italian marble counters. Professional appliances, LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, and a back-mirrored bar make this galley modern.

Author

  • Shahe Demirdjian

    Shahe is an Editor at San Francisco Architects with around four years of experience as a writer and editor in the construction space. Shahe has always had a huge interest in commercial/residential construction and real estate. On top of his experience at San Francisco Architects, he has two years of experience as a Construction Partner Specialist at BuildZoom and six years of experience as a licensed real estate agent. In his work, he takes advantage of his expertise to take complex technical jargon from those realms and transform them into accessible, engaging content, blending his business administration expertise with a degree from Arizona State University with his experiential insights. Expertise: Architecture, Home Design and Build, Home Remodeling Key Highlights: Arizona Real Estate - Licensed Salesperson Education: Arizona State University - Bachelors in Business Administration

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