Oakland’s waterfront is located across the bay from San Francisco. But the bay is just the beginning of this unique metropolis. The bay may nestle Oakland, but the vast metropolis extends inland, and it has a thriving downtown surrounded by hills and redwood forests.
If you’re looking to build an office or home in this beautiful city, you will find the best construction companies serving Oakland, California on this list. Each firm was carefully selected by our team for the strength of its portfolio, the awards it has earned, its industry affiliations, and its press features.
BBI Construction
1155 Third Street, Suite 230, Oakland, CA 94607
BBI Construction is a mid-sized general contractor that has been providing quality construction to the Greater San Francisco Bay Area since 1974. It specializes in urban infill, renovations, new schools, multifamily housing, commercial, and institutional building projects. Most of its developments are privately negotiated, and its employees enjoy working on challenging, exciting projects.
Morris (Moe) Wright and Thomas McCoy, both University of California-Berkeley graduates, lead BBI. It has a dynamic team dedicated to honesty, integrity, equality, and integrity in all aspects of its work and relationships. The firm frequently gets involved in projects early in the design process to help with budget planning and prefers to work as a team member with designers and owners.
Branagh Construction
750 Kevin Court, Oakland, CA 94621
Branagh Construction is a family-owned business, now in its fourth-generation leadership. The firm has been building in the Bay Area for over nine decades. John Branagh founded the company in 1917, and he believed that quality people produce a quality product. The majority of Branagh’s work has been as members of such teams. The firm has been able to provide the continual budget checks that help keep a project on track, as well as recommending the techniques, methods, and materials of construction which ensure quality while controlling costs.
Upon graduating from TCU, John stayed in Texas and worked in construction as a project engineer, estimator, superintendent, and project manager. In 2009, John moved back to California to join the Branagh team as an estimator, and in 2014, he stepped into the role of president. Under his watch, Branagh Construction’s works have appeared on the pages of the San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Multifamily Executive, East Bay Times, and The Mercury News.
Huff Construction Company
4917 Stoddard Road, Modesto, CA 95356
Huff Construction has been a renowned commercial contractor since 1971, building quality commercial spaces that add value to the communities it serves. The company has a passion for innovation and brings a commitment to quality to every job it completes. It also has an unwavering commitment to personal and professional integrity and has become a premier general contractor by providing outstanding quality and value to all its clients.
Huff Construction’s experience as a general contractor includes building various project types across diverse industries, including affordable housing, hotels, healthcare centers, supermarkets, warehouses, retail centers, self-storage facilities, private schools, fitness centers, and more. It holds affiliations with the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, and there are multiple LEED-accredited professionals and LEED Green Associates on the team.
DC Construction
1068 44th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601
DC Construction is a full-service construction company offering ground-up building construction, building renovation, historical restoration, and seismic upgrading. The firm’s goal is to provide its clients with exceptional project management service and the highest quality of craftsmanship. Its philosophy is to provide excellent customer satisfaction and deliver each project on time and within budget. That approach continues today and has earned the studio scores of satisfied and repeated clients happy to discuss their experiences with the firm.
For more than 30 years and under the leadership of Donny Chu, DC Construction has developed long-lasting relationships with its team of qualified subcontractors, whose experience and expertise, along with good teamwork skills, have allowed the company to offer clients strong design-build and value engineering services. With over 36 years of experience in the business, Donny has been licensed since 1986 as a general builder and electrical and plumbing contractor. He is experienced in the commercial, residential, and governmental sectors and has also overseen large-scale renovation work as well as the design and build of custom residential kitchens and bathrooms.
Black Creek Builders, Inc.
4096 Piedmont Avenue, #240, Oakland, CA 94611
Black Creek Builders is a full-service general contractor specializing in commercial restaurant build-outs, tenant improvements, multi-unit mixed-use construction, residential additions and renovations, and historical remodeling. It employs licensed electricians and plumbers and offers in-house services in all major trades.
Travis Wirt, the company’s founder, is a third-generation contractor from the Bay Area. Travis started in residential restoration and grew into whole-house remodels and additions, new construction, and then into commercial structures. He was always devoted to bold ideas and driven by the desire to expand.
Black Creek became a go-to contractor for restaurant build-outs, tenant improvements, historical revitalization, multi-unit residential, and retail development projects during the Bay Area’s emerging development rise. The press, including 7×7 Bay Area, featured its exemplary works.
Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins
6624 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc. of Oakland, California, is a renowned design-build home remodeling firm specializing in kitchen and bathroom design and whole house remodeling. Family-owned since 1950, the company has a long-standing reputation for high standards, unique design, fine-quality craftsmanship, and customer service.
Currently, Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc. is still family-owned. The showroom is still in Oakland, on Telegraph Avenue, the exact location where John first opened his doors in 1950. Jerry Wilkins, the studio’s current president and CEO, has over 40 years of experience in design, project management, and general contracting in commercial and residential construction, remodeling, and innovation.
The company is recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
building Lab
999 43rd Street, Oakland, CA 94608
Established in 2001, building Lab is an innovative design-build firm specializing in residential remodeling. It is an award-winning firm specializing in thoughtful and highly refined residential design and building. It is passionate about modern architecture, dedicated to precision quality construction, and committed to green building practices.
Discovering innovative solutions for the program’s specifics and context is a challenge the company gladly embraces. The firm has a unique ability to offer intelligent, practical, and sustainable solutions that support its clients’ goals.
Stephen Shoup founded this innovative firm in 2001 based on his belief in a holistic approach to the design and building processes. He is a qualified Green Point Rater and Advisor who received his formal architecture training at UC Berkeley and The Architectural Association in London.
Gordon Reese Design Build
3021 Citrus Circle, #170, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Gordon Reese Design Build is an award-winning, family-owned home remodeling studio that acknowledges the importance of each home. The firm is equipped to create its client’s dream space. The team takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs first, then designs each space with an inclusive belief that all people—-regardless of age, ability, or size—deserve the right space.
The firm specializes in additions, kitchens, bathrooms, whole houses, ADUs, and outdoor projects in Walnut Creek, Danville, Orinda, Alamo, Lafayette, San Ramon, Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez. The team is led by NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler and NARI Universal Design Certified Professional Gordon B. Reese III, who has been in the business for over 39 years. Under Gordon’s watch, some of the studio’s projects have been featured by HGTV, Qualified Remodeler, and NewsWire.
MN Builders
2400 Union Street, Oakland, CA 94607
For 40 years, MN Builders has provided high-end construction and building services for clients in the Bay Area. It is a full-service, full-spectrum general contracting company with a large precision state-of-the-art cabinet shop. The studio is well-known for its commitment to sustainable building materials and educating other builders on the benefits of green building.
Under the presidency of Rich Robb—who also serves as the firm’s CEO— MN’s cabinet and mill-working shop are solar-powered. It currently employs 30 people in its mill-working shop and offices and 55 employees in the construction end of the business.
In 2022, MN Builders was acknowledged with the Outstanding Residential Remodel Design Award from the City of Piedmont. Its projects can also be seen on the pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, LUXE Interiors + Design, and Remodelista.
Wolfe, Inc.
655 65th Street, Oakland, CA 94609
Wolfe, Inc. brings over 30 years of remodeling, renovation, and new construction experience to every job. It ensures that every project element, from design to execution, is completed in accordance with the highest possible standards. The company’s portfolio includes additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and general construction, all custom designed and built. The firm prides itself on elegant design, the highest quality artistry, and timely communication throughout the project to ensure a smooth and stress-free environment.
Led by Spencer Wolfe, the firm is a visionary, socially conscious company committed to making beautiful spaces for people to live, eat, and work. It prioritizes fair working practices, safety, and workplace happiness. The studio invests heavily in professional development to ensure it is continually employing best practices, using the newest tools, and offering clients the best options for sustainable resources. Its highly skilled and creative team is its greatest asset. They make working with Wolfe, Inc. an enjoyable experience through every step.
