Santa Barbara, California, has nearly perfect temperatures all year round, which makes it great for outdoor activities, and that brings people from all over the world. At events like the Summer Solstice Celebration, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, thousands of people flock to the area. To the north is the city of Goleta; to the south are the sleepy beach towns of Summerland and Carpinteria. There is also the trendy town of Montecito, where many celebrities live. The area is about 3,800 square miles wide and includes the Channel Islands National Park and 300 wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
This article lists eight of the best general contractors working in Santa Barbara, California. These impressive firms were chosen for their skills, experience, expertise, and ability to exceed client expectations.
Giffin & Crane General Contractors LLC
800 N Milpas Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Bruce Giffin and Geoff Crane founded Giffin & Crane General Contractors to build and fix up great homes for great people. Since its inception in 1986, the firm has been dedicated to delivering exceptional services to clients across California and the neighboring area. Its integrated approach and streamlined and optimized processes allow it to understand each client’s unique vision and turn that vision into a reality. The firm knew it could reach its goals faster and better if it worked together, so it focused on communication, collaboration, and building long-lasting relationships with some of the area’s best suppliers and trade partners. Its highly-skilled designers, builders, and project managers are committed to delivering high-quality craftsmanship, creative techniques, and the latest materials and technologies. These processes have consistently delivered successful results.
The unique and welcoming front porch and brand-new entryway are two of the best parts of this major renovation. These features updated the house’s appearance without significant structural changes. The new look appeals to the owners’ East Coast tastes, but it still has a real California vibe in the outdoor living areas.
Leonard Unander Associates, Inc.
1328 De La Vina Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Leonard Unander Associates has solidified its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy contractor serving Santa Barbara and the surrounding area. Founded in 1997, the firm has an impressive portfolio that showcases its ability to deliver high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. Its team of expert architects, engineers, and project managers have a strong sense of ethics and maintain careful attention to detail. The result is a smooth and seamless project delivery. As a family-run business, the firm prioritizes communication, collaboration, and close working relationships to create an enjoyable experience for its clients. The goal of every construction job for the firm is to build a personalized home that meets its client’s needs and exceeds expectations. The firm has satisfied its clients and they are willing to testify to the firm’s quality work and professional approach.
This unique home was built in 1910, so the firm was tasked to do all the renovations to update it. The work included adding a garage underground, fixing the structure, adding a main bathroom, building a new pool, and installing all-new mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. The new space features a stunning transitional design and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Projects General Construction
21 E. Carrilo Street, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Founded in 2006, Projects General Construction has served exceptional construction services across California and the neighboring area. It has earned a reputation as an industry leader through its commitment, high-quality work, and proven skill that results in successful projects. The firm has delivered on a variety of projects, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and outdoor areas. Its team of experts offers clients years of knowledge, skill, and experience. They seek to understand each client’s vision and turn it into a unique space that exceeds expectations. Its one-stop-shop solutions allow the firm to handle every part of the project meticulously from start to finish, ensuring successful results.
This Charming Mesa home’s living room and bathroom were completely renovated. The firm added in a few custom built-ins that made all the difference in the world for this home. By making the fireplace brighter and changing the wood fence with iron, the living room now feels more open—it all makes you want to stay for a while.
Becker Studios
412 E Haley Street #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Becker Studios takes a new approach to design and building by offering a one-stop-shop that blends creativity and speed. Since its inception in 1997, the firm has focused on delivering luxury design, construction, and development across Santa Barbara and the neighboring area. It takes a hands-on and collaborative approach to managing each project, guiding its clients throughout the buying, planning, building, and decorating phases. The firm’s team of experts is dedicated to delivering successful results and cares deeply about each job. The firm has a knack for orderly planning and a preference for classic, yet unique, styles. As a result, the firm offers the perfect mix of stunning form and flawless function while keeping the client’s goals and mission to reuse, remake, and recycle at the center of every project.
The well-known builder Reginald Johnson created this Spanish Colonial house in the 1920s, and the firm was tasked to update and modernize it. The property features five bedrooms, stylish rooms, verandas, a sparkling pool, a spa, a 2-bedroom cabin, and two separate cars. This house is informed by the style, quality, and luxurious living that Santa Barbara offers.
Dovetail Projects
103 N Nopal Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Dovetail Projects is an up-and-coming firm that serves exceptional projects across California and the neighboring areas. Founded in 2021, the firm focuses on perfecting its processes to ensure smooth delivery and a stress-free client experience. The firm believes every construction project should be a team effort between the client, the designer, and the builder. It the firm uses tried-and-true design-build methods and meticulous management to pay close attention to the budget, plan, and figures that go into every project. The firm’s designers, builders, and project managers complete big and small luxury projects while giving their customers the best quality and service possible. As a result, the firm has earned a long list of satisfied clients who testify to its ability to exceed client expectations.
The firm remodeled this traditional house to make it a modern dream home for a young family with high-end tastes. A 300-square-foot kitchen addition was built, and the whole house was redone. Modern, frameless inner doors, white wood floors, and walnut cabinets were added to create a stunning transitional space. Dovetail finished the kitchen island by giving it a marble waterfall edge and a stone splash to go with it.
Clear Construction
525 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Clear Construction is a full-service general construction firm committed to making the building process more straightforward, transparent, and efficient. Founded in 2017, the firm has established an impressive portfolio that showcases its ability to deliver high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. Its dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction allows it to pay close attention to every detail, which leads to accurate communication and the best craftsmanship. The firm employs comprehensive project management to ensure thoughtful planning. That saves money and keeps the project on schedule. Design, custom drawings and models, finish carpentry, and custom cabinets and furniture production: the firm’s one-stop-shop solutions ensure a stress-free experience.
This Santa Barbara kitchen was updated by adding modern, custom-built cabinets and an extended bench with a white quartz countertop. The firm focused on creating a minimalist design by using simple things that make a big difference.
Associated Construction
910 St Vincent Avenue #4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Associated Construction has been in the business since 1990, delivering high-quality projects across Santa Barbara, California, and the neighboring area. With over 30 years of experience, the firm focuses on delivering stunning spaces that will meet its clients’ needs and exceed their expectations. The firm offers single-source solutions, and that approach allows it to meticulously manage each part of the project from start to finish. The firm’s work can be seen all over Santa Barbara, and it’s known as one of the best contractors in the area. With hundreds of happy customers, the firm is committed to improving its processes to ensure the best value on every project. Whether it is a new build, a renovation, or a unique luxury home, the firm is committed to understanding each client’s vision and turning it into a reality.
This stunning kitchen remodel is one of the firm’s notable projects. It features a minimalist, transitional design with white countertops, a blue backsplash, wooden cabinetry, and hardwood floors that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen island is strategically placed to create an efficient workflow as well as plenty of workspace and storage.
Manzo Construction
424 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Manzo Construction was founded by Martin Manzo in 1999 as a general contractor focused on helping clients with their unique construction needs. Since then, the firm has set the standard for high-quality work by paying attention to the details. The firm kept growing and expanding to serve the ever-changing needs of its clients, ensuring successful results and the best possible value. Its expert team offers years of experience and skills in understanding each client’s ideas, vision, and needs. Whether it is a new home, a significant update of any size, or the best carpentry, the firm ensures that every client gets top-quality work.
This Montecito oceanfront contemporary condo renovation in Bonnymede includes a living room and main bedroom bathed in light from walls of glass opening to a deck. The new open floor plan, the wide-plank white oak floors, the recessed lighting, and the white marble countertops create a bright, airy atmosphere.
