The kitchen is a communal space, a place where family comes together to prepare a meal, then break bread. Many of us remember the kitchen for a far more simple reason: we spend a good deal of our lives preparing meals, eating meals, and talking to those we love most after a meal. And most kitchens end up being idiosyncratic for these reasons as well: because we use them so much, every kitchen bears the mark of the individual family that uses it. Our fondest memories are often set in the kitchen.
And if you want empirical evidence of the centrality of kitchens to family life, consider how much we spend on them. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reported that in 2015 US homeowners spent more than $67 billion on their kitchens and that $49.7 billion was spent on renovations alone. Remodeling kitchens is a tedious and expensive process, and finding the perfect contractor is a crucial first step.
This article will help. Here we discuss the ten best kitchen remodeling contractors in Marin, California. The majority of these contractors are based in Petaluma, Novato, and San Rafael, but most of their projects are found in Marin County. These contractors are a diverse mix of remodelers who specialize solely in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and new home construction. Despite varying strengths, all these firms build standout kitchen remodels, and the projects featured have earned national and local awards.
If you are thinking about remodeling a kitchen, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
10) North County Kitchens
2020 Chapman Lane, Petaluma, CA 94952
North County Kitchens was founded in 1985 by Andrew Ellenberg as a carpentry and cabinet shop. Andrew had been a master cabinetmaker for 25 years, and he wanted his firm to broaden into the kitchen remodeling industry. Now the family-operated firm is known all over Marin County and Petaluma. Its reputation as a kitchen remodeler recently earned the firm the 2018 Best Of Petaluma Award Program.
The firm favors the classic: hardwood designs accented by rustic features. Andrew and his team usually focus on simple kitchens, but small details make these kitchens memorable. Take, for example, the cabinet handles, rocks and colorful knobs. Little details make the room pop with subtle splashes of color.
9) Novato Kitchens and Bath
1066 Machin Ave., Novato, CA 94945
Novato Kitchens and Bath has been one of Marin County’s leading kitchen and bathroom remodelers since 1992. The firm’s personable style and charming customer service put its name on the map right from the beginning. Unlike most firms, Novato Kitchens and Bath prefers to meet its clients for the first time at the site location. Doing so gives the contractors a better idea of how the project should turn out. Founder Paul Price has been a general contractor since 1983 and, for him, the most fulfilling part of the construction is the chance to be a part of an important family process.
The firm features the latest 3D remodeling software that allows you to picture the diverse styles they offer. Marin Magazine featured the remodel of Rebecca Verhoeff’s kitchen. Verhoeff wanted enough space to entertain family and guests in her 15-by-20-foot kitchen. The firm likes to call its process clever planning because instead of extending the space, it shapes and opens the existing space through careful storage solutions. The Verhoeff have more space because of a kitchen island that offers plenty of built-in storage.
8) TJ Built
701 De Long Ave., Novato, CA 94945
In 1988, TJ Built was established by two founders with a wide range of expertise. Tom Warton and Jim Campbell both have experience in finish carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, tile, stonework, furniture building, cabinetmaking, and advanced paint and stain finishing work. Given the range of their expertise, the founders wanted to deliver traditional designs built with modern day technology. The firm labels its projects as “artisanal quality remodels,” and it has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, Sunset Magazine and Elegant Homes magazine. The firm’s work has also been featured on HGTV and in the San Francisco and Marin Design Showcases.
The kitchen remodels pictured below illustrates how the firm makes old-world designs with the help of modern artistry. This traditional remodel incorporates industrial lighting fixtures and grey marble accents to add character to the simple project. Also, the play with color and marble lends charm to the minimalist lines of this beautiful kitchen.
7) Landmark Builders
42 Digital Dr. Ste 11, Novato, CA 94949
Established by one of the most experienced builders in San Francisco, Landmark Builders has been in operation since 1985. Founder Jaimie Stewart is a third generation builder and has been a general contractor since 1976. Stewart personally oversees the firm’s daily operations to ensure that the firm upholds its reputation. Landmark Builders offers a variety of services from commercial construction to residential remodeling. Despite its extensive services, Landmark Builders’s most remarkable projects are its kitchen remodels. The firm’s kitchen remodels have been featured in Detail in Contemporary Kitchen Design book, Dream Kitchens magazine, Marin Home Magazine, and Better Homes and Garden magazine. The firm was also a part of Qualified Remodeler magazine’s 2005 Top 500, and it received a 2009 Hanley Wood Remodeling Design Award.
Landmark Builders designed Linda and Michael’s London kitchen with a coastal theme, accenting cherry wood with orange. Another unique design the firm made are the basket weave-like textures made on the wooden panels. The room’s beige tones are rescued from banality by the endlessly intriguing texture of this fascinating kitchen.
6) Wallace Remodeling
400 Day St, San Francisco, CA 94131
Wallace Remodeling has been servicing San Francisco and Marin County for over 40 years. The firm’s founder, Kevin Wallace, is one of San Francisco’s most respected builders, and he has the accolades and the C.V. to show for it. His accomplishments include being the founding president of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). He was named by Remodeling Magazine as one of the top 50 remodelers in the country. And Wallace Remodeling was awarded first place Kitchen Remodeler by NARI.
The firm has a lot of modern rustic designs and they often deploy a pastel color palette to give these spaces a cozier vibe. The remodel below is a classic example of its modern rustic style. The hardwood floors stay true to the traditional kitchen, but white cabinets give a clean and fresh edge to the space. The blue kitchen island and woven bar chairs reinforce both motifs.
5) Lamperti Kitchens
1241 Andersen Dr., San Rafael, CA 94901
Lamperti Kitchens has been one of the staples of Marin County since it was established in 1965. Originally Kitchen Craft of Marin, the firm was one of the first cabinet showrooms in Marin County. Soon enough, Kitchen Craft of Marin rebranded itself as Lamperti Kitchens and became the leading cabinet maker and remodeler of its area. Now, under the leadership of Sean Kelly, the firm has expanded its services to kitchen remodeling and design. Given the firm’s years in the business and its expanding number of services, it should come as no surprise that it was named by Pacific Sun Magazine as the “Best of Marin” from 2011 to 2015. The firm has also been featured in Marin Home magazine and the New York Times.
The New York Times featured the firm’s San Rafael home remodel. The bright remodel totally revamped the San Rafael home built in 1957. This eye-catching remodel features bright lacquered cabinets and multi-colored tiles.
4) Wilkinson Design and Construction, Inc.
45 Mitchell Blvd Ste 7A, San Rafael, CA 94903
Wilkinson Design and Construction is one of the Bay Area’s leading general contractors because of its ability to incorporate contemporary design with the regional architecture of California. When Pav Wilkinson founded the firm in 1993 he knew that there was a need for a firm with an architectural approach to remodeling. True enough, the firm has received a certification from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and it has also won several Remmies from NARI including a 2012 and 2007 NARI Remmy award for its Residential Kitchen.
Its founder’s keen interest in contemporary themes is manifest in its kitchen remodels. This remodel is a perfect marriage between traditional and contemporary kitchen trends. The mosaic tiles perfectly complement the white cabinets and dark hardwood floors. The colorful carpet and furnishings give a perfect balance to the contemporary and traditional designs. The pop of color gives more character to the clean interior, and the firm’s design-driven process almost certainly made this innovative look possible.
3) Kitchens and More
4178 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, CA 94903
Established in 1992, Kitchens and More are among Marin County’s leading kitchen design, supply, and construction companies. Husband-and-wife tandem Krikor Halajian and Rosemarie Halajian established Kitchens and More in 1992. The couple’s impressive experience paved the way for the firm to become one of the leading green kitchen design, supply, and construction companies. Krikor has 25 years of experience in green building, and Rosemarie’s knowledge of sustainable materials makes for the perfect partnership in an energy efficient building firm. Both of them have certifications that attest to their expertise. Krikor is a certified Green Building Professional and Rosemarie is a LEED Accredited Professional. And the results speak for themselves, the couple was dubbed by Pacific Sun magazine as Marin’s “Best Kitchen and Bath Remodeler” six times.
The firm specializes in kitchen remodels that flow together with the entire design concept of the home. The firm believes that this style will encourage more gatherings and therefore contribute to the personal development of the family. Aesthetically, its designs tend to be traditional with tasteful marble and hardwood accents.
2) Gilmans Kitchen and Bath
530 W. Francisco Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901
Gilmans Kitchen and Bath’s humble beginnings started in 1954, as a simple hardware store. Throughout the years the store underwent many challenges and, under the leadership of Larry Lowenthal, it finally became a general contractor. Today the firm is one of the leading general contractors in the Bay Area and has four branches located in San Francisco, San Rafael, San Mateo, and Mountain View. Gilmans Kitchen and Bath gained recognition through its many awards. These awards include a 2015 NKBA award for its Small Kitchen remodel and a 2016 NARI Remmies award for Residential Kitchen. Moreover, it has been featured in HGTV magazine, Kitchen & Bath Design News magazine and it appeared on HGTV’s Brother vs. Brother.
The remodel pictured showcases the firm’s mastery of different kinds of style and design. The exposed wood and dark hardwood floors give rustic accents to the modern black and white countertops. Finally, the bar stools give a playful touch to the somber color palette found in the remodel. This project proves that Gilmans Kitchen and Bath has mastered merging traditional design and modern style.
1) McCutcheon Construction
1280 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710
Fourth generation builder Michael McCutcheon established McCutcheon Construction in 1980 to be the leading green builder in the Bay Area. McCutcheon’s background in biology inspired him to integrate sustainability and conservation with home building practices. His vision, to bring environmental sensitivity to the remodeling industry and homeowners, has been realized. McCutcheon Construction incorporates these green practices with Indoor Air Quality services and high tech concepts such as RF or EMF shielding. Kitchens with state of the art features are more efficient and will give the homeowner years of improved quality of life. Given the firm’s impressive services, McCutcheon Construction has received many awards including a 2017 NARI Contractor of the Year for Kitchen Over $150k and a second place 2013 Remmies award for Residential Kitchen over $120k.
McCutcheon’s passion for sustainability and green building can be seen in the execution of their projects. This award-winning Piedmont home belongs to an architect and designer who wanted to incorporate their aesthetic priorities and their eco-friendly sensibilities in their remodel. The clean pattern of lines found in these formaldehyde-free lumber walls is the gorgeous result. On top of all this, the house received a LEED Platinum certification.
How can I find a contractor or home builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best residential contractors and home builders in and near Oakland. If you don’t see your city or project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Oakland, California
The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Berkeley, California
The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in San Jose, California
About Our Rankings
This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration
Get Bids For Your Build
If you are thinking about remodeling a kitchen, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
