Kitchens are the most active rooms of a home; as such, it is often the subject of home renovations and gut-outs. This list showcases fourteen of Palo Alto’s leading general contractors—the craftspeople behind some of the area’s best kitchen remodels and renovations.
Our editorial team chose these firms for their experience, backgrounds, and excellent portfolios. These companies are also proud recipients of a multitude of accolades. From the sleekest and modern kitchens to timeless and classic architecture, these firms can take on any project regardless of size or scale.
Harrell Remodeling, Inc.
944 Industrial Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Named by Sunset Magazine as the “Best the West has to offer,” Harrell Remodeling was founded in 1985 and is one of the first companies to form a team of design-build professionals sharing one vision. The firm is led by Ciro Giammona, who started as an estimator for the firm in 1996. His rich experience and successful understanding of its design and construction process led him to be promoted to General Manager in 2006, company president in 2011, and finally to CEO in 2014. A proud Certified Remodeler and Certified Green Building Professional, Giammona and his team have built many whimsical contemporary homes and lavish Mediterranean houses. The firm’s work has been published in Qualified Remodeler after earning a Gold Master Design Award for a kitchen project.
The photo above is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise. It features an open concept floorplan that marries the home’s interior-outdoor spaces. Our editorial team loved its functionality, unique color palette, and custom cabinetry.
Next Stage Design + Build
2157 O’Toole Ave Suite 70, San Jose, CA 95131
Next Stage Design + Build offers a full and comprehensive range of interior and exterior remodeling services. In light of the ongoing pandemic, it provides interested clients with online consultation services where clients may begin the brainstorming process with the firm’s team. The Next Stage Design leadership team oversees every aspect of the project. At its helm are Jim Kabel, Next Stage’s general manager, and owner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as well as a Certified Remodeler’s license from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Sarah Gaffney joins him and serves as the company’s design manager. Before joining the firm, she first gained experience managing Sunset Magazine’s Idea House program. She had the opportunity to work with talented architects, builders, and designers to craft award-winning show homes throughout the West.
The kitchen depicted above was completed in downtown San Jose. It was designed and completed for a newlywed couple who envisioned a bold and colorful new kitchen for their space. As a result, the firm’s team installed its uniquely patterned backsplash with a quaint and angular kitchen island. They also employed wood-paneled flooring and custom lighting. The upper cabinet between the sink window and back door was removed and replaced with open shelving.
Greenberg Construction
904 Industrial Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Greenberg Construction extends its services throughout Palo Alto, offering its clients a comprehensive range of general contracting work. It maintains affiliation with vital organizations like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the US Green Building Council. These professional affiliations assure clients that all of its spaces are completed with the best and latest techniques, in addition to various sustainability efforts. Greenberg is also regarded for its comprehensive design-build process and has worked on countless custom homes, room additions, and extensive residential remodels. The project below best showcases the company’s talent and expertise.
For this kitchen, the firm’s team opted for a great modern design. Our editorial team loved its tiled backsplashes and sleek kitchen layout. The Greenberg team also worked on its large kitchen island that provides additional work space without compromising on the flow and design.
Starburst Construction
1207 Redcliff Drive, San Jose, CA 95118
Established in 1976, Starburst Construction is a team of award-winning master craftsmen. The firm services the peninsula and surrounding San Francisco Bay area and specializes in a wide range of styles, including Victorian and Eichler. The firm has received a lot of recognition over the years and has been featured in several publications, including California Modern Home Magazine and Gentry Home Magazine. It has also been presented with multiple META Awards from NARI. Its team uses a highly hands-on approach and emphasizes the importance of communication throughout the process, ensuring that client needs and vision are reflected in their new spaces and homes.
The kitchen above was completed as a part of an extensive contemporary whole home remodel in Palo Alto. It features wonderful custom cabinets and woodworking, hardwood floors, custom tile, and Caesarstone countertops. We were thoroughly impressed by its breathtaking skylights, exposed beam work, and warm and inviting color palette.
Timeline Design + Build
14401 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070
For over 30 years, Timeline Design+Build has made the home building process as seamless as possible. They employ architects, interior designers, and craftsmen, collaborating seamlessly to provide you with the best quality and experience possible. Winners of multiple design awards over the years as well as being featured in Gentry, Punch, and other luxury publications.
Matthew Harrigan leads the firm. He has a background in engineering as well as extensive experience in the fields of interior design and architecture. Under his supervision, the firm has developed a strong sense of communication with its clients and emphasizes a process that values their input. From inception all the way through to completion, clients can expect hands-on expertise.
Located in Los Gatos, the project above is one of the firm’s best projects. This project is a modern kitchen with clean and simple lines and calming color scheme that soothes the soul at the end of a busy day. Our editorial team was especially impressed by the kitchen’s modern appliances, the marble slab, and the spacious layout.
Bill Fry Construction – Wm. H. Fry Construction Company
10351 San Fernando Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Otherwise known as the WM. H. Fry Construction Company, Billy Fry Construction is the brainchild of its namesake Bill Fry, who first got a glimpse of the industry through his father’s tutelage, a contractor. He draws inspiration from over two decades of experience working in and around the San Francisco Bay Area and is talented in every phase and aspect of the process. He is also a Certified Green Building Professional, equipping the firm to incorporate sustainable and highly efficient elements into its spaces. Under his leadership, the firm also maintains affiliations with vital organizations such as the NAHB, the US Green Building Council (USGBC), and the California Building Industry Association.
The kitchen above is located in the heart of Saratoga. It is part of a 5,000-square-foot residence and showcases an excellent and timeless California ranch style. The Bill Fry team was tasked with installing its vaulted ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and a large kitchen island.
Sigura Construction
1300 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Sigura Construction is a family-owned and -operated business that operates out of its office in Santa Clara. The firm has had the opportunity to work in some of the best and most sought-after neighborhoods in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and San Francisco. Aside from its residential work, the firm is also well-known for its commercial and multi-housing services. It draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience and is also regarded for its interior and exterior remodels and repairs as well as its ground-up construction. The photo below is a stellar example of the firm’s talent and expertise.
For this kitchen, the firm’s team opted for elegant custom cabinetry and coupled it with a charming backsplash. Our editorial team was impressed by its open concept floorplan, which connects the kitchen to its dining room. We also loved its quaint kitchen island and custom fixtures.
Northwall Builders
664 Gilman Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Founded in 1996, Northwall Builders operates out of its headquarters in Palo Alto. It is the product of the vision of its founders and principals, Mark Moragne and Stephen Reller. They are joined by Brad Bennigson and Wakey Mist, who joined the company in 2005 and serve as its senior partners. Under their leadership, the company specializes in both new homes and major home remodels. Together, they have had the opportunity to take on projects in Atherton, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto. They make sure that each project they take on receives the benefit of their experience. The photo below is one of our favorites from its portfolio.
Located in Santa Rita, this kitchen showcases an excellent custom island with storage. We were impressed by its rustic and transitional finishes. The firm designed the area to fit with the home’s overall Spanish Colonial aesthetic.
De Mattei Construction
1794 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
With over three decades of industry experience, De Mattei Construction offers its clients a comprehensive range of general contracting and remodeling services. Since its inception, The firm has had the opportunity to work on over 2,000 homes and has also secured a solid reputation as one of the Bay Area’s premier custom home builders and remodelers. The firm is composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals committed to the highest of industry standards. The project below is a great example of the company’s talent and expertise.
This project won the firm a Gold Award from NARI. It included an extensive restoration and renovation. Our editorial team loved its refurbished and paneled flooring. Some other great elements include its fixtures and custom finishes.
Hammerschmidt Construction
1574 Country Club Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024
Hammerschmidt Construction is a full-service design-build firm with over two decades of experience. The firm extends its services throughout Silicon Valley’s neighboring cities and prides itself on being one of the first Certified Green Builders in the area. The firm is led by John Hammerschmidt, a third-generation builder who, before assuming leadership, sold irrigation systems to Napa wineries and managed two construction firms and two landscaping firms. He was also a board member of Silicon Valley’s NARI Chapter and spent a term as its Vice President of Education. The firm’s outstanding work has been awarded numerous industry accolades, including several META Awards from NARI and a Big50 Award from Remodeling Magazine. Hammerschmidt has also graced the pages of Qualified Remodeler on various occasions as a part of that publication’s annual Top 500 list. Remodeling Magazine listed the firm as one of its leading 550 remodelers throughout the country.
The project above entailed working on three main areas: its kitchen, its family room, and the great room. The gorgeous kitchen features crisp white cabinets and contrasting black granite countertops. Our editorial team also loved its open concept floorplan and unique and functional kitchen island. This home was featured on the pages of Home & Garden and also won the 2015 NARI Meta Gold Award.
Paragon Custom Builders
244 Kellogg Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Paragon Custom Builders is a premier general contracting firm that operates out of its office in Palo Alto and extends its services throughout the Bay Area. The firm is composed of a talented team of licensed architects and skilled professionals and draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience. Paragon has worked on countless ground-up construction and remodeling projects. The firm is personally led by its founder, Jared Wilcox. He first got a glimpse into the industry at an early age. He assures homeowners that all of his work receives the benefit of his experience. He is joined by Jeremy Greenmyer, the firm’s co-principal, who also got an early look into the business. Greenmyer draws inspiration from decades of working in and around the industry. He is experienced in every aspect of the process, including framing, electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, and roofing.
The kitchen featured here was completed in 2016. It showcases a timeless and excellent California ranch style. The home itself spans over 3,2000 square feet with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms.
Arnold’s Custom Homes, Kitchens, & Baths
2225 E Bayshore Road #200, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Arnold’s Custom Homes extends its services throughout the Bay Area and has had the opportunity to work in some of the best neighborhoods in Daly City, South San Francisco, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto. The firm is led by its namesake William Arnold, who strives to provide homeowners with a seamless building experience. Under his leadership, the company has had the honor of working with some of the area’s best subcontractors and builders. This has enabled the firm to work on numerous great spaces and remodels. Arnold’s is especially noted for its exceptional attention to detail and its years in the industry.
The photo above depicts the firm’s work on an extensive Palo Alto remodel. It showcases an excellent open concept floorplan coupled with a contemporary theme. We were impressed by its unique finishes, its breakfast bar, the shelving, and the custom cabinetry.
