San Francisco’s steep hills, mild weather, and breathtaking views are enough to make it one of the best places to live in the country. While the Golden Gate Bridge always comes to mind, San Francisco has plenty of other places for everyone to enjoy: parks, hiking trails, restaurants, Alcatraz Island, and more. It also benefits from the surrounding Bay Area’s thriving economy which provides residents with numerous work opportunities in a variety of industries.
The right contractor can give you a piece of the bay right in your home. You’re about to read about ten of the best remodeling contractors working in San Francisco. These firms have been in the area for a long time and are well-versed in the city’s architecture and style. Several of these are members of leading industry organizations and recipients of remodeling awards over the years. We chose these firms for their professionalism, craftsmanship, expertise, and customer service.
Jeff King & Company
884 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Established in 1999, Jeff King & Company is an award-winning firm providing new construction and remodeling services to the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm’s outstanding reputation stems from its distinctive combination of architecture, style, and sustainable building practices. Complete with a client-centered approach that highlights communication and transparency, the firm provides services and projects with high-quality standards. Thanks to founder Jeff King’s pursuit of excellence, the firm has won a number of prestigious awards including four Chrysalis Awards and a National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award given by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). King is a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP) and a member of the Remodeler’s Advantage, Build It Green, and the San Francisco chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
For more than two decades, the firm has amassed a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from historic structures to contemporary spaces. Its work has been featured in publications such as Luxe Interiors + Design, and San Francisco Magazine. The featured project, located in Dolores Heights, was recently featured in The New York Times, Wallpaper Magazine, and Architecture + the City Festival Homes Tour.
Design Line Construction
60 Dorman Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Design Line Construction uses leading cloud-based management and communication tools on each of its projects. These tools enable the firm’s process that smoothly brings coordination and outstanding craftsmanship to all of its projects. Over the years, the firm has completed projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, Wine Country, and Peninsula. Its work has also been featured in publications such as Elle Décor, Italia, The Wall Street Journal, Dwell Magazine, and The San Francisco Chronicle.
Andrew McHale founded the firm in 1998 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. He began his career in England and has experience working on high-end residential construction in New York and Connecticut. His passion for architecture and design allows his firm to draw on its strength and expertise to deliver projects that are tailored to each client’s needs. The design of the project shown above combines contemporary with whimsical, refined finishes. The project won several recognitions, including the 2017 Masters Design Awards for a Whole House from Qualified Remodeler and the 2015 Grand Award for a Whole-House Remodeling from Remodeling Magazine.
Podesta Design + Build
344 Connecticut Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Podesta Design + Build has been remodeling homes in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties since 1986. Its comprehensive process has led to success after success, establishing its reputation among clients. The firm’s process walks clients through each step of the project, understanding their goals and providing a functional design that meets their requirements. Every goal is achieved through cultivating relationships with clients, open communication, and sticking to the schedule and budget of the project. The firm’s work has been repeatedly recognized with multiple NARI and Chrysalis Awards.
The company converted this basement on Beaver Street. The house was built in 1900, and the clients previously used the space as a storage room and workspace. To create a more open and airy space, the firm employed contemporary design and finishes. It also added a bathroom to complete the space. Clients or guests now have a private space to work and relax, and this project won the 2019 Regional CotY Award for a Basement Over $100,000.
Aaron Gordon Construction
2261 Shafter Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Aaron Gordon Construction, founded in 2000, delivers exceptional projects on time and within budget. The firm is a high-end general contractor that provides remodeling services across San Francisco. Its process prioritizes clear communication and constant collaboration to ensure client satisfaction. Thanks to its team composed of experienced professionals, their blend of knowledge and experience elevate each project. CEO Aaron Gordon leads the firm, leveraging his years of industry experience. His passion for construction and business has brought the firm great success in many areas and the firm has received plenty of industry recognition. The firm is a member of the NARI, and its work has been featured in California Homes, San Francisco Magazine, Spaces Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, and more.
The company was tasked with remodeling this home on Richland Avenue. The firm excavated the home 10 feet below grade and increased the house depth in the backyard by nine feet. To accommodate the new layout, the kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, and living spaces were relocated. The firm also installed large steel bi-fold doors, a hot tub, and a master suite shower. This project was featured in One Kindesign.
Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders
355 11th Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94103
Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders has long been a leader in residential construction. The firm offers custom home construction, remodels, historical renovations, retrofitting, and ground-up construction, as well as light commercial construction and sustainable building. Founded in 1986 by Dan Matarozzi and Dan Pelsinger, the firm continues to maintain its outstanding reputation for quality craftsmanship and service in San Francisco and the surrounding area. As an employee-owned (ESOP) company, each project completed is a reflection of decades worth of experience and a strong commitment of its team members. The firm’s culture of teamwork and collaboration inside the firm has produced plenty of satisfied clients and high-quality projects. The firm has received numerous awards including a Housing Award granted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The featured project is the renovation of a four-story, single-family home in Pacific Heights. The firm increased the space by adding square footage to the kitchen and the master suite. The light color palette provides more space and light in the room. The result is a very comfortable atmosphere The dark accents of the furniture add elegance and luxury to the space. The project was featured in Vogue Magazine.
Houseworks
1485 Bayshore Boulevard, #157, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94124
Houseworks’ collaborative approach does more than provide exceptional projects, it also provides a positive environment that enhances the experience of clients. Doing so allows the firm to work with all project participants to ensure that all details have been tailored to the client’s preferences. Its design-build services also provide a single point of contact, which aids in coordination and communication, resulting in projects that are completed on time and within budget. Thanks to the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technology, it also practices green building standards for durable and cost-effective projects.
Established in 2005, the firm specializes in a variety of services which includes remodeling, custom home construction, accessory dwelling units (ADU), additions, and more. The firm is led by Jeff Kann. His passion for service and quality is the reason for the excellent craftsmanship and success of the firm. The firm has been recognized with several NARI Awards in the Entire House Remodel category. Jeff is a member of NARI and Remodeler’s Advantage.
San Francisco Design Build
171 Lily Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco Design Build is a full-service general contracting firm that provides residential architecture, construction, and permitting services. During its process, the firm combines communication and craftsmanship, allowing for a smooth process and efficient project completion. This process is strengthened by the combined 71 years of industry experience of the firm’s founders: Rudy Docanto, Jessica Azevedo, and Jonathan Carta provide expertise in construction, design, and management respectively. Together, they have helped the firm establish a solid reputation not only with clients but also with vendors and subcontractors.
The firm was tasked with remodeling this Victorian home in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. The company constructed a rear addition that included a large master suite, a home office, and a laundry room. The kitchen and dining rooms have also been updated. The eclectic design and bright colors created a whimsical yet elegant mix of the space, allowing the modern to blend seamlessly with Victorian opulence. For its work, the firm has been featured in several publications which include Apartment Therapy, Dwell, SPACES Magazine, and Remodeling Magazine.
Forde Mazzola Associates
665 Third St. Suite 430, San Francisco, CA 94107
Forde Mazzola Associates is a general contractor specializing in high-end residential projects in the San Francisco Bay area. Since its inception in 1991, the firm has acquired an impressive portfolio that showcases projects with great craftsmanship and quality. Its project approach concentrates on cost and schedule, and the firm’s mastery of these and everything in between enables it to work on the project meticulously. The firm’s strong work ethic, as well as its communication and transparency, create an excellent environment for teamwork, ensuring that every detail of the client’s vision is incorporated into the project.
Co-founders Charles Mazzola and David Forde personally oversee all the projects. Charles is an expert in construction means and methods; David is a Licensed General Contractor and Licensed Civil Engineer. With David and Charles at the helm, the firm is able to monitor and assess projects, as well as identify and quickly resolve challenges. It has remained intentionally small so that each project receives the attention of principals and can benefit from their expertise. The Pacific Avenue project shown above was completed in collaboration with Interior Designer Ken Fulk and Lawson Willard Architecture. The project has been featured in Elle Décor.
Nerland Building & Restoration
724 12th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
Nerland Building & Restoration is a full-service firm that specializes in remodeling historic San Francisco and Victorian homes. The firm’s design-build approach offers clients a comprehensive remodeling process. Doing so allows the firm to combine the client’s needs with modern and functional design while preserving the character of the home. It also enables the firm to collaborate closely with clients, ensuring that all of their requirements are met. It walks them through the process of selecting products and finishes, drawing on its experience to find the best combination for a high-quality space regardless of budget. The firm has maintained this part of the process and doing so has solidified its reputation in the industry. Publications such as decorist, House Beautiful., and Elle Décor, have all featured the firm’s work.
NBR was founded in 2001 by Alex Nerland who had been buying and remodeling homes in San Francisco for over two decades. He has extensive experience in all aspects of construction from permitting to Auto CAD and finish carpentry. Lisa, his wife, joins him as a co-designer and project manager. She has been with the firm for over 10 years and is also a licensed California real estate broker.
Upcycle Builders
1555 Yosemite Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Upcycle Builders is led by Rob Walker, a fourth-generation Bay Area builder, who founded the company after working as a carpenter in a high-end contractor firm. Under his leadership, the firm practices responsible building. That sustainable process includes not only the use of green materials, but also the reduction of waste, the reuse of project packaging materials, and the awareness of the materials used for projects, from composition to manufacturing method. With the help of its professional team, the firm builds healthy and efficient projects with high-quality craftsmanship and in keeping with the highest standards.
Since its inception in 2009, the firm has grown to offer services from remodeling to new construction. It provides services in the counties of San Francisco, Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. Its network of leading subcontractors and suppliers of sustainable building materials makes green buildings accessible to clients.
