Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 06:49 am
While most people associate California with the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, one town by the northern coastline has enamored tourists with its small city charm. Home to white-sand beaches, redwood forests, hills, and sprawling farmlands, the crescent-shaped city of Half Moon Bay has everything North California has to offer.
After the once treacherous highways leading to the city were renovated, the luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton opened up shop in this quaint rural town. Finally seeing the untapped potential of Half Moon Bay’s scenic landscapes and old-timey landmarks, businesses across the country soon followed suit. This eventually led to a resurgence of interest in the city. What was once an agricultural town struggling to make ends meet has now become a beloved tourist destination.
Along with the city’s newfound popularity came a surge in the need for contractors. With new hotels opening up regularly, and the town wanting to preserve its old-timey aesthetic, architects have become integral to the town’s success. This article features a curated list of the ten best general contractors in Half Moon Bay. These firms were selected for their impressive track record, accolades, and the services they provide the town and its neighboring cities.
SEA Construction
1009 S. Railroad Ave., San Mateo, CA 94402
Making waves in the Bay Area’s contractor scene, SEA Construction has garnered multiple awards in its three decades of home remodeling. The company has done renovations for more than 3,500 houses in the San Francisco Peninsula using a unique approach to the traditional design-build service. Founder and third-generation home builder Steve Albert has made it a point to minimize the waste and schedule delays associated with the industry. This has helped foster a loyal following since the company’s inception in 1989. Today, Albert heads SEA Construction and Peninsula Siding Company which both consist of handymen that have worked with him for more than 20 years.
SEA is well-renowned for its addition and full-home remodeling. It is a National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)-certified firm and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). For those looking for projects focused on a particular amenity, the company also offers room renovations with specializations in National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)-certified kitchen and bathroom remodels. These projects have won a GuildQuality Service Excellence Distinction, the Chrysalis Award for Kitchen Remodels in 2012, and the Contractor of the Year title in 2013. Outside of providing excellent projects, their work process ensures that their clients are safe with the EPA, which named them as a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
While SEA Construction’s craftsmanship is impeccable, the thing that truly stands out is its commitment to various advocacies. Joining California’s push to go green, the contractor works to make all of its builds energy efficient, earning accreditations from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Building Performance Institute (BPI). As a member of Rebuilding Together Peninsula, the company also volunteers in renovating the homes of seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, and low-income families.
Irwin Fisher, Inc.
1209 Eaton Ave. Suite #2, San Carlos, CA 94070
Irwin Fisher, Inc.’s secret to more than 30 years of success lies in its unique repertoire of services. Knowing how troublesome it is to juggle Bay Area permits and coordinate with a team of architects, the firm offers a Construction Management service. While the team does most of the heavy lifting, the contractor ensures that client communication is integral to the process. This customized system ensures that their customers stay informed and can steer the direction of the project.
With a mastery in handling complex details, Irwin Fisher Inc. can perform any construction or renovation project. Whether it’s for a commercial space or a residential building, the firm uses a database of local architects to form a team perfectly tailored for the client. While the firm’s builds are made to last, patrons can enlist in a maintenance program to preserve the fortitude and look of their properties. The contractor also extends this service to buildings they haven’t previously worked on, employing their expertise to adapt to any construction kinks.
Since 1981, president Terence Irwin and vice president Michael Fisher continue to be involved with the local community. Irwin Fisher, Inc. is a proud member of NARI, an organization of high-profile renovation professionals. Wanting to share its expertise with the next generation, the firm also actively works with Pathway for Kids—an organization that provides career opportunities to San Francisco’s underserved youth.
Ryan & Ryan Construction
423 Littlefield Avenue South, San Francisco, CA 94080
Doubling down on quality and eco-friendly service, Ryan & Ryan Construction has been building and remodeling North Californian properties since 1985. Starting as a painting business, founder Gary Ryan soon recruited his brother Chad Ryan to pursue their passion for construction. More than three decades later, the firm is now renowned for its interior and exterior painting, kitchen and bathroom renovations, construction, framing, and flooring projects.
The contractor treats every project as a collaboration with its clients, guiding them through every step of the process. Their dedication to providing first-class customer service has garnered them an A+ rating from the BBB and a Diamond Certified A rating. They achieve this by tapping into the network of organizations they have joined. Some of the guilds they are a part of include the Peninsula Builders Exchange, the American National Standard Institute, the Golden State Builders Exchange, and the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
Aside from ensuring the excellence of their builds and remodels, Ryan & Ryan also uses environmentally friendly materials in all of its projects. Actively participating in the EPA’s Energy Star program, the firm only installs energy-efficient appliances. This is done to both help protect the environment and dramatically reduce the electricity bills of their clients.
LaMar Construction, Inc.
4444 Scotts Valley Dr., Suite #1, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
For nearly 30 years LaMar Construction, Inc. has been dedicating itself to making custom homes that feel truly “yours.” The contractor approaches all of their residential builds and renovations with an understanding of their client’s vision. Direct and constant communication is integral to their process, bringing their customers with them for scheduled on-site inspections and off-site planning. This has resulted in some of the most distinctive and stunning homes that embody their clients’ creativity.
The firm understands that contractor work is not just one process, but rather several interlocking ones. Their projects strive to cohesively tie together the home itself, the construction site, and the surrounding landscape. This enables the company to iron out potential issues presented by the environment and ensures that the design is compatible with it. Constantly bettering its services, the team explores new construction methods and materials to provide their clients with the latest architectural advancements.
Founder Mark LaMar has been a licensed contractor since 1990 and has been involved in the industry since he was only nine years old. Mark grew up learning the ins and outs of the construction scene from his father. With his impressive background, Mark has led numerous projects in the Bay Area and its neighboring cities.
Bodas Construction
625 Miramontes Ave., Suite #201, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Working towards building a better coast side, Bodas Construction is a homegrown business with an in-depth knowledge of construction in coastal areas. The firm is experienced in handling the complicated building requirements and environmental challenges posed by waterside construction. Whether it be a residential or commercial space, building and renovating beach properties are never an issue for this company.
They also offer their services to the inland cities of San Mateo with their team of experts who can adapt to both coast side and traditional projects. The company’s project schedule includes the ordering of materials, processing of permits, drawings, and inspections. This guarantees that all bases are covered and the client is guided through the entire process.
Half Moon Bay local Bryan Bodas leads the firm with more than 20 years of commercial remodeling experience and over 16 years of residential renovating. Bryan has made a name for himself in the city by heading hundreds of contractor projects around the area. This led the company to be featured in the Half Moon Bay Review, with the publication dubbing Bodas as the Reader’s Choice on six separate editions.
Rocha & Son Construction
P.O. Box 71, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Half Moon Bay-based Rocha & Son Construction has been turning their clients’ dream homes into a reality since 2003. The firm offers a client-centric design-build service to enhance the construction process. Spearheading the operations is Gregory Rocha who has more than 26 years of experience in residential building and remodeling. Under Gregory’s guidance, the company has received accreditations from BBB and GuildQuality.
While Rocha & Son offers many projects to the Bay Area’s South Coast and Peninsula, its specialty lies in its custom home building, additions, remodels, and steel building construction. It not only has expertise in full-home remodeling, but is also especially skilled at renovating bathrooms, kitchens, and decks. For clients looking to expand, the firm’s addition services can add an entirely new wing or floor to the structure that connects seamlessly with the rest of the house. The company also offers a unique steel building construction project where it uses Sunward Steel Products to create properties that are perfect as storage units or garages. Where Rocha & Son truly shines, however, is in its ability to build custom homes regardless of the style and specifications.
Custom Home Builders
P.O. Box 223, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Being the oldest contractor on the list, Custom Home Builders has stood the test of time with its unmatchable commitment to every home it works on. Since 1960, this Half Moon Bay legend has set itself apart by only working on one project at a time. This guarantees that every kitchen and bathroom remodel, general renovation, room addition, and home construction has the firm’s undivided attention.
Owner Rolando Flores’s hands-on approach to leadership is unlike any other, spending every day on-site until a project is done. Brought about by decades of serving the Bay Area, Rolando has an enormous pool of contacts that aid him in bringing the best out of any home. This homebuilder works closely with each client to guide them throughout the process—and to potentially redefine the project’s scope to maximize the property’s potential.
Establishing a name for itself, the business has scored a 100 percent customer satisfaction rating on Valuestar and the Good Service Guide every year. The firm has also been accepted into prestigious contractor groups, such as the International Code Council and Building Trades Association Member.
Verdura Construction
PO Box 519, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Working on the coast side areas of San Mateo, Verdura Construction makes stunning residential and commercial spaces that fit perfectly in the regional landscape. Knowing the lay of the land, Verdura sees to it that every property they work on can withstand the elements, while minimizing their impact on nature.
For its signature single-family homes and light commercial construction services, Verdura works with local architects to adapt to the area’s building requirements. Due to seismic activity in coastal regions, the firm provides framing and foundation strengthening to secure its builds. The team also offers landscaping services so properties complement rather than detract from the beauty of California’s beaches. The company is also skilled at smaller-scale projects, such as kitchens, bathrooms, decks, and fences.
Founder James Verdura grew up living in and appreciating Half Moon Bay and its scenic seaside landscape. Upon founding the firm in 2004, Verdura swore to lead a construction company that creates quality builds that do not disrupt the appeal of California’s shores. As such, Verdura only employs the latest in green technology to make more sustainable homes.
G.M. Lindberg Construction
533 Airport Blvd. Suite #400, Burlingame, CA 94010
Despite being one of the youngest contractors in San Francisco, G.M. Lindberg Construction has become a trailblazer in the custom home building industry. Founder Gary Lindberg has been in the business for more than 30 years and channels his years of experience and connections to build a vibrant community. The firm aims to foster a relationship with its workers and clients, using local architects Gary has worked with in the past to ensure their synergy.
Aside from construction, the team also offers planning and designing services. While the company handles the design, blueprints, and permits, they make sure that their customers are informed throughout the process. Homeowners are also invited to on-site visits and face-to-face meetings to ensure that their ideal houses come to fruition. This is done to turn possible customers into loyal patrons. Wanting to become a household name, this up-and-coming firm aims to work its way to the top.
BayWorks Construction
PO Box 301, San Mateo, CA 94401
BayWorks Construction has been building and remodeling homes along the San Francisco Peninsula since 1991. With president Brendan Murphy at the helm, the firm has become known for its builds, renovations, and additions that have a distinctly opulent feel to their designs. Outside of these large-scale projects, the firm also offers renovation for more specific home features such as kitchens, bathrooms, decks, and fences. What truly stands out from their services, however, are their luxury amenity projects. For those who have a taste for the finer things in life, the company can construct pool houses and wine cellars to spruce up your homes.
Outside of construction, BayWorks can also do electrical work, which includes solar panel installation for environmentally conscious homeowners. Staying true to California’s green movement, the firm also offers eco-friendly demolition services. The materials taken apart during the deconstruction process are recycled to minimize wasted resources.
