Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 03:01 am
Residents and tourists will always have a lot to see in Tiburon. This coastal town is home to rare plants and species and grants access to great views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. Even homes here are part of the town’s aesthetic. The city sports around 4,000 housing units for its almost 10,000 residents.
The majority of these single-family homes are owned by the residents. There are many general contractors operating in the area, the names behind these beautiful homes. We have listed the top 15. We chose them based on their work history, recent projects, awards, and the reputation they have built with their clients.
Jamba Construction
1550 Tiburon Blvd, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920
Jamba Construction has a wide array of services and capabilities ranging from estimates and subcontractor selection to post-construction and continued service and neighborhood relations. More than that, Jamba Construction focuses on great architectural design. Many of its residential projects are tastefully appointed and recognized in publications such as SF Chronicles, Marin Independent Journal, and California Home & Design.
The firm’s Tiburon Residence won the Builder’s Choice Awards from Builder Magazine in 2010, was seen in a television commercial in the same year, and then featured in the cover of Trends Magazine a year after that. This home’s architectural design highlights a great view of Tiburon and provides a refreshing and light feeling due to its neutral colors.
O’Neill Construction
19 Leona Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903
O’Neill Construction uses time-honored craftsmanship and new technology to create lasting projects that generations can enjoy. Owner and principal Patrick O’Neill learned Victorian and Edwardian architecture from its birthplace in London’s West End. He uses that knowledge, fusing it with contemporary techniques as he renovates homes and remodels historical façades.
O’Neill Construction has taken on some challenging projects. Aside from recreating details of period architecture, the team has also reconfigured spaces without changing the home’s footprint. One of its more daring projects was this Sea Cliff overlook in San Francisco. The team excavated beneath a house to install a basketball court and movie theater that connects to an infinity swimming pool—a first in Sea Cliff.
Structural Concepts Design Build Corp
55 Janes St., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Structural Concepts’ strategy to save time and cost is to be always up-to-date. Owner Stephen Hosford invests in the latest technology, adapts the best building products and practices, and keeps up on all legal requirements. The firm’s building process is about keeping on track. It provides consistent updates throughout the project by documenting work, verifying legal fillings, and securing all receipts.
Compared to many general contractors, Structural Concepts do not use subcontractors for everything. It has its team of experts that can handle electrical, floors, painting and spraying, plumbing, tiling, and woodwork. As such, clients can scan through the many projects of Structural Concepts in its gallery. There is sample work on almost every aspect of a home—from bathrooms to fences—even benches. Here’s one of its kitchen projects that looks sturdy and dainty at the same time.
Headlands Construction
1000 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901
The family behind Headlands Construction has been building homes for more than 50 years. Their legacy has produced contemporary and modern design construction and renovations across Northern California. Like many tenured companies, the firm stands by three core principles—quality, integrity, and skill. Each member of the team honors and integrates these qualities into its projects in new construction and renovation.
A project that truly reflects Headlands Constructions’ expertise is this home in Eureka Valley. The company excavated two floors, added a steel-enforced moment frame, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The firm was able to skillfully take advantage of the space by turning the originally 1,617-square-foot house into a 4-story 4,473-square-foot home. The firm was also able to highlight the view and make the home feel like a breath of fresh air with a contemporary, airy ambiance. This project earned Best Project from Archilovers in 2019.
RSP Group Inc.
39 Belmont Ave., Fairfax, CA 94930
RSP Group Inc. is one of the veteran builders on this list: it possesses years of experience, an extensive list of services, and provides a wide range of service areas. Aside from homes, the company works on offices, retail spaces, and public projects. The firm offers at least 50 construction processes including basement waterproofing, countertop installation, floor leveling, and skylight repair. It now also serves more than 25 areas in California including Marin City, Stinson Beach, and San Geronimo. All of these aspects represent the hard work that the company has been providing for area residents since 1970.
Using a collaborative approach, this family-owned and operated company can handle full-range and start-to-finish projects. One of its projects is this midcentury living room in San Francisco. The area plays with the outside view through its wood floors, a fireplace, the cedar ceiling, and a glass wall that discreetly blends the indoors and outdoors. It is like a two-in-one experience: the joy of camping outside and the feeling of getting cozy in a living room.
Sausalito Construction, Inc.
75 Pelican Way, San Rafael, CA 94901
Sausalito Construction, Inc. averages $10 million worth of construction revenue per year. The firm is run by partners Gale Greisen and Don Scheiner who have a combined experience of 75 years in the construction business. Many homeowners in South Marin County go to Sausalito Construction as a go-to contractor due to its consistency, the expertise of its leaders, and its ability to accommodate a variety of renovation and remodeling projects. The company produces luxurious, unique homes and high-end commercial projects without sacrificing cost-efficiency.
The firm’s portfolio features an array of different home designs, including coastal, historical, traditional, and modern. Most are huge, luxurious residences. A great example is this modern home in Tiburon that stands out because of its view, landscaping, and lots of open areas that maximize the striking location.
Norman Charles Construction
714 C Street, Suite 1A, San Rafael, CA 94901
Compared to bigger firms, Norman Charles Construction offers a personalized approach to its projects. Norman, together with his son Nathan, directly work on each project from consultation to completion. They also keep the team close: many of their employees have been with the company for more than 20 years. That consistency ensures quality work.
As a member of the Green Building Professional Guild, Norman Charles Construction also builds a sustainable approach to its projects. It implements sustainable practices and suggests green alternatives. That can save costs for the customer through less energy and water consumption and easy to maintain buildings and systems. At the same time, the firm protects the environment by using fewer resources. Here’s a look at one of the firm’s modern residential projects.
Floyd Construction Inc.
714 C Street #207, San Rafael, CA 94901
Joe Floyd started his career in construction in college when he worked on various construction projects to put himself through college. With a background in engineering and four years of construction experience, he was able to get a contractor’s license right after he graduated. After briefly working for a Soils Engineering firm, he founded his own company, Floyd Construction Inc., in 1978 and made it through despite the economic challenges the following year.
The firm started with small remodeling projects. Throughout the years, the company was able to build strong relations with its customers: the majority of its projects are from repeat clients and the rest are mainly client referrals. Today, Floyd Construction is behind many high-end homes in Marin and the Greater Bay Area. One of these is this whole house interior remodel in Mill Valley. The firm added LED lighting, updated the media room, and even put in a hidden cress/wine room.
Salamandra Associates
39 Aquinas Drive, San Rafael, CA 94901
Salamandra Associates started with commercial projects in 1988 but eventually shifted focus to residential construction over the past 20 years. To set up each project, the firm offers early budgeting and estimating, neighborhood and site assessment, preliminary construction schedule, and permitting assistance. During the process, Salamandra Associates will handle project management and administration. That includes client meetings, subcontractor bidding and selection, material selection, and budget control.
The firm particularly specializes in waterfront developments. A perfect example is this alluring residence in Belvedere. At the very entrance, lush landscaping greets and leads the eye directly to the water on the other side. At night, the natural shades of blue blend with the home’s warm lighting which gives a calm and relaxing ambiance: visitors are reminded of the way water meets sunlight.
G Family Construction
615 B St. Unit 1B, San Rafael, CA 94901
G Family Construction was started more than 30 years ago by James Grabham, a skilled carpenter and craftsman. After passing away, Mr. Grabham’s sons continued his legacy, using the wisdom they gained from their father. The brothers passed that expertise on to their employees by doing one-on-one time training with each new member. In this way, the whole team of G Family Construction maintains a family dynamic.
G Family Construction began by primarily working on decks and fences. The firm has continued to do so for decades which makes it a go-to company for deck or fence jobs. The G Family Construction portfolio showcases some of these projects: what is noticeable is that there is no standard look for decks and fences. Each project is unique, taking on different shapes and sizes. One example is this back deck retrofit which is a part of a beach-house-style remodel project.
Singlepoint Design Build
200 Gate 5 Road, Suite 109, Sausalito, CA 94965
Singlepoint Design Build founder Brant Hill is an expert in project management. His educational background in construction management—and his valuable experience as a project manager for a huge commercial general contractor—has allowed him to lead Singlepoint through various projects across Marin County. He has handled more than $100 million worth of construction projects and oversees everything ensuring that the firm’s projects are carefully planned, budgeted, and scheduled.
The firm’s excellent project management is further enhanced by an online system where clients can access the progress, photos, and the financial side of the project. It’s also where the homeowner can communicate with the team. As for the firm’s most recent projects, here is an addition and remodeling work for a Tiburon home in 2020. The home features an expanded kitchen, dining room, and office space. The firm also added a spa to its pool.
Plath & Company
1575 Francisco Blvd. East, San Rafael, CA 94901
Plath & Company has been in the industry since 1976. Over the years it has grown into one of the premier contractors in the Bay Area. As a LEED Platinum Builder, the company also promotes green building practices. That includes construction waste recycling using non-toxic products and using removed materials for alternative purposes. Plath & Company is behind one of the first LEED residences in California.
Over the years, Plath & Company has built many high-end residences. One example is this contemporary home in Belvedere Island. The home features a truly striking design that gives full access to the great views of Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco. Large sliding glass doors blend the indoor and outdoor experience.
Kerr Construction, Inc.
15 Woodland Avenue, Suite F, San Rafael, CA 94901
Kerr Construction thrives on the trust that it earns from partners and clients. That is why it has many referrals and repeat customers. Clients often highlight the years that they have been working with the company. These testimonials often come from homeowners, subcontractors, and even home photographers. Most of them have been partners with the firm anywhere from ten to 25 years.
The 37-year old company’s projects can be seen in a number of different areas. It also works on a range of home designs, including traditional, modern, or Victorian. Many of these have been recognized and featured in publications such as in The Journal of Light Construction, American Bungalow, Architectural Record, and SF Chronicle Magazine. One of Kerr Construction’s most notable projects is this major remodel of a Tuscan-style home in Tiburon. The home provides elegance and light through its earth colors and accentuating details.
Kasten Builders
3419 Regatta Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804
Established in 1972, Kasten Builders is the longest-running general contractor on this list. The firm has established and detailed processes. When choosing a contractor, for example, the firm usually employs a negotiated “cost plus percentage” agreement where they get three or more competitive bids on all major subcontracts. Kasten Builders then collates all the bidding information in one bid book to be shared with all parties for transparency and cost-control.
As for its projects, Kasten Builders has a lineup of featured custom homes and remodels in its gallery. One of the most interesting ones is this Vista Tiburon residence. The home has many art pieces all over the house: photos, hanging lights, and even vases that elevate the look of the area. The firm also built a home theatre.
