Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 07:08 am
Albany is just a small sliver of metropolitan life in the greater San Francisco Bay area. Despite being the small home of more than 18,000 locals, Albany is still known as a desirable city to live in thanks to the world-class entertainment, shopping, and benefits in being accessible to San Francisco.
Albany is also home to several beautiful residences that are unique and timeless. This list highlights the best general contractors in Albany, California who have been known for their ability to successfully complete various home styles. Some have expanded their work to commercial projects, while others have been praised for their years of experience. Despite their different projects, these contractors have three similarities—strong work ethics to provide clients with their full attention, teams of experts, and leaders that guide them to successfully complete projects on time and on budget.
Kami Construction
828 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA 94706
Kami Construction has been servicing customers in the greater San Francisco Bay area since its establishment in 1994. Since then, it has polished its skills in crafting all kinds of projects ranging from kitchen, bathroom, and whole home remodels, alongside commercial and even restaurant construction. Specializing in crafting custom homes, it has completed hundreds of these projects and still adheres to creating new homes that serve as an extension of the company’s three core values—quality, efficiency, and professional integrity.
Currently, this firm is led by CEO and founder Kamran Misaghi. A graduate of UC Davis’ construction management program, Misaghi started his construction career during his summer vacations as a high school student.
Berkeley Design Build, Inc.
5427 Telegraph Ave. Suite A, Oakland, CA 94609
A 20-year old firm with experience in architecture and construction and a feature in Dwell magazine, Berkeley Design Build, Inc. has been in the industry long enough to develop long-term relations with several other equally skilled subcontractors and craftsmen. So far, its team has completed kitchen, bathroom, and whole home remodels alongside additions and new homes. Regardless of the project, the team is applauded for providing its clients with design-build services that are high quality, while still guided by the provided budget. Among its many projects, its most notable one is a Berkeley renovation.
The home has several notable transformations, but its most memorable one is the kitchen, which has been designed to allow more light and space to fill the area through the use of light and soothing palettes, and sliding glass doors that open up into the backyard.
FB Design-Build
924 Carleton St., Berkeley, CA 94710
FB Design-Build was established in 1994. Over the years, it was able to complete more than 500 projects for clients in the East Bay and is especially familiar with Berkeley, Albany, Piedmont, and Oakland. So far, the firm has been recognized for providing clients with architectural design, residential remodeling, new home construction, additions, and even light commercial projects.
Currently, this firm is managed by owner Amy Brueggemeyer. A graduate of UC Berkeley’s architecture program, Brueggemeyer was known as the youngest female journey-level carpenter in Seattle in 1981. With such a skilled and experienced team, FB Design-Build has gained many of its clients through simple word-of-mouth advertising.
Canivet Construction
828 San Pablo Ave. Suite #230, Albany, CA 94706
A company with 16 years of industry experience, Canivet Construction is famous for providing its clients with elegant, durable, and affordable solutions. These solutions have been evident in its accessory dwelling unit (ADUs), bathroom, kitchen, and whole-house remodels. Aside from being a certified green builder, the firm’s modest prices are still paired with the team’s sharp attention to detail and customer service.
While owner Guillaume Canivet is regularly seen at the sites, working with the architect and client while guiding his team, the firm is also known for providing rough ideas and budget ranges to clients who are not sure of their exact needs and wants from a new project.
Feraru & Associates Building And Design Inc.
1569 Solano Ave. Suite #249, Berkeley, CA 94707
Feraru & Associates Building and Design Inc. was founded in 2011 and is composed of experienced European craftsmen capable of a wide range of general construction services. With these skillful professionals on its team, the firm is known for being punctual, highly collaborative, and client centered.
It has also built strong relations with other talented architects, designers, and specialists. Over time, its portfolio has been filled with several remodeling projects that highlight the firm’s signature designs focusing on luxury and beauty.
Axiom Build
1136 Parker St., Berkeley, CA 94702
Established in 2009, Axiom Build is well-known for servicing clients around the San Francisco and East Bay area. So far, it has built a reputation for specializing in constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This includes additions, conversions, and backyard homes.
The firm is also experienced in building both prefab and custom homes—projects that have always been successful due to the firm’s combination of transparent and honest communication, careful and creative planning, and a network of quality professionals led by co-owners Benjamin and Joshua Kimmich.
Berkeley Craftsmen
2530 Tenth St. Suite #2, Berkeley, CA 94710
In the early 1900s, Berkeley Craftsmen started off as an ironworks company. These days, it’s known for specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels alongside residential renovations and additions and other home renovations. Working for clients along the Bay area, Berkeley Craftsmen makes it a point to work with other local artisans. This certified Bay Area green business also reuses and recycles supplies to reduce the amount of waste brought to the landfill after completing a project.
Among its many works is a mid-century remodel, which highlights the home’s snug atmosphere with the use of warm textures and colors. Berkeley Craftsmen is managed by Mark and Michael Butler, and the duo’s different perspectives allow them to complete thoughtful and finely crafted homes.
MacLeod Design & Construction
1701 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94709
A full-service, general contracting firm, MacLeod Design & Construction was established in 1995 and is known for producing creative and innovative home projects. The firm also highlights environmental sustainability. Whether it’s kitchen, bath, and whole home remodels or new home construction, the firm guarantees the use of renewable and recycled building materials. It gives special attention to low-toxicity materials, energy efficiency, and daylighting, as well as the installation of photovoltaic solar panels and solar hot water panels. Among the various projects it has completed, its most notable one is the MacLeod/Morand house in Albany.
This modern and energy-efficient home combines passive and active ventilation with low energy use, solar energy, and non-toxic finishes. The use of innovative and eco-friendly materials has won the firm several awards, including American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Francisco’s Energy + Sustainability Citation Award and Build-It-Green’s state-wide Remodel of The Future contest.
Hometelligent, Inc.
1164 Solano Ave. Suite #175, Albany, CA 94706
From kitchen and bathroom remodels to room additions, whole home renovations, and various general contracting services, Hometellignet, Inc. exhibits a work ethic built by tenacity and a contemporary vision for innovation. Though the firm was established in 2008, it has a team with more than 75 years of collective experience that now combines devoted customer care, fine craftsmanship, and the use of sustainable materials. Currently, the firm is led by CEO Silvio Dobrovat.
A professional with a well-rounded background in general construction, Dobrovat has completed a wide range of projects, including energy-efficient upgrades, window and skylight installation, fine carpentry, and much more. With years of experience, Dobrovat is highly capable of providing clients with a keen attention to detail and superior customer service.
Oliver Builders
1031 Pardee St., Berkeley, CA 94710
With more than 35 years of experience building in the East Bay, Oliver Builders is adept at working on projects that can withstand the challenges of an earthquake-prone area. From new homes to extensive second-story additions and kitchen and bathroom renovations, Oliver Builders has a portfolio of well-made projects that result from a combination of quality service and hands-on collaboration with its clients. So far, its most noteworthy project is the Albany second story addition.
A modern Craftsman house, it has a design that requires very little energy and is environmentally friendly. Its heating system has an electric heat pump system alongside extensive overhangs and insulation that keeps the home’s temperature relatively consistent.
Alderson Construction
710 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94710
From nationally recognized architects like Barbara Barry, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Tucker and Marks, and ODADA, to many other spectacular local architects, Alderson Construction is a 42-year old residential builder in San Francisco recognized for participating in the restoration of the Nationally Registered Landmark Saint Augustine’s Church, which was given the Orchid award by the City of Oakland.
Alongside this project, the firm has also gained enough experience to do several new homes and renovations. With its collection of beautiful homes and relations with other talented professionals, it has built up a reputation recognized by a number of magazines including Diablo magazine, Architectural Digest, Sunset, and Better Homes and Gardens.
Levitch Associates, Inc.
1029 Heinz Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710
Levitch Associates, Inc. took off in 1984. Over the years, it has completed more than 1,000 projects which include residential remodels, new homes, complex additions, light commercial, and industrial projects. As an industry veteran, it has been featured in several magazines like Qualified Remodeler and Remodeling, and was included in the Top 500 Remodelers list from 2004 to 2011 and 2017 to 2020.
Among the firm’s large number of impressive works, its most memorable one is the residential remodeling and addition project for a modern Albany residence. A home with a new modern floor plan and additional space, its main floor has an open concept plan and a remodeled kitchen and living space connected to a new pergola-shaded deck. To make the house seem warm and inviting, it also has a new mix of vibrant and gentle colors, textures, and materials seen throughout the home.
Alward Construction Co., Inc.
1029 Heinz Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710
Recognized as one of the San Francisco Bay area’s best home remodelers and renovators, Alward Construction Co., Inc. has 42 years of experience in completing kitchen and bathroom, and entire home remodels, alongside additions and even commercial projects. Among these projects is the Buehler residence. A Usonian-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it was destroyed by a fire and was rebuilt by the firm. It has many outstanding features, but most memorable are the skylights in the patio cantilever over the koi pond ,which was once a swimming pool. The home now is also made up of Cherokee Red concrete socred on a 4×4 grid, which is typical for many Wright-designed houses. This restored home won the 1998 NARI Grand and National Contractor of the Year Awards.
So far, the firm’s evident expertise has been the root of honors including features in publications like The New York Times, HGTV, and Remodeling. It has several other awards as well, including two Chrysalis awards, a Contractor of the Year National Award, and the NARI San Francisco Bay Area’s Merit Award.
Jetton Construction
1117-A Virginia St., Berkeley, CA 94702
Since 1980, Jetton Construction has been combining superior craftsmanship, hands-on service, and sustainable practices to produce high-quality projects. With decades of experience, the firm has successfully completed more than 500 projects that range from home remodels and new home construction to green building and historical restorations. So far, it has earned attention from a large number of publications including Dwell, Gentry magazine, The New York Times, ELLE Decor, and several others alongside other forms of recognition. In 2018 and 2017, four of its homes were featured in the AIA East Bay Home Tours.
With the reputation of an award-winning firm, Jetton Construction has thrived on its mostly referral-based clientele who have been privy to the consistent production of outstanding work throughout the passing years.
HDR Remodeling
1889 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley, CA 94703
For more than 30 years, Berkeley, Alameda, Oakland, Piedmont, and the Greater East Bay area have been privy to HDR remodeling’s high-quality construction services. During these years, it has completed kitchen, bathroom, and whole home remodels, ADUs, garage and basement conversions, room additions, and even outdoor decks and living spaces. With so many projects in its portfolio, this boutique firm has become a trusted builder that works with its clients from the initial design all the way to construction. Among its various projects, its most notable is the Chabot home remodel. Once a dilapidated 1,500-square foot Rockridge home, the firm transformed it into a 1,900-square foot home with an interior that gives off a light and refreshing vibe.
Whole House Remodel in Oakland
Projects like these have earned the firm a large number of recognitions from publications like the U.S. News & World Report, Remodeling magazine, Oakland magazine, and Piedmont Post, among several others. Alongside awards like NARI’s 2019 Contractor of The Year Award and a place in Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list, HDR Remodeling was also included in the list of top 50 LGBT-owned businesses in the Bay Area for three years in a row.
