The Best General Contractors in California

Last updated on November 8th, 2024 at 06:47 am

California is known as the epitome of high-class life. Home to Hollywood, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Malibu, California has become the standard for high quality. With nearly 40 million residents, the Golden State is the most populous state in the United States and considered as the trailblazer in pop culture, entertainment, and even politics. It’s not surprising that it also sets the trend when it comes to homes and lifestyles. The Golden State has its fair share of urban homes, beach houses, and classic houses with Victorian touches, as well as contemporary designs that celebrities and high profile personalities most often choose.

The general contractors in this list have gone through extensive filtering to determine which among them is the best. Scouring through hundreds of contractors, only those with the best background, track record, and reputation have the chance of being included. Out of nearly two hundred contractors in California, here is the top 19.

Aaron Gordon Construction

2261 Shafter Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124

Aaron Gordon was first exposed to the construction industry when he worked as a stagehand and set builder right after graduating and getting his business degree from Sonoma State University. From then on, Gordon’s construction projects became larger over time, which made him decide to get his general contractor license and then establish the business in 2000.

In his 18 years of service to the areas of San Francisco, Marin County, and San Francisco Peninsula, Aaron Gordon Construction (AGC) has captured the attention of different publications such as Spaces Magazine, California Home + Design, San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate, Marin Magazine, and Home Improvement Noe Valley Style as well as CBS Network.

Through hard work and good work ethics, AGC has become a BBB Accredited Business and a NARI member, offering kitchen remodels, retrofitting, bathroom remodel, general contractor, renovation, dry rot repair, construction, flooding, exterior remodel, and roofing.

One of its remarkable remodeling project is the Nob Hill 1920s high-rise. This project presented exceptional millwork, hand-carved Art Deco-style cabinetry, and high-end finishes. While preserving its classic beauty, AGC is able to update and incorporate a modern style to its interiors.

Lars Remodeling and Design

5925 Kearny Villa Road San Diego CA 92123

Lars Remodeling and Design is known to be one of the first San Diego remodeling companies to become a NARI certified remodeler. With this foundation, the firm has continued on to become recognized by Guild Master in 2015 and named Best Home Remodeler and Best Kitchen & Bath Renovation Company by the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2009. In addition, Lars received the Remodeling Professional’s Big50 Award as well as became part of Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500.

Jason Larson started his company at the young age of 22, and 27 years later, Lars Remodeling and Design thrives in today’s remodeling industry. Its notable efforts were featured by the Innovative Company, a business magazine, while its association with NARI, NKBA, and the Construction Marketing Association paved the way to meaningful projects that helped Lars become one of the top contractors.

Since 1991, Lars Remodeling & Design has served La Jolla, San Diego, Spring Valley, and surrounding areas. specializing in home remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home additions and extensions, and new home construction.

Gordon Reese Design Build

3021 Citrus Circle #170 Walnut Creek CA 94598

Gordon Reese III, the founder of Gordon Reese Design Build, learned the trade of carpentry and design-build at a very young age. In 1986, he decided to apply everything he learned and form his own company.

In its 32 years in the industry, Gordon Reese Design Build has received several recognitions, including Remodeling Magazine Big50 Class of 2017, NARI National Contractor of the Year Universal Design Recognition 2016, NARI REMMIES Universal Design Recognition 1st Place Interior $75k-$150K Award 2016, NARI REMMIES Gold Award for Residential Open Concept Kitchen 2014, NARI REMMIES 1st Place Award for Residential Bath, Residential Kitchen, and Room Addition, all in 2013. The television show HGTV Curb Appeal featured Gordon Reese property The Block in Piedmont and another in Oakland Hills.

The company is affiliated with NKBA and Remodeler’s Advantage and received EPA Lead Certification. Gordon Reese serves  Alamo, Clayton, Concord, Diablo, Lafayette, and nearby areas.

One of Gordon Reese’s notable projects is the award-winning Suite Concord master bedroom remodel. The walls have been torn down and the suite’s layout has been completely changed. New lights were installed which gave the room a whole new life while its new doors and windows freed more space, making it look bigger and more spacious.

Gordon Reese Design Build specializes in home additions and extensions, home remodeling and restoration, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, new home construction, and outdoor kitchen construction.

EBCON Corporation/Hughes Construction, Inc.

506 Second Avenue Redwood City, CA 94063

Ebcon Corporation|Hughes Construction, Inc. (EBHCI) is the result of a merger between two companies, each with a successful reputation going back to 2002. The company emerged strongly despite challenges, and their union has proven beneficial for both parties. The company is led by Erik Bergstrom with Erik Hughes, former CEO of Hughes Construction, Inc, heading Business Development and new market explorations. EBHCI’s team is also comprised of talented individuals such as JT Glowiak and Clark Schoening, the company’s General Superintendents who lead all field operations and oversee their Project Superintendents.

Following their formal merging on July 2016, EBHCI has garnered recognition for their remodeling projects, including NARI Meta Gold Award for Best Kitchen over $150k for 2017, NARI Regional Contractor of the Year 2017, Contractor of the Year- Best Basement 2015, Contractor of the Year Green Project Recognition 2015 and Contractor of the Year Image Achievement Award 2015. The company’s work has also been featured in Luxe Magazine and Modern Vintage – Southern Roots.

EBHCI has forged a lasting partnership with its clients and partners. Most of their team members have been with the company since its establishment which is one of the manifestations of the company’s value of putting importance to meaningful relationships.

EBHCI serves Atherton, Emerald Lake Hills, Foster City, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, and surrounding areas, specializing in custom homes and home remodeling.

Hill Construction

San Diego, Orange County

When it comes to high-end home construction, Hill Construction has bragging rights. Hill Construction homes have become head-turning permanent fixtures along the San Diego coastlines. Hill Construction was established by Peter Hill more than 40 years ago and managed by Ryan Hill, who had his degree in Construction Management. The firm specializes in modern updates and additions for discerning clients.

A Hill Construction home is easily characterized by its contemporary forms and crisp, white walls. Nestled in the San Diego cliffs, the firm is adept in building and renovating beautiful coastal homes, attracting media attention from Luxe, Dwell, California Homes, Remodel, Coastal, Luxury of Home, Professional Builder, and the Wall Street Journal. Hill Construction also earned distinction on the Luxe Gold List and Best in American Living List.

For its custom homework, the firm won three Gold Nugget Awards and was named the Icon Awards Custom Homebuilder of the Year.

Hill Construction takes advantage of modern technologies and cutting-edge modeling systems in their construction design and has applied such processes in the hundreds of residential projects they have completed. Hill Construction is also committed to building green and sustainable projects and has been accredited by LEED.

DD Ford Construction

303 Palm Ave. Santa Barbara, California 93101

Known for its detailed fine furniture and cabinetry, DD Ford Construction came from humble beginnings in 1979 out of a garage. As founder Doug Ford, received more and more orders for his craftwork, the company grew into one of the best general contractors in California.

Through experience and years of customer service, DD Ford Construction received the Builder of the Year award in 2018, and the Member’s Choice Award, both from Santa Barbara Contractors Association, as well as Chrysalis Regional Awards 2018. The firm ranked #23 in Remodeling 550 in 2018, ranked #50 in Remodeling 550 in 2017, ranked #192 in Quality Remodeler Top 500 in 2017, and won Project of the Year in 2017.

Doug Ford’s degree in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Fine Woodworking from Cal State Long Beach gave him the proper tools to help his business take off.  Since then, DD Ford Construction has been offering home remodeling and restoration, new home construction, and swimming pool construction. DD Ford is also known for custom remodeling designs based on client’s preference while preserving the property’s original aesthetic quality.

For almost two decades, the company has served Goleta, Mission Canyon, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Summerland, and nearby areas. DD Ford works toward an understanding of each neighborhood in which it serves, applying that knowledge to its building processes. One of DD Ford’s most notable projects is the Valley Club Mid-Century home renovation that won them the Chrysalis Regional Award. DD Ford updated its interiors, giving it modern layout, cabinetry, and design. There is ample natural light entering the home through glass windows without compromising privacy.

Altera Design & Remodeling

1079 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Altera Design & Remodeling sets itself apart by providing a personalized approach in catering to their clients’ needs with their Altera Design Showroom. This is where each client can choose finishes for kitchens and baths, while Altera’s designers give expert advice.

This approach, together with their customer service, has made Altera visible in the building industry and led to numerous awards, including NKBA Northern California Chapter awards from 2012, and 2014 to 2017, NKBA National Design Awards in 2012 and 2015, NARI National Contractor of the Year in 2014, 2015 and 2017, and NARI Remmies Award San Francisco Bay Area Chapter awards in 2011, 2013 and 2014. In addition, Altera Design & Remodeling is Diamond Certified by the NKBA and ‘A+’ rated by the BBB.

Founder Jim Vivrette, a Certified Bath Designer, Certified Kitchen Designer, and Certified Interior Designer, is a past president of the Diablo Valley Chapter, and is an instructor for adult education programs and seminars.

Since its establishment in 1986, the firm has provided kitchen and bathroom remodeling, universal design and space planning, cabinetry, and outdoor kitchen construction to Alamo, Berkeley, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, and surrounding areas.

Peninsula Custom Homes, Inc.

340 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco CA 94103

Out of all the residential contractors in this list, Peninsula Custom Homes is the most successful in achieving a great balance between customer service and proper business practices. Peninsula Custom Homes, Inc. has undertaken more than 200 residential projects in California over the course of 40 years. Dick Breaux, the company founder, who feels that customer satisfaction should be the ultimate goal for every construction project, believes in fostering a ‘listening’ attitude in his project managers. This attitude, along with its employees’ stellar technical proficiencies, has allowed the firm to prosper and make a name for itself in affluent San Francisco neighborhoods.

In May 2018, the firm’s Victorian renovation project in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights won them the Julia Morgan Award, an award given by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art – Northern California Chapter (ICAA) for projects that reach stellar, ‘classic’ stature. For this project, the firm integrated modernism with handcrafted flooring and plastered ceilings. The firm’s neoclassical-style house in Northern California has graced the pages of Architecture’s Digest.  PCH was also given a cover spread in California Home Magazine’s The Essential Guide issue. Their projects have also appeared in Modern Luxury, Domino, Grail Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. House Beautiful featured one of the firm’s kitchen projects, which heavily drew inspiration from French-styled houses.

PCH is committed to building sustainable projects for clients. In addition to their membership in the National Kitchen and Bath Association and to the ICAA, PCH is certified by Build It Green and the U.S. Green Building Council. PCH affirms that their approach is designed to achieve the highest satisfaction for customers – no matter what design clients require.

Marrokal Design and Remodeling

9474 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92126

In the 37 years since its conception, Marrokal Design & Remodeling has established its roots as one of the top contractors in California as it continues to receive awards for their outstanding projects.

In 2018, Marrokal Design & Remodeling won in three categories in NARI Contractor of the Year awards, eight categories in 2015, three categories in 2014, three in 2013, two on 2012, four in 2011, four in 2010, and eight categories from 2007 to 2009. In addition to this, they have also received Chrysalis Awards for Excellence in one category in 2015, five in 2014, five in 2011, two in 2010, four in 2009, three in 2008, three in 2007, four in 2006, and two categories in 2005.

Their work ethic has not gone unnoticed as the BBB awarded the company with Torch Awards in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2015. Qualified Remodeler Magazine has recognized Marrokal Design and Remodeling as one of their Top 500 Remodelers and receiver of the Master Design Awards in one category in 2015, two in 2011, four in 2010, four in 2007, one in 2006, and in one category in 2005. Professional Remodeler offered Marrokal Design awards in four categories in 2014, three in 2013, and one category in 2007.

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has also taken interest in Marrokal’s outstanding work, bestowing Design Excellence awards in two categories in 2011, one in 2010, four in 2007, and three categories in 2006. Marrokal Design & Build serves the areas of Del Mar, San Diego, Encinitas, La Jolla, Cardiff By the Sea, and surrounding areas specializing in custom homes building and remodeling, kitchen and bath remodels, outdoor living rooms, and guesthouses.

Kavin Construction

3814 Willat Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90232

 Since 1975, Kavin Construction has offered a modernist approach in classic homes remodels in Southern California. Though a graduate of Biological Sciences and Physics at the University of California – Davis, founder Michael Kavin decided to pursue his interest in construction and by the mid-70s, had established his own small carpentry business which evolved into Kavin Construction. Kavin’s expertise and enthusiasm have earned him respect among his peers, causing him to be frequently invited as an expert witness for the State Contractor’s License Board involving construction issues. Today, the firm he built has grown a clout of loyal clients in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.

Kavin Construction, as a true native of Los Angeles, specializes in constructing and remodeling hillside and coastal properties. Kavin Construction gives clients an incredible amount of control – not one substitution of material will take place without their consent. In addition, the firm provides the client with a project outline and cost analysis of the entire project.  

Two of the company’s notable projects include a renovation for Hollywood TV star Zooey Deschanel – channeling a nautical-styled kitchen in Hollywood Hills, and a $7 million, LA County mansion for British singer Adele which included four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool, and a treehouse. Kavin’s projects have attracted significant media attention, including a spread in Architectural Digest, Bazaar Magazine, Sunset Magazine, InStyle, House Beautiful, and West Los Angeles Living. Kavin’s projects also made it to community rankings and awards, including the Top 10 Beverly Hills, Best of Culver City in 2015, and a Best of Los Angeles Award in 2015.

Kavin recognizes that home building is one of the largest single investments a client could make, so the firm is committed to offering only reliable communication,  a trusted process, and the support of skilled staff.

Giffin & Crane

224 South Milpas St, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Having built more than 3,000 projects in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Giffin & Crane shows serious muscle when it comes to residential construction. More than a highly-proficient contractor, the firm is methodical in its building processes. Bruce Giffin and Geoff Crane, who started their contracting career fresh off having their license, both agree that a step-by-step approach combined with good customer service would sell well with along with their technical skills.

Giffin & Crane imbues their construction with a five-step process meant to eliminate possible issues. Project managers would begin with a conceptual estimate of the entire project, followed by the formulation of the preliminary plans where there is a categorization of job aspects, then the scope of work phase, followed by the agreement/construction phase, and finally the completion phase. This is their key to a smooth-running project completed under the shortest possible time.

More than for their efficiency in handling a project, Giffin & Crane is also famous for its exceptional craftsmanship in Spanish and Mediterranean homes. Though smaller and not as extremely modern as those that frequently line California coasts, these homes bubble with personality and soul – one that speaks to homeowners. Notable projects include a remodel of the historic 1936 San Roque Tudor home which was renovated to be a vacation home, and a modernized French barn with crisp, white walls complemented by wrought-iron windows. The company’s work has won the Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards and the Custom Home Pacesetter Award and has been featured in Pacific Coast Business Times and Dining and Destinations.

Alward Construction

1035 Carleton Street, Berkeley, CA 94710-2638

As a student, firm founder Keith Alward built his own studio and finished all its carpentry and masonry work. With a degree in Developmental Psychology, he could have chosen to work in academia, but instead chose his true passion, construction – in which he enjoyed being a hands-on builder. Soon, his passion turned into a full company and his helpers turned full-time employees.

Since 1979, his aptly named firm, Alward Construction, maintains a strong reputation as the best general contracting remodelers in Alameda County. There are two things central to Alward Construction’s business operation: maintaining a relationship and quality builds. Alward believes in maintaining a culture of positivity with his employees, subcontractors, partners, and clients, many of whom were referred to him and were repeat customers themselves.

Alward’s construction credo came from his ranch background, wherein everything is built from scratch. Such perspective allowed him to understand clients more effectively and pinpoint what they need exactly.  At work, he does the construction himself and knows most of the trade. He and his team of licensed professional builders have worked on several Berkeley-based remodeling projects, and two notable projects included restoring a Frank Lloyd Wright house which won them a National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) Contractor of the Year award for an entire house, and a Spanish Mediterranean House restoration which also won a COTY award.

In all, Alward Construction’s stellar projects have earned the company 22 COTY awards, seven Chrysalis awards, two Professional Remodeler awards, and one Qualified Remodeler award. Their works have appeared in SFGate, and Alward was featured in the San Francisco Business Time’s Entrepreneur Profile.

McCutcheon Build

1280 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

McCutcheon Build shows great dedication to building sustainable projects in California. The firm is led by Michael McCutcheon, who, despite having a Biology degree, chose to pursue building because it gave him a greater sense of accomplishment in helping build his own community. After nearly 40 years of remodeling experience, McCutcheon Construction is proud to say it has created a clout of loyal clientele throughout California – both repeat and referral clients.

Interestingly, it was his biology degree that directed his attention to sustainable projects as a contractor. In 2013, the firm won a Best Green Renovation award for a whole-house remodel from the City of Piedmont. The San Francisco Business Times cited the firm for its commitment to taking extraordinary measures to reduce the negative environmental impact of construction. The East Bay Monthly and Berkeley Times also featured the firm for their environmental stance. McCutcheon is a member of Build It Green, Green Point Rated Building, Water Smart certification, Net Zero Energy Building, and the U.S. Green Building Council – all highly-rated green organizations in the United States.

However great their dedication to green building is, the firm never lost grip when it comes to other remodeling projects. McCutcheon has received numerous awards and recognition from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). At the later, the firm won three 2018 Bay Area Remodeling Awards for residential remodeling over $150,000, best bathroom over $100,000, and entire house renovation over $1 million – these are in addition to all the other NARI awards the firm has garnered in the past.

Red Horse Constructors, Inc.

36 Professional Center Pkwy, San Rafael, CA, 94903

All of the builders in this list, Red Horse Constructors, Inc enjoys overcoming challenging projects the most. The firm takes pride in assisting clients who have particularly complex home projects. The firm has done a solid number of construction projects throughout California, and are adept in constructing and remodeling different designs, not limited to contemporary, Mediterranean, farmhouse, and coastal homes.

Founder David Warren, who was named Custom Builder of the Year in 2007 by Custom Home Magazine, attributed their success to their persistence and creativity. Their mantra “there is no stop” dictates that all employees must push forward with their imagination, resolve, and set of skills whenever met with complex construction tasks.

The firm is skilled in green-building, remodeling, new home construction, and infrastructure construction. Accordingly, their work has earned them Custom Builder of the Year Award from Custom Home Magazine, A Distinguished Building Award from the American Institute of Architects in Chicago, an Award for Excellence in Residential Design from the AIA-East Bay, and a Design Award of Honor from the Society of American Registered Architects in New York. One of the company’s notable projects include a Pacific Heights remodel of a modern manor that was designed for an active family. It also received a feature in Luxe Interior + Design magazine for its refreshing take on muted wooden accents combined with bright colors.

Other Red Horse Constructors’ works have attracted media attention. Its projects have appeared in various design publications including multiple issues of Luxe Interior + Design, Garden Design, Wood Design & Building, Custom Home Magazine, Mix, and the New York Times. The firm also received citations from the Breakthroughs Magazine, Keep It Local, and AIA Features, as well as a spot in HGTV.

Jeff King & Company

251 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA

Over the past 19 years, Jeff King & Company has built its empire by establishing meaningful partnerships with its clients, who spread the word of the company’s award-winning service.

With several awards and press recognition, Jeff King & Company has become one of the top home remodelers in the state of California. The company’s efforts have been recognized by NARI as Contractor of the Year 2016, Guildmaster Award for three consecutive years (2012 – 2014), Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 Teamwork category and Chrysalis Regional Awards in 2008. Jeff King has been featured in many publications, including Remodelling Magazine, Modern Luxury, California Home & Design, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Magazine, Dwell, The Architect’s Newspaper, Sunset Magazine, Small Room Decorating, Gardenista, Remodelista, San Francisco Business Times, and  SFGate.

Jeff King founded his company in 1999, which serves as a top contractor in the  Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Corte Madera, Marin City, Mill Valley, San Francisco, Sausalito, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Tiburon, Sonoma, Napa, and Marin areas. Their services range from home remodeling, extensions, and additions, to historic building conservation and new custom home construction.

With Jeff King’s Art History degree from the University of Richmond and Master of Fine Arts degree from UC Berkeley, his love for intricate designs and complex art is apparent in every work the company produces. King is also a Certified Green Building Professional and a Remodeler’s Advantage member.

Harrell Remodeling, Inc.

944 Industrial Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Designing beautiful and highly functional homes that reflect the style of the people who live in them is the work that has inspired Harrell Remodeling and their team of employee owners for over thirty-three years.

In 1985, Harrell Remodeling was founded by Iris Harrell and began with a single employee. Today, they employ over thirty employee-owners, including designers and accomplished craftspeople. They are an award-winning, full-service design + build firm specializing in high-end residential interiors and exteriors throughout Silicon Valley, from Los Gatos to Hillsborough. Harrell Remodeling’s projects range from stunning whole house, kitchen and bathroom remodels, universal design, home theaters, and wine cellars, outdoor living, and kitchens, to smaller projects focusing on a few impactful elements of design.

Harrell Remodeling is a company that is known for their client-focused design with both individuals and families who are interested in a quality renovation managed by a collaborative and receptive team of professionals.

With designers holding numerous certifications from the National Kitchen and Bathrooms Association (NKBA) and/or members of the prestigious American Society for Interior Design (ASID), Harrell Remodeling has showcased prominent, high-end interior design projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

They has received over fifty design awards through the National Association of Remodeling Industry’s META design contest, in a number of categories, including residential kitchen, bath, universal design, whole house remodel, and exterior landscaping. The firm has also won multiple Contractor of the Year, National Kitchen and Bath Association awards, and Chrysalis design awards. Harrell is no stranger to press attention, frequently appearing in publications such as the California Home and Design, GENTRY, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Palo Alto Weekly, San Jose Mercury News and Qualified Remodeler.

NAR Design Group/ Nar Fine Carpentry, Inc.

5600 Elvas Ave, Sacramento, CA 95819

NAR Design Group, a Nar Fine Carpentry company, refuses to be just another home remodeler in Sacramento, CA. Founder and owner Nar Bustamante is committed to making his client’s residential investments safe, secure, and made with the best materials available. For this reason, Bustamante has only ever hired professionals who are truly invested in their craft to work on NAR projects.

Commitment and determination allow the firm to earn dozens of awards from leading industry professional organizations. NAR’s works have attracted the attention of such publications as Lavish Magazine, The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal, Home, Kitchen & Bath Business, Kitchen & Bath Design News, and Trends.

NAR is well-versed in a variety of design styles and trends – from rustic, Mediterranean, to contemporary. Its work has earned it more than 30 Contractor of the Year Awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for its work in kitchen remodels, residential bath remodels, whole-house remodels, and interior projects. The National Kitchen and Bath Association, likewise, recognized the firm for its kitchen and bath projects and awarded them 26 awards. The Qualified Remodeler also included the firm in its Top 500 list in 2015. 

NAR offers extensive whole-house renovation, outdoor additions, and kitchen and bathroom designs. If so desired by clients, NAR can also offer custom art and furniture creations, and custom cabinetry. NAR’s well-rounded service gives clients in-house designs that are permit-ready and built by its house construction team.

Allen Construction

201 N. Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

With its exceptional track record, Allen Construction has made its mark in the construction and remodeling industry. Established by Dennis Allen in 1983, Allen Construction serves the Santa Barbara, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Cabalasas, Malibu, and Bel Air areas.

Throughout the years, Allen Construction has solidified their place as one of the best general contractors in California by earning numerous awards and recognitions, such as NARI Regional Contractor of the Year, NARI National Contractor of the Year, part of Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500, GuildMaster award, Chrysalis Decade of Excellence and many more. With their continued pursuit of excellence, the firm has been the recipient of awards almost every year, and it recently received the ESOP Company of the Year award in 2017.

Courtesy of Jim Bartsch Photography

Allen Construction was also featured in several publications, including California Homes + Design, Los Angeles Times, Food and Home, Remodelers Top 500, Dwell, Santa Barbara Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Green Home Builder, Seasons Magazine, Ventana Magazine, and Architectural Digest, as well as television program HGTV. Dennis Allen brought his experience and knowledge as an instructor at the University of California, and his background as a member of Sustainability Project, The Green Building Alliance, and founder of Parade of Green Buildings, into creating sustainable homes and using environment-friendly options in their remodeling projects. Allen Construction provides world-class services for bathroom remodeling, custom homes, energy-efficient homes, green building, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, new home construction, sustainable design, and custom cabinetry. Allen prides its team’s aesthetic prowess through different designs such as a hand-painted ceiling, which shows the talent of a true artist while complementing the overall design of the home.

Jackson Design & Remodeling

4797 Mercury Street San Diego CA 92111

Jackson Design & Remodeling stands as one of the most-awarded, prominent, and prolific residential contractors in California today, and for this reason, has claimed the top spot on the list.

A well-established firm built in 1998, the Jackson Design & Remodeling has consistently offered top-notch remodeling construction for residents of the most prestigious San Diego neighborhoods. President and CEO Todd Jackson, along with a skilled team of craftsmen and office support, provide new home construction, extensive whole-house remodels, outdoor additions, and other specialized construction services such as home automation, custom cabinetry, solar installation, condominium remodeling, and aging in place solutions.

JDR is particularly noted for its meticulous business process and award-winning portfolio. JDR has won hundreds of remodeling, design and business awards from leading industry organizations, including 53 Contractor of the Year Awards from the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI), Guildmaster, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

At its core, JDR wants to create living spaces that feel personal but functional. One particularly notable project of the firm included a vast remodel of a close-up, Californian coastal home. JDR expertly worked the floor, removing divisions and elevating the ceiling, resulting in a spacious, pastel-hued family room which opens to the sea. The property won the firm the 2018 NARI Contractor of the Year (COTY) Award for entire home remodels priced at $500,000 to $750,000, and the 2018 American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) award. JDR also won another 2018 COTY award in the same category for a different project, this one involving a mid-century, beach home. The two projects above, are the only glimpse of the JDR’s work. JDR’s work has been extensively featured in various publications including Modern Luxury Interiors California, Kitchen & Bath Design News, Modern Luxury San Diego, San Diego Magazine, Kitchen and Bath Business, and the Wall Street Journal.  

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