Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 07:32 am
Located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, sunny Palo Alto is home to tech, trees, restaurants, and beautiful homes. Its canopied streets and safe neighborhoods boast a strong public education system as well as a vibrant civic culture. Palo Alto’s residential areas are predominantly occupied by single-family and multi-family homes designed and built by the Bay Area’s most prestigious residential general contractors who—with building expertise, craftsmanship, and a strong command over the newest building technologies—turn architectural concepts into reality.
Finding the right general contractor to build a home that will complement the area’s wooded and rolling topography can be challenging. Our team has curated a list of the best general contractors in Palo Alto and the surrounding area. We selected these firms based on their accreditations, certifications, professional affiliations, and the recognition each firm has received in the form of industry awards, client reviews, and features in the press. We have also laid out the range of services the firms offer, their specializations, and the length of time they have been in the industry.
Timeline Design + Build
14401 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070
Timeline Design + Build has built custom homes and remodels mainly in Los Altos, Menlo Park, Woodside, Portola Valley, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Saratoga since 1990. Its customized process begins with a detailed and accurate quote and a thorough design process. The team then uses its three-dimensional rendering tool to bring those designs to vivid virtual life. Then, its talented partner architects bring that vision into reality. For the construction phase, Timeline starts with an extremely detailed pre-construction process and project review then handles all of the bureaucracy of permitting and city approval.
Timeline’s founder, Matthew Harrigan, has been working in construction since the age of 16 and is a Procore Certified Project Manager. He studied electrical engineering before moving on to civil engineering. The firm focuses on detailed pre-planning and coordination with all stakeholders, utilizing Harrigan’s expertise in interior design, architecture, and construction. Under his leadership, Timeline has received a multitude of awards from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
Timeline’s portfolio reflects a variety of architectural and design movements such as this Los Altos custom home. The craftsman and prairie style home is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House as well as the client’s passion for nature photography, designed with beautiful wood elements reminiscent of the National Forests the client has visited.
Next Stage Design + Build
2157 O’Toole Ave #70, San Jose, CA 95131
Next Stage Design + Build is a full service remodeling company located in San Jose. Next Stage specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, ADUs, and exteriors. It serves Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties as a design-build company. It has a professional in-house design team, project management team, and craftsmen that enable the company to design, manage, and build projects from start to finish. The firm also works with highly skilled trade specialists, making them a one-stop solution for a wide range of remodeling needs. Next Stage solidifies its commitment to its customers by offering all clients an industry-leading warranty on work completed by the company.
Owner and General Manager, Jim Kabel, Master Certified Remodeler (MCR), Certified Remodeling Project Manager (CRPM), leads the company with extensive expertise of the residential remodeling industry in California. In 16 years, Kabel and his team have garnered numerous local, regional, and national design awards for their innovative designs, including over 40 NARI META design awards and various Contractor of The Year Awards (CotY). One of the firm’s notable projects is a Universally Designed Master Bath remodel in penthouse suite which recently won a Regional CotY award.
Harrell Remodeling, Inc
944 Industrial Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Harrell Remodeling, Inc.’s expertise in design-build and home remodeling and historic renovations has guided the construction of the finest neighborhoods in the greater San Francisco Bay area for over 35 years. The firm started out with CEO Iris Harrell as a single employee; it has grown into a team of nearly fifty seasoned designers, architects, and accomplished craftspeople.
Lisa Sten serves as their current president: Ms. Sten is a NARI Certified Remodeler and Certified Interior Designer by the California Certification for Interior Design (CCIDC, Inc.), and she previously co-owned an interior design company in Minneapolis. Under her leadership, the company’s remodeling process spans from the conceptual design phase where a Harrell Remodeling Designer conducts a home visit and mutually determines compatibility with the client before creating the plans and budget, to the design development phase where the budget is finalized and the drawings are developed, and finally to the construction phase where Harrell Remodeling oversees project management.
The company has collected a number of META Gold Awards from the NARI and is a Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award National Winner. Its competence in the industry is further proven by its long portfolio of elite homes. This whole house remodel in Palo Alto is a good example of its excellent craftsmanship, playing with contrasting pops of color and patterns for its tiles and furnishing.
Ammirato Construction
1330 White Oaks Rd, Campbell, CA 95008
For Ammirato Construction, providing homeowners honest, meticulous craftsmanship and personalized customer service is of utmost priority. The firm has maintained a reputation for delivering quality design-build services, custom homes and remodels, and new homes and additions in the Bay Area. The company has been recognized for its green building practices in constructing residential projects, affording it a Lead-Safe certification through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation. The firm also ensures safety protocols for COVID-19 are followed by its team of highly skilled craftsmen as well as its loyal network of subcontractors who share the same high standards.
Before John Ammirato began the business in 2000, he started his 20 years of building experience with an internship at the NASA-Ames Research Center where he studied aerospace and engineering. A Certified Green Building Professional by Build It Green and a member of the NARI, Ammirato led the firm into sweeping multiple local and national awards for remodeling excellence, including the 2020 Guildmaster Award and two Meta Awards.
De Mattei Construction
1794 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
With nearly 2,000 residential properties built, De Mattei Construction has built solid trust with customers in San Jose’s Rose Garden and Willow Glen neighborhoods during its 35 years of providing design and build services. The firm, founded by Mark De Mattei, started out as one of the commercial builders helping lead the revitalization of downtown San Jose and its landmark buildings. In the 1990s the firm shifted its focus to residential remodeling and custom home building, in addition to historic building conservation. Today, the company ranks among the largest residential remodelers in the U.S. and is one of the fastest-growing private companies in Silicon Valley.
De Mattei offers an array of services, including conceptual architectural design, cost analysis and budgeting, project permitting, interior design assistance, and construction. Its Design-Build Construction model is unique in that the builder and the designers are one and the same: clients have one point of contact, one contract, and one unified company with the goal of providing exactly what the client requests. The firm has earned a Gold META Award in the category of Best Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and over; the renovation of a structure originally built at least 75 years ago is the breathtaking result.
WM. H. Fry Construction Company
10351 San Fernando Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Founded by Bill Fry in 1987, a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP) through Build It Green and California Licensed General Contractor, WM. H. Fry Construction Company is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Bay Area home remodeling contractor and custom home builder on the Peninsula. The firm supports green-building practices in new home construction and home improvement projects. The firm is a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), the Los Altos, and the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce as well as the NAHB.
Bill Fry carries over 20 years of experience, having grown up under the tutelage of his contractor father, then trained as a Journeyman Carpenter. His talents in all phases of construction and natural leadership skills quickly earned him a foreman position building over 100 hillside homes at Portola Valley Ranch. Bill obtained his Contractors’ License in 1987 and assembled a world-class team that builds remodels, additions, and new homes.
Many of the firm’s projects include passive and active approaches to green building, such as the reduction of energy consumption and the use of sustainable and renewable resources as demonstrated by this striking Palo Alto Home Addition and whole house remodel.
Starburst Construction
1207 Redcliff Drive, San Jose, CA 95118
Since 1976, Starburst Construction has provided design and construction of new luxury homes and renovation projects throughout the Peninsula and Bay Area. The firm specializes in additions, home remodeling, kitchens, baths, green construction, and landscaping. Phil Carey, president of the firm, is one of the best framers for new homes in Silicon Valley and has built hundreds of custom, luxury homes and vacation homes in Park City, Utah and beyond that exceed building codes and current energy efficiency standards, resulting in a home built to last that is energy efficient or net-zero. The company is a Certified Remodeler and National Green Building Professional through NARI, a Green Point Rater and Green Building Professional by Build It Green as well as an Energy Upgrade California Contractor through the state of California.
Starburst has gained national acclaim for its work: the Gold Award for Custom Home over 1 million, a Gold Award Home Remodel, and multiple META Awards all through NARI. Its modern contemporary designs have hit the pages of several publications including The Mercury News and California Modern Home Magazine. This Contemporary Whole House Remodel in Palo Alto is a testament to the firm’s success. Extra living space in the home was added, a new garage built, and energy-efficient upgrades and technology were installed.
Hammerschmidt Construction, Inc.
1574 Country Club Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024
Hammerschmidt Construction, Inc. has been creating lasting impressions in and around Silicon Valley since 1996 thanks to the green building principles it implements in its residential designs and remodels as one of the area’s first Certified Green Builders. The firm carries a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation with an A+ rating and is Certified EPA Lead-Safe to assure all homes built before 1978 are tested for lead. If lead is found, it is contained and removed to protect the home’s occupants and job site workers.
Before founding the company, CEO John Hammerschmidt graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Landscape Construction, then moved to the Bay Area where he sold irrigation systems to Napa wineries, managed field operations for two landscaping firms—including his own—as well as two construction companies. He holds both Class A (Engineering) and Class B (General Contractor) California State Contractors’ licenses and is a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) and a Certified Green Building Professional.
An excellent representative of the quality of the firm’s work is its whole house remodel of a two-story 1963 home where the team added 700-square-feet to the second floor to create a master bedroom, a bath suite, and a home office.
Greenberg Construction
904 Industrial Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94303
Maor Greenberg founded Greenberg Construction in 2010 with the goal to guide from start to finish its Bay Area clients’ custom home, commercial and public projects by providing full-service design and build general construction services. Its scope of services covers interior design, architectural and engineering design, blueprints, project management, and city permits. The firm is Build It Green certified, taking green best building practices into consideration with every decision. That includes not only material selection, but also the construction process itself, which is handled by the firm’s team of professionals which ensures the project is on time and on budget.
Greenberg Construction is well-known in the industry to have rich experience in offering the most innovative energy-efficient products and services on the market such as heating and cooling systems, insulation and air sealing, and proper electric lighting and daylighting, among others. The firm carries certifications from the NAHB, NARI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and Silicon Valley, BBB, EPA, the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area (BIA), and the California Building Industry Association (CBIA).
Featured here is a contemporary modern Eichler home built by Greenberg Construction in Palo Alto. The project consists of transforming a 1950’s existing Joseph Eichler home using a similar material palate. The design utilizes the primary floor plan of the existing layout. The main living space is situated on the ground floor connecting the front garden and rear pool area. Two existing bedrooms and office areas are reconfigured to become more transparent to the outside gardens. The second floor accommodates extended family with two bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping porches. Photovoltaic panels, solar water heating, and rain catchment systems are used to offset energy and water loads. Large overhangs provide sufficient shade during the warm months.
IKB Design & Construction
346 Main Street, Los Altos, CA 94022
A two-time Contractor of the Year and Judge’s Choice Winner and ten-time Gold Design Awardee by the NARI, IKB Design & Construction has been designing, building, remodeling, and furnishing homes in the Bay Area for over 27 years. IKB provides end-to-end services including home design, construction management, and interior design, with residential projects ranging from small bathroom remodels to full-home renovations. The firm specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, additions, accessory dwelling units, and custom homes. In handling feasibility and construction risk assessments, the firm can help with potential permitting, code difficulties, or other sub-standard construction issues. IKB also offers warranty and repair services for its clients so that even after their first project is completed, it can do repairs, maintenance, or other small projects. Its experienced team of designers can also help with interior design from paint selection and window treatments to custom lighting, furniture, and art.
Chris Pandolfo started his career studying B.S. Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University; he is now serving as the President of the second-generation woman-owned local business, producing customer-focused designs like the beautiful Modern Palo Alto New Build. The estate’s interiors feature heavy light wood detailing, neutral-colored furniture, and a nuanced palette.
Sigura Construction, Inc.
1300 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Sigura Construction has over 16 years’ worth of extensive experience working on interior and exterior remodels and repairs, ground-up construction of custom homes, residential and commercial additions, multi-unit projects, and renovating properties damaged by fire and water in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The firm also provides maintenance and preventive maintenance services and handles the framing, plumbing, electrical, walls, flooring, windows, doors, and fixtures in all rooms of a home or building. At Sigura Construction, safety is taken very seriously as its workers attend a safety training session once every two weeks where they discuss recommended practices and safety rules.
Sigura Construction was founded by Ilan Sigura. From the age of 16, his father, who was a contractor, taught him the trade. After graduating from university in Israel with a Mechanical Engineering degree, Ilan continued working in the field of construction in New Jersey while pursuing his second degree in Computer Software. After moving to California, he opened a general construction business, which has been recognized with certifications from NARI, BBB, and the California Association of Community Managers.
One of the firm’s works, a 7,500-square-foot two-story home remodel in Palo Alto, was featured in This Old House magazine. Sigura Construction designed the house with extensive custom cabinetry, new appliances, stonework, and custom railing.
Paragon Custom Builders
PO Box 1299, Palo Alto, CA 94302
Jared Wilcox worked as a laborer in 1998 under his general contractor who recognized his potential and eagerness to learn, mentoring him through his education in framing work and project management. Wilcox developed a deep understanding of project documentation, subcontractor relations, and cultivating relationships with clients. His passion for construction led him to start his own company in 2018 to bring his craftsmanship and attention to detail he acquired while helping to create magnificent homes.
Paragon Custom Builders is focused on green building, historic building conservation, and new high-end residential construction, remodels, additions, and renovations. The firm is constantly looking for creative solutions to reduce typical operating expenses and boost resale value. As a customer-centered practice, the firm maintains active communication with its clients through its Management System and scheduled meetings. An online portal in the form of an application is also available for clients to track project status as Paragon oversees the construction. The firm is licensed through the Contractors State License Board and holds an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.
Paragon’s portfolio consists of high-profile projects, including this 3,200 square-foot California Ranch Style home. The company provided the foundation for a full remodel and addition with four bedrooms and bathrooms.
JPM Construction
151 W. 3rd Ave #1, San Mateo, CA 94402
For over 12 years, John Mills, together with his brother Matthew Mills, have been building homes in Atherton, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, and the surrounding Mid-Peninsula areas, with a special interest in end-to-end general contracting support, design-build for new homes, renovations, and additions. The firm also provides full landscaping and outdoor design and implementation. John is a licensed general contractor and has extensive experience in project management and supervision after working with several residential general contracting firms in California, including Clark Construction for large-scale projects such as the Nationals Park baseball stadium. Matthew is a CalBRE licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Coldwell Banker and worked in Cameroon and Congo in telecommunications and in construction machinery sales. He contributed greatly to JPM’s reputation as San Francisco Peninsula’s Real Estate Experts. JPM Homes Real Estate guides home buyers and sellers through the local real estate market. It has strategies to help buyers beat competitors and recommendations for sellers on setting the right price.
Their exemplary general contracting is manifested through their portfolio of luxury residences. The Palo Alto transitional Tudor-style home’s exterior is distinctly designed with a steeply pitched roof. To create a cohesive aesthetic, the JPM team chose a palette of black and white mixed with natural wood accents to keep it warm and inviting, then accented it all with pops of satin brass cool-toned interiors.
NorthWall Builders, Inc.
664 Gilman Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
NorthWall Builders, Inc. (NWB) was founded in Palo Alto in 1996 by Mark Moragne and Stephen Reller. In 2005, Brad Bennigson, a licensed contractor, joined the team and now serves as the principal of the firm. NBW specializes in new homes and major remodels in and around the mid-Peninsula including Atherton, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto. The firm is dedicated to providing outstanding construction service for homeowners who want to construct a new custom home or remodel an existing one and a thorough analysis of costs and construction ideas during the design phase of a project.
NorthWall Builders operates on the philosophy that building quality homes begins with developing relationships with homeowners. Its team has a deep appreciation for the art and science of home building, a thorough understanding of the construction business, and a commitment to service—qualities that reveal themselves in the firm’s portfolio.
The Opal Cliff home was featured in California Home + Design Magazine and involved the redesign of a peach-colored stucco home into a low-key weekend retreat by replacing old clay tiles with sleek hip roofs and the stucco with clean and durable board as well as siding in warm browns that blends into its environment. Ceilings were opened up and windows and doors enlarged to maximize the spectacular coastal views.
Interiors For Modern Living
210 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Interiors for Modern Living is an award-winning interior design and build practice based in Palo Alto, California. The firm specializes in interior design services, space planning, and general contracting for mid-range and luxury residential projects. The firm also offers construction documentation and construction administration. The Interiors for Modern LIving team approaches each project individually: the objective is always to provide client satisfaction through unique and modern interiors.
Jennifer Hale and Michael Palen moved to California and started Interiors For Modern Living in 2005, prepared to take on all sizes of project. Michael graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and has been in the building industry since 1971 as a highly accomplished carpenter and general contractor. Jennifer has a preference for modern style design. She worked as an interior designer for ADG for two years before she started Interiors For Modern Living.
Their work has been recognized by the NARI, NKBA, and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as well as media publications such as the Professional Remodeler and Qualified Remodeler Magazine. One of their most interesting projects is the Modern Japanese Home, a gray modern mid-sized two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in San Francisco with a shed roof.
