Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 01:28 am

Santa Barbara, California is a coastal gem renowned for its breathtaking beauty and desirable quality of life, making it an excellent choice for residential properties. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries, theaters, music festivals, and many outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, surfing, and sailing. With its charming Spanish Colonial architecture, lush gardens, and a strong sense of community, Santa Barbara provides an idyllic setting for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to call home. Here are Santa Barbara’s eight best home remodelers.


Allen Construction

201 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103    

Allen Construction, founded in 1983 by Dennis Allen, is an esteemed company at the forefront of the green building movement for 40 years. With a strong emphasis on energy conservation and sustainability, Allen Construction has built a reputation for constructing quality, healthy homes in Santa Barbara. The company’s team members are craftsmen and progressive thinkers who create striking, energy-efficient living spaces. Allen Construction has received numerous accolades, including the Silver Level Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation and the Gold Award for Historic Renovation. It has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Qualified Remodeler, and Santa Barbara Magazine Online

The company’s principals, Dennis Allen and Aaron Pick, bring extensive experience and expertise. Dennis is a nationally recognized authority on environmentally friendly building practices, and Aaron drives strategic alignment and fosters a mission-oriented culture.


Giffin & Crane General Contractors, LLC

800 N. Milpas St., Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Giffin & Crane General Contractors, LLC is a highly regarded construction company known for its expertise in building remarkable and distinct structures. With a commitment to excellence, Giffin & Crane collaborates with top designers, architects, and engineers to bring clients’ dreams to life. Each project undertaken by the company presents unique challenges and opportunities, whether it’s a simple remodel or an extraordinary architectural estate. Regardless of project size, Giffin & Crane delivers exceptional work. The company has received notable recognition, including the Residential Excellence in Design Regional Award for Best Exterior Architecture and the Edwards/Plunkett Award. It is accredited by prestigious organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and the Santa Barbara Contractors Association. Giffin & Crane has been featured in Luxe Magazine, Santa Barbara Magazine, and Builder Magazine

The company’s principals, Geoff Crane, Eric Carlstedt, and Derek Shue, bring extensive experience and leadership to ensure the company’s continued success and client satisfaction.


Young Construction, Inc.

9 Ashley Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Young Construction, Inc. is a trusted builder of high-quality custom homes in Santa Barbara, driven by a commitment to excellence and a detail-oriented approach. With its dedicated team, Young Construction, Inc has earned a reputation for delivering award-winning homes to its clients. The company’s involvement in each project, combined with cost-effective construction solutions, ensures the functional quality design, adherence to industry standards, and successful project outcomes. Young Construction’s impressive accolades include the Hugh Peterson Award and the Gold Nugget Grand Award. The company is accredited by esteemed organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and the US Green Building Council. Publications like Luxe Magazine, Architectural Digest, and Sunset Magazine have recognized Young Construction’s expertise and showcased its projects. 

Bob Young, the president overseeing operations and business development, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success, bringing his extensive experience in residential and commercial construction.


Hahka Kitchens

72 Santa Felicia Ave., Goleta, CA 93117

Hahka Kitchens Design Center is a reputable kitchen remodeling specialist known for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. With a wealth of experience and a dedication to using quality materials and products, Hahka Kitchens Design Center offers creative interior design solutions and meticulous craftsmanship. As an authorized Dura Supreme Cabinetry Dealer, it ensures top-notch cabinetry options for its clients. The company holds accreditations from respected organizations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the Santa Barbara Contractors Association.

Its president, Randy Hahka, brings over 30 years of experience, honing his expertise as a foreman and installer before establishing the company. Randy’s background in Finnish finish carpentry and his degree in Construction from the University of Colorado-Boulder contribute to the company’s commitment to excellence.


Caldwell Construction

1386 Camino Meleno, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Caldwell Construction is a distinguished Santa Barbara-based general contractor renowned for its integration of stunning design and precise execution. With the belief that home remodels should be a collaborative and fulfilling experience, Caldwell Construction prioritizes understanding and executing clients’ visions to bring their dream homes to life. Attention to detail is paramount throughout the firm’s process, ensuring lasting and timeless results, regardless of project size. The company holds Santa Barbara Contractors Association accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to professional standards and practices. Caldwell Construction’s expertise has been recognized in publications such as Windsor One

The owner, Sean Caldwell, brings an extensive background in the construction industry, including training under his father, experience in the Carpenter’s Union, and formal education in Construction Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, specializing in residential projects across Santa Barbara County.


Trillium Enterprises, Inc.

501 Chapala St., Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Trillium Enterprises, Inc., founded by brothers Ken and Peter Cohen in 1987, is a respected construction company based in Santa Barbara. Their shared dream of starting a family business led them to establish Trillium Enterprises after gaining valuable experience in the industry. Committed to providing unrivaled general contracting services, Trillium Enterprises has a dedicated staff that delivers superior service and collaborates with reputable subcontractors in the Greater Santa Barbara Area. The company’s success is built on maintaining the highest professionalism, integrity, and honesty in its relationships with business associates and clients. Trillium Enterprises has been accredited by Downtown Santa Barbara and featured in publications such as Daily Mail

architectural photography

Ken Cohen holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara. At the same time, Peter Cohen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Econometrics from the same institution and brings unique international experience from living in Japan.


Jack ‘N Tool Box, Inc.

520 Laguna St., Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Jack ‘N Tool Box, Inc. is a licensed, full-service General Building Contractor based in Santa Barbara, serving the Tri-Counties area. Established in 1987 by Jack Byers, who brings valuable experience from managing large subsea construction projects overseas, the company initially focused on maintenance and repair services and has since expanded to encompass all aspects of residential and commercial building construction. It is accredited by reputable organizations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Santa Barbara Contractors Association, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, and Association of Construction Inspectors. 

The company has been featured in publications, including Yumpu in 2019 and Noozhawk in 2016. Jack Byers, the owner, founded the company upon his return from a successful career managing large subsea construction projects, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to the industry.


Gordobe Homes

809 E. Gutierrez St., Suite 200, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Founded in 1971, Gordobe Homes is a respected custom home construction firm known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and dedicated customer service. With a broad scope of expertise, the firm specializes in new home ground-up development, restoration of significant architecture, and renovations tailored to each customer’s unique needs. Gordobe Homes serves clients in Montecito, Santa Barbara County, and Ventura County, delivering the highest quality products and services. The company has been recognized in publications such as Home Flock and Pro Publica, showcasing its industry expertise and reputation. 

Under the leadership of owner Gordon Gibbons, who has been actively involved in the industry for 47 years, Gordobe Homes benefits from his extensive experience working with skilled craftsmen and artisans.

Author

  • Shahe Demirdjian

    Shahe is an Editor at General Contractors with around four years of experience as a writer and editor in the construction space. Shahe has always had a huge interest in commercial/residential construction and real estate. On top of his experience at General Contractors, he has two years of experience as a Construction Partner Specialist at BuildZoom and six years of experience as a licensed real estate agent. In his work, he takes advantage of his expertise to take complex technical jargon from those realms and transform them into accessible, engaging content, blending his business administration expertise with a degree from Arizona State University with his experiential insights. Expertise: Architecture, Home Design and Build, Home Remodeling Key Highlights: Arizona Real Estate - Licensed Salesperson Education: Arizona State University - Bachelors in Business Administration