Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 12:57 am

Knowing who the best contractor for your job isn’t easy; there is a range of factors that can make your project a better fit for one builder over another. Each builder offers a unique set of services at different cost points, so it makes sense to explore builders that match your needs and budget.

To help you determine which San Francisco builder is the best fit for you, we’ve selected the best 3 builders in three price ranges in this article: properties over $6 million, between $2 and $6 million, and under $2 million. In the second half of this feature, we highlight the best general contractor in each of the nine iconic neighborhoods across the city. These rankings take a range of criteria into consideration, including work history, client satisfaction, awards and accolades, press recognition, and work quality among others. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom or your entire home, these trusted professionals will help you get the job done!

If you are thinking about doing a construction project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

Top Contractors by Property Value

San Francisco is famous for its diverse architecture of varying size, style, and finish. Each home reflects the homeowner’s aesthetic preferences and personality. Here, we look into the top residential contractors who provide major remodels and new construction and categorize them by the value of the properties they typically work with.

For Homes of More than $6 Million

Van Acker Construction Associates

1060 Redwood Hwy Frontage Rd., Mill Valley, CA 94941-1613

Van Acker Construction Associates is a Mill Valley-based general contracting and construction management company founded in 1987. President Gary Van Acker leads the company, which combines top-notch traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies to fulfill its mission “to provide premium service, that facilitates and realizes architecture”. Further enabling the firm is its flexible approach to tackling complex projects and its network of top architects, designers, and engineers in the city. Some of Van Acker’s work has earned the company numerous awards, including the Remodeling Design Awards and the American Society of Landscape Architects Northern California Honor Award.

Van Acker renovated the historic $9.8 million home at 15 Arguello Boulevard. The renovation designs for this nearly 10,000 square-foot home clad in pink stucco were drawn by Walker Warner Architects. Partial foundation replacement, five new bathrooms, and remodels to a number of living quarters were included in this complete renovation.

Design Line Construction

60 Dorman Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

Founded in 1998, Design Line Construction is a San Francisco-based general contractor that has gained a reputation for efficiency, progressiveness, and transparency. Founder and principal Andrew McHale lead the company with a team characterized by its experience, proactivity, wholeheartedness, and engaging spirit. The firm is known for integrating technologies that increase both productivity and accountability in its work, such as its cloud-based software used for project planning and communications. For its forward-thinking and excellent project delivery, Design Line Construction has been honored with many industry awards, including the American Institute of Architects California Council Residential Merit Award, the Builder’s Choice & Custom Home Merit Award, and the Remodeling Grand Award in Whole-House Remodeling.

Design Line Construction recently completed the San Francisco Design Week Award-winning home in Liberty Hill. The custom-built 6,000 square-foot home features expansive open living, a custom ribbon-folded steel stair, wide plank oak floors, custom cabinetry, Lutron Homeworks systems, and an elevator to all levels. This new home also includes an elevated corner lot that serves as the home’s podium that enhances the views of the city.

Forde Mazzola Associates

665 3rd St., Ste 430, San Francisco CA 94107

Forde Mazzola Associates is a San Francisco-based general contractor founded by Charles Mazzola and David Forde in 1991. The firm has developed a reputation for delivering high-end construction of condominium units and single-family homes, as well as renovations to large apartment buildings and hotels. SF Luxe, Home World Design, Elle Décor Magazine, and Architectural Digest have featured Forde Mazzola Associates and the company’s works, while the firm has earned a long list of awards, including the Julia Morgan Award, the AIA San Francisco Design Award, and the American Society of Interior Design National Residential Interior Design Award.

Forde Mazzola Associates has built or renovated a number of high-end homes within the city and the metro area. In the city, Forde Mazzola Associates led the renovation of a 19th-century home that was in need of updating and was featured in Elle Décor. The 10,000 square-foot house was redesigned by Lawson Willard Architecture, while the interiors were designed by Ken Fulk. Further out, in Hillsborough, Forde Mazzola Associates built a large home that featured a 20,000 square-foot main residence, an 800 square-foot pool house, and an 800 square-foot detached garage designed by Brayton Hughes Design Studio.

For Homes of Between $2 and 6 Million

Webb Construction

3298 Pierce Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 

Webb Construction is a general contracting company based in San Francisco and established by principal Kevin Webb. Webb is a veteran of the construction industry, having started as a carpenter in the early 1980’s. With his nearly 40 years of experience, he leads a company that has a strong reputation for tackling new construction and renovation projects for both residential and commercial clients. In 2015, AIA honored Webb Construction with a Design Award for converting the Garage on Hyde at 1945 Hyde Street from a parking garage to a condominium complex. Among Webb’s partners are several well-respected architects and developers, including BAR Architects, Charlie Barnett Associates, and Ogrydziak / Prillinger.

In Noe Valley, Webb built the “T House,” a single-family home over an unconventionally configured, steeply sloping lot. Due to zoning height limits and neighborhood concerns about loss of views, the house was “sunk” into the ground, with two-thirds of the structure concealed. People enter through the top floor of the structure. The slope and elevation of the lot allowed for the fantastic views of the city to be maintained in all levels.

Jungsten Construction

495 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941

Jungsten Construction has been gracing San Francisco with luxury-built homes since 1987. Since its inception, sustainability and progressive practices have been its core foundation. This same principle is what president, Jeff Jungsten, employs with its projects. Because of its’ commitment to sustainability, it was awarded a Marin County Certified Green distinction. Jungsten specializes in residential renovations and new construction with a diverse selection of home styles. Its works have been mentioned in publications like Architectural Digest, Better Homes, and Custom Home for its classy eye-candy homes.

One of Jungsten Construction’s notable works is the Belvedere Estate. The firm partnered with Heckmann Architects in designing the new home. This luxury home features 6,200 square feet of stylish area. Apart from its lush amenities, homeowners, and guests can enjoy the panoramic views its’ courtyard offers.

Matarozzi Pelsinger

355 11th Street, Ste 200, San Francisco, CA 94103

Dan Matarozzi and Dan Pelsinger established Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders in 1986 as a small construction company focusing on residential projects. Since then, the firm has grown exponentially, venturing into commercial construction while retaining its principal focus on residential construction.  Matarozzi Pelsinger was featured in Dwell Magazine, California Homes, Luxe Interiors + Design, San Francisco Chronicle, and San Francisco Magazine. The company has also earned a number of awards, including the AIA Housing Award, the Remodeling Big 50, the AIA San Francisco Merit Award, and the Custom Home Pacesetter Award.

Matarozzi Pelsinger led the complete remodel of a historical Pueblo Revival home in San Francisco original designed by Charles Whittlesey in 1908. The exterior facade was recolored with historical shades while keeping the original architecture intact. Work included the excavation and expansion of the existing street-level garage, seismic upgrades, new interior stairs from the garage level, and the complete remodel of the kitchen, baths, bedrooms, decks, gym, office, laundry, mudroom, and the addition of two new skylights. New hydronic heating, electrical and plumbing were installed throughout.

For Homes of Less than $2 Million

Nerland Building & Restoration Inc.

724 12th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 

Nerland Building & Restoration Inc. is a San Francisco-based general contracting and design-build firm established in 2001. Founder Alex Nerland combined his architecture degree from UC Berkeley and his experiences in both construction and business management to lead the company. This design-build firm specializes in high-end residential projects and historical home preservation. Nerland Building & Restoration Inc’s works were featured in Consumer Reports and Fine Homebuilding Magazine.

Nerland Building & Restoration Group remodeled this Pacific Heights Victorian home. Though the home was already beautiful, it needed more functionality. The firm was able to deliver this by making smart additions, removing walls, and adding an ensuite master bath, increasing the home’s functionality without taking away its sophisticated charm.

Podesta Construction

344 Connecticut St., San Francisco, CA 94107

Podesta Construction is a general contracting and design-build firm established in 1986 and based in San Francisco. Founder Jerry Podesta leads this award-winning company that specializes in major residential remodeling throughout San Francisco and San Mateo counties. Podesta Construction has received a number of awards, including the REMMIES Entire House, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Regional Contractor of the Year Award, and the Chrysalis Award.

Podesta Construction was responsible for the addition and bathroom remodel of a Rosewood Drive property in Monterey Heights. The property was transformed into a Spanish Revival home with a more functional front entry and a large family room over the garage. The remodel also includes updated upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms.

Drömhus General Contractors

1164 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Drömhus General Contractors is a San Francisco-based general contractor serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 2009. President John Conomos leads the company of 30 employees, who came from diverse backgrounds including art, architecture, real estate, and engineering. The firm specializes in both residential and commercial construction and renovation. The company’s name, Drömhus, Swedish for “dream house”, fits perfectly for its reputation for making homeowner’s vision a reality. Architectural Record, Dwell, and California Home and Design has taken notice of Drömhus General Contractors.

Drömhus General Contractors led the complete renovation of an 1885 Victorian home in Alamo Square. The property was completely gutted and leveled after sitting for over a century and given a modern interior. Features of the house include a complex interior staircase, detailed trim, a motorized sliding window system, and floor-to-ceiling, custom-fabricated cabinetry. For this project, Drömhus was awarded the Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award and the AIASF Special Commendation Award.

The Best Contractors in Your Neighborhood

San Francisco is famous for its wide variety of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own distinct style, and contractors serve different areas of the city, each with different price points, clientele, geographic challenges, and home style. We looked into the work in each neighborhood and picked the best contractor in each.

Potrero Hill: Forsythe General Contractors

1164 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Forsythe General Contractors is a San Francisco-based general contractor established by principal Mark Forsythe in 1991. Since its inception, the firm has delivered projects with forward-thinking construction methods. The company has gained attention from Mark Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Forsythe General Contractors has earned a number of awards, including the AIASF Citation Award. An example of the firm’s work is a complete remodel of a 1928 Marina-style home in Potrero Hill, designed by Schwartz and Architecture and featured in SFGate.

Laurel Heights: Upscale Construction

2151 Union St., Suite #1, San Francisco, CA 94123

Based in San Francisco, Upscale Construction is a general contracting company that has been serving the Bay Area since 1995. Founder and principal Danny Bernardini, a nearly 30-year veteran of the construction industry, is joined by principals and co-owner Tony Kelly and Brad Hayes in managing and growing the company into a premier builder in the Bay Area. The firm specializes in managing both traditional and contemporary residential builds. California Home & Design has featured their work.

Presidio Heights: Forde Mazzola Associates

665 3rd St., Ste. 430, San Francisco CA 94107

Forde Mazzola Associates is a San Francisco-based general contractor founded by Charles Mazzola and David Forde in 1991. The firm has developed a reputation for delivering high-end condominium units and single-family homes, as well as renovations of large apartment buildings and hotels.

SF Luxe, Home World Design, Elle Décor Magazine, and Architectural Digest have featured Forde Mazzola Associates and the company’s work. The firm has earned a long list of awards, including the Julia Morgan Award, the AIA San Francisco Design Award, and the American Society of Interior Design National Residential Interior Design Award. The firm’s work on a 7,000 square-foot home in Presidio Terrace was featured in The Monacelli Press’ Rooms to Remember.

Pacific Heights: Van Acker Construction Associates

1060 Redwood Hwy Frontage Rd., Mill Valley, CA 94941-1613

Van Acker Construction Associates is a Mill Valley-based general contracting and construction management company founded in 1987. President Gary Van Acker leads the company, which combines top-notch traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies to fulfill its mission “to provide premium service, that facilitates and realizes Architecture.”

Further enabling the firm is its flexible approach in tackling complex projects and their network of top architects, designers, and engineers in the city. Some of Van Acker’s works have earned the company numerous awards, including the Remodeling Design Awards and the American Society of Landscape Architects Northern California Honor Award.

Seacliff: Redhorse Constructors

36 Professional Center Pkwy, San Rafael, CA 94903

Redhorse Constructors is an innovative general contractor who uses sustainable practices, based in San Rafael. Owner David Warner established the company in 1985 and has seen it grow into an award-winning firm, earning prestigious awards in the industry, such as the Custom Home Design Award, Society of American Registered Architects CA Design Award, and the AIA East Bay Design Award. Custom Home and Luxe Interiors + Design have featured Redhorse Constructors’ work. The firm recently worked on a Seacliff home with stunning views of Mt. Tam and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Marina: Thompson Suskind

2034 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Thompson Suskind is a San Francisco-based general contracting firm formed by principals Derek Thompson and Brad Suskind in 2004. Thompson and Suskind’s cumulative 25 years of experience in the industry gives them the unique skills to manage each project, with Thompson serving as the primary liaison between the architect, owner, and designer, while Suskind serves as the on-site foreman.

The company continues to innovate with every project it takes on. Thompson Suskind is also an environmentally-mindful company that is a member of both the US Green Building Council and Build it Green. In this featured Marina property renovated in collaboration with Armour + Vokic Architecture, the firm created a magnificent cook’s kitchen using stainless steel and wood accents.

Noe Valley: Design Line Construction

60 Dorman Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

Founded in 1998, Design Line Construction is a San Francisco-based general contractor that has gained a reputation for efficiency, progressiveness, and transparency. Founder and principal Andrew McHale lead the company with a team characterized by its experience, proactivity, wholeheartedness, and engaged spirit.

Design Line Construction has been honored with many industry awards, including the AIA California Council Residential Merit Award, the Builder’s Choice & Custom Home Merit Award, and the Remodeling Grand Award in Whole-House Remodeling. A notable example of the company’s excellent work is a ground-up construction of a 5,300 square-foot home in Noe Valley with the main level built on a split floor plate.

Castro/Upper Market: Dowbuilt

3248 17th St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Dowbuilt is a general contractor headquartered in Seattle and with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, and Hawaii.Jim Dow formed the company 2004, with the idea that the key to successful projects is through collaboration of talented people. The company specializes in residential construction and remodels, and ‘care’ is the operative word for the company culture. Dowbuilt has been featured in a number of publications, including Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, and Dwell.

Mission: Nova Designs + Builds

297 C Kansas St,.San Francisco CA 94103

Nova Designs + Builds is a general contracting and design-build firm based in San Francisco, formed by San Jose native and principal John Schrader, who had previous renovation experience in New York City. Since then, the firm has completed more than 1,400 projects in San Francisco and Napa, a great majority being remodels and custom home projects. Nova Designs + Builds has drawn the attention of a number of publications, such as SFGate and Elle Decor.

How can I find a contractor near me?

Read our latest articles on the best contractors in and near San Francisco. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you. Best General Contractors in Fresno, California Best Apartment and Condo Interior Contractors in San Diego, California Best Apartment and Condo Interior Contractors in San Jose, California

About Our Rankings

This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration

Get Bids For Your Build

If you are thinking about doing a construction project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

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