Planting roots in a small community doesn’t limit one’s options in any way or sort. Even choosing a general contractor should be comprehensive search, as the role is an important one. Every county always has a pool of viable candidates that stand out for their management and work quality. There are prominent candidates, but also hidden gems if one takes the time to survey the construction landscape.

This list features the best general contractors in Scotts Valley, California. Most firms operate solely in residential markets, save for a few that dabble in commercial work. These companies have solid reputations and a strong portfolio, with positive client feedback and industry merits in their resume.

Elite Construction Services

225 Ocean View Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Elite Construction made its mark in Santa Cruz through strong building and design work. Since 1999, it has been a one-stop shop for home additions and kitchens and bathroom remodeling services. The firm earned positive feedback not only for its projects’ quality but also for its overall service. It is the recipient of many client-voted merits from local homeowner circles, a testament to its customer service prowess.

Founder and CEO Eric Lamascus is an expert in construction and high-tech automation, which provides a more comprehensive approach to every project. He and his team operate with efficiency through a streamlined process, one that ensures a stress-free experience from start to finish.

This transitional home is a project located in San Francisco. The client is a wine connoisseur, which played a big role in the design. The builder transformed the unused butler’s pantry into a climate-controlled wine room to accommodate the owner’s vintage collection. The team collaborated with Vintage Cellars to craft custom wine storage with LED lighting and Jeff Fiorito for the Interior Design. Other notable additions include new floors, wall colors, furniture, and a stunning chandelier in the dining room.

Hazen Construction

216 San Augustine Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Hazen Construction is a family-owned practice that has been providing quality spaces since 1978. The scope of its projects includes new homes, remodels, and additions in residential and commercial markets. 

The father and son team of Steve and Jeff Hazen spearhead its operations. The two prioritize solid craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in every job. Praise from local homeowners cites the company’s field efficiency and professional service as two of its strongest suits, further proof of its construction and management savvy.

The builder’s portfolio includes custom homes, custom kitchens and baths, community centers, restaurants, hospitals, and more. A sample of its work is the featured house remodel in a Pajaro Dunes community. The three-story project involves several structural updates. These include a 1,000-square foot addition of four new bathrooms, a new kitchen, and an elevator.

GS Construction

P O Box 67420, Scotts Valley, CA 95067

GS Construction Inc. is a local general contractor with a client-centric approach to building and management. It offers construction and pre-construction services to residents of Scotts Valley, with a focus on residential projects.

The construction firm specializes in new homes, room additions, and kitchen and bath remodeling. It also works on cement sidings, trims, and interior projects. Owner Gavin Silva leads with a solid commitment to work excellence. His skilled roster of professionals consistently delivers quality craftsmanship and customer service. Their well-rounded process also fosters a positive environment and a streamlined project flow.

This featured project is a finished flip by GS Construction. The single-level home features an open concept layout that connects the living room with the kitchen area. A toned-down design with white walls and simple decor adds a certain elegance to every space.

MG Custom Builders

4145 Nova Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

MG Custom Builders specializes in residential renovations, additions, and exterior work. The firm has been serving Santa Cruz County for more than 25 years, offering services that include planning, interior design, construction, and millwork and stone services. Green practices are also available for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible spaces.

Owner Matthew George leads a team of professionals proficient in building and management. The general contractor’s commitment to solid craftsmanship and service constantly yields quality work. The crew’s attention to detail and ability to match the client’s vision propelled their firm to prominence, making the firm one of the area’s most preferred building experts.

The builder’s portfolio includes contemporary Craftsman homes, beach bungalows, mountain sanctuaries, and various remodels. This Coastal Bluff Historic Rehabilitation is a complete renovation of an existing custom home. The single-story dwelling uses sustainable elements like solar panels and a window-abundant layout for natural light. These help minimize energy costs and make for cleaner living. The house is not only eco-friendly, but also stylish and spacious, combining seaside accents with modern appeal.

Seacliff Construction & Design

529 Cathedral Dr., Aptos, CA 95003

Seacliff Construction and Design is a general contractor that operates in Santa Cruz County and Monterey Bay. It is one of the domain’s elite in building and design with over 20 years of experience serving the community. Its reputation as a comprehensive practice stems from its high-quality craftsmanship, professional service, and affordable pricing.

Principal Lennox Smith has a dynamic portfolio with almost three decade’s worth of projects. His company’s focus centers on residential projects that require improvements, new components, and structural updates. Its services include new home construction, whole-house remodels, kitchens, bathrooms, and additions. It is also well-versed in aging-in-place amenities and exterior work like decks, patios, and stairways.

This room from the Silverwood project is a transitional kitchen inside a Scotts Valley residence. Completed in 2020, it is a collaboration between the firm and Schmitz Woodworks. It is an open concept remodel with an L-shaped layout. Simple and sophisticated, the space features brown vinyl floors, quartz countertops, ceramic backsplashes, shaker cabinets, an island, and a farmhouse sink. Colorful decor and stylish fixtures balance the muted palette and liven up its walls.

John Fuchs Properties, Construction & Real Estate

758 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, CA 95003

John Fuchs Properties, Construction and Real Estate is a family-owned practice that aims to bring dream homes to reality. It has been serving Santa Cruz County for more than 30 years, offering services that focus on custom homes, custom additions, and residential remodels. Its dedication to high-caliber spaces earned positive feedback not only for the actual projects, but also for their professional service.

The eponymous John Fuchs oversees the day-to-day operations of the company. As the owner, he leads an in-house roster of specialists and trusted sub-contractors, architects, designers, and suppliers to get the job done. These partnerships led to numerous projects in the area, like coastal bluff cottages and contemporary homes.

A refined aesthetic emanates from this Vineyard View Home in Soquel. Completed in 2015, the eclectic home exudes a sophisticated beauty that radiates personality. It combines elements of California country living with modern accents, plus hints of upscale design. There’s also uniformity to the busy creative aesthetic that extends from the kitchen’s simplicity to the library’s kinetic decor.

Costa Bella Builders

8032 Soquel Dr. Suite C, Aptos, CA 95003

Costa Bella Builders is a family-owned contractor with a collaborative approach to construction and remodeling. Former clients commend its strong craftsmanship, streamlined management, and professional customer service, which practically defines its reputation. The acclaimed practice also provides innovative and cost-effective solutions to achieve optimal results in every project.

Three co-owners spearhead the design-build practice—founder Jeff Thranow, production manager Kate Castelli, and senior project supervisor Vittorio Castelli. The team has been consistently delivering quality home improvements to the Monterey Bay Area for more than 30 years. As a certified green builder and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead-Safe Firm, the company also uses sustainable methods and materials in every project.

The featured project is the Scotts Valley Stunner, a home renovation in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It showcases a standard layout with spacious floors and pleasant decor. The abode also fosters an open atmosphere through large windows and a sliding door that connects to the backyard. Renovations include the kitchen, powder bathroom, pantry, and a La Cantina folding wall.

Lewis Design Build Remodel

216 Mt. Hermon Rd. 268, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Lewis Design Build Remodel is an esteemed studio with a dedication to excellence, modern technology, and personalized service. As its name clearly states, it is known for its expertise in construction, design, and remodeling. It is also highly rated among local homeowners, chosen by many as their go-to contractor.

Simple and clean designs are prevalent in the company’s portfolio. Projects mostly feature rooms with white walls, muted palettes, and spacious environments. A quiet elegance emanates from each one, a combination of meticulous craftsmanship and strategic finishes.

Founder Jared Lewis perfectly balances all aspects of every job, which consistently yields exemplary results. He is also a sustainable builder with certifications from Build It Green and the EPA. His dossier includes kitchen, bathroom, room, and whole-house remodels.

One of the builder’s standout projects is this Modern Mediterranean in Scotts Valley. The home’s original build already provided a functional foundation, so it only required updates to match the owner’s lifestyle. Notable features include a tall ceiling with a high-end chandelier, dark hardwood floor installations, and new stair railings.

Santa Cruz Green Builders

303 Potrero St. Suite #45-105, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz Green Builders strives to deliver environmentally responsible and energy-efficient spaces through construction and design. The decision to switch to greener living ensures affordable and accessible work with high-quality benefits. It fosters healthier and cleaner living conditions through sustainable elements in every building, making life better in the long run.

With co-owners Spencer Keenan and Taylor Darling at the helm, the design-build company operates with a commitment to sound craftsmanship and collaborative management. Since 2008, they’ve amassed a diverse catalog that includes residential and commercial properties. These include new homes, remodels, solar projects, restaurants, office facilities, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

This Scotts Valley Kitchen Remodel combines ergonomic style with an eco-friendly design. A new breakfast bar made from reclaimed live edge cypress serves as the room’s centerpiece. The new space is achieved by moving walls, adding new light fixtures and a clay wall, and installing new cabinets. A restructured design also provides a better flow.

Talmadge Construction

8070 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003

Talmadge Construction, Inc. has more than 25 years of experience in Santa Cruz County. It specializes in residential design and remodeling, plus it is an authorized dealer of crystal cabinets. The design-build general contractor fosters a collaborative process that involves the client from inception to completion. Sophisticated craftsmanship is prominent in its portfolio, which includes both interior and exterior spaces.

President Jeff Talmadge is an industry veteran well-versed in business and construction. He leads a seasoned roster of professionals who operates with proficiency and efficiency, each one focused on client satisfaction. Their expertise includes kitchen, bath, and whole home remodeling, new construction, deck remodeling and repair, and outdoor living construction. Sustainable services like passive houses and green building and design are also their forte.

This contemporary-style home remodel features a striking blue kitchen and vaulted ceilings. The grand design gives the room an open atmosphere. Skylight windows provide natural light and draw focus on the light hardwood flooring. Glass pendant lighting fixtures also add charm to the overall aesthetic.