When it comes to home improvement, there is much homeowners need to consider before taking the step towards renovation. The process can be complex, involving changes in a space’s style and function while still accommodating clients’ different and unique lifestyles.

Luckily, for those looking to remodel their home, we’ve made a list of the best general contractors in Sierra Madre, California to help out homeowners with these complexities. These firms were chosen based on their background, expertise, and experience with complicated remodeling and building projects. 


 

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

300 S. Raymond Ave. #18, Pasadena, CA 91105

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build is a fully integrated Architecture, Construction, and Interior Design company that specializes in design build remodels, historic restorations, home additions and custom homes. Led by Bill Baldwin, the firm serves the areas of the greater San Gabriel Valley, Orange County and Los Angeles County and has offices based in Claremont and Pasadena.

Featured is an example of the firm’s work on a kitchen renovation project. The client’s original kitchen was shuttered off from the rest of the living areas. A more open space was needed so that it would be conducive to entertaining. The firm addressed this concern and even reworked the kitchen to accommodate additional storage and office space, as well as updates to flooring, windows, and doors.


Cynthia Bennett & Associates

501 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030

Cynthia Bennett & Associates started out as a kitchen and bathroom design specialty firm in 1981. Soon after, the firm grew to become an industry-leading residential designer offering construction and architectural services, including custom homes, green/energy efficient remodeling projects, interior design (window treatments, flooring, and furniture), and more. The firm was founded by Cynthia Bennett, ASID, CID, and under her leadership, the firm was included in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Top 100 Woman Owned Businesses in Los Angeles” for the past ten years. Cynthia Bennett & Associates is now led by her daughter Carolien Fehmers as CEO of the company.

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a Craftsman Kitchen in Sierra Madre. The kitchen remodel features custom cabinetry and a warm-toned palette. The wooden furniture and couch seating gives off a warm, cozy ambiance that makes anyone who uses the kitchen feel right at home.


Navarro Construction

3579 East Foothill Blvd. Suite 259, Pasadena, CA 91107

Navarro Construction is a full-service general contracting firm with hundreds of projects comprising its portfolio. The firm’s client list is extensive and the firm has, since its inception, worked exclusively through referrals. Through its many customers over the years, the firm has built a reputation based upon integrity, accountability and communication.

Featured in this article is one example of the firm’s work. This complete home renovation was completed on a Mid-century Modern Home in Pasadena. The renovation involved creating a new bathroom, kitchen, pool deck & hardscape. The project also included ardex flooring throughout the home. Additionally, the firm worked on a pool and pool house remodel, as well as a new roof. Plumbing and electrical work was also accomplished on the project. 


Grueter Construction

2672 Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena, CA 91001

Grueter Construction, led by Joe Grueter, is a family-owned general contracting company taking pride in its craftsmanship since 1982. The firm specializes in preserving historic architecture and interiors while offering its clients 21st century functionality. Because of its outstanding and comprehensive service offerings, the firm has an extensive list of client references, and its business is 80% repeat customers.

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a whole home remodel in Altadena. At first glance, viewers can see that the home is painted a fresh white, while pops of color in the furniture and artwork add a playful tone to the living room. The kitchen is cool and clean, with classic light fixtures and white cabinetry. Overall, the home gives off an open and inviting feel, with the owners being able to move around freely from one space of the house to another. 


Waterford Construction

Pasadena, CA 

Rich Mortensen of Waterford Construction has been in the building industry since he was in his teens working as a tile-setter for a high-end tile company. Today, he operates a boutique construction company that specializes in high-end renovations in both residential and commercial markets. 

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a residential project. This Pasadena home was in need of a kitchen renovation which respected and complemented the existing style of the 1920’s Tudor house. The firm gave the kitchen a classic look, with white cabinetry and a tile backsplash to match. An island sits in the middle of the kitchen, with two seats for counter seating available. Overall, the firm worked to make the space as functional as possible for a family with a contemporary lifestyle.  


Chelsea Design + Construction

4529 Angeles Crest Hwy. Suite 103, La Canada, CA 91011

Chelsea Design + Construction has been specializing in custom residences, extensive home remodels, and historic renovations since its inception in 1996. The firm is proud to have served the finest neighborhoods of Los Angeles, from Pasadena to the Pacific Palisades, and everywhere in between. As a team of builders and designers, the firm, led by owner Mark Snashall, has been striving towards a practice of collaboration and efficient problem solving. 

Pictured in this article is an example of the firm’s work. This project involved a gut renovation and addition of a three-story wing to a 1928 Italian Revival estate. The build and remodel proved to be challenging especially when it came to the basement. In order to add a new basement beneath the original house, the firm had to slip steel girders to secure the home while it dug out the basement. As for the interiors, the remodel preserved much of the original detail, while the new wing complemented the historic elements of the home. Chelsea also built a new cabana with indoor and outdoor kitchens, a dining patio with outdoor fireplace and a sizable interior sitting room for entertaining. The project was completed in collaboration with architect James V. Coane & Associates, as well as with the client, who selected all the materials, tile, stone, fixtures and finishes herself.


Bade Construction Co., Inc.

77 Las Tunas Dr. Suite 202, Arcadia, CA 91007

Bade Construction is a family-owned construction company with experience in all phases of residential construction. Since its establishment in 1965, the firm has built hundreds of homes, as well as planned unit developments (“PUD’s”), condominiums, apartments and commercial buildings. Bade Construction is led by Susan Bade Hull. The firm is focused on building custom homes and large-scale remodeling projects and other residential projects for investors.

With years of experience, a strong work ethic, and a track record of over 50 years of fine quality craftsmanship, Bade Construction empowers its clients to dream and turn those dreams into reality. Featured is an example of a project completed by the firm. Thanks to this kitchen’s white and blue color palette, the room appears simultaneously bright and cool-toned. The barstools, being level with the island, are just the right height, making dining easy and comfortable. The dominant white of the room makes the space look classic and simple, and the small chandelier adds to the room’s brightness. Overall, the kitchen has a charming atmosphere and is perfect for cooking, dining, and even entertaining some guests.


Epic Design Build

1232 Monte Vista Ave Suite #4, Upland, CA 91786

Epic Design Build is an architectural, design, and construction company offering its services to residential and commercial clients. The firm is led by co-founders Maureen Cunningham and James Johnson. Both Maureen and James have over 25 years of experience in residential design build projects. In addition to being a licensed general contractor, Maureen is also a licensed architect. With Maureen and James heading the firm, Epic Design Build is truly able to live up to its name and offer design and building services all in-house.

The firm is committed to creating spaces that are aesthetically stunning yet functional. It also promotes energy efficient design to create environmentally friendly buildings that can be, at the same time, appreciated by clients and good for the environment. Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a remodeling project. The Yang Kitchen features a mix of rustic and industrial, as the wooden cabinetry is accentuated by the steel appliances. Light fixtures above the island also heighten the rustic feel, giving the kitchen warm lighting and an inviting atmosphere. 


MF Construction & Design

713 W Duarte Rd G 537, Arcadia, CA 91007

For over 30 years, family owned and operated company MF Construction & Design has been serving the greater Los Angeles area and surrounding counties. Led by Mike Maman, the firm works primarily through the collaboration between client and builder to ensure that each project takes a hands on approach. 

In the past 30 years, the firm has remodeled hundreds of bathrooms, with the firm being partial to integrating new technology and materials into its builds. The firm’s bathroom renovation services include adding custom cabinetry, installing new floors, plumbing and electrical work, replacing bathroom fixtures, installing countertops, and complete remodeling. Pictured is an example of the firm’s work on a bathroom remodel. The bathroom features twin mirrors and sinks as well as cabinetry. It also includes a glass walk-in shower and a toilet. Overall, the bathroom has a classic look that matches its functionality.


Arcadian Development, Inc. 

241 East Grandview Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Arcadian Development, Inc. (ADI) has provided quality, hands-on construction and consultation for the Great Los Angeles area and beyond for almost two decades. The firm believes in using an approach grounded in partnership, where the customer, architect, and design team collaborate with each other to achieve stellar results. This practice can be traced all the way to the top of the firm, with its owner Derek Broussard being on-site at all times to provide expertise and guidance to clients when needed. 

The firm offers custom home building and renovation, construction management, and historical restoration. It is particularly skilled with historical restorations, using Old World techniques, historical reproductions, plaster restoration, and fine woodworking. Its restoration projects range in style and size, from Mediterranean Revival homes to Craftsman houses. 


Courtney Construction 

110 East Montecito Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Courtney Construction is a general contracting and construction management firm specializing in new construction, remodeling, additions and retrofitting projects. The firm has successfully completed hundreds of residential, commercial and hospitality projects of all scopes and sizes. Throughout all these builds, the firm remains committed to collaborating with clients, architects and designers in each of their unique projects.

Pictured below is an example of the firm’s work on a remodeling project. This English Country home, built in 1909, was originally designed by famed architect Robert D. Farquhar. The remodel involved revamping living and dining areas, as well as the kitchen and hallway, resulting in a fresh new look for the home. In particular, the kitchen sports a classic and clean look, with white cabinetry, tile backsplash, and an island with seating for four.