Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 06:49 am

Dubbed the “Hub of the South Bay” because of its convenient location, Hawthorne is considered one of the most ideal places to settle down. Surrounded by the beaches of Southern California and many school districts, it’s also an interesting place to be in for its proximity to recreational spots in the Los Angeles basin. 

If you are thinking of building or updating your home in the area, thankfully there are many general contractors whose skills have stood the test of time. The general contractors noted on this list were chosen based on their supreme track record of service across the South Bay and the greater Los Angeles area. We have taken into account their years of operating in the vicinity, the quality, range and reviews of their portfolio of work, as well as notable recognitions and certifications with established building associations such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI), and the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA). 


New Cali Construction 

10000 Washington Blvd. Unit #600, Culver City, CA 90232 

New Cali Construction has been bringing dream homes to life in the Greater Los Angeles area for 15 years. Composed of five different crews overseen by owner Asaf Kotler, New Cali works in accordance with all of California’s safety, labor and construction codes while being guided by the California state license board as they execute room additions, kitchen and bathroom remodels, exterior building, and other types of home remodeling work. The result is a portfolio of projects that have a clean and to-the-point finish, which has drawn many repeat clients who appreciate their professional but affordable work. The firm is known for their transparency in communication, which gives clients easy control and monitoring of the building process as they go about their everyday lives. 

New Cali has also built a reputation for completing projects within the prescribed time frame from the point of estimation through to completion despite meeting hurdles along the way, and going above and beyond expectations throughout the construction process. As such, they have been entrusted with projects of varying types and sizes, both residential and commercial, including excellent remediations of damaged properties. They also have a good network of architects and engineers they can call to help in the planning stages.


1 OAK Remodeling 

6320 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91401 

1 OAK Remodeling’s work truly is a “one of a kind.” They provide a huge variety of services: from additions that match the original feel of the home, to updating to modern or craftsman styles, to outdoor decks,  classy bathrooms, polished exterior and interior paintwork, lush landscaping, to even laundry rooms and precise roofing work to, quite literally, top the home off impeccably. Despite the wide range of works, the firm is known for their state-of-the-art kitchen updates, which seamlessly transition to other living spaces in open floor plans, whether it be the dining or living room.


CEO Joshua Keshmir and his team provide these services through a unique process beginning with meeting the client for a thorough but free consultation to gain a better understanding of the project. Next, they help you form the overall idea and concept, giving you detailed options to choose from at reasonable pricing. Lastly, they provide top quality design to help you visualize your project before finally proceeding to the building process. Throughout the building process, they update you through email and 24/7 support, complete with photos as the project progresses.


Silva Construction

2500 Via Cabrillo Marina Suite 112, San Pedro, CA 90731 

Building in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Westchester, and the rest of the South Bay area for over three decades, Silva Construction understands the importance of being able to bring family and friends together in a home. Their simple but elegant designs allow families to comfortably grow together in their homes and be proud to welcome guests, whether the project is a kitchen remodel or a design-build new construction. 

Silva Construction’s commitment is to deliver projects excellently, on time and within budget. They also understand how building a home can be costly, and financing can be hard to navigate, so they also offer financial guidance and partner with reputable lending institutions in the area to provide you with different resources to assist you with your project. Their detailed, itemized and easy to understand quotes and contracts also give you a clear picture of what they will be doing, and what you would need to do as well throughout the process. This allows you to make the necessary adjustments, and saves you from surprise costs. Clients appreciate each employee’s commitment and openness to input, as well as owners Dave Silva and David Clarke’s close involvement in the operations.


America Green Builders 

14545 Friar St., Van Nuys, CA 91411 

America Green Builders (AGB) is well-versed in the precision required of both large and small-scale building and remodeling projects. From kitchen and bath remodeling to room additions and new custom homes, AGB has a team of experts ready to assist homeowners with 3D professional rendering visualization services available before construction with no additional cost. Their track record of stress-free, affordable and timely services across Los Angeles has earned them the trust of many families who appreciate the commitment and attention to detail they give to every project, making sure homes come out with a cohesive look, regardless of the size and scope of the project. This has earned them an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).


Their work is modern and on-point with the client’s needs, setting the stage for more memories to be built, and new ones to be made. A home they built in Encino features everything from an additional dwelling unit, a jacuzzi, a spa, and a sauna, with quartz counters, double vanities and recessed lighting. These features have been placed in an airy layout with a lot of space to relax with the family. Learn more about the company at www.AmericaGreenBuilders.com.


SAI Construction 

2512 Artesia Blvd. Suite 305 G, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 

Specializing in “build-to-suit” custom home construction, SAI Construction (SAIC) delivers a variety of styles in their work, from Ranch to Cape Cod to Mid-Century Modern. They also undertake remodeling work, including kitchen and bath updates, room additions, and open floor plan reconfigurations. Their projects vary greatly in size and type, but all are built with attention to detail and to the specific likings of each client, gaining SAIC long-term partnerships built on mutual respect and trust since 2009. Most of their work comes from word-of-mouth referrals. This renown quality relationship with customers comes from the understanding that every client is a teammate in the building process, and they are the ones who determine whether a project is a success. 


SAIC’s process begins with a thorough discussion with the client about the project’s features, styles, and goals. From there, they work hand-in-hand with the designer or architect for visual ideas and to gain insight on how to see the project to completion efficiently and cost-effectively. This allows them to provide the client with a comprehensive construction budget and timeline for their approval and monitoring, supported by regular verbal or written updates as construction goes underway. 


Thomas Towne Reavey 

3627 Almeria Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 

Tom Reavey started out in the construction industry as an apprentice carpenter. After years of working on different sizes and scales of projects, he established his own design, build and remodeling company, Thomas Towne Reavey, Inc. in 1981. Throughout almost 40 years in the business, Tom has amassed a long list of happy clients, many of whom eagerly seek out his services again for further projects. 


Tom’s work is tailored to the unique personality of each client, but much of his work involves his wise use of space, making any living space look roomier. He believes that the right changes, big or small, can make a home both more beautiful and more comfortable. As such, his work has been published and featured on home tours by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and other organizations. Aside from his residential projects, he also does historical restoration work.


Gaelic Construction & Design 

30339 Rhone Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 

Modern designs normally come in more minimalist color palettes of black, white, gray and brown, but Gaelic Construction & Design makes good use of pops of color in their work. They have been serving the South Bay, Greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas since 1990, specializing in new residential and commercial construction, additions, remodels, and pools and hardscape work. Owner and general contractor Charles Clarke started out as a tile and marble subcontractor. It was in this practice that he heard about many unfortunate experiences homeowners had with builders, which pushed him to study to become a licensed builder himself. From there, Charles founded his firm on the drive to provide clients only the best materials, and precise, resilient craftsmanship at competitive prices, fully licensed, bonded and insured. To do this, he invests in a quality employee support system, which results in a team of hardworking and efficient workers who deliver each project excellently, with a high level of professionalism and good customer service. This has allowed them to run strongly on repeat clients and their referrals.


Charles’ background in tilework can be seen on the outside of their 2616 Elm Ave project. This earthy look carries on throughout the house, from the woodsy kitchen and living room to the island-feel lanai and the small patio in the backyard. 


Foundation to Roof Renovation & Build 

10800 S. La Cienega Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90304 

As their name connotes, Foundation to Roof (FTR) Renovation & Build has been in the Los Angeles area since 1999, working on everything from painting a room to building a 7,000 square foot custom home. The modern work in their portfolio reflect the level of craftsmanship they pour into building, ensuring client satisfaction through their friendly services and competitive prices.


This firm is recognized by architects and realtors alike for their ability to increase property value without the usual remodeling nightmares. A new construction project in Fairfax District is one example of its work. It harbors a sleek exterior, opening into a classy two-floor structure with a modern fireplace in one of the two living rooms, a comfy media room, and a spacious bedroom with an equally roomy toilet and bath. In the backyard is an oasis with an inground pool as its centerpiece, embellished with a waterfall flowing into it, several lounge areas, and an outdoor grilling station. Spots of greenery dot the perimeter of the home and abstract art pieces hang from its walls, all adding some color to its cool, neutral theme. Wide glass sliding doors and windows enhance the free flow from indoor to outdoor living.


LuAnn Development 

PO Box 1911, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 

With styles ranging from Craftsman to  Cape Cod to modern, Luann Fabian creates elegant homes with LuAnn Development. Her son, Dominic, is her partner and right-hand man, happily and skillfully handling the first phases of construction and the rough trades. As General Manager, Dominic also keeps an eye on the daily operations to ensure projected timelines and budgets are kept, often diving into the opportunity to use his fence-building, carpentry and plumbing skills in helping out with manual labor himself. They make for a dynamic mother-and-son team, complemented by partnering with only the most skilled subcontractors.


Luann has always loved working with people, and relishes the opportunity as a general contractor to be part of building their dream home. Much of their work does have a dreamy ambiance, yet are fitted with the latest innovations, from luxurious media rooms to ENERGY STAR certified technology. This thoughtful balance of form and function has earned Luann and the firm several features on
Our South Bay magazine, where she was included among their “Women in Business” profiles in 2013 and 2015.


Reliance Design Build 

11500 W. Olympic Blvd. Ste. 536, Los Angeles, CA 90064 

This family-owned design-build firm is ready to walk with you from interior design to construction. Launched in 2006 by owner and project manager brothers Behrang and Behrooz Motamedi, Reliance brings together a team of dedicated, talented and skilled designers, contractors, and craftsmen to produce high quality work, delivered through a comprehensive process from planning to finishing touches. They are active members of the Building Industry Association (BIA), NARI, NKBA and NAHB, keeping them updated with the latest developments in the industry. They also believe that building your home should be fun and stress-free, so they take care of realizing your ideas, partnering with local showrooms and suppliers to provide the best materials for you.


Their portfolio reflects their values, consisting of simple and clean modern designs in the exteriors, and a personal touch of playful but warm details in every room. The structures feel like home, but at the same time seem to offer an escape, whether in the form of relaxing hues and elements reminiscent of the beach, or deeper, more somber tones that give off an old world charm.


Lux Builders & Remodeling 

1140 Highland Ave #211, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

Able to cater to different building styles, Lux Builders & Remodeling has been transforming homes and lifestyles across Los Angeles County for over 15 years. This has allowed them to navigate each city’s requirements like the back of their hand to ensure a smooth and timely process for each project. To do this, they utilize an in-house crew alike in mind, striving for quality control and construction timelines, trained to provide high-skilled craftsmanship. Clients have become like family and friends to the firm through the firm’s push to connect with homeowners on a personal level in order to find the best solutions together. Director and President Sagi Paul brings with him almost two decades of experience in construction, design and management.


The firm did a Cape Cod-style complete remodel of a home in Manhattan Beach that was completely demolished before being reimagined into the client’s dream home. It also entailed a room addition, and some further reconfiguration to allow the family an open floor plan. To further cater to the client’s taste, custom cabinets were built into the kitchen and living room, and wood siding was added to the front and back of the house to give it more character.


Trig Builders 

6442 Coldwater Canyon Ave #111, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Trig Builders has a good understanding of how individual elements contribute to the overall feel and function of a property. Knowing how a home facilitates the majority of its owner’s life, they readily take on the responsibility of each project seriously with a collaborative approach that results in resilient, unique solutions. CEO Yossi Malul oversees his handpicked team from both a general contracting and business-oriented mindset.


One example of the firm’s commitment to professional building is a home they remodeled from the ground up in Rancho Palos Verdes. Within just two months, their team of industry veteran construction workers totally gutted the old structure, performed repairs to the foundation, and reconstructed every interior space within the existing site. The resulting structure is built to an Arts and Crafts style on the exterior, with whimsical lamps lighting the entryways. This fine detailing continues on inside, with a traditional fireplace in one of several sitting rooms spread out across the house, a clean white kitchen with granite countertops, multiple intimate dining areas, a home office, a roomy wooden deck that gets its shade from the main structure, spacious bedrooms, large toilet-and-baths, and a long balcony overlooking the backyard.

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