Commonly abbreviated as “EPA,” East Palo Alto is a city in San Mateo County that is often regarded as one of Silicon Valley’s safe havens in relation to the area’s ever-rising living expenses. It is a primarily residential area, known not only for affordable living but also for its affluent neighborhoods. Homes here range from single-family homes and apartments to public housing.

East Palo Alto offers its residents an urban-suburban mix feel and lots of coffee shops and parks. This list showcases 15 of the best general contractors in the area. Our editorial team chose them based on their respective portfolios, impressive backgrounds, and extensive experience.


Everlast Construction

1270 Springbrook Rd. Suite C, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Everlast Construction operates out of its two locations in Costa Mesa and the Bay Area. The firm specializes in every facet of the general contracting process and assists its clients throughout. It is particularly regarded for its large-scale home remodels, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and home additions. The firm has also had the opportunity to work on numerous custom home projects. Interested clients may avail of its free consultation services; the firm begins its process with an initial interview, in which its team takes the time to understand a project’s needs and a homeowner’s budget. The team then proceeds to work on detailed design analyses complete with detailed estimates and layouts. Throughout construction, the firm’s team handles everything, from obtaining permits to securing all required building inspections. 

The project above is an excellent example of the company’s talent and expertise. It features great transitional finishes and an open floor plan, with its kitchen opening up to a small dining area. It also showcases great backsplashes tiles and unique fixtures.


Via Builders

4600 El Camino Real #209, Los Altos, CA 94022

Via Builders services Los Altos and the greater Bay Area. It has been in business since the 1980s and has worked on over 400 residential and commercial projects. The firm is regarded for its turn-key solutions and works closely with a client’s chosen architects and designers. Via traces its origins to the Saviano Company in Los Altos Hills in 1961, where its founder and president Ralph Saviano first gained experience working with his father on landscaping and remodeling projects for both the commercial and residential markets. He is also experienced in terms of flipping homes, and has had the opportunity to work on an extensive range of designs. The photo below best showcases the firm’s talent and expertise.

For this space, the firm’s team opted for an open concept floor plan and a seamless integration of its indoor and outdoor spaces. The glass wall on one side actually opens up to the home’s backyard, which our editorial team loved. We were also impressed by its exposed beams and paneled flooring. 


Paragon Custom Builders

PO Box 1299, Palo Alto, CA 94302

Paragon Custom Builders is a premier general contracting firm that operates out of its office in Palo Alto, and extends its services throughout the Bay Area. The firm is composed of a talented team of licensed architects and skilled professionals, and draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience. Paragon has worked on countless ground-up construction and extensive remodeling projects. The firm is personally led by its founder, Jared Wilcox. He first got a glimpse into the industry at an early age and assures homeowners that all of his work receives the benefit of his experience. He is joined by Jeremy Greenmyer, the firm’s co-principal, who also got an early look into the business. Greenmyer draws inspiration from decades of working in and around the industry. He is experienced in every aspect of the process, including framing, electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, and roofing. 

Showcased above is one of the firm’s best remodels. It was completed in 2016 and features a timeless California Ranch Style. All in all, the remodel spans 3,200 square feet. It challenged the firm working on its four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. 


Roy’s Builders

2225 E Bayshore Rd. Suite #292, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Roy’s Builders offers homeowners a complete and comprehensive range of custom home building and remodeling services. It covers everything from large-scale kitchen and bathroom renovations to home additions. It is regarded for its impressive counters, floors, and granite and tile materials. Our editorial team was especially impressed by its great 3D design work, which assures homeowners of the accuracy of its designs. This enables it to strictly stick to a particular budget. It also allows for better communication with clients and lets them see better palettes and the smallest details of the design. Our editorial team loved the project below.

For this extensive remodel, the firm’s team opted for an open concept floor plan that infuses the most active spaces of the home: living, dining, and kitchen. Our team especially loved its unique backsplashes, unique overhead lighting, and custom cabinetry. 


Plemons Construction

1125 Guinda St., Palo Alto, CA 94301

Headquartered in Palo Alto, Plemons Construction has been in business since 1961. It provides its homeowners with a complete and comprehensive range of custom home remodeling and construction services. It extends its services throughout the peninsula and is currently led by its second generation of builders. The firm is family-owned and operated, adheres to the highest standards, and is known for its great pricing and utilization of the latest industry techniques. The firm’s team works closely with both clients and architects throughout the entire process and makes sure that its work is an accurate reflection of a homeowner’s lifestyles and needs. Plemons can take on projects regardless of size or scale and has also worked on many home styles.

The project above was completed in Palo Alto. It showcases a great modern design, which our editorial team loved. In the photo above, we can see a great floor plan that unites the home’s living, kitchen, and dining areas. It also opens up to a beautiful outdoor living space. 


Excellence Construction

8016 Hillmont Dr., Oakland, CA 94605

Excellence Construction is a full-service architecture, interior design, and historic restoration firm. It works on designs for new homes, additions, and remodels and is regarded for its great modern and traditional designs. Focusing on its remodeling, the firm has worked on countless kitchen and bathroom renovations as well as large-scale home remodels. Its team of certified professionals is fully equipped with knowledge and experience to address any needs and concerns that may arise throughout the entire process. The team members work together closely with clients and are noted to know how to mitigate costs and even increase property value. 

In the project above, we loved its pitched ceilings and exposed beams. It also features an impressive custom brick fireplace and large windows. We were also impressed by its great paneled floors and transitional finishes. 


Markay Johnson Construction

1019 Sevier Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Having built homes in over 42 states, Markay Johnson Construction works on both residential and commercial properties. It utilizes a design-build approach and offers its clients over 30 years of experience. Since its inception, it has completed nearly a thousand projects and has helped over 380 clients. The firm is also the proud recipient of nearly 40 awards from some of the industry’s most prestigious organizations and award-giving bodies. The firm is led by its founder and namesake Markay Johnson, an experienced general contractor who has had the privilege of working with various recognizable names and brands.

Our editorial team was especially impressed by the firm’s Valley Road project showcased above. Our team loved its great French and English Countryside finishes. In the photo above, the home’s living area is depicted. It features excellently exposed beams, a neutral color palette, and wood-paneled flooring. 


CoxBros Construction

855 El Camino Real, Suite 13-A-452, Palo Alto, CA 94301

CoxBros Construction services the Palo Alto, Stanford, Menlo Park, and the Peninsula areas. It is a family-owned and operated firm and is one of the area’s premier companies best known for new homes and remodels. The firm draws inspiration from decades of industry experience and is especially regarded for its kitchen and bathroom remodels, as well as its great family and living rooms. We were also impressed by its en suite bathrooms, exterior home remodels, and outdoor spaces. The firm has been in business since 1989 and is led by Bill and Andy Cox, who personally oversee each of the company’s projects. 

The project above best depicts one of its entertainment spaces. It features great high ceilings and unique overhead lighting. The wall off to one side contains large trellised doors which connect to an outdoor area. The space also has a great custom bar. 


Palo Alto Builders

445 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA 94301

Palo Alto Builders specializes in both residential and commercial spaces. It is a full-service construction company that has become known for its high-quality craftsmanship and stellar spaces. The firm takes great pride in how a large percentage of its clientele list stems from referrals and repeat clients. It utilizes only the best materials coupled with the use of only the latest and innovative techniques. The firm extends its services throughout the Bay Area and is regarded for both its transparency and the quality of its work. 

The project above was completed in 2017. It challenged the firm with an extensive penthouse remodel. We loved its use of high-end materials and excellent fixtures, as well as its modern finishes. 


Modular Remodeling & Design

2225 E Bayshore Rd #266, Palo Alto CA 94303

Modular Remodeling & Design is lauded for its stellar interiors and exteriors. It provides its clients with a complete range of services and has worked on countless kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, and patios. The firm provides a comprehensive range of full-house remodeling, and is also regarded for its great home additions. The firm takes great pride in the excellent reputation it has built for itself through the years, as well as in its outstanding client reviews. Our editorial team was also highly impressed by its 3D design services, achieved through the use of the latest software, which allow for accurate renders. These enable the firm to lessen the possibility of any major revisions or overspending. 

The photo above is an excellent embodiment of the firm’s talent and expertise. It features great minimalist finishes. We particularly loved its studio fixtures, wood elements, and neutral color palette. 


Palo Alto Building Company

874 Boyce Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301

Operating out of its office in Palo Alto, the Palo Alto Building Company is a full-service general contracting company that specializes in every aspect of the residential remodeling process. It also goes by its acronym “PABC” and has its own in-house team of design professionals. This assures homeowners that the firm will handle each step throughout the entire process. The firm draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience and provides homeowners with accurate budget pricing, design review for feasibility, and various cost-saving solutions. This allows it to deliver all of its homes and spaces on time and within the agreed-upon budget. 

PABC can take on projects regardless of size or scale, and is led by founder Chris Loops. He has been living in the area since 1970 and got a taste of the industry at quite a young age. Prior to establishing the firm, he first gained experience working as a carpenter. 


Arnold’s Custom Homes, Kitchens, & Baths

2225 E Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303

Arnold’s Custom Homes extends its services throughout the Bay Area and has had the opportunity to work in some of the best neighborhoods in Daly City, South San Francisco, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto. It is led by its namesake William Arnold, who strives to provide homeowners with a seamless building experience. Under his leadership, the company has had the honor of working with some of the area’s best subcontractors and builders. This has enabled it to work on numerous great spaces and remodels. Arnold’s is especially noted for its exceptional attention to detail and years in the industry. 

The photo above shows its work on a South Bay Home. We loved its contemporary feel, especially its unique backsplashes and tile choice. Our editorial team was also very impressed by its great custom cabinetry and vanity. 


GTZ Construction

320 Redwood Ave., Redwood City, CA 94061

Servicing the greater Bay Area, GTZ Construction specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, large-scale home improvements, landscaping, and home additions. It collaborates with some of the area’s best designers and experienced craftsmen and has its own talented in-house staff. The firm is recognized for its excellent attention to detail. These include working on the design and installation of custom cabinetry, countertops, and other features. It also only makes use of strong and durable materials. It comes as no surprise that its work is often noted to be long-lasting.

In the project above, the firm’s team opted for a neutral palette and clean backsplash. The team also maximized its use of the space and installed various unique fixtures. The project also depicts the firm’s excellent custom cabinetry craft. 


Oasis Construction & Painting

2374 Palo Verde Ave., E Palo Alto, CA 94303

Founded in 1998, Oasis Construction provides affordable construction services and is regarded for both its residential and commercial spaces. Its work includes new construction, restoration, and reconstruction projects. It is particularly noted for its kitchens and bathrooms and also assists in terms of installation needs of electrical and plumbing systems. The firm is a family-owned and operated business that is noted for its high-quality craftsmanship. It is also regarded for its stellar carpentry and as its name suggests, painting. The firm has had the opportunity to work in some of the best neighborhoods throughout Palo Alto, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos, Stanford, Woodside, Hillsborough, Burlingame, and Mount View.

The project above is an excellent example of the firm’s expertise. We loved its Tuscan-inspired elements infused with various modern touches. It features great countertops, a large kitchen island, and several unique fixtures.