Known for its plethora of great cultural attractions, Berkeley is a beautiful city on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. In recent years Berkeley has created a clean and green environment for blossoming neighborhoods. Despite its relatively small population of 121,000 residents, the city has a vibrant feel. Berkeley is also home to a number of nationally recognized firms, many of which have been leaders in their fields, such as Chez Panisse.

Many start-ups and business owners in the area are looking to establish commercial spaces or expand their already existing brands. Commercial contractors in and around the city are helping these companies transform these spaces to achieve their goals. This list features the best commercial contractors in Berkeley, California. Each one was chosen by our editorial team for their design knowledge, portfolio, recognition, and years in the industry. 

MXL Commercial Construction 

2532 Santa Clara Avenue #10 Alameda, CA 94501″

Commitment and passion are what distinguish MXL Commercial Construction from other companies. Built on the principle of serving clients through an honest, collaborative, and dynamic approach, the firm has been delivering exceptional commercial construction services in San Francisco for 37 years. The firm’s principal, Mark Loughran, possesses a comprehensive range of skills that allow him to manage any project. Mark ensures that he is directly involved with every project to form a deeper trust and relationship with the client. Additionally, Mark has experience managing projects in a past company. This added experience has allowed MXL Commercial Construction to approach the commercial building process from a unique perspective. 

Specializing in the building of storefronts and façades, as well as restaurant and tenant renovation work, the firm has completed tons of wonderful projects. One of its commercial projects is the firm’s take on Vik’s Chaat Corner. Consisting of two phases, the firm turned a 25,000-square-foot warehouse into a home for the iconic Indian street food. With polished concrete dining floors, functional skylights, and recycled cabinets and seats, the firm brought out the business’s personality. The overall construction of the establishment was provided through sustainable practices. 

D&H Construction

2107 Kearney Street, El Cerrito, CA  94530

For four decades, D&H Construction has been upholding high levels of workmanship and integrity. Established in 1981, the firm has consistently provided quality results to clients by focusing on exceptional craftsmanship and close collaboration. D&H Construction believes that in building a community, one must build for a community. The firm has assisted non-profit developers in providing affordable housing and establishments for commercial businesses founded on high-quality materials. Wright Enterprises and Patch are some of the several publications that have featured the firm’s high standard of services and results. 

D&H Construction’s comprehensive catalog of projects includes commercial development, new houses, and high-end home remodels. A prime example of one of its works is the tenant improvement of the retail store, Hi Fidelity. The firm managed to finish the project without disturbing the surrounding facilities and tenants. The project included the installation of an upmarket security system and doors, as well as the construction of a new roof. The interior finishes and brand new storefront made the project distinct from the past building. 

West Builders

120 Railroad Avenue, Point Richmond, CA 94801

Based on the 85 years of collective building experience of its two founding partners, West Builders has built itself into a construction firm that has handled more than $1.7 billion worth of projects. West Builders has provided general contracting, design-build and design-assist services, and development management for more than a decade in the region. The firm’s engaging approach to each project has driven it to build spaces from a deeper understanding of a client’s vision. East Bay Times and Berkeleyside have both featured the firm’s high standard of craftsmanship and services that exceeds client expectations—from its substantial industry knowledge to its extensive team of skilled builders. 

With a growing number of new and repeat clients, the firm keeps on strengthening its fundamental commitment to fulfilling client objectives through exceptional results. The Warner Bros Tour Center is a great example of the firm’s work. The 425,000-square-foot, six-story parking building with one level of underground parking and studio exhibit space was built from the ground up. That allowed the firm to shape the establishment exactly the way the client would want it to be—a representative of its brand. The ground level includes 56,000-square-feet of exhibit space, a shop, a restaurant, and a movie theater—all built to serve hundreds of people each day. 

BBI Construction

1155 Third Street, Suite 230 Oakland, CA 94607

At BBI Construction, building is more than just a job—it’s a commitment to making the best out of a passion. This mid-sized general contractor was established in 1974 and has since been providing excellent services to the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. With almost five decades of experience in the industry, the firm prides itself on being competent and professional at delivering projects within the budget and the time schedule. The firm has also prioritized the direct involvement of its principals in every project it takes in order to build not just structures but better relationships. East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation has featured the firm’s outstanding work as a general contractor in the state. 

From its cost-efficient methods and exceptional use of materials, BBI Construction has built a wide range of structures. This featured project is an amazing interior renovation of the Wright Institute. The 15,000-square-foot old suite of offices was perfectly reshaped into a school of psychology with a cutting-edge refrigerant air system and smart lighting controls. This refurbished project gives a more welcoming area in a sleek and clean atmosphere, with white walls, timber floors, and an abundance of natural light. 

Jetton Construction

1117-A Virginia Street, Berkeley, CA 94702

Along with the extensive knowledge of Jetton Construction comes its solid reputation for consistency and durable client relationships. For over four decades, the firm has dealt with clients ranging from simple homeowners to massive corporations and has never failed to finish a project on time and within budget. It takes pride in its work and considers a client’s satisfaction as its passion. That’s why it helps its clients every step of the way to ensure that the process is just as important and climactic as the end result. 

Over the years, the firm has earned several awards, including the Lafayette New Home in 2018. The firm has also earned a number of accreditations, such as Certified Green Building Professionals. And on top of all that, the company has also been featured in several publications including but not limited to Dwell Magazine and The New York Times Magazine. 

The company has an official count of 500 completed projects, and it doesn’t stop there. The project featured below is the Berkeley Wine Merchant Offices & Warehouse, a renovation project for a dilapidated warehouse. The 15,000-square-foot area has been transformed and now features a mezzanine, an accessible kitchen, a private wine cellar, and a state-of-the-art system and equipment. The exterior of the project was constructed and designed to exhibit a streamlined look with a huge glass. Additionally, the warehouse is guaranteed to withstand nature and time thanks to the firm’s seismic improvements and sophisticated temperature management.