Burlingame is a Bay Area community settled by wealthy San Franciscans in search of a neighborhood with a better climate. It is often referred to as the City of Trees and offers a high quality of life for families, the elderly, and young professionals. Today, Burlingame offers an urban/suburban mix; most residents rent their homes. General home remodeling is common, from additions and accessory dwelling units to kitchen and bathroom additions.
This list presents the top 10 general contractors serving this idyllic suburban neighborhood. These contractors were chosen based on the number of projects completed, awards and certifications, and the value and quality of their projects. Our editorial team also considered the firms’ years of services and their industry awards and achievements; we reviewed client testimonials and looked into the backgrounds of their principals as well.
BMF Construction Inc.
723 Camino Plaza #3401, San Bruno, CA 94066
BMF Construction Inc. is a full-service provider of premier commercial and residential construction. BMF Construction first made a name for itself in the 1980s and 1990s as a commercial contractor. It remodeled everything from offices and hospital facilities to schools and historic structures, including Bay Area landmarks such as the War Memorial Opera House and the Maritime Museum. When it transitioned to residential remodeling, it continued to use its own sophisticated system rooted in commercial construction. This system accommodates strict deadlines, meets performance specifications, and observes a myriad of requirements from architects, engineers, and building officials. As a result, the firm successfully and consistently completes projects with an optimum balance of value, performance, and delivery.
BMF’s skilled team is led by president Derald Norton who has been with the company since 1987. He has supplemented his experience with extensive formal training in design, engineering, methods, materials, and sustainable techniques through the Building Industry Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors, Build It Green, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. He is joined by Hugh “Tony” Bowen, a veteran commercial contractor of over 20 years.
The company offers new home building, seismic retrofitting, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling to clients in the greater San Francisco area including San Bruno, San Mateo, Hillsborough, and Burlingame. An example of its high-quality work is this upscale Burlingame interior remodel. Modern contemporary lines can be seen in the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Neutral colors accent bright pops of color and wood detail.
EK Construction
1221 Whitehorne Way, Burlingame, CA 94010
One of the oldest firms on this list, EK Construction has been bringing excellent construction services to residents and businesses in the San Francisco Bay area since 1958. This local company has been owned and operated by three generations of the Ek family for more than 30 years. Robert Ek is currently in charge, and his hands-on management style produces excellent whole home renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and additions.
Aside from elaborate general contracting work, Ek Construction also specializes in custom woodwork and cabinetry. It operates a 2,000-square-foot woodshop in its headquarters in Burlingame. It’s exclusively dedicated to custom woodwork for cabinetry, furniture, and finishing for the company’s projects. Clients can customize their projects by deciding on the grade and style of cabinet as well as the desired finish. The company also specializes in exterior hardscape and all types of masonry work.
Front Street Builders
1156 Capuchino Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
Front Street Builders is an experienced general contractor that serves the San Francisco Peninsula, from Burlingame to Mountain View. The firm is led by founder and owner Steve Hirsch, who brings nearly three decades of experience to the table. He worked as a carpenter and project manager prior to starting the company. As a trusted builder by many, Mr. Hirsch consistently and effectively communicates and collaborates with owners, architects, and designers to bring dream projects to life. The company works on remodeling and renovations of whole houses, master bedroom suites, kitchens, bathrooms, pool houses, backyard cottages, outdoor kitchens, and more.
Clients and industry peers alike praise the firm for its strengths in communication, collaboration, and clear preparation. Extensive research work and planning with designers and architects provide a strong foundation for creating exceptional projects. Homeowners have praised the company for being responsive to changes and for making them feel taken care of.
Green Metro Construction
1299 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, CA 94010
Green Metro Construction has established a sterling reputation as one of Burlingame’s most trusted general contractors. Since 1992, the firm has partnered with Bay Area residents for their remodeling and renovation needs. The company’s list of services includes new construction, major renovations, additions, kitchen and bath remodels, and deck construction for both residential and commercial projects. It also offers design, architect, and engineering services. Clients turn to the company for expert project planning that consistently results in on-time delivery and an excellent customer experience.
This project in San Carlos showcases Green Metro Construction’s wide range of capabilities in remodeling and renovation. This Craftsman-style single-family home was given new life by the company through expert renovation. Its kitchen and two bathrooms were remodeled and a pool retrofitted. The firm also installed new hardwood flooring, windows, paint, and landscaping around the home. The home is now more expansive and open for a better flow of movement.
J.P. Lindstrom Inc.
1015 California Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010
General building contractor J.P. Lindstrom Inc. touts itself as a leader in reliable and high-quality construction work across the Bay Area. Proprietor Jeff Lindstrom is a 4th generation San Matean whose family has always been in the building trade. He brings his wealth of experience to clients in Hillsborough, Burlingame, San Mateo, Millbrae, Menlo Park, and San Francisco.
J.P. Lindstrom Inc. specializes in residential renovation and remodeling. For 25 years, the firm has provided whole house renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and additions. It is also capable of rendering custom work on specialty rooms such as wine cellars, media rooms, and home offices.
Jemstone Construction
1142 Davis St., Redwood City, CA 94061
Since 2005, Jemstone Construction has served the Bay Area from its office in Redwood City. While a small general contracting company, it delivers unparalleled quality construction and customer service. It offers a full range of renovating services from home remodeling and additions, to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, to custom finish carpentry.
The company has earned a lot of five-star reviews from clients. Some of the strengths highlighted in these reviews include the team’s extremely prompt response time and reasonable and competitive prices. Many of the firm’s clients are repeat clients who have hired the company repeatedly for more than ten years.
This stark white bathroom features clean modern lines accentuated by a patterned tile.
SEA Construction, Inc.
1009 S. Railroad Ave., San Mateo, CA 94402
Since 1989, SEA Construction has provided creative construction solutions and innovative designs for residential renovations across the San Francisco Bay Area. This premier design-build firm has gained multiple recognitions for its excellent work, including a regional Chrysalis Award, Master Design Awards, Contractor of the Year Awards, and National Kitchen and Bath Association Awards. The firm is an established leader in construction services with employees and contractors having served the company for more than two decades.
From classic Victorian kitchens to contemporary urban dining areas to spa-like bathrooms, SEA Construction creates masterfully built spaces for every need. Clients certify that its process is seamless and hassle-free and is supported by its proprietary online management system. That process keeps clients informed about scheduling, budgets, change orders, and weekly progress reports and photos of their current project.
Superb Builders
388 Market St., Suite #1300, San Francisco, CA 94111
More than seventeen years in the home building business has allowed Superb Builders to become an expert in the business of remodeling, renovations, and additions. This San Francisco-based general contractor provides high attention to detail, ensuring each job is completed to the client’s satisfaction. From rebuilding a whole home from scratch or just providing simple facelifts of interior rooms, Superb Builders demonstrates a mastery of skill in building techniques as well as a high regard for customer service. The firm has small trained teams that specialize in different phases of construction and remodeling, enabling it to get the job done on time and on budget and all with little intrusion in the day-to-day life of the client.
Superb Builders provides work across the San Francisco area and has a service reach as far as Los Angeles. Its scope of work includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, whole house renovations, additions, extensions, and interior work. In Burlingame, one of the firm’s projects involved demolishing a house down to its framework and rebuilding it from scratch. This new house on Corbitt Drive now sports a modern look inside and out. Shades of whites and grays gently but firmly frame the open-floor interior and a brand new deck outdoor living space provides aesthetic balance.
Zume Builders
1670 S Amphlett Blvd., Suite 214-20, San Mateo, CA 94402
For San Mateo-based general contractor, Zume Builders, the aim is to always exceed client expectations. This talented builder specializes in everything from new custom homes and accessory dwelling units to renovations and remodeling. The firm is also capable of assembling and constructing prefab homes. Zume’s diverse team of technicians are specialists in their trade and capable of meeting project timelines, sticking to client budgets, and providing top quality finish work. The company uses the latest project management technology readily accessible to all its clients from day one of their construction process.
This major remodel and addition project was recently completed by Zume Builders. The result is practically a new house. It features impeccable IPA wood siding throughout the exterior and a standing seam metal roof. An ‘oasis’ sits in the middle of the home — a pool, grass area, and concrete play area. It also has two full bedrooms, one full bath, and a contemporary ADU below the house.
