Residential projects require highly specific and unique skill sets from general contractors. This list showcases eight of San Mateo’s leading firms, the contractors behind some of its most noteworthy homes and spaces. These companies were chosen based on their stellar portfolios, impressive backgrounds, and countless accolades.


Gilmans Kitchen & Bath

2612 South El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403

Gilmans Kitchen and Baths has a team of award-winning master craftsmen and three decades of industry experience. The firm services the peninsula and the surrounding San Francisco Bay area. It specializes in a wide range of styles, including modern and traditional. The firm has received plenty of recognition over the years and has been featured in several publications and television broadcasts. The firm has also been presented with multiple awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Its team takes a highly hands-on approach and emphasizes the importance of communication throughout the process, ensuring that the client’s vision is reflected in their new space.

Showcased above is one of the firm’s best kitchen projects. For this space, its team opted for a great modern design. It features custom cabinetry and clean tiled backsplashes. Some other elements include its wood beams, custom kitchen island, and paneled flooring.


SEA Construction Inc.

763 Polhemus Road Suite 1, San Mateo, CA 94402

SEA Construction takes a design-build approach, allowing it to keep the entire process in-house and supervise every facet of a project. The firm specializes in home additions, kitchens, bathrooms, full home renovations, and room additions. It draws inspiration from over three decades of experience and has worked on over 3,500 homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm is also well-respected for its rapid delivery and smooth processes. Its portfolio includes an excellent variety of designs, including both modern and traditional spaces. SEA Construction has also been the recipient of several Chrysalis Awards for its excellent remodels. It is affiliated with NARI and the US Green Building Council, assuring clients of the sustainability of its spaces. The firm has also been featured in Qualified Remodeler as one of the magazine’s Top 500 builders and remodelers. 

The featured project has a stellar contemporary theme. For this kitchen, the firm’s team put in excellent custom-designed countertops coupled with a neutral color palette. Our editorial team loved its great overhead lighting.


Jesse Ososki Art

446 Highland Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

The Jesse Ososki Art team offers its clients decades of industry experience. The firm’s creative abilities are highly diverse, and the firm has secured partnerships with some of the area’s leading craftsmen and professionals. The firm takes great pride in the numerous industry distinctions it has received over the years. The firm has also been featured in publications such as Dezeen, Dwell, ArchDaily, and Elle Decor. The firm is a small design-build company that extends its services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, where it is well-respected for both its interiors and exteriors. 

Featured above is one of the firm’s best pool houses. Located in Los Altos, this project showcases stellar slat exteriors paired with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Jesse Ososki team also made use of great patterns for its flooring in the modern floorplan.

You can learn more about their projects and company by visiting their website here.


Harrell Remodeling Inc.

944 Industrial Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Harrell Design + Build is a full-service, Employee Owned, design-build residential remodeling company based in Palo Alto, California. For 38 years, the firm has been focused on providing Bay Area homeowners with innovative design, meticulous craftsmanship, and high-quality, personalized service. Iris Harrell founded the company in 1985; it all began with a single employee. Today, Harrell Design + Build employs nearly 50, including award-winning designers and accomplished craftspeople.

Currently leading the firm is Lisa Sten, who has guided private, commercial, and public-sector clients with architectural designs and construction objectives. She holds an interior design degree from Paier College of Art in Hamden, and a B.A. from Boston College. She is recognized as a Certified Interior Designer (CID), a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), and a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP).


Wilkinson Construction Inc.

206 14th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402

Wilkinson Construction extends its services throughout the Peninsula. It has completed projects throughout San Mateo, Hillsborough, Burlingame, Atherton,  and Palo Alto. The company specializes in every aspect of residential general contracting services and has secured relationships with some of the area’s best subcontractors and tradesmen. The firm has been in business since 1990 and is licensed, bonded, and insured. 

The featured project is an excellent example of the firm’s talent and expertise. This home is located in the Portola Valley and showcases an excellent contemporary theme reminiscent of timeless desert architecture. The team opted for a warm color palette and a mix of concrete and wood materials.


D’Elia Construction

2189 Palm Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

D’Elia Construction draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience and operates out of its headquarters in San Mateo. The firm has committed itself to the highest standards. Since its inception, the firm has secured relationships with some of the area’s best subcontractors. It also prides itself on the repeat clientele list it has generated through its hard work over the years. The firm extends its services throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and offers a complete range of residential construction services. 

The featured project is located in San Mateo Park. It is a historic residence that entailed working on an extensive remodel and expansion. This beautiful colonial home also sports its very own separate pool house. Inside, there are hardwood floors, recessed accent lighting, and new coffered ceilings.


Paul Coffey Construction

1103 North Amphlett Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94401

Paul Coffey Construction has been in the business since 2011 and extends its services throughout the Bay Area. It can take on any project regardless of size or scale. The firm is also known for its expertise in a wide variety of architectural vernaculars and provides them with custom details, open-concept floorplans, cabinetry, and lighting. The firm works on ground-up construction projects, extensive renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, and accessory dwelling units. 

The highlighted project is an excellent example of the firm’s kitchen projects. Its open-concept floorplan unites the most active areas of this home: the kitchen, living, and dining areas. The firm also opted for exposed beam works, custom overhead lights, and wood-paneled flooring.


Aguilar Building Company

326 Monte Diablo Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Aguilar Building Company specializes in both residential and commercial construction and remodeling services. The firm offers its clients free consultations and quotations and is well-known for its smart building solutions. It has an in-house budgeting team, which provides homeowners with accurate and comprehensive budget plans. They simply will not exceed the agreed-upon budget once a project begins. The firm can take on a range of projects regardless of scale or complexity and the firm commits itself to the highest standards. Aguilar has won a number of awards during its years in business for the impressive portfolio it has created.  

Featured above is one of the firm’s most impressive kitchens. It features custom cherry cabinetry and clean custom countertops. The firm’s team also designed and installed a small custom island that has its own storage.