South San Francisco, locally known as the “South City,” encompasses a highly competitive housing market especially when it comes to the demand for residential properties. Many of these homes are sold above their original listing price. Aside from its proximity to some of the busiest cities in the Bay Area, the city is an ideal place for young professionals and families to settle. This positive market has stimulated the region’s construction industry and allowed contractors and builders from the city and nearby areas to complete a wide range of new construction, remodeling, renovation, and historic preservation projects for a diverse range of homeowners and aspiring homeowners.
We decided to feature the best general contractors in this exciting market. The firms included here are either based in the city or have completed projects in the area. Our editorial team looked at each firm’s background, considered their years of experience, and their memberships with leading industry organizations. The article also considered the awards, publications, reviews, and testimonials that these firms have received from loyal and first-time clients.
AYA Homes
257 Oak Park Dr., San Francisco, CA 94131
For over two decades AYA Homes has specialized in luxury custom home building and remodeling services serving the Bay Area’s most sophisticated homeowners. The firm is not only a general contractor but is also a project management firm. That dual nature allows the firm to stay with homeowners from the first stages of planning through construction and project completion.
This customer-focused approach and attention to a personalized home building and renovation process were developed by the firm’s owner and founder, Shawn Ajdari. The same process helped the company win the trust and approval of its clients and partners. Testimonials from the industry’s leading online platforms point out the company’s transparency, efficiency, and open communication strategies, and how these characteristics helped the firm complete projects on time and on-budget.
The firm has worked with residential homeowners to transform old, dreary, and outdated houses into modern and architecturally-stunning homes. Part of the firm’s diverse residential general contracting portfolio is a collection of remodeling projects, redesigns, and renovations of spaces inspired by the modern, Mediterranean, traditional, French Tudor, contemporary, and transitional architectures.
Rojas Construction
295 Old County Rd. Suite #11, San Carlos, CA 9470
Rojas Construction is a trusted name in the San Carlos building community and it extends its services to other nearby cities. Rudy Rojas, the firm’s founder, joined the industry in 1992 and he has worked with some of the most established names in the industry. After almost a decade of honing his craft, he decided to start his own company, a decision that helped him cater to a bigger, wider market and expand his services throughout the region. Today, his firm specializes in interior home improvements, including room additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and interior remodeling services.
While experience is one of the outstanding characteristics that the firm possesses, what makes it stand out is its stellar customer service. Reviews and testimonials from its past clients emphasize the firm’s unique understanding of the building process; customers were impressed with the firm’s ability to deliver efficient work on time and within budget, regardless of complexity and value. The company, accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), holds an A-plus status, a testament to the firm’s consistency when it comes to quality and client satisfaction.
As a licensed remodeling contractor, the firm has completed multiple mid-range and high-value residential remodeling and renovation projects across the region. Many of these projects celebrate the sleek and minimalist qualities of modern and contemporary designs while others tell the story of timeless, classic craftsmanship.
Ryan & Ryan Construction
423 Littlefield Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080
Ryan & Ryan Construction started out as a small, family-owned painting professional in 1985 and it gradually evolved into a much bigger company. Today, the firm is a full-service professional, licensed to practice general contracting, flooring installation, drywall, and painting services. Catering to the entire Bay Area, the firm has worked with commercial and residential project owners to complete small to large-scale projects, including bathroom and kitchen remodeling.
Gary Ryan leads the firm’s everyday operations. As a remodeler and general contractor that has helped homeowners turn their ideas into functional and aesthetically-stunning spaces, Ryan’s firm holds an extensive portfolio inspired by traditional, transitional, and contemporary home styles. The firm’s partnerships with leading brands and manufacturers also allow it to rely on top-tier products that complement the firm’s high-quality and enduring projects.
Stellar customer services highlight the company’s decades of construction practice. As a member of the BBB, it has constantly secured its A-plus accreditation, proof of its commitment to client satisfaction and reliable business practices. More interestingly, the company is not only a provider of high quality general contracting services; it is also an advocate of the green building movement and participates in industry-supported practices that highlight the importance of sustainability, green design, and energy-efficient solutions. Aside from its membership with the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the firm is also an affiliate of the Built It Green organization.
SEA Design/Build
1009 S Railroad Ave., San Mateo, CA 94402
SEA Design/Build opened its doors in 1989 specializing in architecture, design, and construction. The firm’s decades of practice have allowed it to expand its services to cater to a bigger market base and continuously increase its knowledge of the latest in design and construction technologies. The result is a modern organization that offers a comprehensive, full-scale approach to every build. From handling the first stages of design and setting budget specifications, through construction, management, and completion, the firm stays with the client every step of the way.
Steve Albert leads the firm’s construction practice. Albert is a third-generation custom home builder and remodeler that has honed his leadership and building practice through exposure and experience. One thing that makes the firm stand out is its unique building process, which aims to optimize the construction process by developing building solutions that minimize waste and reduce scheduling delays.
This approach has helped the company establish a loyal following, with many of its projects coming from referrals and repeat businesses. As a member of the NARI and NKBA, the company deploys design solutions and construction techniques that make use of the latest industry technologies and methods. Aside from its lifelong experience in delivering functional and transformative residential spaces, the company is known for its fluency in the different interior design styles and inspirations, and its remarkable work has been recognized by the Chrysalis Awards, NKBA Awards, Master Design Awards, CotY, and the META Awards.
Superb Builders
388 Market St. Suite #1300, San Francisco CA 94111
Specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, full home remodeling, additions, as well as new home construction services, Superb Builders has two decades of experience as a leading general contractor in the region. The firm has the experience and manpower to cater to residential homeowners across the greater San Francisco Bay Area as well as other cities in Los Angeles County.
The company’s portfolio highlights luxury residential spaces inspired by traditional, transitional, contemporary, and classic designs. Many of these spaces are curated and constructed to answer the functional and lifestyle needs of its homeowners, as well as represent their taste and individuality through custom elements, such as unique fixtures, cabinetry, choice of finishes, and complementing palettes. Aside from the company’s quality of work, the firm’s past clients highlight its stellar customer service.
Reviews from online platforms emphasize the firm’s open communication and promptness in answering questions and educating project owners in making informed decisions about their project. This overall practice has been developed by its owner and principal, David King; the process has been recognized by the Better Business Bureau through its A-plus accreditation status.
Tyson Bruce Construction
1530 Claremont Dr., San Bruno, CA 94066
For over 15 years, Tyson Bruce Construction has delivered a wide range of general contracting projects across the region, ranging from small-scale construction works to full-scale, new home construction and full home renovations. As a second-generation builder, Tyson Bruce has a profound understanding of the building process, not just as a contractor but as a craftsman that can produce functional and aesthetically outstanding works. Tyson applies a hands-on approach to every build and personally works with clients to complete remodeling commissions and full-scale home additions
Being a member of the BBB, the firm is known for its client-focused construction approach. Its services not only answer the immediate needs of its project owners but are executed using the latest building practices. The firm is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), an affiliation that helps it up to date with the latest trends and practices in the remodeling, renovation, and construction of modern bath and kitchen spaces.
One great example of the firm’s ability is this transformation of an outdated kitchen and bath: the firm turned the spaces into brand new, revitalized rooms inspired by the natural hues and materials of the Traditional style. Timeless craftsman cabinetry combines with a soft palette that brings a warm glow to space. The custom fixtures stand out to give a classic character to the home.
