San Jose remains to be one of the highest performing metropolitan areas in the country when it comes to the multifamily housing market. The region’s high wages are a byproduct of the increased expansion of many Silicon Valley-based tech firms, which make nearby cities a more attractive option for real estate investors and developers. The resulting increase in population triggers a tremendous demand for housing and accommodations. Recent market statistics provide valuable proof that investing in multifamily residential and mixed-use buildings should return a substantial revenue. For this reason, builders and contractors of multi-unit apartments, condominiums, and townhomes continue to grow and shape the city’s residential landscape.

Below is a list of the best multifamily contractors in San Jose, California. Many of these builders rely on technology to deliver smart and sustainable solutions to the city’s demand for high-quality and enduring living spaces. Some of these companies are newcomers to the industry, while others have already established their reputation as preferred builders for highly-demanding market segments.

The ranking is based on the milestones that these firms have achieved in terms of high-quality multifamily dwellings. Emphasis was also given to the awards and recognition that they have gathered through the years, publication features, industry affiliations, annual revenues, the size and complexities of projects, the achievements of their principals, and their years of experience in serving the multi-residential market segment.

If you are thinking about building a multifamily project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

 

 

SBI Builders, Inc.

1515 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126

Innovative solutions at competitive prices are the characteristics that drive SBI Builders’s success in the single-family and multifamily housing market. Founded in 2005 under the leadership of Paul Nuytten and Renato O’Neal, the company serves as a boutique builder and construction management firm, taking advantage of state-of-the-art technology in building and completing many of its residential construction projects. 

For its multi-family contracts, the company is a recognized green builder for apartment complexes, which are designed to adhere to the standards of sustainable construction. As one of the leaders in this movement, it is an active affiliate of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Additionally, the company’s commitment to providing energy-efficient and sustainable building methods earned it a special designation as an Energy Star partner. 

In 2014, the Orange Country Community Housing Association awarded the firm’s rehabilitation for the Park Landing apartment complex with the Project of the Year Award. The structure is a four-story multifamily residence that follows sustainable and smart building practices. Its design is based on contemporary urban architecture and features a green roof just above the building’s parking area. This property holds a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Gold certification. 

Build SJC

1210 Coleman Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA

The establishment of San Jose Construction was an answer to the city’s growing demand for multifamily and multi-tenant apartments during the 1950s. Originally building residential spaces, the company pursued other business ventures that included land acquisition and land development. John Di Manto finally partnered with his son, Patrick, to restructure the company. This union led to the firm’s growth as a leading builder throughout the Silicon Valley and Northern California building industry.  When Build Group Inc. purchased all of the firm’s assets, the company was eventually renamed “Build SJC”. Despite these changes, the firm still operates with the same team. 

The company is known for its construction and preconstruction services, but also stands out for its commitment to incorporating LEED practices into many of its projects. As one of the leaders in sustainable construction methods, it has been involved in numerous green and LEED-candidate structures.  

The firm has signed high-value contracts with some of the biggest developers in California. The Classics at North Keystone, for instance, is a project for Mozart Development Company’s Classic Communities. The entire construction included 46 three to four-story attached townhome and condominium units. These units have a size range of 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. Several construction works of the same level can also be found in other Californian cities such as in Oakland, Sunnyvale, Pleasanton, and Monterey. 

Echelcon

950 S Bascom Ave. Suite #1014, San Jose, CA 95128

Echelcon’s partnerships with the best architects in the field have delivered an extensive multifamily portfolio that displays the firm’s construction and project management expertise. The Villa Veneto, Vespaio,  Village of Marineo, Lafayette Paloma and Water Street Apartments in Santa Cruz are some of the firm’s impressive multi-residential projects.

Robert Putnam Jr.’s introduction of strategic and efficient management and construction practices to the firm further elevated its rank as an influential player in the industry. Putnam, who started out as a journeyman carpenter, grew to become one of the co-founders of Bay Area’s recognized commercial and residential construction company. With his experience as a builder and as a holder of the LEED Green Associate designation, he leads the firm in its innovative approaches to building sustainable and highly complex structures. Putnam is also a Real Estate developer and President of For The Future Housing, an organization that specializes in high-density multifamily and affordable housing projects.

Today, the firm focuses on three highly-recommended services: planning, building, and managing the region’s biggest construction and development projects. One of its largest projects in the Bay Area is Vespaio. The structure is located in Downtown San Jose and is a mixed-use building that consists of type III, seven-story structure. The Vespaio houses 164 market-rate multi-family residential units and over 40,000 SQ FT of commercial spaces. The area is set on a 1.72 gross acre site. The project was a collaborative work with the LPMD Architects, an innovative design firm based in Silicon Valley.

Deacon

17880 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614

From the beginning of every construction process, Deacon makes sure that there is a healthy collaboration between the builder and the client. This approach helps both parties define a project’s specific goals and the unique challenges that come with it. The firm has followed this philosophy since its establishment in 1981, and applies it to all of its services, from preconstruction to remodels and repairs. 

Steve Deacon, the company’s CEO, has been in the business for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the firm is able to serve a wide spectrum of market segments such as hospitality, retail, industrial, healthcare, sports, and entertainment, and assisted and senior living. While these sectors make up a big part of the company’s portfolio, its achievements in multifamily construction should not be overlooked.

The firm has built many of the region’s stunning multifamily homes. In San Jose, the company’s Aire Apartments for the 199 River Oaks San Jose was a memorable collaboration with Silicon Valley’s LPMD Architects. The contract involved demolition of a single-story commercial building, followed by the construction of a 251,770-square foot structure. The 293-unit apartment building boasts a modern design characterized by a mix of plaster and horizontal metal siding. The site also features a 439-stall parking garage for its residents.  

Core Builders

470 S Market St., San Jose, CA 95113

Core Builders’ portfolio is dominated by apartment buildings, single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Its 2,000+ units are located across 27 different communities, with complexities ranging from eight-story concrete midrise structures to single-family residential communities. The overwhelming numbers support the company’s reputation as a preferred builder for developers and investors. This can be attributed to its comprehensive and cost-effective construction and construction management services. Since its founding, it has secured over $470 million in construction contracts.

David Neale’s long-standing relationships with the Housing Department and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Jose have aided the company in delivering clients and investors the efficiency and credibility they deserve. Since earning his California license in 1978, Neale grew the company into a trusted contractor for the residential markets within and beyond San Jose. In 2015, the company was featured in Construction Today magazine as a top builder of affordable and market-rate apartments, townhouses, and condominiums.

The firm is also known for its architecturally unique multifamily structures and has produced many of the city’s aesthetically-appealing landmarks. One of its most recent projects is SparQ, a 105-unit complex located in the vibrant San Jose SoFA District. The building drew its inspiration from Silicon Valley’s spirit of innovation and the district’s vintage and visually-expressive neighborhood.

Swenson

777 N 1st St., 5th Fl., San Jose, CA 95112 

One hundred years and four generations of quality developments, efficient construction methods, and stunning designs summarize Swenson’s history and its contributions to California’s building industry. Case Swenson now heads the family’s present ventures. Before joining the company, he successfully managed a construction business that gave him the experience of managing complex development, construction, and architectural projects for the company’s most demanding clients. The company serves numerous industries, including medical, tenant improvement, educational, industrial, hospitality, senior living, and residential clients.

As one of the city’s leading builders of multifamily residences, the company is a consistent winner of multiple awards and recognition from different industry organizations and publications. In 2016, for instance, the company was the Structures winner for Market-Rate Residential Project for its Centerra Apartments. The Silicon Valley Business Journal also named the company as the Developer of the Year in 2010. Site Selection Magazine also recently recognized the firm’s contribution to transforming the Valley’s architectural and residential landscape. 

Multifamily projects dominate the firm’s extensive portfolio. The Lofts on the Alameda is one of the city’s modern urban communities. The four-story, 40-unit building has an attached two-level parking structure that accommodates 109 parking spaces. The overall project exhibited the firm’s ability to adapt and deliver a sensitive architecture designed to fit into the streetscape. As a representative of the ideal loft style unit, every spacious room comes with high-end finishes.

Brown Construction, Inc.

1465 Enterprise Blvd., West Sacramento, California 95691

Multiple Gold Nugget Awards from the annual Pacific Coast Builder Conference (PCBC) are just some of the many testaments to Brown Construction’s outstanding building and construction methods. As one of the leading builders in the Central Valley, the firm has repeatedly won the recognition of several award-giving bodies. Over the years, it has been responsible for many stunning multi-residential structures in the region, one of which was given the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Design Awards, Citation Award.   

Ron Brown, the company’s principal, is a second generation builder. His father, Bill Brown, founded the company in 1964 as a firm that primarily constructed single-family and multi-family housing in Northern California. Under Bill’s guidance, Ron Brown slowly took over the family’s enterprise and delved into every aspect of running the business. His return after completing his degree in Civil Engineering from Sacramento State University ushered the company into a new era. Ultimately, Ron’s methods introduced more diversification of markets and a wider clientele. The result is a company that has evolved through time and has been molded into one of the best firms throughout California. 

Multifamily construction and mixed-use construction projects fill the firm’s portfolio. The ViO, for instance, is a four-story, multi-living space built on a 311,000-square foot property. The ground floor is a retail space that occupies 5,200 square feet area. Other nearby facilities include a leasing center, recreation and fitness center, a central pool, and a courtyard. The building comes with about 365 parking spaces. The overall project was awarded a Built it Green (BIG) Gold, a designation that recognizes sustainable and green building projects.

How can I find a contractor near me?

Read our latest articles on the best contractors in and near San Jose. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

General Contractors in San Jose

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About Our Rankings

This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration

Get Bids For Your Build

If you are thinking about building a multifamily project, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.