Remodeling often comes with several challenges that are unique to each home. Homeowners are often faced with the issue of having to find the perfect contractor that would best suit their needs. This list showcases ten of Oakland, California’s best and leading general contractors behind some of its most impressive residential remodels. These companies were chosen based on their outstanding portfolios, in addition to their comprehensive list of services.
HDR Remodeling
1889 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703
HDR Remodeling is an award-winning firm that provides its clients with a full range of residential general contracting services. It makes use of an excellent design-build approach, which allows it to keep the entire process in-house. The firm draws inspiration from four decades of industry experience, which allows it to keep the entire process in-house. This lessens the challenge for clients in terms of having to look for additional subcontractors and professionals. It has worked in some of the most sought-after communities in the Bay Area. All of the company’s projects come with cohesive guarantees.
Featured below is one of the firm’s best remodels. Its team regards this project as one of its most drastic transformations. Formerly dark and heavy, this kitchen now features sleek Italian-inspired details. Some of its new elements include floating walnut shelves, accented countertops, and custom cabinetry.
Building Lab
999 43rd St, Oakland, CA 94608
Building Lab extends its services throughout Oakland and has worked in some of its most sought-after communities. It is an award-winning company that is experienced in every aspect of the residential design and building process and is regarded for its passion and expertise in modern architecture. The company is the product of the vision of its principal, Stephen Shoup, who received his formal training at the University of California, Berkley where he received a Master’s in Architecture. He founded the firm in 2001 and anchors his vision on providing clients with a holistic process.
Showcased below is one of the firm’s most impressive projects. Located in Oakland, this project was finished in 2021. Its kitchen now features an all-new island, countertops with waterfall edges, and a breakfast bar. It also connects to its revamped living room which now has a gas fireplace and several modern touches.
Gordon Reese Design Build
3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Gordon Reese Design Build is an award-winning, family-owned home remodeling company that works out of its office in Walnut Creek. The firm’s team utilizes a highly hands-on approach, which emphasizes the importance of client collaboration throughout the entire process. It has worked across some of the best communities in Danville, Orinda, Alamo, Lafayette, San Ramon, Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez. It specializes in home additions, kitchens, bathrooms, whole house remodels, and accessory dwelling units. The firm is also regarded for its outdoor projects.
The project above is one of the firm’s best homes. Featured on HGTV’s “Curb Appeal,” this home is located in Oakland Hills. For this, the firm’s team was hired to rework its front yard within a two-week timeframe.
Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins
6624 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Established in 1950, Custom Kitchens offers its clients a one-stop-shop approach for all of its projects, which allows it to oversee everything from start to finish. It is a family endeavor that is highly regarded and lauded for its commitment to sustainability. This assures homeowners that all of its projects are highly efficient and environmentally friendly. At the firm’s helm is its CEO and president, Jerry Wilkins. He draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience and provides expertise in terms of design, project management, and general contracting. He works on both residential and commercial projects.
The chosen project above is located in Oakland Hills and best showcases the firm’s talent and expertise. Completed back in 2020, this project was a dated and slightly dysfunctional 1940s-era home. It now features a great layout and a rich palette of natural wood and texture.
Levitch Associates
1029 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710
Levitch Associates utilizes a comprehensive design-build approach and is now on its third generation of builders. The firm has garnered a solid reputation for itself since its establishment back in 1960 and has extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects. It can handle any project, regardless of size or scale. Its portfolio showcases a range of major remodels and home additions, as well as offices and commercial spaces. It is the proud recipient of countless distinctions from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and has also been featured in publications like Qualified Remodeler.
Lakeside remodel
The photo below depicts the firm’s work on the remodels of two full bathrooms for an old client. The chosen picture showcases the project’s master bathroom, which features a great modern design. It has its own separate shower and tub, in addition to an adjacent closet. The firm’s team also created a custom floating vanity cabinet with two sinks. It also opted for dark gray, large format tiles.
Canyon Design Build
3630 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610
As its name suggests, Canyon is a leading design-build expert that offers its clients a comprehensive range of services. It works out of its office in Oakland and is highly regarded for its hands-on approach. The firm is particularly regarded for its extensive remodels, bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior spaces. Its portfolio also depicts several impressive accessory dwelling units. Its work has been featured in countless publications like California Home + Design and Dwell Magazine. Featured below is one of the firm’s most impressive projects.
Completed back in 2012, this home cost roughly around $500k. It was featured on Metropolitan Home and entailed having to work on its extensive renovation. First built back in 1915, this old craftsman bungalow is now a LEED home that features the latest energy-saving appliances and windows. Some other great details include its sophisticated conservation system and 16 solar panels.
Douglah Designs
3586 Mt Diablo Blvd, Suite B, Lafayette, CA 94549
Douglah Designs has been in business since 1997 and is the product of the vision of its owner, Leila Douglah. Under her leadership, the firm has grown into one of the Bay Area’s most recognizable and lauded interior design-build firms. The firm is composed of over 30 talented and experienced employees, who together provide the firm’s clients with a complete range of construction services. It also has two showrooms, which allow clients to get a better idea of the firm’s designs and materials. It is an active member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as well as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
The featured above is an excellent embodiment of the firm’s talent and expertise. For this kitchen remodel, the firm’s team had to work on its all-new custom cabinetry and hardwood flooring. Some other great details include its granite countertops, butcher-block island, and copper hood.
FMS Projects
4200 Broadway A, Oakland, CA 94611
FMS Projects extends its services throughout the Bay Area and draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience. Its portfolio depicts a wide range of kitchens and bathrooms, in addition to basement conversions and home additions. It has received excellent reviews through the years and countless distinctions from NARI. It has also been featured in publications like Best of Oakland.
The photo below is one of the firm’s best remodels. Completed in 2021, this project cost around $200k. It features a beautiful and elegant contemporary theme. Some of its best details include its patterned backsplashes and sleek wood flooring.
Cameron Habel Construction
3693 Lily St, Oakland, CA 94619
Cameron Habel Construction has serviced the entirety of Oakland and its surrounding areas since 1993. It is an award-winning company that holds a Green Building certification. It commits itself to the highest industry standards and showcases expertise in a wide range of architectural vernaculars. At the firm’s helm is its owner and founder, Cameron Habel. He got his first glimpse of the industry from his parents, an interior designer and a real estate professional. He has worked in the Bay Area since 1987. He has completed various certificate programs in construction management, remodeling, and green building design.
The photo below features one of the firm’s most impressive homes. Labeled as the Esherick House in its portfolio, this Oakland home was originally designed by famed architect, Joseph Esherick. Its once small kitchen was expanded to include an all-new breakfast nook and custom cabinetry.
