San Francisco has a lot to offer: a high standard of living, a diverse population, a variety of job opportunities, and distinguished architecture. The city’s hills are lined with rows of architecturally iconic structures and uniquely designed homes—in addition to the Golden Gate Bridge. While many of these homes are designed in the Victorian, Edwardian, and Italianate styles, several contemporary homes have also been constructed in recent years. All of these homes have a distinct character that combines the classic and the intricate, the eclectic and the colorful, and the modern and the stylish—all those elements that define San Francisco.
If you are looking to move into the city or are planning to upgrade your place, here are ten of the best residential general contractors working in San Francisco, California. These firms were chosen for their expertise, client service, accolades, and portfolios. They are staffed by talented architects, designers, and builders who are all dedicated to bringing the highest standards of quality to each project. Several of these companies have had their work published in industry journals and magazines, and others have received awards for their stunning work.
Jeff King & Company
884 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Jeff King & Company values building intelligent partnerships with its clients. This partnership opens the door to communication, which in turn reveals many details about the clients and the project. As it set out to make every client a client for life, these details allow for the project to be completed right the first time. Overseeing this practice is Jeff King, who founded the firm in 1994. King’s pursuit of excellence extends not only to building successful projects but also to the process and craftsmanship of his firm. He is highly involved in all of the projects. King leads a team of talented professionals committed to providing healthy, efficient, and beautiful homes. Under his leadership, the firm received numerous Chrysalis Awards, a Builder of the Year Award from California Home + Design Magazine, and a Best Builder in Bay Area Award from Marin Magazine.
This 4,750-square-foot 1929 beaux-arts style home underwent a full home remodel and extensive structural retrofit by Jeff King & Company. One of the most significant remodelings occurred on the top floor. The top floor consisted of a family room and a rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen. The spaces are ideal for hosting parties and provide a panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Other features include chevron hardwood floors, an ornate spiral staircase, and a fireplace. The interior design of the house uses a gray, and white palette, with blue and gold accents. This project was featured in Silicon Valley Magazine in March of 2018.
Building Lab, Inc.
999 43rd Street, Oakland, CA 94608
Building Lab is an award-winning firm that has been providing residential construction services for over 22 years. The firm’s delivery of these projects is guided by green building principles and a design-build approach. This approach provides clients with a fully coordinated process and a simple construction experience. Its team is heavily involved in the design phase, particularly the lead carpenter, project manager, and partner subcontractors. Being a part of the project’s early stages allows the entire team to collaborate with clients on concepts, refine the project’s design, and provide a more accurate cost estimate. Building Lab employs this method to deliver thoughtful, high-quality projects while staying within the client’s vision and budget.
Residential construction services provided by Building Lab include new construction, remodeling, custom cabinetry, master planning, and landscaping. Principal Stephen Shoup, the company’s founder, oversees these services. Shoup received his formal training at the University of California, Berkeley, and at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. His expertise and holistic project approach have earned the firm numerous awards. Several of these awards include a 2022 Bay Area Remodeling Award (BARA) for the Entire House of more than $1 million and a 2021 Architectural Interiors Citation Award from Residential Design (RD) Magazine.
Podesta Construction
344 Connecticut Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Podesta Construction, founded in 1986, specializes in comprehensive residential remodeling services in San Francisco and San Mateo County. The firm was founded by Jerry Podesta and is led by his son Matt. Since its foundation, the firm has been providing a process that guides clients through every phase of the project. On each project, the staff’s goal is to create functional solutions while providing professional service and quality. The firm offers transparency, communication, timely completion, and fair pricing for each project. These practices, overseen by Matt, have led the firm to recognition as one of the top residential firms in the area. The firm also received several awards, including Chrysalis Awards and Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) at the national and regional levels.
This project’s goals include enlarging the family room area, opening up the kitchen, and improving the home’s functionality and interior design. Podesta Construction met all of these objectives. The firm provided the clients with a modern home with unobstructed views of downtown San Francisco. The homes’ desirable views are highlighted by the extensive use of windows. It also has a glass door that leads to the balcony, which includes a grilling area and space for entertaining guests. This project won first place in the Whole-House Remodel category at the 2018 NARI Awards.
Design Line Construction, Inc.
60 Dorman Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Established in 1998, Design Line Construction is a premier home builder that provides well-executed and detailed projects. Design Line Construction works on projects with the use of cloud-based project management software and other systems. These systems allow the company to manage each project meticulously—the result is increased focus and productivity. The software also allows the firm to communicate easily with clients on project decisions, design, scheduling, and costs. This approach has produced many successful projects in the Bay Area, North Bay, and in Wine Country. Several of these projects have been featured in Elle Decor Italia, ArchDaily, Plain Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal.
Design Line Construction’s approach is primarily influenced by founder Andrew McHale. He started in the industry after completing a City and Guilds Apprenticeship in England. Not long after, he received accreditations in construction, drafting, and engineering. With years of industry experience, McHale sought to find the best way to build projects efficiently and effectively. Using cutting-edge tools and techniques, he and his team deliver projects that allow clients to participate in and contribute to the construction process. Design Line Construction has won awards during its 25 years in the industry. The firm won, for instance, the 2015 Grand Award from Remodeling Magazine as well as a Merit Award from Builder Magazine. These awards were presented to the project we decided to feature here.
FORMA Construction
135 South Park Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
The Laidley Street Cottage was completed by FORMA Construction. The firm and its partner architect increased the square footage, optimized the property, and installed a new building system during the redesign construction. Large windows, a master bedroom with a rear garden, and a guest bedroom with a private balcony characterize the newly renovated home. The fence and gate structure at the façade provides plenty of privacy to the living areas, which extend all the way to the front yard. The design of the home emphasizes the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an ambiance that brings clients closer to the environment. This project was recognized by the National Home Builders Association (NAHB) with the Best in American Living Award.
FORMA Construction operates on a foundation of ethics, expertise, and excellence. Its team puts a high value on a collaborative approach, with communication and creative problem-solving at the forefront. This approach ensures that each project receives tailored solutions as well as full attention to detail, quality, cost, and schedule. The team consists of talented professionals, each contributing years of experience and skills to deliver outstanding projects to clients, regardless of size or complexity. FORMA Construction specializes in new home construction, remodeling, additions, and extensions in San Francisco and the surrounding area.
Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders
355 11th Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94103
Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders began in 1986 as a two-man general contracting firm founded by Dan Matarozzi and Dan Pelsinger. Since then, it has grown to become an employee-owned, award-winning firm serving California and Wyoming. The firm specializes in all aspects of custom building, including new construction, historical renovations, remodels, and retrofitting. In addition to Matarozzi and Pelsinger, these projects are primarily run by a team of hard-working and collaborative individuals. The team maintains an organized and proactive management approach to projects to ensure quality and client satisfaction. Its projects employ best industry practices as well as sustainable craftsmanship, and always adhere to the highest green building standards.
Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders is affiliated with the United States Green Building Council (USGC), Build It Green, and the California Green Building Network. Several of its projects have been certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Other projects have been featured in publications such as Wallpaper Magazine, California Homes, San Francisco Chronicle, Vogue Magazine, and Dwell Magazine. The project featured here was published in Luxe Interiors + Design. Matarozzi Peslinger Builders provided remodeling services for the home. To preserve the historic significance of the house, the new design incorporates intricate crown moldings with contemporary finishes throughout. The end result is an elegant home that combines traditional styles with modern conveniences.
Aaron Gordon Construction
2261 Shafer Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Established in 2000, Aaron Gordon Construction (AGC) values partnerships. The firm believes that focusing on the clients allows positive factors to contribute to the project. Some of these factors include knowing what the client is looking for, their needs, and their living habits. These partnerships provide the right environment for creative conversations, idea exchanges, and informed decision-making. Having AGC as a general contractor means having a dedicated partner who keeps its promises. It approaches projects with thoroughness, professionalism, and a commitment to quality at all stages.
AGC is overseen by CEO Aaron Gordon. As a native San Franciscan, Gordon is well-versed in the landscape, architecture, and building industry of San Francisco. Under his guidance, the firm is also knowledgeable about the city’s permits and codes, as well as specialists to help bring long-lasting projects to fruition. AGC specializes in new construction and remodeling projects. Its projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, Wine Country, and Peninsula range from mid-size interior remodels to high-rise remodels and single-family homes. Several projects have been featured in California Home, San Francisco Magazine, California Home + Design, and San Francisco Chronicle.
AT6 Architecture + Design Build
477 Pacific Avenue, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94133
AT6 Architecture + Design Build provides expert design-build services to its clients. It specializes in custom homes, additions, extensions, remodeling, restorations, and green buildings. With a close-knit team of architects, builders, and staff, the firm provides an efficient and thorough process that prioritizes clients’ needs and project quality. Communication, detailed planning, transparency, and teamwork make its process effective. By incorporating these practices, the firm creates an environment in which clients can participate in the design process, and provide a place that is truly tailored for them. AT6’s goals include delivering projects on time and within budget without sacrificing quality. Its projects employ new technologies, sustainable building practices, and contemporary design elements.
AT6 was founded in 2005 by American Institute of Architects (AIA) member Jason Langkammerer. Having a father that is both an architect and a builder brought Langkammerer into the industry at an early age. Growing up, he developed a liking for the Craftsman and Victorian homes that lined Berkeley, as well as the modern architecture of Los Angeles. Since then, his firm has become known for embracing the historic features of each project site while incorporating modern elements that can fit into 21st-century living. AT6 began as a design-only firm but has since expanded to bridge the gap between architecture and construction. Today, it also provides clients with design-build services for custom homes, additions, extensions, remodeling, restorations, and green buildings.
HOUSEWORKS
1485 Bayshore Boulevard #157, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94124
HOUSEWORKS is a design-build firm that expertly transforms projects into beautiful, personalized, sustainable, functional spaces. Based in San Francisco, the firm delivers custom designs and in-depth construction services under one roof. This model aids the firm in identifying clients’ needs and providing a space that is consistent with their needs and lifestyles. The firm’s approach emphasizes collaboration and consistent communication. Doing so enables the development of the design and the creation of the project’s scope and budgets. Once completed, these components lead to the home’s evaluation, construction, and project completion. Since 2005, HOUSEWORKS has accumulated a stellar portfolio of stunning homes with its project approach. Several of these projects are winners of the NARI Remodeling Awards in different categories.
The project featured is a home restoration project that HOUSEWORKS completed. The home is located in Monterey Heights and was flooded when the clients were away. Originally built in the 1920s, the water damage destroyed most of the home’s interior. The client turned to HOUSEWORKS to redesign the home and provide modern touches in the space. The foyer was remodeled to provide an inviting entrance. The kitchen, dining, and family areas were linked to create a seamless flow. Other features include counters for more prep space in the kitchen, a wine station, and increased storage. HOUSEWORKS also added new details to the floor, fireplace, and bathrooms while preserving their distinctive character.
