The definitive guide to local shopping; methodically researched, updated daily.

Bay Area Edition

Prime Buyers Guide General Contractors

To Find the Best General Contractors in Santa Clara County, CA

General contractors provide Santa Clara County with everything from basic home repairs, to new construction. If you're in need of building repair, or general construction, it's time to call the top general contractors of Santa Clara County. The following articles can show you how to find an affordable, licensed general contractor in Santa Clara County to complete your home repairs or home building projects.

more »

Updated January 27, 2008

Top 10 General Contractors in Santa Clara County

Zayer Quality Construction
Send an email to this Company
(408) 655-4480
2495 Kingfield Way
San Jose, CA 95124
State License #647769 Class B: General Building Contractor
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Better Business Bureau

Areas Served: Santa Clara County incl. San Jose CA, Mountain View, Los Altos
Services: Local contractors for all general home construction
Key Brands: Anderson Windows, Kelly Moore Paints

Bonsai Builder Construction
Send an email to this Company
(408) 374-4115
14125 Capri Dr
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Contractor’s license # 575422B

Areas Served: Santa Clara County / Bay Area incl. Los Gatos, San Jose CA, Mt View, Cupertino, ...
Services: General contractors for home repair, home construction & general building, house ...
Key Brands: Baldwin Door hardware, Walker Zanger tile, Kolbe and Kolbe, Eagle Windows, Carlisle ...

Pacheaco Construction
Send an email to this Company
(510) 791-2628
2860 Sanderling Dr
Fremont, CA 94555
Contractors License # B635806
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Better Business Bureau NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)

Areas Served: Mountain View, San Jose, Campbell CA, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Milpitas, ...
Services: general contractors providing all home construction and general construction projects
Key Brands: Milgard, Marvin, Anderson, CertainTeed, Simonton, Velux

Sherring Construction
Send an email to this Company
(925) 934-9999
136 Bexley Place
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Contractors License #609637
Western Regional Master Builders Association

Areas Served: San Jose, Morgan Hill, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell CA, Los Altos, Saratoga
Services: all general home construction
Key Brands: Anderson Windows and Doors, Milgard Windows, Closet Innovation

Joseph Ward General Contractor
Send an email to this Company
(925) 356-8810
1646 Placer Drive
Concord, CA 94521
Contractor's Lic# 671256
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified Build It Green US Green Building Council

Areas Served: Milpitas, San Jose, Saratoga, Santa Clara, Campbell CA, Morgan Hill, Sunnyvale CA
Services: general home construction, home repair, custom construction

San Jose Construction Co Inc
(408) 986-8711
1210 Coleman Ave
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Areas Served: Santa Clara, San Jose, Mt View, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Campbell CA

Argo Associates
(408) 844-8007
320 Martin Ave # B
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Areas Served: San Jose, Campbell CA, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Mt View, Milpitas, Los Altos

Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction
(408) 988-4200
565 Laurelwood Rd
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Areas Served: San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Campbell CA, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Palo Alto

Shumaker Jake L Gen Cntr
(408) 980-8115
400 Reed St
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Areas Served: Campbell CA, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale

Harrell Remodeling
(650) 230-2900
1954 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, CA 94043

Areas Served: San Jose, Morgan Hill, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell CA, Los Altos, Saratoga

To Find the Best General Contractors in Santa Clara County, CA 

We're not all "do-it-yourselfers". The majority of home repair or construction work requires a highly skilled hand, not to mention piles of permits and licenses. Luckily, you can rely on the best general contractors in Santa Clara County to complete just about any construction project for you. The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled some information about the local contracting industry that can help you find an excellent general contractor, eliminate your confusion, and ensure a satisfactory solution to your construction issues.

Top General Contractors in Santa Clara County Perform Numerous Services
The best general contractors possess the only licensure that allows them to perform work in any industry specialty. Understandably, not every general contractor can be well versed in all of them. So locate a local general contractor based on the specific work you need done. Some general contractors in Santa Clara County can work with new construction, home improvements or retrofitting, various home repairs and upgrades, or new construction. Regardless of the particular construction services or home repair services you need, you can find a local contractor who will perform the work to industry standards, as well as your own.

There are Many Ways to Research The Best General Contractors in Santa Clara County
When you begin to seriously consider a general contractor, don't move forward without measuring your candidate against the competition. Ask around or use the internet to learn about the local industry dynamic. In the event that you have trouble identifying worthwhile resources, take a look at the helpful options we've filtered for you in The Prime Buyer's Report article, "Resources for Choosing General Contractors in Santa Clara County."

Consider one of the Many High Quality General Contractors in Santa Clara County
In Santa Clara County alone, the list of general contractors that want your business is seemingly endless. In order to help you narrow it down, we've identified some of the best general contractors that, based on customer satisfaction, efficiency, and affordability, are worth your consideration. Our list of 10 top general contractors in Santa Clara County includes Zayer Quality Construction, Bonsai Builder Construction, Pacheaco Construction, Sherring Construction, Joseph Ward General Contractor, San Jose Construction Co Inc, Argo Associates, Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction, Shumaker Jake L Gen Cntr, Harrell Remodeling. Other home builders and general contractors in the area include: Herrero Scott T Construction, I C C General Contractors Inc, Landmark Development Corp, Kuehne Jim Construction, The Conrado Company Inc, T & C Homes.
Updated January 27, 2008
Top of page

 

 

To Choose the Best General Contractors of Santa Clara County 

Step 1: Describe The Construction Work
When you sit down with potential general contractors, explain what type of construction jobs you need. Be consistent so each general contractor will have an opportunity to give input and formulate an estimate based on the same information.

Step 2: Hold a Question and Answer Session and Take Notes with the General Contractor
Before you create a list of possible general contractors, you'll need to have a brief question and answer session with each one. While a general contractor questions you, take notes on his concerns. He may reveal some aspects of the home repair or construction project that are new to you, or may just reveal his own inferior knowledge. When you interview him, take this first impression into account. A good rapport with your general contractor is essential to arrive at a finished product you are both happy with. As far as his ability to accommodate your construction or home repair needs, you'll need to inquire about technical ability, job history, and the specifications of your construction job. The following list can guide you through this process.

How long has the general contractor been in business?
Does the general contractor specialize in the type of work I need? If so, please provide some examples of similar work near Santa Clara County that the builder has completed.
What will the timing be on bidding and completing the construction?
Does the general contractor carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Will the general contractor provide a written estimate?
How does the general contractor price the work?
Will the general contractor provide a written contract?
What type of warranty does the general contractor provide and what are the terms?
Will construction permits be needed? If so, who will be responsible for getting them?
Does the builder hire subcontractors or does the general contractors own employees perform the work?
How and when does the general contractor clean up?

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision on the Best General Contractor

After you've interviewed some general contractors serving the Santa Clara County area, it's time to narrow down your choices. Review your notes and decide which answers are the most important. Based on these results, which general contractor most closely matches your criteria? Which do you personally feel the most comfortable dealing with? The earlier question and answer process will have made this clearer.

Step 4: Final Research on the General Contractors
After you think you've found your ideal general contractor, fill in the remaining blanks. Use the addresses we've provided in The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Contracting in Santa Clara County" to verify general contractor licensing, insurance and official endorsements, such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.

Step 5: Make the Final Decision on a General Contractor
Now it's time to seal the deal. Clear up any lingering questions and ask for your representative to provide a signed, written and thoroughly detailed contract.

Updated January 27, 2008
Top of page

 

 

Resources To Choose The Best General Contractors in Santa Clara County 

Associations & Licensing
ABC Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abc.org)
AGC of America Associated General Contractors of America (www.agc.org)
ASA American Subcontractors Association (www.assaonline.com)
ASCC American Society of Concrete Contractors (www.ascconline.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CBIA California Building Industry Association (www.cbia.org)
CSLB Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
HBANC Home Builders Association of Northern California (www.hbanc.org)
MCAA Mechanical Contractors Association of America (www.mcaa.org)
NAHB National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.org)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (www.ncbeonline.com)
NKBA National Kitchen and Bath Institute (www.nkba.org)
NSCA National Systems Contractors Association (www.nsca.org)
NUCA National Utility Contractors Association (www.nuca.com)

Media &Web Resources
Architectural Designs
Architectural Digest
Austin Design Guide
Better Homes & Gardens
Blueprint Magazine
Building Design and Construction
California Home & Design
CONTRACTOR Magazine
Dwell
Environmental Design and Construction Magazine
Fine Homebuilding
Home
Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
Home & Design
HOUSE Magazine
Luxury Home
New Old House
Old House Journal
Smart Homeowner
This Old House
Western Interiors and Design

www.askthebuilder.com
www.bhg.com
www.bobvila.com
www.doityourself.com
www.energystar.gov
www.homedepot.com
www.hometime.com
www.hometips.com
www.lowes.com

General contractors can help with a verity of construction projects and The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 contractors in Santa Clara County within the following zip codes.

94022, 94023, 94024, 94035, 94039, 94040, 94041, 94042, 94043, 94085, 94086, 94087, 94088, 94089, 94301, 94302, 94303, 94304, 94305, 94306, 94309, 95002, 95008, 95009, 95011, 95013, 95014, 95015, 95020, 95021, 95026, 95030, 95031, 95032, 95035, 95036, 95037, 95038, 95042, 95044, 95046, 95050, 95051, 95052, 95054, 95055, 95056, 95070, 95071, 95101, 95103, 95106, 95108, 95109, 95110, 95111, 95112, 95113, 95115, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95119, 95120, 95121, 95122, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95127, 95128, 95129, 95130, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134, 95135, 95136, 95138, 95139, 95140, 95141, 95148, 95150, 95151, 95152, 95153, 95154, 95155, 95156, 95157, 95158, 95159, 95160, 95161, 95164, 95170, 95172 and 95173

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 contractors in Santa Clara County within the following cities.

Alviso, Blossom Valley, Campbell, Coyote, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Gilroy, Holy City, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Monte Vista, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Mt Hamilton, Mt View, New Almaden, Palo Alto, Permanente, Redwood Est, Redwood Estates, San Jose, San Martin, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Stanford and Sunnyvale
Updated June 19, 2008
Top of page

 

 

9 Tips on General Contracting and Construction 

Take Time Choosing Your General Contractor.
Don't hire the first general contractor you manage to contact. If you take some time to properly outline your job and carefully match a qualified general contractor, you're more likely to get what you wanted in the first place.

Write a Description of the Job for the General Contractors.
You can better discern the more capable general contractors if you personally write up a paragraph or two (depending on the intricacy of the job) about the construction job specifics prior to contacting any prospective general contractors. Since each general contractor will see the same description, you can be sure that you are comparing responses to your home construction project on a fair and equal basis. Then you can better judge who gives you the best responses to your consistent description.

Get Three Separate Contracting Estimates.
You should get a few separate contracting estimates. But remember, price should not be your only determining factor. Getting several estimates will help you measure which general contractors are the most trustworthy, accurate and experienced. It also helps to have several examples to compare thoroughness and general ability.

Get it in Writing from General Contractors.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Getting everything in writing will prevent confusion down the line. For the purposes of documentation, insist that the general contractors provide you with a written description of the construction work, pricing and a timeframe for completion.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign an Agreement with A General Contractor.
Before you officially agree to any home construction or home building work, be sure to check licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurances, as well as any other relevant credentials.

Choose Certified General Contractors.
Some general contractors have exhibited a greater dedication to the satisfaction of their clientele and have been met with the public response they deserve. In Santa Clara County, the best general contractors have been featured positively in consumer ratings publications and are more likely to put forth the extra effort.

Maintain Great Communication During the Construction Work.
This is an overlooked skill with general contractors. But in order to maintain a successful partnership, both parties must make a concerted effort to keep one another informed. Don't jump to conclusions, and call and ask the builder when you have the slightest doubt about how a construction job is going. There may be a reasonable explanation for changes or delays. There may be decisions that you can make that will help the construction job go more smoothly.

Agree in Advance to do a Walk-Through Upon Completion with the General Contractor.
After the job is completed, return to the agreement you signed before construction work commenced. Walk through your project area with the most senior contractor available and compare the results to the builders details stipulated in the agreement. Bring up any work that differentiates from what has been agreed upon with the home builder.

Know Your Rights.
Consumers do have some special rights depending on where they live. You're dealing with general contractors in Santa Clara County, so you can learn about applicable laws at the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site.
Updated June 19, 2008
Top of page

 

 

High-Quality General Contractors in Santa Clara County Use the Best Brands of Building Materials 

Nevamar, Corian, CHI Overhead Door, Owens Corning, Grohe, Master Halco, Heat-N-Glo, Pergo, Wilsonart, Hartco, Tyvek (Dupont), Lennox, Thermador, Wausau Tile, Hanson Roof Tiles, Plops, US Gypsum.

Updated January 27, 2008
Top of page

 

 

Diamond Certified