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How to Find the Best General Contractors in Alameda County CA

Alameda County general contractors can provide everything from custom home building to commercial construction and repairs. If you're in need of building repair, or general construction, it's time to find good construction companies in Alameda County. The following articles can show you how to find the affordable, licensed general contractors in Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont to complete your building projects or repairs.

Updated October 28, 2009

Top 10 General Contractors in Alameda County

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

Areas Served: Alameda County & Bay Area incl. Fremont CA, Oakland CA, Berkeley CA, Piedmont, ...
Services: Local contractors for all general home construction
Key Brands: Milgard, Marvin, Anderson, CertainTeed, Simonton, Velux

Kenneth R. Turnage II General Contractor, Inc.
Send an email to this Company
(925) 754-5232, Fax: (925) 754-5020
309 East 18th St.
Antioch, CA 94509
State License #787499
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau NARI (National Association of The Remodeling Industry)

Areas Served: Alameda County incl Oakland CA, Berkeley CA, Hayward CA, Livermore CA, Fremont, ...
Services: general contractors for general building & general construction

Cannaday Construction
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(707) 558-8492, 24-Hour Emergency Line: (707) 557-7200
3225 Sonoma Blvd
Vallejo, CA 94590
State Contractor's License #849740
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau Western Regional Master Builders Association IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration) Building Trades Association

Areas Served: Bay Area & Alameda County incl. Oakland CA, Berkeley CA, Hayward CA, Livermore CA, ...
Services: general contractors for all building & construction needs including rough carpentry (...

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

Areas Served: Union City, Castro Valley, Dublin, Oakland CA, Hayward, Berkeley, Livermore, CA, ...
Services: all general home construction, remodeling and home additions
Key Brands: Andersen Windows, Benjamin Moore Paints, Grohe Faucets, Kohler Faucets, though will ...

Millennium Enterprises Inc.
Send an email to this Company
(408) 608-4210, (408) 833-6432
14938 Camden Avenue, #10
San Jose, CA 95124
License #899021, Bonded for Public Works Projects
   Prime Buyer's Certified Chamber of Commerce-Sunnyvale

Areas Served: Alameda & Bay Area incl. Berkeley CA, Oakland CA, Livermore CA, Newark CA, Fremont ...
Services: general contractors & new home builders, commercial contractors, public works ...

Black Creek Builders
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Toll free: (800) 737-7113
861 46th St #1
Oakland, CA 94608
State Contractor's License #924418
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau

Areas Served: Alameda County incl. Oakland CA, Berkeley CA, Alameda, Albany CA, Ashland, Castro ...
Services: residential general contractors

Sigura Construction, Inc
Send an email to this Company
(408) 736-7952, (650) 969-1302
614 National Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043
License #865155
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau CACM (California Association of Community Managers)

Areas Served: Alameda incl. Oakland, Berkeley CA, Livermore, Hayward, Pleasanton CA, Fremont
Services: general contractors for custom home building, construction company for commercial ...
Key Brands: Grohe, Hansgrohe, American Standard, Kohler

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 USGBC Member (U.S. Green Building Council)

Areas Served: Alameda County
Services: general contractors for general building, home building

Fontana Construction
Send an email to this Company
(415) 457-1290
1945 East Francisco Blvd. Suite N
San Rafael, CA 94901
Contractor's License #487928
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses) Marin Builders Association

Areas Served: Alameda County incl. Berkeley CA, Oakland CA, Livermore CA, Pleasanton CA, Union ...
Services: Construction company & general contractors, new home builders for custom home ...

Ashkenas Construction
Send an email to this Company
(510) 524-3367, Cell: (510) 502-9632
77 San Mateo Rd
Berkeley, CA 94707
State Contractor's License #376227
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified

Areas Served: Oakland CA, Berkeley CA, Fremont CA, Hayward CA, Dublin CA, Emeryville, Piedmont, ...
Services: general contractors

Updated February 26, 2010

How to Find the Best General Contractors in Alameda County CA 

The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled some information about Alameda County general contractors and the local general construction companies in Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont to help you find the best general contractors for you.

Good General Contractors in Alameda County Perform Numerous Construction Services
Alameda County general contractors possess the "B" contractors license that allows them to perform work in any industry specialty or construction project. Understandably, not all general contractors in Alameda County or building contractors in Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont can be equally experienced in every specialized area of construction. So find general contractors in Alameda County based on the specific type of work you need done. Some Alameda County general contractors in Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont specialize as custom home builders, as commercial contractors, retrofitting & repairs, various upgrades, or as retail builders. Regardless of the particular construction services you need, there are general contractors in Alameda County who can perform the kind of project you want done.

What should you look for in a general contractor? Along with proper licensing and insurance, Dan Goldsmith, owner of Cardinal Construction, Inc. recommends, "You want a general contractor who is going to be there for the long term, so it's best to make sure your contractor has been around for a while. Longevity is important because there are a lot of contractors that come and go, but you're want one who is experienced and is able to come back and make adjustments and take care of your project for years to come."

Some General Contractors in Alameda County Are Better Than Others
There are many general construction companies in Alameda County. In order to help you narrow it down, we've identified some of the best general contractors in Alameda County based on customer satisfaction, efficiency, and affordability. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these general building contractors in Alameda County: Pacheaco Construction, Kenneth R. Turnage II General Contractor, Inc., Cannaday Construction, Zayer Quality Construction, Millennium Enterprises Inc., Black Creek Builders, Sigura Construction, Inc, Joseph Ward General Contractor, Fontana Construction, Ashkenas Construction. Other construction firms, home builders and general contractors that might still serve the Oakland CA area include: Odins Hammer, Camber Construction Inc, Antsy Construction, Spitzley Construction Inc, Bayarea Alves Construction, Commercial Residential Construction, Diablo Molding & Trim, B A Morrison General Contractor, John J Langon Jr Contractor. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 General Contractors in Alameda County? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.

Updated October 28, 2009
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To Choose the Best General Contractors in Alameda County 

Step 1: Describe The Construction Work to the General Building Contractors in Alameda County
When you sit down with general contractors, explain what type of construction jobs you need. Be consistent so each of the Alameda County construction companies and building contractor has an opportunity to give input and formulate an estimate based on the same information.

Step 2: Hold Question and Answer Sessions and Take Notes with the General Contractors
Before you create a list of possible general contractors for your construction project, you'll need to have a brief question and answer session with each one. While general contractors questions you, take notes on their concerns. The building contractors may reveal some aspects of the home repair or construction project that are new to you, or may just reveal their own inferior knowledge. When you interview construction companies in Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont, take the first impression into account.

A good rapport with a general contractor is essential to arrive at a finished product you are both happy with. As far as their ability to accommodate your construction or home repair needs, you'll need to inquire about the general building contractors' technical ability, job history, and the specifications of your construction job. The following list can guide you through this process.

• How long have the Alameda County construction companies been in business?

• Do the general contractors have contractors licenses to work in California?

• Do the general contractors specialize in the type of work you need? If so, ask the builders to provide some examples of similar work in Alameda County they have completed.

• What will the construction companies' timing be on bidding and completing the home construction?

• Does the general contractor carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?

• Will the general contractors provide written estimates for the general construction?

• How do the residential general contractors in Alameda County CA price building construction?

• Will each of the Alameda County general contractors provide written contracts?

• What type of warranty does each of the construction companies provide and what are the terms?

• Will construction permits be needed? If so, will the general contractors be responsible for getting them?

• Do the construction firms hire subcontractors or do the general contractors and their employees perform the work?

• How and when do the Alameda County general contractors clean up the construction site?

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision on the Best General Contractors in Alameda County CA

After you've interviewed some general contractors and construction companies serving the Alameda 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 contractors most closely match your criteria? Which builders 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 and Construction Companies
After you think you've found your ideal general construction contractor, fill in the remaining blanks. Use the addresses we've provided in The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Contracting in Alameda 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 Building Contractor or Construction Company
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 September 3, 2009
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Resources To Choose The Best General Contractors in Alameda County 

Associations & Licensing for General Contractors in Alameda County
ABC Associated Builders and Contractors (http://www.abc.org/)
AGC of America Associated General Contractors of America (http://www.agc.org/)
ASA American Subcontractors Association (http://www.assaonline.com/)
ASCC American Society of Concrete Contractors (http://www.ascconline.org/)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
CBIA California Building Industry Association (http://www.cbia.org/)
CSLB Contractors State License Board (http://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 (http://www.hbanc.org/)
MCAA Mechanical Contractors Association of America (http://www.mcaa.org/)
NAHB National Association of Home Builders (http://www.nahb.org/)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (http://www.ncbeonline.com/)
NSCA National Systems Contractors Association (http://www.nsca.org/)
NUCA National Utility Contractors Association (http://www.nuca.com/)

General Building Contractors 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

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

General contractors can help with a variety of construction projects. The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 general building contractors in Alameda County within the following zip codes:

94501, 94502, 94536, 94537, 94538, 94539, 94540, 94541, 94542, 94543, 94544, 94545, 94546, 94550, 94551, 94552, 94555, 94557, 94560, 94566, 94568, 94577, 94578, 94579, 94580, 94586, 94587, 94588, 94601, 94602, 94603, 94604, 94605, 94606, 94607, 94608, 94609, 94610, 94611, 94612, 94613, 94614, 94615, 94617, 94618, 94619, 94620, 94621, 94623, 94624, 94661, 94662, 94701, 94702, 94703, 94704, 94705, 94706, 94707, 94708, 94709, 94710 and 94712

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 general contractors in Alameda County within the following cities:

Alameda, Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Komandorski Village, Livermore, Mount Eden, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, Russell City, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Sunol and Union City

 

 

General Contractors Oakland Area

County

City-Area

City

General Contractors Found

Alameda

Oakland

Alameda CA

2

Alameda

Oakland

Albany CA

1

Alameda

Oakland

Berkeley CA

7

Alameda

Oakland

Canyon CA

1

Alameda

Oakland

Emeryville CA

3

Alameda

Oakland

Oakland CA

34

Alameda

Oakland

Piedmont CA

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Contractors Hayward Area

City-Area

City

General Contractors Found

Hayward

Ashland CA

* see San Lorenzo CA

Hayward

Castro Valley CA

9

Hayward

Hayward CA

24

Hayward

Mt Eden CA

0

Hayward

Russell City CA

0

Hayward

San Leandro CA

10

Hayward

San Lorenzo CA

2

 

 

 

General Contractors Fremont Area

City-Area

City

General Contractors Found

Fremont

Fremont CA

21

Fremont

Newark CA

2

Fremont

Sunol CA

0

Fremont

Union City

2

 

 

 

General Contractors Dublin CA Area

City-Area

City

General Contractors Found

Dublin

Dublin CA

4

Dublin

Komandorski Village CA

0

Dublin

Livermore CA

11

Dublin

Pleasanton CA

0

Updated November 28, 2008
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9 Tips on General Contracting and Building Construction 

Take Time Choosing Between Good General Contractors and Construction Companies.
Don't hire the first residential building contractors 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 Residential General Contractors.
You can better discern the more capable general building contractors if you personally write up a paragraph or two (depending on the intricacy of the job) about the commercial construction job or residential construction job specifics prior to contacting any prospective general contractors or construction companies. Since the general contractors 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 which construction company or building contractors give you the best responses to your consistent description.

Get Three Separate Contracting Estimates from General Building Contractors.
You should get a few separate contracting estimates. But remember, price should not be your only determining factor in a building contractor. Getting several estimates from different certified general contractors will help you measure which general contractors in Alameda County CA 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 Construction Contractors.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Getting everything in writing from the residential general contractors and construction companies will prevent confusion down the line. For the purposes of documentation, insist that general building contractors provide you with a written description of the construction work, pricing and a time frame for completion.

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

Choose Certified and Licensed General Building Contractors.
Top general contractors and construction companies have exhibited a greater dedication to the satisfaction of their clientele and have been met with the public response they deserve. Whether they are commercial contractors or residential contractors, in Alameda County, the best general building contractors have been featured positively in consumer ratings publications and are more likely to put forth the extra effort.

Maintain Great Communication with Your General Building Contractor During Construction.
This is an often overlooked skill with general contractors in California. 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 or general building contractor 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 the construction work commenced. Walk through your project area with the most senior general 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 or construction company.

Know Your Rights when it Comes to Commercial Construction or Residential Contractors.
Consumers do have some special rights depending on where they live. You're dealing with general building contractors in Alameda County, so you can learn about applicable laws at the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site.
Updated January 8, 2009
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High-Quality General Contractors in Alameda 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 8, 2009
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Diamond Certified