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How to Find the Best General Contractors in San Francisco CA

San Francisco 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 San Francisco . The following articles can show you how to find the affordable, licensed general contractors in San Francisco to complete your building projects or repairs.

Updated September 3, 2009

Top 10 General Contractors in San Francisco

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: San Francisco Area
Services: Construction company & general contractors, new home builders for custom home ...

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: San Francisco, incl. Laurel Heights, The Marina, North Beach, Russian Hill, Mission ...
Services: Local contractors for all general home construction
Key Brands: Milgard, Marvin, Anderson, CertainTeed, Simonton, Velux

Bruce Construction
Send an email to this Company
(650) 872-7974, (650) 296-0323
1530 Claremont Dr
San Bruno, CA 94066
License # 872600
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) Chamber of Commerce-San Bruno

Areas Served: San Francisco
Services: general contractors & general builders for all home construction & new construction
Key Brands: Kohler, Merillat Cabinetry

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: San Francisco Bay Area
Services: general contractors

Updated February 26, 2010

How to Find the Best General Contractors in San Francisco CA 

The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled some information about San Francisco general contractors and the local general construction companies in San Francisco to help you find the best general contractors for you.

Good General Contractors in San Francisco Perform Numerous Construction Services
San Francisco 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 San Francisco or building contractors in San Francisco can be equally experienced in every specialized area of construction. So find general contractors in San Francisco based on the specific type of work you need done. Some San Francisco general in San Francisco 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 San Francisco who can perform the kind of project you want done.

Some General Contractors in San Francisco Are Better Than Others
There are many general construction companies in San Francisco . In order to help you narrow it down, we've identified some of the best general contractors in San Francisco based on customer satisfaction, efficiency, and affordability. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these general building contractors in San Francisco : Fontana Construction, Pacheaco Construction, Bruce Construction, Ashkenas Construction, Power Engineering Contractors, J I General Contractor, General Contractors Inspection, Forsythe General Contractors, Lotus General Contractors. Other construction firms, home builders and general contractors that might still serve the San Francisco CA area include: Davies General Contractors, RBC General Contractor, Vibro-Acoustic Consultants, Tom W. Gorman General Contractor. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 General Contractors in San Francisco ? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.
Updated September 3, 2009
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To Choose the Best General Contractors in San Francisco  

Step 1: Describe The Construction Work to the General Building Contractors in San Francisco
When you sit down with general contractors, explain what type of construction jobs you need. Be consistent so each of the San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco  CA price building construction?

• Will each of the San Francisco 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 San Francisco general contractors clean up the construction site?

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision on the Best General Contractors in San Francisco CA

After you've interviewed some general contractors and construction companies serving the San Francisco 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 San Francisco " 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 San Francisco  

Associations & Licensing for General Contractors in San Francisco
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 San Francisco within the following zip codes:

94101, 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94126, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94158, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172 and 94188

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

Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Outer Sunset, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, San Francisco, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, The Presidio, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks and Western Addition

 

 

General Contractors San Francisco

City

San Francisco General Contractors Found

San Francisco

74

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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco , 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 San Francisco , 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 San Francisco 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