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Prime Buyers Guide Remodeling Contractors & Addition Builders

Finding the Best Remodeling Contractors of Marin County

With all of the complexities of remodeling or adding on to an existing structure, it is important to find Marin County remodeling contractors in Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael that share your vision for remodels and room additions, as well as your budget. The Prime Buyer's Report provides listings of quality remodeling and home-addition contractors as well as valuable information to help ease the burden of finding a top remodeling contractor for your Marin County home addition or home remodel.

Updated December 15, 2009

Top 10 Remodeling Contractors & Addition Builders in Marin County

Harkey Construction, Inc.
Send an email to this Company
(707) 836-1315
7975 Cameron Drive, #700
Windsor, CA 95492
Contractors License #790931
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau Chamber of Commerce-Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce-Windsor NARI (National Association of The Remodeling Industry) NCBE (North Coast Builders Exchange)

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Sausalito CA, Novato CA, Mill Valley CA, Tiburon ...
Services: home remodeling contractors, commercial remodeling contractors

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: Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Sausalito CA, Mill Valley CA, Ross CA, Tiburon CA, ...
Services: Home remodeling contractors for all home remodels, home additions, room additions

Marin Master Builders Inc.
Send an email to this Company
(415) 453-1334, Cell (415) 519-6375
133 Gregory Dr
Fairfax, CA 94930
State License #515329

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Mill Valley CA, Sausalito CA, Novato CA, Almonte, ...
Services: remodeling contractors, home remodelers for all remodeling, home addition builders
Key Brands: Andersen Windows, Marvin Windows, MacMillan Trus Joists

Artistic Designs for Living
Send an email to this Company
(415) 567-0602, (415) 606-8666
3210 Fillmore St, Suite 1
San Francisco, CA 94123

   Prime Buyer's Certified NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Sausalito CA, Novato CA, Mill Valley CA, San ...
Services: home remodelers who assemble the best contractors, review bids, help select finishes,...

Wine Country Builders, Inc. (Cam Fraser Construction Inc.)
Send an email to this Company
(707) 935-7474, Cell: (707)337-4022
PO Box 285
Sonoma, CA 95476
Contractors License #763980
   Prime Buyer's Certified Marin Builders Association NARI (National Association of The Remodeling Industry)

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Sausalito CA, Corte Madera CA, Mill Valley CA, ...
Services: house remodeling contractors for all home additions, room additions, whole home ...
Key Brands: Marvin Windows, Blum hardware

Geco Construction
Send an email to this Company
(415) 760-2085, Fax: (415) 480-1889
PO Box 3023
San Rafael, CA 94901
State License #877964
   Prime Buyer's Certified NARI (National Association of The Remodeling Industry) Build It Green Green Business

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon Belvedere, Corte ...
Services: remodeling contractors for home improvement, home additions, home remodeling
Key Brands: UltraTouch Insulation, Marmoleum flooring, CertainTeed, AFM Safecoat paints and ...

A-1 Construction
Send an email to this Company
(415) 516-8252
213 El Prado Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94903
State Contractor's License #504375
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Better Business Bureau NADRA (North American Deck & Railing Association)

Services: remodeling contractors for all home improvements, home repairs & home remodeling
Key Brands: Trex, EverGrain, TimberTech, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Lumber, Brazilian Ipe ...

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: Bay Area & Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Mill Valley CA, Sausalito CA, Fairfax ...
Services: residential remodeling contractors for residential design & home remodeling, new ...

HADA Construction
(415) 499-3435
San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, San Anselmo, Tiburon, Ross, Belvedere, Novato

Diamond Building & Construction Inc
(415) 499-3333
901 Las Pavadas Ave
Terra Linda, CA 94903

Updated March 11, 2010

Finding the Best Remodeling Contractors of Marin County 

Remodeling and addition work requires skilled contractors, who obtain the right permits and licenses. Luckily, there are many certified, experienced remodeling contractors in Marin County who are well-versed in home improvement projects and home additions.

In the articles below, The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled useful information about Marin County remodeling contractors that will help you find good remodeling contractors, answer your questions, and get the best solutions for your remodeling project and home additions.

Marin County Remodeling Contractors Can Remodel Your Home and Your Perspective
Remodeling and addition contractors are licensed in many aspects of specialized construction. A relatively simple way to add value to and update your home is to remodel areas where dated technology and style are most evident.

Not only are remodeling and addition contractors able to make an existing space larger, they can also create space by adding square footage to existing rooms or simply adding rooms to your existing structure. Whether it's a larger family room with a new fireplace or a new guest room, office, granny unit, garage, or even a complete reconstruction of an older home, trust our list of Marin County remodeling and addition contractors. Finishing a basement with the style of the rest of your home is a great way to get extra living space without major additions, or perhaps a wine cellar is the only thing your home needs.


Some Home Remodeling Contractors in Marin County Are Better Than Others
The best remodelers in Marin County are those you can trust. "A remodeling contractor who has a good track record and personal integrity is always a good choice," affirms Jack Diego, owner of Diego Bros. Inc. "A contractor like that has no hidden agenda and is honest about the costs of the job. They're also licensed and have the right insurance to protect their clients. So you can trust them to the best job possible at the right price."

If budget is an issue, there are remodeling contractors want to help. Greg Nelson of Lamperti Associates advises, "It's important to find a contractor who cares as much about staying within budget as you are. That starts with them giving you a complete and total estimate for the entire job up front. Those contractors will qualify exactly what the job is and put down as specifically as they can the total estimate for the labor and the exact materials in detail.  For example, a rough bid might set aside a certain amount for a faucet. But a detailed bid will outline exactly what that part is and a specific price. Faucets can range anywhere from $100 to $800. They're both faucets, but one could throw off your budget if the contractor doesn't leave adequate space in the budget for your exact choices based on your taste."

It's fair if you also want to consider the demeanor of the remodeling contractors when making your choice. Mark Silva, owner of MDS Construction said, "Personality and the way a contractor presents himself has a lot to do with how happy you'll be with that contractor.  Many clients like hiring a community-involved contractor who really cares about people, and who brings that character to their work.  It's a sign that they'll treat their clients well and care about the outcome because they're proud of their work and reputation."


The Prime Buyer's Report lists these remodeling contractors in Marin County: Harkey Construction, Inc., Fontana Construction, Marin Master Builders Inc., Artistic Designs for Living, Wine Country Builders, Inc. (Cam Fraser Construction Inc.), Geco Construction, A-1 Construction, Ashkenas Construction, HADA Construction, Diamond Building & Construction Inc. Other home remodeling contractors in Marin County that might still serve the Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael areas include: Kitchen Works Inc., Bathrooms and Kitchens Too, Mayer and Company, Renaissance Remodelers, Tupper Construction Corp, Homeworks, Plath & Co, Inc.. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 Remodeling Contractors & Addition Builders in Marin County? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.

 

Updated December 15, 2009
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Speaking With Remodeling Contractors in Marin County 

What follows is a step-by-step guide to help you secure the best outcome for your remodeling job.

Step 1: Describe the Remodeling Project to Marin County Remodelers and Home Addition Builders
Explain what type of remodeling work or home addition building is involved. Be consistent in the way that you present the information so each remodeling contractor will have an opportunity to bid the same job.

Step 2: Documented Questions and Answer Session with Good Remodeling Contractors in Marin County
Before you create a set of serious candidates, you'll need to have a brief question and answer session with each addition builder or home remodeler. While the contractor questions you, take notes on his concerns. He may reveal some aspects of the remodel or addition 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 contractor is essential to arrive at a finished product you are both happy with. As far as each company's ability to accommodate the specifications of your remodel or home addition, you'll need to inquire about technical ability, job history, and the details of your project. The following list can guide you through this process.

• Do the Marin County remodeling construction companies specialize in the type of home remodel work you've described? If so, can they provide some examples of similar work near Marin County that they've completed.

• Are the Marin County home addition builders skilled in the kinds of home additions you're looking for? Get references and ask to see local home additions they've built.

• What is the home remodeling or home addition project timeframe from estimate to completion?

• Do the remodeling contractors and home addition builders carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?

• Will the remodeling contractors provide written estimates for home improvement remodeling projects?

• What type of warranty will the home remodeling contractors provide? Will each warranty cover all aspects of the home addition or renovation?

• Will permits be needed for the home remodeling? If so, who will be responsible for getting the remodeling permits?

• Do the remodeling companies have their employees do the home remodel or do they hire subcontractors?

• How long have the Marin County remodeling companies been in business?

• How and when do the home remodelers and addition builders clean up after a home renovation or addition?

• Will the home improvement remodelers provide written contracts for their remodeling projects?

• What processes do the remodeling companies and addition builders go through to price the home remodels?


Step 3: Making a Preliminary Decision on Home Remodeling Companies in Marin County
After you've interviewed some home remodeling specialists and addition builders, it's time to narrow down your choices. Review your notes and decide which answers are the most important. Based on these results, which 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 Best Home Addition Builders and Remodelers for You
After you've selected your prospective remodeling contractor, it's time to do some final research. What credentials does he have? Verify licensing, insurance and certifications such as Diamond Certified, the Better Business Bureau and CSLB licensing status.

Step 5: Making the Final Decision on an Addition Contractor or Remodeling Company
Now it's time to select your remodeling contractor. Call and ask any final questions and then ask for your representative to provide a signed, written and thoroughly detailed agreement.
Updated January 12, 2009
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Resources for Home Remodels and Additions in Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael 

The following is a list of key resources to research local contractors specializing in home remodels and home additions.

Associations & Licensing for Remodeling Contractors and Home Addition Builders
ABC Associated Builders and Contractors (http://www.abc.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/)
NARI National Association of the Remodeling Industry (http://www.nari.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/)

Media & Web Resources for Marin County Remodelers and Home Addition Builders
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/

If you are looking for the best home addition builders or remodelers in Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael, The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 remodeling contractors in Marin County within the following zip codes:

94901, 94903, 94904, 94912, 94913, 94914, 94915, 94920, 94924, 94925, 94929, 94930, 94933, 94937, 94938, 94939, 94940, 94941, 94942, 94945, 94946, 94947, 94948, 94949, 94950, 94956, 94957, 94960, 94963, 94964, 94965, 94966, 94970, 94971, 94973, 94974, 94976, 94977, 94978 and 94979

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 remodeling contractors and home addition contractors in Marin County within the following cities:

Almonte, Bel Marin Keys, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Lucas Valley, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Mission Rafael, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Sleepy Hollow, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Tomales and Woodacre

 

 

Remodeling Contractors San Rafael Area

County

City-Area

City

Home Improvement Companies Found

Marin

San Rafael

Bolinas CA

1

Marin

San Rafael

Fairfax CA

8

Marin

San Rafael

Forest Knolls CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

Greenbrae CA

1

Marin

San Rafael

Kent Woodlands CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

Kentfield CA

1

Marin

San Rafael

Lagunitas CA

2

Marin

San Rafael

Lucas Valley CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

Marinwood CA

* see San Rafael CA

Marin

San Rafael

Mission Rafael CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

Nicasio CA

1

Marin

San Rafael

Ross CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

San Anselmo CA

11

Marin

San Rafael

San Geronimo CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

San Rafael CA

56

Marin

San Rafael

Santa Venetia CA

* see San Rafael CA

Marin

San Rafael

Sleepy Hollow CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

Stinson Beach CA

0

Marin

San Rafael

Terra Linda CA

* see San Rafael CA

Marin

San Rafael

Woodacre CA

3

 

 

Remodeling Contractors Sausalito Area

County

City-Area

City

Home Improvement Companies Found

Marin

Sausalito

Almonte CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Belvedere CA

* see Belvedere Tiburon CA

Marin

Sausalito

Belvedere Tiburon CA

7

Marin

Sausalito

Corte Madera CA

1

Marin

Sausalito

Larkspur CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Marin City CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Marshall CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Mill Valley CA

12

Marin

Sausalito

Muir Beach CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Muir Woods CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

San Quentin CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Sausalito CA

2

Marin

Sausalito

Strawberry CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Tamalpais Valley CA

0

Marin

Sausalito

Tiburon CA

* see Belvedere Tiburon CA

 

 

Remodeling Contractors Novato Area

County

City-Area

City

Home Improvement Companies Found

Marin

Novato

Bel Marin Keyes CA

0

Marin

Novato

Black Point CA

0

Marin

Novato

Dillon Beach CA

0

Marin

Novato

Dogtown CA

0

Marin

Novato

Ignacio CA

0

Marin

Novato

Inverness CA

0

Marin

Novato

Novato CA

37

Marin

Novato

Olema CA

0

Marin

Novato

Point Reyes Station CA

1

Marin

Novato

San Marin CA

0

Marin

Novato

Tamal CA

0

Marin

Novato

Tomales CA

0

Updated January 12, 2009
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Top 10 Tips for Choosing Remodeling Contractors and Home Addition Builders in Marin County 

Don't Rush in Choosing Your Remodeling Contractor or Home Addition Builder.
Don't hire the first remodeling and addition contractor you manage to contact. If you take some time initially to properly outline your job and carefully match a qualified remodeler in Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael, you're more likely to get what you wanted in the first place.

Compose a Description of the Home Remodel or Addition.
Depending on the complexity of the job, you can better discern the more capable contractors if you personally write down your expectations and any remodeling or addition specifics prior to contacting any prospects. Since each addition contractor and remodeler will see the same description, you can be sure that you are comparing responses to your 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 Estimates from San Rafael CA Home Remodelers.
You should get a few separate estimates for your addition/remodel. But remember, price should not be your only determining factor. Getting several estimates will help you measure which remodeling contractor is the most trustworthy, accurate and experienced. It also helps to have several examples to compare thoroughness and general ability.

Get Everything in Writing from Addition Builders in Marin County.
Like they say, "better safe than sorry." Getting everything in writing will prevent confusion down the line during your home renovation or remodel. For the purposes of documentation, insist that your addition builder or remodeling contractor provide you with a written description of the work, pricing, insurance information, and a timeframe for completion.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign an Agreement with a Remodeling Construction Company.
Before you officially agree to any renovation plans with Marin County remodelers, be sure to check licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurances, as well as any other relevant credentials.

Choose Certified Renovation Companies in the San Rafael Area.
Some remodeling and addition contractors have exhibited a greater dedication to the satisfaction of their clients and have been met with the public response they deserve. In Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael and the greater Marin County area, remodeling contractors that have earned Diamond Certified status or have been featured positively in Consumer Reports magazine are more likely to put forth the extra effort.

Maintain Open Communication During the Remodel or Renovation.
This can be the most overlooked skill with addition contractors and remodelers. But in order to maintain a successful partnership, both parties must make a concerted effort to keep one another informed during the home renovations. Don't jump to conclusions, and call and ask when you have the slightest doubt about how a home remodel is going. There may be a reasonable explanation for changes or delays. There may be decisions that you can make that will help smooth what can be a difficult process.

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

Know Your Rights when Working with Marin County Remodelers or Addition Builders.
Consumers do have some special rights depending on where they live. You're dealing with remodeling contractors in Marin County, so you can learn about applicable laws at the California's Department of Consumer Affairs.

Make Sure Your Home Addition Contractor Asks the Right Questions.
If your remodeling professional seems indifferent, disengaged or glosses over key issues, don't hire him! You're not the only one that should be asking questions. If he's worth his salt, he will go to the areas involved and look and ask. If not, he's not the right addition builder or remodeling contractor for you.
Updated January 12, 2009
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Remodeling Contractors in Marin County Use Many Material Brands 

Remodeling contractors and home addition builders in Marin County can provide many popular brands of home and business products. The following is a partial list of the brands that can be supplied locally: 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 12, 2009
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Diamond Certified