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Prime Buyers Guide General Contractors

How to Find the Best General Contractors in Sonoma County CA

General contractors provide Sonoma 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 Sonoma County. The following articles can show you how to find an affordable, licensed general building contractor in Sonoma County to complete your home repairs or home building projects.

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Updated November 20, 2008

Top 10 General Contractors in Sonoma County

MastersTouch Construction Inc.
Send an email to this Company
(707) 543-5800
327 O'Hair Court, Suite E
Santa Rosa, CA 94507
Contractors License #899804
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau

Areas Served: Bay Area & Sonoma County incl Santa Rosa CA, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, ...
Services: Commercial builders, custom residential rebuilders and remodelers, new construction, ...
Key Brands: Mead Clark Lumber, Shook & Waller Framers, Alliance Electric, Morris Sheet Metal in ...

AIC Construction
Send an email to this Company
(707) 206-0218
3353 Canyonlands Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Contractor's license #898260
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau

Areas Served: Sonoma CA, Healdsburg, Penngrove, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Santa Rosa CA, ...
Services: Additions, remodels, fire and water damage restoration, framing, foundations, dry wall.

DETAILS of Sonoma
Send an email to this Company
(866) 561-4928
PO Box 1358
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
Contractor's License #861470
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau Certified Pella Contractor Chamber of Commerce-Santa Rosa CEDIA  (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association)

Areas Served: Sonoma CA, Healdsburg, Penngrove, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Santa Rosa CA, ...
Services: Sonoma County general contractors for all home construction needs
Key Brands: PELLA (We leave the brand selection to the client)

Patrick Hamilton Construction
Send an email to this Company
(707) 584-1700
5625 State Farm Dr
Rohnert Park, CA 94920
B (General Builders) & C10 (Electrical) License #915269
   Prime Buyer's Certified Chamber of Commerce-Cotati Chamber of Commerce-Petaluma Chamber of Commerce-Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce-San Rafael Chamber of Commerce-Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce-Sonoma Valley

Areas Served: Bay Area & Sonoma County incl. Sonoma CA, Santa Rosa CA, Roseland CA, Windsor CA, ...
Services: Design/build contractors & remodeling contractors for complete design/build ...
Key Brands: Authorized Timberpeg Dealer

Tom W. Gorman General Contractor
Send an email to this Company
(415) 564-8444
68 Everglade Drive
San Francisco, CA 94132
Contractor's License #421901
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau

Areas Served: Sonoma & Bay Area incl. Santa Rosa CA, Petaluma CA, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Penngrove
Services: San Francisco general contractors for all general building, home building needs incl....
Key Brands: Andersen windows, Pella windows and doors, Trex composite decking and railings

Koch Construction Co
(707) 575-5608
3388 Regional Pkwy # A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Areas Served: Santa Rosa CA, Sonoma, Windsor CA, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Healdsburg

Walters K G Construction
(707) 527-9968
195 Concourse Blvd # B
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Areas Served: Petaluma, Sonoma, Santa Rosa CA, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Healdsburg, Cloverdale

Schellinger Homes Inc
(707) 545-1600
1270 Airport Blvd
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Areas Served: Santa Rosa CA, Cloverdale, Sonoma, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol

Mark Simbles Construction
(707) 838-3225
72 Shiloh Rd
Windsor, CA 95492

Areas Served: Sonoma, Petaluma, Santa Rosa CA, Healdsburg, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol

Petersen Builders
(707) 838-3035
7706 Bell Rd # A
Windsor, CA 95492

Areas Served: Petaluma, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Annapolis, Rohnert Park

Updated October 26, 2008

How to Find the Best General Contractors in Sonoma 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 residential general contractors in Sonoma 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 Building Contractors in Sonoma County Perform Numerous Construction Services
The best general contractors possess the only contractors license that allows them to perform work in any industry specialty or construction project. Understandably, not all general contractors or building contractors can be well versed in every area of construction. So locate a local general contractor based on the specific work you need done. Some general contractors in Sonoma County can work with new construction, home improvements or retrofitting, various home repairs and upgrades, or commercial construction. Regardless of the particular construction services or home repair services you need, you can find local general contracting professionals who will perform the work to industry standards, as well as your own.

There are Many Ways to Research the Best General Contractors in Sonoma County
When you begin to seriously consider general contractors, don't move forward without measuring your candidate against the competition. Ask around or use the Internet to learn about the local construction 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 Sonoma County."

Consider one of the Many High Quality General Contractors in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa
In Sonoma 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 building contractors in Sonoma County includes MastersTouch Construction Inc., AIC Construction, DETAILS of Sonoma, Patrick Hamilton Construction, Tom W. Gorman General Contractor, Koch Construction Co, Walters K G Construction, Schellinger Homes Inc, Mark Simbles Construction, Petersen Builders. Other home builders and general contractors in the area include: Holly Construction, Cupp Brothers Construction, Bertolucci Construction, Oak Grove Construction Co.
Updated November 20, 2008
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To Choose the Best General Contractors of Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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
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Resources To Choose The Best General Contractors in Sonoma 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 Sonoma County within the following zip codes.

94922, 94923, 94927, 94928, 94931, 94951, 94952, 94953, 94954, 94955, 94972, 94975, 94999, 95401, 95402, 95403, 95404, 95405, 95406, 95407, 95408, 95409, 95412, 95416, 95419, 95421, 95425, 95430, 95431, 95433, 95436, 95439, 95441, 95442, 95444, 95446, 95448, 95450, 95452, 95462, 95465, 95471, 95472, 95473, 95476, 95480, 95486, 95487, 95492 and 95497

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

Agua Caliente, Alexander Valley, Annapolis, Asti, Bloomfield, Bodega, Bodega Bay, Boyes Hot Springs, Camp Meeker, Cazadero, Cloverdale, Cotati, Duncans Mills, El Verano, Eldridge, Fallon, Fetters Hot Springs, Forestville, Fort Ross, Freestone, Fulton, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Graton, Guerneville, Guernewood, Healdsburg, Jenner, Kenwood, Lakeville, Larkfield, Lytton, Mark West, Monte Rio, Occidental, Penngrove, Petaluma, Petaluma, Rio Nido, Rohnert Park, Roseland, Russian River, Russian River Mdws, Salmon Creek, Santa Rosa, Schellville, Sebastopol, Sheridan, Sonoma, Stewarts Point Rancheria, Temelec, The Geysers, The Sea Ranch, Two Rock, Valley Ford, Villa Grande, Vineburg and Windsor
Updated June 19, 2008
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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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County, so you can learn about applicable laws at the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site.
Updated June 19, 2008
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High-Quality General Contractors in Sonoma 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
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Diamond Certified