Contra Costa &ndash; Contractors - Design &amp; Build

(707) 602-7966

(707) 820-7954 Emergency After Hours

Serving all of Solano County including Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista, Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Suisun City, Elmira, Liberty Farms and Travis AFB.

Services include general contracting, home improvement, windows, siding, design & build, and damage restoration. Brands include Kohler... License 849740 | DCID7075588492

Main Street Kitchens

2923 North Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA 94597

(925) 385-8975

(925) 944-0297fax

Serving all of Contra Costa County including Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Lafeyette, Orinda, Moraga, Blackhawk, Alamo and Concord

Services include kitchen, bath and whole home remodeling and additions as well as cabinetry. Brands include Crystal, Hertco, Kraftmaid, CaesarStone, Cambria, Mullican and Indus Parquet. License 798955 | DCID9259440153

Matoza Construction

1287 Greenbrook Drive
Danville, CA 94526

(925) 362-8100

Serving Contra Costa and Alameda Counties

Services include design/build, new home construction, remodeling designs, kitchen & bath remodeling and construction plans. Brands include Milgard, Andersen and Toto... License 452355, 893804 |

Howard Robbins Construction Co.

24 Mathews Place
Alamo, CA 94507

(925) 526-5936

Serving all of Contra Costa County including Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Brentwood and Martinez.

Services include kitchen & bathroom designs, remodeling, decks, home additions and design/build construction. Brands include Andersen, Marvin, Toto and Kohler... License 398644 | DCID9259309753

Map of these Diamond Certified companies

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Researched Articles

Why Trust Diamond Certified Design and Build Contractors Rated Highest in Quality?

You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a design and build contractor that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified design-build contractor. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated design-build company and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you'll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you'll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

How to Choose

How to Choose a Design and Build Contractor in Contra Costa County

In the traditional model for building or remodeling a home or commercial building, you would search for an architectural firm to have your home plans drawn up and then shop for builders who are willing to bid on the project. But now you are able to save both time and money by choosing a design-build contractor for your next home or commercial construction project.

Choosing a design-build contractor means that the builder or firm you work with will build your home and assume responsibility for both the architectural design and building completion of the construction project....

Design and build construction companies in Contra Costa County provide a variety of contracting services for residential and commercial clients. In addition to constructing custom homes, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, and offering commercial tenant improvements, design and build contractors can build home additions, decks, stairs, retaining walls, and other hardscapes. They manage every phase of the construction process for their clients, including installing windows, plumbing, roofing, electrical systems, flooring, and drywall.

Because of its design/build capabilities, design and build contractors offer both architectural and engineering design services that provide complete project management from beginning to end.

The Advantages of Choosing a Design and Build Builder
There are several advantages to choosing a design and build contractor. These include:

Cost savings due to an integrated team that is geared toward innovation and efficiency
Singular responsibility because a single entity is held accountable for the cost, schedule, and performance of the project
Better quality because design and build contractors meet performance needs rather than minimum design requirements. This leads to developing innovations that deliver a better completed project than initially envisioned.
Faster delivery of the completed project with few problems
Improved overall quality as reputable design and build contractors have quality sub contractors. Usually they use the same sub-contractors on a regular basis so they know who is dependable and who is not.
One design and build contractor assumes responsibility for any problem in the entire project
Decreased administrative burden since the owners can focus on the project rather than managing several smaller contracts
Litigation claims are virtually eliminated by closing warranty gaps
Design and build teams assume risk which eliminates additional risk added by several various contractors.
Flexibility to change plans while in the process

The Disadvantages to Choosing a Design-Build Firm
There are also a few disadvantages of choosing a design and build contractor. They include the following:

It can be difficult to effectively estimate the cost of the overall project based on preliminary information
Due to the flexibility of changing things midstream, this can affect costs and timelines.
Projects can quickly go over budget if your project ends up with several additional upgrades. Make sure that you choose a reputable design and build company in order to offset this problem.

Tips for Selecting the Best Contra Costa County Design-Build Contractor
When you are searching for a design-build contractor in Contra Costa County, including the larger cities of San Ramon, Danville, Brentwood, Martinez, and Pleasant Hill, check to see if they have already build a home similar to the one you are looking for. If so, it will be rather easy for them to modify the plan. They will also understand the permitting process and have ideas of what could improve the design.

Be sure to check references of any design and build contractor. Request two positive references as well as a reference that may not be so positive. Ask if there are any homes that they designed and built that you can view. Also, be sure to find out what types of interior finishing products they use. Make sure this person is someone whom you can see yourself working with for the next three months happily.

Be sure to check several potential design and build contractors for your building project. Give identical copies of detailed project plans to each potential candidate for a quote. You should get at least three different quotes before making your final selection. Also, make sure the quote includes materials and fixtures that meet your project specifications.

Because a design-build company building your home will save you time, money and stress, make sure to do your homework and find a quality company to do business with. This way you will have done everything possible to end up with a beautiful home that brings you satisfaction.

Avoid hiring a contractor who does any of the following:

Requires a large down payment for the purpose of purchasing materials
Applies pressure for you to make a quick hiring decision
Requests that YOU obtain any required building permits
Accepts only cash
Quotes a final price without first seeing the job
Offers only lifetime warranties (as these are only as good as the life of the company)
Wants to use leftover materials from another job for your project
Offers a discount for on-the-spot hiring
Has no business number in the local telephone directory
Provides only a PO Box address rather than a physical address
Suggests you borrow money for your project from a lender the contractor knows
Requests complete payment upfront
Offers discounts for finding customers for the contractor

Know What You Want

Questions to ask Yourself Before Hiring a Design and Build Contractor in Contra Costa County

Many factors should be considered before selecting a design and build contractor in Contra Costa County, including the smaller cities of Diablo, Los Medanos, Port Chicago, West Pittsburg, San Pablo, and Knightsen, that will meet your needs the most successfully. Write down everything that you're searching for before you begin your research. Consider the following questions before making your final selection of a design and build contractor....

Do I want a Diamond Certified company that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee?
What is my budget?
What is the time frame for completing the build and design project?
What personal and professional characteristics would I like my Contra Costa County design and build contractor to have? (These may include good communication skills, honesty, reliability, cleanliness, etc.)
Are there any changes I'd like to make personally before to the design/build team begins construction in order to offset costs?
What do I want remodeled or built?

What to Ask on the Phone

What to Ask a Contra Costa County Design and Build Contractor on the Phone

Before you choose a design and build contractor in Contra Costa County, call them on the phone to discuss your options. It's good to have a list of questions ready and to write down the answers that the design and build contractor gives you while you're talking to them. Use the following questions to guide in your discussion:...

Has your company earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?

Will the general contractor provide a written estimate for the general construction?
Will the Contra Costa County general contractor provide a written contract?
Does the design-build contractor have a sales tax ID and a valid license or permit?
Do you guarantee your work?
Will you provide me with written lien wavers?
How long has your Alameda construction company been in business?

What to Ask in Person

What to Ask a Contra Costa County Design and Build Contractor in Person

The next step is to interview design and build contractors in Contra Costa County, including the larger cities of Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Walnut Creek, and Pittsburg. Questions you may want to ask include the following....

What will the construction companies' timing be on bidding and completing the home construction?
Does the general contractor carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
How do the residential general contractors in Contra Costa County price building construction?
What type of warranty does each of the construction companies provide and what are the terms?
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 Contra Costa County they have completed.
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 Contra Costa County general contractors clean up the construction site?
What professional organizations are you a member of?
How do you perform your work-what time do you start, how will you protect my carpets, how will you handle trash and debris, etc.
How many projects that are similar to mine have you completed in the last year?

What to Ask References

What to Ask Previous Customers of a Contra Costa County Design and Build Contractor

It's best to choose a Diamond Certified design and build contractor because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can't pass. If you want quality contractor work in Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you'll never be fooled by fake reviews....

If you can't find a Diamond Certified design and build contractor within reach, you'll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it's wise to call some references provided by your design and build contractor. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the design and build contractor are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That's because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company's 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

Were you satisfied with the service from the (design and build contractor name)?
What type of design and build project did you hire the general contractor to complete?
Would you recommend this design and build contractor to your family and friends?
Did they finish the job on time?
Did the general contractor clean up after completing the job?
Do you feel like the general contractor charged a fair price for the quality of the work?
Did the contractor seem receptive to your input?
Did the design and build contractor show up on time?
If you need a design and build contractor in the future, will you consider hiring this general contractor?
Did the contractor provide answers to questions to your satisfaction?
Were there any unexpected costs? If so, what?

Review Your Options

Finding and Hiring a Design and Build Contractor in Contra Costa County

Your choice of design and build contractor is important to you and your family. So before deciding on the best design and build contractor in Contra Costa County for you, it's important to consider the following questions....

What is my time frame for this design and build project: when do I intend to start it and when do I need to have it accomplished?
Is my design and build contractor of choice well-established in the community?
Does my general contractor of choice have good references that I have checked?
Is my design and build contractor of choice charging a reasonable price for quality work on my design and build project?
Which general contractors in Contra Costa County offer the better warranty for the overall cost?
Is my design and build contractor of choice listed in the Better Business Bureau as having complaints filed against him? If so, were they valid complaints that required disciplinary action?

How to Work With

Hiring a Design-Build Contractor in Contra Costa County That You Trust

Once you've hired a design-build company in Contra Costa County, including the smaller cities of Point Richmond, Los Medanos, Moraga, Orinda, Byron, Clyde, and Discovery Bay, you will have an initial meeting between you and the contractor to discuss your requirements and the contractor's qualifications. An estimate of the projects and its feasibility is drawn out. Furthermore, you will discuss the budget and design of the project as well as any restrictions and permissions that will be needed. The contractor will provide you with an estimate based on the design specifications....

Be Contract Specific
Once the contract is drawn up, it should be signed by both parties: you, the project owner, and the contractor. If any sub-contractors will be involved, they should sign the contract as well. The contract should protect the interests of both you and the contractor. As a result, it should include the following:

A clear, concise, and complete description of the project, including start and completion dates. It should also include who will be responsible for each aspect of the project.
Contractor's name, physical address, mailing address and phone.
Quote of the project.
Terms of payment schedule as well as the payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractor(s) and suppliers.
Who will be responsible for obtaining necessary permits (this is usually the contractor).
Warranties should be written and the length of time as well as limitations should be covered. Warranties should cover materials and workmanship, and names and addresses of the warrantor. This may include the contractor, manufacturer, and distributor.
Detailed materials list: product, size, color, type, model, and brand name. Any additional or alternate materials that may be used if necessary should also be listed.
How "change orders" will be handled. Any changes or additions to the project should be written up in the contract so that the conditions for change are pre-determined. Furthermore, the contract should list how and when payment will be made for adjustments. Because change orders are common aspects of most remodeling jobs, it is common for remodelers to require payment before the work actually begins.
Any oral promises made.

Take Precautions to Protect Yourself
Taking precautions will help protect you and your home project investment. It will also increase your chances of success. Consider the following guidelines:

Agree to make payments as the project progresses, contingent upon completion of a determined amount of work. This way, if work on the project is delayed, payment will be delayed as well.
Do not make final payment until the work completed meets agreed upon specifications, building code requirements, and that subcontractors and suppliers have all been paid.
Do not sign a contract or any document until you have thoroughly read through it and filled in any blank spaces.
Do not sign a contract that uses vague terms. Make sure that all terms are specific regarding project requirements and the work that will be performed.
Don't agree to finance your project through your contractor. Shop around for better loan terms.
Before deeding your property, be sure to first consult an attorney or knowledgeable friend or family member.

Be a Good Customer

Being a Good Contra Costa County Design and Build Contractor Customer

It's the design and build contractor's responsibility to complete a successful design and build project for you according to your specifications. But you play a big part in the success of your design and build contractor, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a Contra Costa County design and build contractor....

Be clear and upfront with the design and build contractor. Let them know what you want from your design and build contractor, the long-term outcome you're expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.
Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!
Ask your design and build contractor if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.
Be sure your design and build contractor has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they're completing your design and build project. The work will move along more smoothly if your design and build contractor can reach you for any necessary updates, questions or work authorizations.
When your design and build contractor contacts you, return calls promptly to keep the design and build contract work on schedule.
Pay for the design and build contractor's work promptly.
Before you hire a design and build contractor in Contra Costa County, including the larger cities of San Ramon, Danville, Brentwood, Martinez, and Pleasant Hill, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the design and build contractor your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local design and build contractors occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.

Why would you want to be a good customer? Design and build contractors in Contra Costa County appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.

Check the Work

Verifying the Design and Build Contra Costa County Contractor Work Against the Written Invoice

When the design and build contract work is completed, your design and build contractor is required to give you a written invoice. This must include:

The name and physical address of the design and build contractor
A list of all work performed, including the warranty
An itemized list of all merchandise purchased or included
The total design and build project cost, including the amount charged for labor, if any

When the design and build contract work is completed, your design and build contractor is required to give you a written invoice. This must include:

The name and physical address of the design and build contractor
A list of all work performed, including the warranty
An itemized list of all merchandise purchased or included
The total design and build project cost, including the amount charged for labor, if any

Written Warranties

Get Written Warranties from Local Contra Costa County Design and Build Contractors

Before the design and build contractor leaves, confirm any warranties offered by the design and build contractor in Contra Costa County, including the larger cities of Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Walnut Creek, and Pittsburg. The written warranty document must detail the following:...

The design and build contractor's name and physical address
Your responsibility in the case of a problem with the building project and what you need to do in order to redeem the warranty.
If the design and build contractor warranty coverage is transferrable to the new owner in the event that you sell the home or building in which the contractor has designed and built.
The length of time as well as limitations should be covered. Warranties should cover materials and workmanship, and names and addresses of the warrantor. This may include the contractor, manufacturer, and distributor.

Top 10 Requests

Top Service Requests from Design and Build Contractors

Design and build contractors in Contra Costa County, including the larger cities of Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Walnut Creek, and Pittsburg, provide all types of design and build projects. Following is a list of the most popular projects.

Split-level homes
A split-level home is similar to a ranch home. It features three levels of living space on a floor plan that makes economical use of the building lot....

Split-level homes
A split-level home is similar to a ranch home. It features three levels of living space on a floor plan that makes economical use of the building lot.

Craftsman homes
Craftsman homes is an American architectural design tht began in the last years of the 19^th century. It has its origins from the British arts and crafts movement, emphasizing the hand-made over the mass-produced. Craftsman homes feature simplicity of form, local natural materials, and visibility of handicraft.

Chalet-style homes
Reminiscent of homes on alpine ski slopes, chalet style homes are rustic homes based on Swiss alpine cottages. They have a rectangular shape, big lofts, large windows, and steep gabled roofs.

Luxury homes
Luxury homes are high-end homes in affluent communities. The high-end status is determined by location, property entry, architecture, decor, decadent amenities, entertainment capability, grounds, etc.

Beach homes
A beach home is a home designed for the beach. Typically beach homes are a form of a vacation home rather than a permanent residence.

A-frame homes
A-frame houses feature steeply-angled sides that usually begin at or near the foundation line and meet at the top, creating a home that looks like the letter A.

Green homes
Green homes are built using a process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building's life-cycle. This "green" process includes design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. The purpose of a "green" home is to reduce the overall impact of the home on the human health and natural environment.

Home additions
Home additions can be added to your home in order to increase its value and comfort. These additions include sunrooms, pop-top home additions, multi-level additions, or multi-room additions.

Victorian homes
Victorian homes are usually two story homes with steep roof pitches, turrets, and dormers. Typically a Victorian home has a large porch as well.

Log homes
Log homes are structurally identical to log cabins because they are made from logs that have not been milled into conventional lumber.

If Things Go Wrong

The Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee

Diamond Certified companies are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. If the company you've hired is Diamond Certified and you can't resolve the issue by talking with the owner, contact the mediation department at info@diamondcertified.org or call 800-738-1138....

Simple Ways To End Conflict with Contra Costa County Design and Build Contractors
The truth is most design and build contractors in Contra Costa County, including the larger cities of San Ramon, Danville, Brentwood, Martinez, and Pleasant Hill, are honest and really do look out for their customers' best interests. Still, you should know what to do if you are ever dissatisfied with your local design and build contractor's service or work.

If you have a complaint or concern about your designing of a project or building of the project, or the service you received from your design and build contractor, immediately speak with the service contractor. It is often best to resolve problems directly with the design and build contractor, minimizing conflict and getting your design and build project done right and on time.

When discussing the issue with the design and build contractor, remember the following tips:

Remain calm and polite.
Let your design and build contractor know that you're willing to compromise or negotiate a mutually-beneficial agreement.
Review the contract specifications with your contractor and attempt to verbally resolve any problems in person.
Set a deadline for resolution, and tell the design and build contractor that you are willing to agree on a mutually-beneficial solution.
You may legally withhold payment until the dispute is resolved to your liking.
As long as building code, safety, and contract guidelines are met, you do have the final say. The contractor was hired by you to complete a project that you are paying for, to your specifications.
If you do not get a suitable response, consider sending a letter that outlines the problem and how you would like it resolved. Send the letter by certified mail and request a return receipt. If the problem continues, it may be time for outside intervention.
Try discussing the problem with a trusted family member or a friend. If that doesn't help, you may need to seek legal advice from an attorney.
If you have tried all of the above suggestions and the problem continues, you may need to visit your local builders association or the CSLB for assistance.

Document your concerns in writing with the design and build contractor service or photograph your design and build project and the parts used if you have worries about the quality of the work or the materials used. Write down the design and build contractor's response to your complaints in case you need records for future arbitration.