Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Matthew Johnson: The Heart of the Home

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Matthew Johnson, remodeling involves more than improving the appearance or functionality of his clients’ homes—it’s also about helping them feel comfortable throughout a potentially stressful and disruptive process.

Matthew entered the construction industry as a laborer in 1974. He later completed a four-year carpenter apprenticeship while attending night school and working on commercial projects throughout San Francisco. After gaining experience as a foreman and project superintendent, he obtained his general contractor’s license and established Matthew W. Johnson, General Contractor in 1983.

While Matthew’s commercial background gave him valuable construction and management experience, he says residential remodeling offered something more personal. “I [prefer] working with homeowners directly. I really enjoy the process of helping them improve their lives and have nicer places for their families to live.”

Today, Matthew specializes in residential remodeling projects like kitchens, bathrooms and room additions. After more than 50 years in the construction industry, he remains motivated by the opportunity to create spaces that will benefit his clients well into the future. “I like helping people create something that’s going to last for decades,” he affirms.

Matthew considers the kitchen the heart of the home—a place where friends and family gather to cook, talk, and spend time together. That understanding shapes the care he brings to every kitchen remodeling project. “When I’m asked to remodel a kitchen for a client, I take it seriously,” he says. “My goal is to create something they’re going to feel comfortable spending time in.”

While a successful finished product is important, Matthew believes the homeowner’s experience matters just as much. “Remodeling can leave families without familiar rooms for weeks or months, and unexpected problems can add more uncertainty,” he says. “It’s not just a project to them—it’s something that’s going to affect their lives for years.”

A lifelong resident of the Greater San Francisco area, Matthew has called Belmont home since 1981. He says his favorite aspects of life in San Mateo County are the temperate weather, coastal scenery, and access to nearby forests and mountains. “There’s no place like the San Francisco Peninsula.”

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Debbie, and their four adult children, Candy, Cindy, Sandy and Matthew. He and Debbie also belong to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle group and regularly join other riders for day trips and group gatherings.

Throughout his career, Matthew has remained focused on ensuring his clients have positive experiences during every phase of their remodeling projects. One client captured that goal in a phrase he has remembered ever since. “He said to me, ‘You know, Matt, I tell my friends that with you, there are no more contractor horror stories.’”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I’d go camping in the redwoods for a month and then start working on all the things that need to be done around my house.

Q: What are your favorite types of movies?
A: I like children’s movies, like the “Minions” series. They’re inoffensive, funny and entertaining.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: I like going into my bedroom, opening the sliding glass door and listening to the rain hit the deck.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas. I enjoy the longer nights, winter weather, and visiting with friends and family.