Looking for general contractor for remodel in SF (San Francisco, Berkeley: new house, construction)

[skubaman]

Hi, we started sending out bid sets for the remodel of our new house. Would like to turn to the forum and see if anyone has a contractor to refer. Our project is a room addition and bathroom and kitchen remodel. We are looking for a good contractor with a fair price. Please let me know if you have any tips.

I really appreciate.

[clongirl]

Don't have any personal recommendations but I often find very helpful information and knowledge on the Berkeley Parents Network...

Berkeley Parents Network:


I've also had good experiences using Angie's list (there's a fee, but it's worth it, imo). We've found some great electricians, plumbers etc here.


Or I came across this place...not personally familiar with it but it's apparently free. HomeAdvisor vs Angie's List

[Scott456]

I find it frustrating to find a good contractor in SF. I have several projects in the house, called and met a few contractors. Mostly of them play games with you.
One gave me a verbal estimate of not exceeding xyz dollars and promised to send me written estimate in 2 days, but 3 days later I called him and was told the estimate is higher now(about 20% more). So what happens to "not exceeding xyz dollars"? well, he probably thinks I am interested in hiring him, so he wants more money.
Another contractor also gave me a verbal estimate, but after I discussed more details and emailed him the information I found on the internet, he would not respond. He probably thinks I know more about the work needed to be done than he does, and he is not interested in dealing with "smart" customers.
Years ago, I hired someone to refinish my hardwood floor. The guy got very good reviews in San Francisco Chronicles (back in the old days). He charged double the prices of others since he is supposed to be "excellent". At the end, he did a lousy job.

[California Vagabond]

A subscription to Bay Area Checkbook costs $34 for two years, and includes online access to their ratings for everything from exterminators to window washers ... and for general contractors/remodelers, too. I can't compare it to HomeAdvisor or Angie's List, but have thought the $34 was well spent, all told. You'll be spending significant money on the remodel, so the research costs could be worthwhile.

[skubaman]

Thanks all for the feedback. I had a subscription to Angie's list but found it weak. Yelp also has tons of reviews. But from reviews it's hard to know if the contractors is on the high-price end of the spectrum, or mid range, etc... So I was hoping people here who have gone through the bidding process would be able to refer from their own experience.

Thanks

[Scott456]

you can pick the lower bidder, but the bid is only an estimate. At any time during the project, the contractor will find something and make additional work and charge you anything he wants.
So, as a customer, you should do the research and figure out all the details in your project, and list them on the contract. But I suspect no contractor will deal with you if you try to show him you are a smart shopper.

[beb0p]

Bo Hong or Rod L. Jones. They are general contractors who are also instructors at CCSF, they are the ones who teach the aspiring general contractors or even some already licensed contractors the right way to do things.

They're not the cheapest guys you'll find. You can lookup their profile on CCSF and send them an email. Or you can probably drop in to one of their classes (the Interior/Exterior class should be a good one) and get a feel for them. Construction classes at CCSF are free (but registration is needed) so dropping in should not be a problem if they have enough space.