Top 10 General Contractors in San Jose, CA

Porch Pro Headshot EOL Builders
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(137)
"My parents bought a 1930 house, well aware that the house need some work, kitchen was outdated, 2 old bathrooms, they also had to to tear down 2 walls and replace a 30 years old AC and heating system. I was referred to EOL Construction by a neighbor. Eli was an excellent fit for us, he listened to ...Read more about EOL Builders
"My parents bought a 1930 house, well aware that the house need some work, kitchen was outdated, 2 old bathrooms, they also had to to tear down 2 walls and replace a 30 years old AC and heating system. I was referred to EOL Construction by a neighbor. Eli was an excellent fit for us, he listened to ...Read more about EOL Builders
Porch Pro Headshot Lemon Remodeling & Services
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(36)
"We hired Lemon Remodeling and Services to help us with our backyard remodel. My Husband is in advertising, and I'm a fan of interior design, but we were having trouble agreeing on our visions for our yard. They were able to successfully find the happy medium between what we both wanted. We decided ...Read more about Lemon Remodeling & Services
"We hired Lemon Remodeling and Services to help us with our backyard remodel. My Husband is in advertising, and I'm a fan of interior design, but we were having trouble agreeing on our visions for our yard. They were able to successfully find the happy medium between what we both wanted. We decided ...Read more about Lemon Remodeling & Services
Porch Pro Headshot N90 Construction
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(8)
"Marco is an honest and knowledgeable General Contractor and he did a wonderful job on our 2 complete bathroom remodels. He and his crew were very clean, stayed within our budget, and completed the job sooner than promised. He was very easy to work with and was at job site every day and responsive. ...Read more about N90 Construction
"Marco is an honest and knowledgeable General Contractor and he did a wonderful job on our 2 complete bathroom remodels. He and his crew were very clean, stayed within our budget, and completed the job sooner than promised. He was very easy to work with and was at job site every day and responsive. ...Read more about N90 Construction
Porch Pro Headshot Ray Torres and Associates Inc.
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(18)
Based in San Jose, Ray Torres and Associates is a general contractor. They provide services such as storm shelter installation, roofing, and framing.They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau in addition to being bonded and insured.
Based in San Jose, Ray Torres and Associates is a general contractor. They provide services such as storm shelter installation, roofing, and framing.They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau in addition to being bonded and insured.
Porch Pro Headshot AA Handyman Builders Network, Inc.
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
With over 20 years of solid construction experience, the company was incorporated in April of 2006. Arbie, the master in-charge in the field, has been working in the construction industry since 1988. He established the company in 2002. Arbie also runs the office administraton and the estimating pa...Read more about AA Handyman Builders Network, Inc.
With over 20 years of solid construction experience, the company was incorporated in April of 2006. Arbie, the master in-charge in the field, has been working in the construction industry since 1988. He established the company in 2002. Arbie also runs the office administraton and the estimating pa...Read more about AA Handyman Builders Network, Inc.
Porch Pro Headshot Roy's Builders & Remodeling
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(62)
Roy's Builders is Northern California home improvement company supporting our commitment to design, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are a ONE-STOP-SHOP for Kitchen, Bathroom and Basement projects. Under one roof we have, Award-winning Interior Designers, Amazing in-home technicians (Licens...Read more about Roy's Builders & Remodeling
Roy's Builders is Northern California home improvement company supporting our commitment to design, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are a ONE-STOP-SHOP for Kitchen, Bathroom and Basement projects. Under one roof we have, Award-winning Interior Designers, Amazing in-home technicians (Licens...Read more about Roy's Builders & Remodeling
Porch Pro Headshot One Hand Construction
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(7)
"Highly recommend!!! We hired One Hand Construction to build for us a Room Addition at the back of the house with new walking closet and bathroom. They offered one stop shop, take care of the blueprint, permits and manage the all construction project. Everything was done base on our contract so we...Read more about One Hand Construction
"Highly recommend!!! We hired One Hand Construction to build for us a Room Addition at the back of the house with new walking closet and bathroom. They offered one stop shop, take care of the blueprint, permits and manage the all construction project. Everything was done base on our contract so we...Read more about One Hand Construction
Porch Pro Headshot Lumar Builders
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(7)
"Louis is very professional. He communicates very well, delivers the projects on time. He is one of the very few Handyman i have come across who is very professional and trustworthy. I highly recommend Louis."
"Louis is very professional. He communicates very well, delivers the projects on time. He is one of the very few Handyman i have come across who is very professional and trustworthy. I highly recommend Louis."
Porch Pro Headshot Bow's Construction
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(11)
"Bows Construction has remodeled many homes for My wife and I over the years, every project has been completed on time, under budget and done with excellent craftsmanship. resulting in a beautiful remodeled home....."
"Bows Construction has remodeled many homes for My wife and I over the years, every project has been completed on time, under budget and done with excellent craftsmanship. resulting in a beautiful remodeled home....."
Porch Pro Headshot Hinkle Construction Company Inc
General Contractors
Serves San Jose, California
(9)
The owner, Mark Hinkle, has always been a hands-on man and believes in the personal touch. Along with a full in-house crew, he will be personally involved in every job from start to finish, focusing on quality craftsmanship and detail.
The owner, Mark Hinkle, has always been a hands-on man and believes in the personal touch. Along with a full in-house crew, he will be personally involved in every job from start to finish, focusing on quality craftsmanship and detail.

Frequently asked questions about general contractors

A general contractor oversees building and remodeling projects from start to finish. Their main priority is making sure that a project progresses according to the schedule, is on budget, and that all work is done properly. All other contractors and workers answer to the general contractor and they answer to the client who hired them.

Start by getting bids from different contractors. Bids lay out your expected cost and the extent of the project, including materials, labor, and when the project will be done. If you have a local contractor in mind, feel free to work with them in negotiating the terms of a bid, rather than putting out a competitive bid request. Terms typically outline payment installments, an expected timeline for milestones, and the expected outcome at each phase of the project.

Once you've signed the contract with the general contractor, they bring in the workers and begin on the project. Throughout the course of the project, the general contractor manages all workers and subcontractors. General contractors generally own or work for a company that handles one or two aspects of building and remodeling. Very few do framing, finishing, electrical, concrete, plumbing, and landscaping on their own. So, it's quite common for general contractors to outsource work from other companies. The general contractor handles the hiring of these subcontractors, as well as paying them and their own workers. You only have to worry about paying the general contractor.

Hiring multiple subcontractors for a job might seem more economical, but it would put much of the decision-making on you. What you might save in money may be offset by the amount of time and mental energy you'd have to put into the project. An experienced general contractor knows the ins and outs of the construction business. They understand how to structure a project and work with subcontractors to get projects completed safely, and on schedule. This leaves the day-to-day decisions to someone with more experience.

The licensing rules in some states require hiring a general contractor for certain projects. If the state doesn't require a general contractor in your case, it makes good sense to hire a licensed and insured local contractor.

General contractors live by their reputation. They work hard to build trust with their clients and honor that trust through their management of construction projects. Even if they never lift a hammer during the course of a job, they feel a great sense of ownership of the whole operation.

General contractors usually have a vast knowledge of local building codes. Their understanding of construction and people management helps all subcontractors to work together. They see how each piece fits together to make a completed project. Subcontractors may take a narrow view of their role, which could cause problems for other subcontractors working on the next step. General contractors work closely with their crews, subcontractors, and you to prevent costly miscommunication.

Whether you're hiring a home contractor to build your dream house or searching "general contractors in my area" to oversee a remodel project, you'll be working closely with whomever you choose.

When you get underway with your contractor, you'll begin by sorting out every possible detail. Before work begins, the contractor will work out a project plan with you. The project plan may include determining fixtures, finishes, and furnishings — to avoid any cost gaps in the initial bid. The more specific you are, the more realistic and accurate the bid will be.

Make sure it’s OK to call or text your contractor throughout the day. Even if they aren't always available, they should provide you with contact information for a lead person or someone else you can discuss the project with. When possible, visit the job site. This gives the contractor or lead the opportunity to bring up any issues and ask any questions about specifics that weren't covered in the project plan.

It's also helpful to keep a project journal. Write down product order numbers. Jot down questions and ideas, and note delivery dates. This can make it easier to sort out any disputes that may arise later. Track any changes to the initial project plan in writing. If unforeseen changes occur, make sure to get a bid change in writing.

Other helpful tips:

  • Check on work as it progresses
  • Pay only for completed work
  • Be a fair customer by paying bills on time, responding quickly to questions, and treating your contractor and their workers fairly
  • Know the workers’ names, and make sure they have what they need
  • Establishing a good working relationship with your contractor from the beginning will lead to a more successful project

Some general contractors charge a flat fee. Most charge a markup, which is a percentage of the overall completed project cost. The markup amount covers their overhead, including advertising, insurance, office expenses, and their own salary. The contractor should outline all payments and expenses in the contract at the outset.

Contractors typically ask for a percentage of the total project cost upfront. This initial fee covers the cost of getting the project started, provides workers with their wages for the first phase of the construction, and helps serve as a deposit for the needed materials and supplies. Fifteen percent is a fair and decent initial payment for getting a project started. Most states cap this initial fee at 33%, and a good contractor should have good enough credit to cover remaining up-front costs.

After each phase or "milestone" gets completed, your contract will likely require you to pay more money toward the project. These installments are an expected part of the construction process to cover wages, additional supplies, and materials the contractor may need to continue. Even the most well-off contractor would quickly run out of money to move forward if they didn't include installment payments into their contracts.

A big project is a costly endeavor and a long-term investment. When choosing a general contractor, it makes sense to look beyond just the contractor’s fee. Be sure to hire someone that can provide proof of licensing, insurance, and references. Take the time to look into their track record. A good general contractor will leave a trail of stellar online reviews, and when you talk to former clients, they'll have only good things to say. When you enter a project with a contractor, you need a pro you trust with your home, so it’s wise to do your homework ahead of time to ensure a successful outcome.

Begin with a plan that lays out the scope of the remodeling work you want done. By the time you hire a contractor, you should have decided on materials, fixtures, appliances, and other items. If you've decided on any changes to the floor plan, be sure to add the specifics to your plan. The more details, the better. Add everything you can think of, down to the brass pulls for the kitchen cupboards.

Once you have this plan, start talking to contractors to get estimates and formal bids. Ask around for local contractor recommendations at your local hardware store, or go online and read client reviews. Good contractors tend to be very busy, so expect a waiting period from the time you contact them to the time they can start on the project. Be sure to seek out a contractor with experience in the job you need done. If you need a patio installed, scroll past them if they specialize in kitchens and baths.

When speaking to the contractor, make sure you're clear on which parts of the project the contractor will handle and which will go to a subcontractor. Ask for proof of licensing, insurance, and any relevant subcontractors' licenses. Check contractor credentials with your local Better Business Bureau.

Only sign a detailed contract, and be sure you understand every detail of the contract before signing. Be sure to get the proper permits for your project. A good contractor will be able to talk you through getting permits. In some places, contractors are able to get the permits themselves. Check in with the contractor regularly during the course of the project to avoid errors and miscommunication.

Searching online for "good general contractors near me" or getting referrals from a hardware or home improvement store is a first step to hiring a contractor. Take certain precautions before hiring a contractor to prevent costly headaches later on.

Begin by working with a professional architect or designer who's able to provide all the information a contractor will need. A designer or architect can also create the necessary drawings to submit for obtaining a permit. Include details like finishes, fixtures, plumbing work, electrical installations, and possible millwork.

Come up with a specifications list in advance. Write down the details of every element you want placed into the project, from the front door to the floor tiles that you want. Calculate to make sure all your selections fall within your budget and meet your personal requirements.

Make sure your contractor has the proper licensing and insurance. Check out a potential contractor’s previous work. They should be able to offer examples. When you interview contractors, remember that you'll spend a lot of time working with this person. You need to feel you can trust them because unexpected situations are bound to come up. Perhaps you didn't consider what style of door handle you want for the master bathroom, or the carpet you selected for the living room is no longer available. These types of situations happen with any project, so do your best to remain patient throughout the construction process.

See to it that your contractor provides a timeline that they can stick to and that works with your needs. Get a list of subcontractors they use, and look into their history. Use careful consideration when choosing your contractor for the most successful outcome.

Be sure your general contractor is licensed and insured. They should have both contractor’s liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. An insured contractor will take responsibility for the project and for anything that happens at the worksite. Make sure their insurance covers any subcontractors or that they only work with insured third parties.

Ask for proof of insurance right away. Hiring an uninsured contractor may seem less expensive, but it could cost you down the road. In the event of a job-site injury or property damage, a properly insured contractor will shield you from potentially catastrophic costs. Depending on the state you live in, if a worker is injured on your property and their general contractor didn't carry the proper insurance, you might be liable for the cost of treating their injuries.

Homeowners’ insurance policies cover property damage. Some also cover limited injury liability, but these policies have limitations. Even in the unlikely event that your policy covers 100 percent of liability, your premiums would most certainly go up. Contractors insurance ensures that you don't have to cover any costs unrelated to the project completion itself.

If a contractor is reliable, they'll be licensed and carry insurance, and if they don't have a license, no company will insure them. Proof of proper licensing and insurance is a sure sign of a reliable contractor.

Recent reviews for San Jose General Contractors

100388

After days of research, I found Lemon Remodeling online. I asked detailed questions and I received all the answers I was looking for. The customer service representative was patient, knowledgeable, and understanding with the concerns I initially had. Ever...

- William Smith
99278

Recently I purchased a 2600 square ft. house from 1945. My concern was the high electric bills I was to expect during the winter and high summer temperatures. The staff at Lemon Remodeling was quick to give me an estimate and super fast to execute the job...

- Karen Ruben
97742

We contracted Lemon Remodeling to convert our second floor to a master suite w/master bathroom. Alex and his team handled everything from start to finish: architectural planning, permits, building, and finishing. All within budget and all while we lived ...

- Ida Frenkel
97494

I was having problems with my shower and asked around the local nursery moms for a plumber. Someone recommended the company Lemon Remodeling and Services. Several days after meeting with Assaf, one of their project managers, without feeling any sense of p...

- Aliza R
98629

I cannot recommend Lemon Remodeling and Services highly enough. After working with a couple of other companies to do some additional renovations in my home, I have officially found a company I trust. I met with them to go over the restoration of my kitche...

- Jessica Veil
100264

I found Lemon Remodeling and Services among many other bathroom remodelers in the Bay Area area. I had some estimates done over a few weeks and picked Lemon Remodeling because of their great pricing, their reputation and the ease of going through the proc...

- Limor Afergan
98921

Compare to others they are very flexible and easy to schedule as per customer time request. The job was done very professional and all on the report was explained throughly. If you need home energy audit services in the future I definitely recommend them.

- Lindsay Shaw
76763

Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent work quality.

- Leonard Wesley
280903

Ray and his team helped us repair dry rot which had accumulated over the years on our house. He also gave our house a fresh coat of paint. We could not be happier with the end result. Ray consulted us all through the process and was nothing but profess...

- Hal STANSBURY
80222

Luis did the walk-through and after some negotiation we agreed on a price and scope of work. Early morning, the day work was to be performed, Luis notified me that he was unavailable and someone else would be performing the work (Victor). But that he wo...

- Nate Haley
80223

Luis did the walk-through and after some negotiation we agreed on a price and scope of work. Early morning, the day work was to be performed, Luis notified me that he was unavailable and someone else would be performing the work (Victor). But that he wo...

- Nate Haley
80287

I've used Luis for several of my home repair work. I liked very much the work he did, quality work. And, importantly, he started and accomplished the work within a reasonable time frame that he committed to.

- G W

Everything You Need to Know About San Jose General Contractors

How many general contractors does San Jose have?

There are around 50 companies throughout San Jose to help you with your next general contractor services job.

  • 15 of them have an A or A+ rating from Better Business Bureau.

What zip codes in San Jose have the best General Contractors?

Below we've listed San Jose zip codes that have great selections of general contractors:

  • 95127: 1 General Contractors.
  • 95136: 1 General Contractors.
  • 95130: 2 General Contractors.
  • Who should I hire if I need General Contractor Services in San Jose?

    Right now there are about 50 companies in and around San Jose ready to help you with your general contractor services project.

      Below we've listed a few of the top General Contractors on Porch:

      All General Contractors in San Jose, CA

      Porch Pro Headshot Figone Construction Inc.
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      (6)
      Figone Construction Inc. is a local full service General Building Contractor based out of Campbell. They have been in business over 32 years specializing in small and large exterior structure additions and large interior remodels. Also kitchen and bathroom remodels, backyard deck and gazebo proje...Read more about Figone Construction Inc.
      Figone Construction Inc. is a local full service General Building Contractor based out of Campbell. They have been in business over 32 years specializing in small and large exterior structure additions and large interior remodels. Also kitchen and bathroom remodels, backyard deck and gazebo proje...Read more about Figone Construction Inc.
      Porch Pro Headshot De Mattei Construction
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      Since 1985, De Mattei has specialized in custom homes, residential remodels, and commercial construction throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. De Mattei Construction has built, designed and remodeled more than 1,800 of the finest homes in the Bay Area, including seven Sunset Idea Houses. We have...Read more about De Mattei Construction
      Since 1985, De Mattei has specialized in custom homes, residential remodels, and commercial construction throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. De Mattei Construction has built, designed and remodeled more than 1,800 of the finest homes in the Bay Area, including seven Sunset Idea Houses. We have...Read more about De Mattei Construction
      Porch Pro Headshot LU Construction
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      We are a licensed, accredited business with BBB (Better Business Bureau), and experienced in-house construction and home remodeling. We build homes from the ground up to the customers' liking. Think of us as a one stop shop, taking care of everything from A-Z; we have our in-house engineers, archite...Read more about LU Construction
      We are a licensed, accredited business with BBB (Better Business Bureau), and experienced in-house construction and home remodeling. We build homes from the ground up to the customers' liking. Think of us as a one stop shop, taking care of everything from A-Z; we have our in-house engineers, archite...Read more about LU Construction
      Porch Pro Headshot Serene Home Improvement
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      Serene Home Improvement San Jose, CA, 95110 (408) 449-2714 Serene Home Improvement provides bathroom and kitchen remodeling services in San Jose, CA and surrounding areas.Call us now for more information! remodeling company, home remodeling, remodeler, home remodeler, kitchen remodeling Tamien, CA ...Read more about Serene Home Improvement
      Serene Home Improvement San Jose, CA, 95110 (408) 449-2714 Serene Home Improvement provides bathroom and kitchen remodeling services in San Jose, CA and surrounding areas.Call us now for more information! remodeling company, home remodeling, remodeler, home remodeler, kitchen remodeling Tamien, CA ...Read more about Serene Home Improvement
      Porch Pro Headshot Kena & Sons Construction
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      We are a family business with a whole lot of passion and pride in our work. Fair in pricing, knowledge on how to do the job upto code and well experienced on the field. I have Plenty of references. We are licensed, Bonded and Insured.
      We are a family business with a whole lot of passion and pride in our work. Fair in pricing, knowledge on how to do the job upto code and well experienced on the field. I have Plenty of references. We are licensed, Bonded and Insured.
      Porch Pro Headshot California Building Solutions
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      (27)
      Porch Pro Headshot Lighthouse Construction Consultants
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      Our business is our livelihood but it is also so much more. Lighthouse Construction Consultants was started to fill in a void in the current market and to make a business that people can place their trust in. Over the years we have never lost our commitment to our clients and that is what has allowe...Read more about Lighthouse Construction Consultants
      Our business is our livelihood but it is also so much more. Lighthouse Construction Consultants was started to fill in a void in the current market and to make a business that people can place their trust in. Over the years we have never lost our commitment to our clients and that is what has allowe...Read more about Lighthouse Construction Consultants
      Porch Pro Headshot HUSHER CONSTRUCTION
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      Middle D Construction is a remodeling specialist from South San Francisco. They provide bedroom remodeling, bathroom design and other services. In May of 1999, Middle D Construction did a remodeling project in the West Murphy neighborhood using a permit obtained from the city of Sunnyvale; in the sa...Read more about HUSHER CONSTRUCTION
      Middle D Construction is a remodeling specialist from South San Francisco. They provide bedroom remodeling, bathroom design and other services. In May of 1999, Middle D Construction did a remodeling project in the West Murphy neighborhood using a permit obtained from the city of Sunnyvale; in the sa...Read more about HUSHER CONSTRUCTION
      Porch Pro Headshot Total Quality Management Construction (TQM Construction)
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      Total Quality Management Construction(TQM) is a leading S.F. General Contractor. TQM Construction is based on the principles of Total Quality Management. We provide the right team, exceptional service, and quality results. Commitment to sustainability and green building. We work with out clients fro...Read more about Total Quality Management Construction (TQM Construction)
      Total Quality Management Construction(TQM) is a leading S.F. General Contractor. TQM Construction is based on the principles of Total Quality Management. We provide the right team, exceptional service, and quality results. Commitment to sustainability and green building. We work with out clients fro...Read more about Total Quality Management Construction (TQM Construction)
      Porch Pro Headshot Affordable Fresh Coats Paint
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      About Us . Fresh Coats is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs and as a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We will stop at nothing to offer you the highest qua...Read more about Affordable Fresh Coats Paint
      About Us . Fresh Coats is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs and as a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We will stop at nothing to offer you the highest qua...Read more about Affordable Fresh Coats Paint
      Porch Pro Headshot Cali Home Remodeling
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      Porch Pro Headshot PACIFIC NORCAL BUILDERS
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      (7)
      Porch Pro Headshot Accent Builder Inc
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California
      Porch Pro Headshot Jpgeneral engineering
      General Contractors
      Serves San Jose, California

      Latest projects near San Jose

      Recent projects booked on Porch
      San Jose 95122
      Siding Installation
      Start Date
      Within a year
      Install new or replace
      Replace existing siding
      Already removed siding
      No, and I'd like the pro to remove it
      Filing an insurance claim
      I'm not sure
      Type of siding
      will like to see whats best
      Home square footage
      1000-2000 sq ft
      Number of stories tall
      Two floors
      San Jose 95118
      Skylight Installation
      Start Date
      I'm flexible
      New installation or repair
      Install a skylight
      How many skylights to install
      3 or more
      Replace existing or install new
      Replace existing skylight
      Kind of roof
      I'm not sure
      Number of stories tall
      One floor