Top 10 General Contractors in Santa Maria, CA

Porch Pro Headshot Trusted Handyman
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
"Trusted Handyman contacted me within 24 hours and came out to my house to see the project and give me an estimate within 48 hours. He priced the project reasonably and completed it by the next week. He came to the house on time, worked all day, and stayed on budget. I searched for months for a p...Read more about Trusted Handyman
100% response rate
"Trusted Handyman contacted me within 24 hours and came out to my house to see the project and give me an estimate within 48 hours. He priced the project reasonably and completed it by the next week. He came to the house on time, worked all day, and stayed on budget. I searched for months for a p...Read more about Trusted Handyman
Porch Pro Headshot MG Construction
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
(41)
When it comes to building or remodeling, our company has few equals in the Santa Barbara area. The iconic California Craftsman bungalow has become somewhat of a specialty for us. Our deep knowledge of the Craftsman style and our devotion to its tradition, makes us your ideal partner for any project ...Read more about MG Construction
When it comes to building or remodeling, our company has few equals in the Santa Barbara area. The iconic California Craftsman bungalow has become somewhat of a specialty for us. Our deep knowledge of the Craftsman style and our devotion to its tradition, makes us your ideal partner for any project ...Read more about MG Construction
Porch Pro Headshot Norholm Builders Inc
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
(23)
Timeless quality with 25 years of tradition. At Norholm Builders, we work with our customers to evaluate lifestyle needs, design preferences and budget considerations. As one of San Luis Obispo County's finest licensed general contractors, we pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship, dependability a...Read more about Norholm Builders Inc
Timeless quality with 25 years of tradition. At Norholm Builders, we work with our customers to evaluate lifestyle needs, design preferences and budget considerations. As one of San Luis Obispo County's finest licensed general contractors, we pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship, dependability a...Read more about Norholm Builders Inc
Porch Pro Headshot Santa Barbara Deck and Fence
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
(8)
We bring over 45 years of quality craftsmanship in Santa Barbara County being premium deck builders, deck contractor, deck building, Trex Decks, Trex Transcend, AZEK decks, IPE decks outdoor lighting, decks, fences, pergolas, arbors, Glass railing, Cable railing, out door living areas, and more. Our...Read more about Santa Barbara Deck and Fence
We bring over 45 years of quality craftsmanship in Santa Barbara County being premium deck builders, deck contractor, deck building, Trex Decks, Trex Transcend, AZEK decks, IPE decks outdoor lighting, decks, fences, pergolas, arbors, Glass railing, Cable railing, out door living areas, and more. Our...Read more about Santa Barbara Deck and Fence
Porch Pro Headshot Starwood Construction
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
(5)
"Hello, my name is Larry Chipman and I’m the founder and owner of Starwood Construction. By striving to understand your desires and the practical needs for your home, we consistently exceed expectations in our designs & performance and seek to establish a friendly working relationship that is both p...Read more about Starwood Construction
"Hello, my name is Larry Chipman and I’m the founder and owner of Starwood Construction. By striving to understand your desires and the practical needs for your home, we consistently exceed expectations in our designs & performance and seek to establish a friendly working relationship that is both p...Read more about Starwood Construction
Porch Pro Headshot Casale Construction Co.
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
We offer a wide variety of services from partial remodels to whole house construction. We pride ourselves on bringing the most experienced person available in each field to your project. Our services include: - Design-Build - General Contracting - Construction Management - Remodeling ...Read more about Casale Construction Co.
We offer a wide variety of services from partial remodels to whole house construction. We pride ourselves on bringing the most experienced person available in each field to your project. Our services include: - Design-Build - General Contracting - Construction Management - Remodeling ...Read more about Casale Construction Co.
Porch Pro Headshot Arroyo Grande Deck & Fence
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
We bring over 45 years of quality craftsmanship to San Luis Obispo county being premium deck builders, deck contractor, deck building, Trex Decks, Trex Transcend, AZEK decks, IPE decks outdoor lighting, decks, fences, pergolas, arbors, Glass railing, Cable railing, out door living areas, and more. O...Read more about Arroyo Grande Deck & Fence
We bring over 45 years of quality craftsmanship to San Luis Obispo county being premium deck builders, deck contractor, deck building, Trex Decks, Trex Transcend, AZEK decks, IPE decks outdoor lighting, decks, fences, pergolas, arbors, Glass railing, Cable railing, out door living areas, and more. O...Read more about Arroyo Grande Deck & Fence
Porch Pro Headshot New Standard Construction
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
(2)
We are a local building contractor who have been building for over 25 years.We have backgrounds in commercial as well as residential.
We are a local building contractor who have been building for over 25 years.We have backgrounds in commercial as well as residential.
Porch Pro Headshot Artifex Industries | Additions, Remodels, New Construction
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
Artifex Industries is a contracting and construction management company currently serving clients all over beautiful San Luis Obispo County. As a contracting company, we pride ourselves in only working with the highest-level craftsmen, architects, and designers. Our specialty is designing and buildi...Read more about Artifex Industries | Additions, Remodels, New Construction
Artifex Industries is a contracting and construction management company currently serving clients all over beautiful San Luis Obispo County. As a contracting company, we pride ourselves in only working with the highest-level craftsmen, architects, and designers. Our specialty is designing and buildi...Read more about Artifex Industries | Additions, Remodels, New Construction
Porch Pro Headshot Ali’s Star House and carpet cleaning Services
General Contractors
Serves Santa Maria, California
Maintaining the cleanliness and presentation of your home may lie in the realm of impossibility. For a cleaning service like no other, choose Alys Star House and Carpet Cleaning Service in San Luis Obispo, CA. We have over 13 years of experience in commercial and residential cleaning. Our staff has ...Read more about Ali’s Star House and carpet cleaning Services
Maintaining the cleanliness and presentation of your home may lie in the realm of impossibility. For a cleaning service like no other, choose Alys Star House and Carpet Cleaning Service in San Luis Obispo, CA. We have over 13 years of experience in commercial and residential cleaning. Our staff has ...Read more about Ali’s Star House and carpet cleaning Services

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 Santa Maria General Contractors

234076

We were searching for Santa Barbara Deck Builders and we found Santa Barbara Deck & Fence. We have had some nightmare experiences with contractors so our guard was up, and Jay made it so much fun for us. We weren't sure when to pull the trigger and never ...

- Mike Silverman
25447

Stay far away from this contractor! He has built numerous commercial and residential structures in San Luis Obispo County that are plagued with problems. Duane Heil has constructed numerous failed radiant heating systems, fails to construct project per pl...

- M Wilson
57813

The service MG Construction provided was first rate. Mark and David are both great guys to work with and the job they did was flawless! I will hire them again for a project I've planned for next year.

- Peter Broire
321009

LITERAL NIGHTMARE "CONTRACTOR" Targeted my elder parents, one with Alzheimer's. Pressured for 10,000$ upfront (illegal to do), double charged for materials using client's credit card, made up an additional nearly 20,000$ cost, pretends he never made a con...

- Michael Cirovic
142816

this review is being submitted through HST since homeowner (Brian Power) cannot leave it himself. Very Disappointed with the company is unprofessional, no call no show.

- Carlos Leal
337605

The best I can answer this is review is “Outstanding”. He was always on time, stayed late, exceptional work..he painted the exterior and interior of my house and when I asked, treated and preserved my old gates, then built a custom gate for me to address...

- Kurt kruse
436715

Mario is very honest and hardworking. He is on time for his job. He did an excellent job fixing our wood deck. We are very pleased with his work.

- Elizabeth Strait
168120

Mario and his team did a great job completing a variety of tasks including power washing deck, replacing fence gate posts, fixing loose flagstones etc.

- Chuck Starkovich

Everything You Need to Know About Santa Maria General Contractors

I’m searching for General Contractors servicing my zip code in Santa Maria.

Many general contractors provide service to multiple zip codes in and around Santa Maria. Browse through a sample of the General Contractors in Santa Maria below to find the right professional in your area for your project. Remember to contact each of these professionals individually to ask about their prices, recent successful general contractor services jobs, how they bill, and what licenses or permits they have or will have to get for your job:

  • DAVE LANE CONSTRUCTION CO:
    • Service Area Zip Code: 91361 and 93094
  • Livingston Construction:
    • Service Area Zip Code: 91385
  • Clark Construction:
    • Service Area Zip Code: 93066

If you weren't able to find the right general contractor company that services your Santa Maria zip code, don't worry. Try contacting the company directly to ask them what surrounding areas they also service near Santa Maria.

Will General Contractor Services work in Santa Maria require permits, inspections, special licenses, etc.?

Whether you’re general contractor job is in Santa Maria or any other city, you're going to want to do a bit of research before hiring general contractors. Even small jobs may have certain regulations around them. Often, the general contractor performing the work will have any required permits, inspections, etc. under control, but not always. Short answer: Research yourself and double check with the general contractor services folks that everything is in order.

Who should I hire if I need General Contractor Services in Santa Maria?

Right now there are about 50 companies in and around Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria, CA

    Porch Pro Headshot Pearl Bay Rainbow Restoration
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California
    Our 24/7 fire, water, and mold damage restorations, and asbestos and lead removals quickly get things back to normal. Our efficient, cost-effective work has made us a prefered contractor for the The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara for 7 years, while our superb workmanship has drawn su...Read more about Pearl Bay Rainbow Restoration
    Our 24/7 fire, water, and mold damage restorations, and asbestos and lead removals quickly get things back to normal. Our efficient, cost-effective work has made us a prefered contractor for the The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara for 7 years, while our superb workmanship has drawn su...Read more about Pearl Bay Rainbow Restoration
    Porch Pro Headshot DUANE HEIL CONSTRUCTION
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California
    (2)
    "I have worked with Duane and his team on multiple projects. All the projects I know of were completed in record time, with the very best material and construction methods available. Having talked with the engineers, architects and clients, I never once heard a negative comment from even one of his ...Read more about DUANE HEIL CONSTRUCTION
    "I have worked with Duane and his team on multiple projects. All the projects I know of were completed in record time, with the very best material and construction methods available. Having talked with the engineers, architects and clients, I never once heard a negative comment from even one of his ...Read more about DUANE HEIL CONSTRUCTION
    Porch Pro Headshot HELPING HAND HOME REPAIR
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California
    Inspect-Teck Home Inspections is a home inspection firm from Santa Maria. They have been offering roofing inspection and residential property inspections as well as other services for over 15 years.
    Inspect-Teck Home Inspections is a home inspection firm from Santa Maria. They have been offering roofing inspection and residential property inspections as well as other services for over 15 years.
    Porch Pro Headshot JCR Construction
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California
    (9)
    Porch Pro Headshot STETSON DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION CO
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California
    Stetson Design & Construction Co is a general contractor that offers trenching, foundation testing and other services. They are based in Santa Maria.
    Stetson Design & Construction Co is a general contractor that offers trenching, foundation testing and other services. They are based in Santa Maria.
    Porch Pro Headshot ANGEL J LOPEZ CONSTRUCTION
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California
    Angel J Lopez Construction is a home building contractor in Santa Maria. They offer home building, custom home design, and custom home construction.
    Angel J Lopez Construction is a home building contractor in Santa Maria. They offer home building, custom home design, and custom home construction.
    Porch Pro Headshot Banning Construction Services
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California
    Porch Pro Headshot Sound Construx, Inc
    General Contractors
    Serves Santa Maria, California

    Latest projects near Santa Maria

    Recent projects booked on Porch
    Nipomo 93444
    Residential Building
    Service needed
    Residential Building
    Start Date
    Within 48 hours
    Santa Maria 93455
    Residential Building
    Modular home
    Not sure
    Number of bedrooms
    4
    Number of bathrooms
    3
    Land status for the home
    I am in process of purchasing land
    Interested home styles
    Bungalow
    Approximate budget for the custom home
    $200,000 - $250,000
    Time expected for the home to be completed
    3 - 6 months
    Santa Maria 93455
    Pergola Construction
    Start Date
    Within a month
    Pergola area size
    Over 500 sq ft
    Pergola construction material
    Pine
    Prefab or custom-built pergola
    Custom-built
    Any design work completed
    Yes, I have sketches and a basic idea
    Pergola to be installed on
    Existing patio
    Orcutt 93455
    Residential Building
    Start Date
    Within a year
    Project type
    Something else
    Residential building project type
    Screened in porch
    Extent of design prep work
    No