General Contractor in Berkeley, CA

Pre-1939 Craftsman homes in Berkeley have original plaster walls, old-growth fir framing, and plumbing that predates modern supply line materials. Opening walls for a kitchen or bathroom remodel often reveals galvanized pipes and cast-iron waste lines that need replacement before new fixtures go in. Drywall installation replaces the plaster after the plumbing rough-in is complete, and the original framing spacing may not match modern drywall panel sizing.

Hillside lots in neighborhoods like Claremont and upper Thousand Oaks have narrow, winding streets that limit what size equipment can reach the site. Foundation installation and concrete pouring on these lots often require smaller equipment and more manual staging than flat-lot work. We assess access conditions before scheduling any deliveries or equipment so the project does not stall on day one.

Yes, detached garage conversions are one of the most common ADU types in Berkeley. The process involves foundation assessment or new foundation work, framing modifications, drywall installation, tile work in the bathroom, and plumbing fixture installation. Berkeley's older garages were often built without proper footings, so foundation inspection is a necessary first step before any conversion work begins.

Bathroom remodels in Berkeley's older homes typically include full tile work installation on floors and wet walls after the original tile and plaster are removed. The demolition phase clears out original fixtures, old tile, and sometimes original cast-iron tubs. New tile goes in after the plumbing rough-in and drywall installation are complete, giving the bathroom a finished surface that holds up to daily moisture.