Strand Builders

Another 5 stars for Steve who built a stunning arbor to finish our home this past summer. Yet again, Steve excelled on masterful construction and execution of the architectural design plans from Dotter Solfjeld. We used smooth cedar for the construction which will gray out over time and blend into our farmhouse style. Prior to the arbor being constructed, we had a massive sun problem on our West facing back patio so the arbor needed to be the perfect height and getting the width between each joist was critical. Steve initially constructed an arbor mock-up so we could determine the correct calculations and we couldn't be more thrilled with the finished product. It's beyond what we hoped for and has created a beautiful outdoor space which we will enjoy for years. Photos attached. I refer all my friends embarking on major remodels to Steve and I doing so knowing their project will be in the very best of hands in terms of integrity, budgeting and craftsmanship. Happy to provide a phone reference anytime for the arbor or the house, see below review.

In 2015 my husband and I began construction on a new-build farmhouse in the Orinda Country Club area and Steve Strand took over the construction of our home at a point where we were completing the dry wall. Despite being a brand new build, it was effectively a back-to-studs re-model when Steve came on-board. Our home is highly-custom utilizing high-end fixtures and fittings which can sometimes be finickity to install but Steve’s experienced network of subs didn’t get phased. The walls downstairs are custom milled poplar siding which were sawn and installed board-by-board and upstairs we have board and batten siding throughout. There was a moment very soon after Steve came on-board which I have shared with friends that, for me, captures how Steve approaches his work. I came up to the site a few days after Steve came on-board and he had purchased a number of Ipe decking boards for our porch. Steve was showing me these Ipe boards and explaining why he had chosen each one in terms of the vibrancy and complexity of each one and while trying to have a conversation I was welling up because I knew then that we had finally found a contractor who cared as much as we did about the details of our home. Steve’s attention to detail never, ever, faltered regardless of what that meant to the timeline of the project. His focus on delivering an amazing outcome combined with his talent and experience to achieve that goal is the reason why he is such a successful custom home builder. As another example, the stovetop range hood took days to get perfectly right involving multiple attempts up and down a ladder to get the fit perfect. Steve could have fudged it and moved on but that’s simply not his approach and I’m grateful for that everyday. There are so many areas in my home which have been elevated by Steve’s attention to detail. Lastly, Steve and his superbly talented carpenter, Carlos are professional and respectful to work with. Contractors who successfully work with clients on a custom home build need to be patient, flexible, creative and have a business model that allows them to focus on delivering an amazing outcome. Other builders might focus on speed and budget which is ideal for spec homes but not custom homes. I can’t recommend Steve Strand highly enough. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with him, you will be in the very best hands. Steve completed our home in December 2016 and worked so hard to finish the house so that we could be in for Christmas. We’re indebted to Steve for coming on-board and creating such a beautiful home for our family.

We initially hired Steve to do a complete teardown and rebuild of our kitchen. That project also involved remodeling the dining room (raising the ceiling and building a 1/2 wall between dining and living rooms), and reframing and replacing our front door. Subsequent projects have included completely remodeling our 4 bathrooms and replacing a large Arbor over our deck. Steve is the best. He is a super nice guy, his prices are fair and his finish work and all of his subcontractors are top notch. My friends who have used him also give him rave reviews. His integrity when dealing with problems, and attention to detail as well as his on-time work ethic, have made us loyal customers for over 15 years. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Complete kitchen remodel. Took old kitchen down to studs and then installed a new kitchen ie, floor plan, electrical, plumbing, cabinets, tile and appliances. Mr. Strand was very professional and took emense pride in his work. He was on the job every day and made every effort to accomodate our needs and keep us comfortable during the construction. His sub contractors, electrician, sheetrock, plumber, and painter, were all outstanding and did excellent work. Mr. Strand installed the cabinets himself and did all the tile work and mill work. He met all of our deadlines and was on budget. I can't recommend him highly enough.

We have had a 10 year relationship with Strand Builders. During that timeframe, Steve and his team have done two extensive remodels on our home and one remodel/bedroom addition to our son's home. In all projects, Strand Builders was on time (if not ahead of schedule), on budget, with the highest level of quality and professionalism. In addition, Steve Strand has been available and has responded urgently and respectfully for follow-up work, which has been rare. We unequivocally recommend him.

As a cabinet maker I have the chance to work with a lot of contractors and Steve is one of the best. When Steve is on the job I know the job will be run well and timelines will be met. All Steve's workers and subs have one thing in common, their top priority is the client and what is best for the client. I can't say it enough, it is a pleasure working with Steve and his company. Dan Farrace.