--- title: "Dovetail Projects — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dovetail-projects-pfvwus-pf~1100437219 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1100437219.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Dovetail Projects" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/64630d0505119b49_2890-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Santa Barbara, California 93101, United States" latitude: 34.4197 longitude: -119.7078 phone: "(805) 218-0986" website: http://dovetailsb.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 47 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Dovetail Projects Original Houzz profile: [Dovetail Projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dovetail-projects-pfvwus-pf~1100437219) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Santa Barbara, CA - **Serves:** Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Mission Canyon, Toro Canyon, Summerland - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2019–2023), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Family owned Together, Ryan & I have taken Schmidt Construction and made it our own with Dovetail Projects. We treasure the guidance and attention to craftsmanship that our elders taught us, but now as two Heinberg’s running Schmidt Construction, we felt there was a disconnect. We make an incredible team and are so proud of the portfolio we have built together. To reflect this, we have changed our name to better showcase who we are as a brand. Trust us, the attention to quality has not changed, but our name has. At Dovetail Projects, we approach construction as a collaboration between client, designer, and contractor. We pay special attention to the details that go into every project – budget, schedule, and estimates. Our team of builders and project managers have the experience and dedication to execute both large and small scale luxury projects, while offering our clients the utmost in quality and service. We are passionate about what we do and thrive on the challenges of turning design concepts into beautiful spaces. WE BUILD IT, YOU MAKE IT HOME. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Deck Building - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Project Management - House Framing - Green Building - Barn Design & Construction - Site Preparation ### Areas Served - Santa Barbara - Goleta - Montecito - Solvang - Santa Ynez - Mission Canyon - Toro Canyon - Summerland ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Dovetail Projects | | Address | Santa Barbara, California 93101, United States | | Phone | (805) 218-0986 | | Website | http://dovetailsb.com/ | | License Number | 519195 | | Followers on Houzz | 47 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/dovetailprojects/ - Blog — http://schmidtconstructionsb.com/index.php?option=com\_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=4 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Dovetail Projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dovetail-projects-pfvwus-pf~1100437219) - **Website:** http://dovetailsb.com/ - **Phone:** (805) 218-0986 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2016 Builder of the Year Award, Presented by the Santa Barbara Contractors Association, for Residential Remodel under $500,000 - 2010 Builder of the Year Award, New Construction over $1,000,000 - 2010 Builder of the Year Award, Presented by the Santa Barbara Contractors Association - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2019–2023), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — Lisa, March 2022** > It was a pleasure working with the Dovetail team! Ryan, Cate and Ashley were all super responsive and attentive to my projects requirements. They had great ideas and offered creative solutions to the inevitable snafus that arise in any construction project. The construction team was great - excellent craftsmanship that is clearly evident in the final result. And the final result of my ADU project is absolutely stunning! The space was transformed into a lovely little home that would satisfy the most discriminating of occupants. Huge thanks to the entire Dovetail team. I would heartily recommend Dovetail and I look forward to working with them again in the future. **Comment from Dovetail Projects:** > Thank you Lisa! We loved working with you and so appreciate the kind words. **★★★★★ — Anne Merritt, March 2022** > I cannot say enough about Catherine and Dovetail Projects. From the very beginning of my fireplace tear down, rebuild and living room redesign, Catherine was fantastic to work with. Her organization, attention to detail, creativity and knowledge were evident throughout. I would highly recommend her for any and all construction and/or design project. **★★★★★ — RollingPlanter, Nov. 2018** > We were proud to have worked with Schmidt Construction and providing numerous rolling planters for the Orfalea Family Childrens Center on the University of California Santa Barbara Campus, Isle Vista, California. They are a very professional organization. **★★★★★ — Nancy Finifter, Sept. 2018** > Schmidt & Schmidt Construction completed a major renovation for us in Spring 2017. To begin our renovation story, we were the stupid people who decided it was a good idea to begin a renovation when I was 4 months pregnant. We had an extremely tight timeline, with the renovation expected to finish when I was around 7-8 months pregnant. Miraculously (due to the organization and productivity of Schmidt & Schmidt), we finished in time for us to be moved in and ready for the baby. They were not only great with working diligently to maintain our timeline, but they were thorough and detail-oriented, and did outstanding work. We had them remove two walls, remodel an entire kitchen and bathroom, do extensive interior work on the floors, drywall, doors and trim, plumbing, and electrical. We are completely stunned with the finished product! Cate is amazing and extremely organized; we picked them largely because they were able to give us a clear picture of what the process and cost would look like. She was so great at knowing all of the design aspects, quickly getting a clear picture of what we like, and helping facilitate our decision making process by narrowing down options for us (while making sure we kept to our timeline). In other words, she helped give us only the choices we would need to make, and found the perfect options in all other circumstances. She was very involved in all of the selections and honest in her help. The construction crews led by Ryan were all fantastic, and they were efficient while also being extremely nice people (Ryan was often having to work while fielding questions from a construction-enthusiast toddler). They consistently were communicative about the state and next steps in the work, as well as open and honest with the progress. They also were very respectful of our attention to detail (our expectation of perfection) and made sure that all the work of the subcontractors was done to that standard. If you want good work done by honest, trustworthy, hard-working people than definitely consider Schmidt & Schmidt for your project. Not only are they great at doing construction, but they are people that you feel comfortable having around your kids and family during a renovation, which may be the most important factor of all. **★★★★★ — Carolina Rico, Oct. 2017** > Schmidt & Schmidt Construction Co., Inc is a highly reliable company. We have worked for them for over 8 years. We are paid on a timely manner every time and treated with respect. We recommend them 100%. **Comment from Dovetail Projects:** > Carolina - Thank you for your wonderful review and support for Schmidt & Schmidt Construction. It is important to us that our subcontractors trust working with us. We look forward to working together in the future! > The Schmidt & Schmidt Construction Team **★★★★★ — Solid Rock Tile & Stone, Oct. 2017** > On behalf of Solid Rock, have worked as a subcontractor for Schmidt & Schmidt on multiple projects since 2016, both commercial and residential. > In this time, we have been impressed with the excellent management and high standards that Schmidt & Schmidt executes on their projects. They are detail-oriented, consistently responsive to customer needs and management of the project specifics, as well as communication to the subcontractors. I personally and professionally recommend Schmidt & Schmidt to our family and friends. **Comment from Dovetail Projects:** > Solid Rock - Thank you for the kind words. We hold our work to high standards and appreciate working with like-mined companies. > The Schmidt & Schmidt Construction Team **★★★★★ — Manifest Building, Aug. 2017** > We collaborated with Schmidt & Schmidt on a large remodel project - they did the construction and our firm was hired to do the landscape. It was a seamless process from start to finish. Their communication between us and the client was top-notch, their team is easy to work side-by-side and they are extremely professional from the management level to the workers. Not to mention their work is beautiful! Highly recommend working with them. **Comment from Dovetail Projects:** > EcoLawn - Thank you for the nice review. We are so happy you had a great experience with us. > The Schmidt & Schmidt Construction Team **★★★★★ — seanmclaughlin64, June 2015** > Schmidt & Schmidt did a massive renovation to our home. We have now been in the home 5 months and could not be happier. We worked very closely with Bruce Schmidt on nailing down what we wanted to see out of our renovation. Things went remarkably smooth for a renovation of this size and scope. We made changes on the fly, did some design on the fly and even purchased appliances and other major items on our own. None of this was a challenge for Schmidt and Schmidt. They went out of their way to make sure we could get what we wanted within our budget. I highly recommend them for building or renovating a home. Professionalism, knowledge and flexibility. **★★★★★ — User, June 2015** > I am a building designer and Schmidt & Schmidt Construction has built many of my projects. I have found them to be a very talented group to work with from office staff to construction workers. They do beautiful work from rough to finish. I have found them to be good problem solvers which can be very important sometimes in remodel or addition projects - not "how do I solve this?" - their attitude is always "here is the issue and this is how we think it can be solved". I my experience, they do excellent work at a reasonable price. I always look forward to working with Schmidt & Schmidt Construction. ## Selected projects - [Solvang Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/solvang-farmhouse-pj-vj~7165469) - Location: Solvang, CA - Photos: 23 - [Mid-Century Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-beach-house-pj-vj~6999890) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: Our team took this outdated and run down Mid-Century home and overhauled it to create a clean Beach house with a nod to its original Mid-Century structure. It's now a perfect fit for it’s young family and their elevated tastes. This project included a full remodel of the existing house, including a new exterior, new landscaping, a modern Kitchen, a reimagined Primary bedroom with new walk through closet and en suite, and a redesigned guest bath. This house proves that an updated house does not h… - [West Beach Town House Flip](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-beach-town-house-flip-pj-vj~6732570) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: We took this west beach townhouse from dated and dark to a light and bright coastal pied-a'-terre. We updated the flooring to a luxury vinyl plank that could withstand a direct walk home from the beach as well as kids and pets. The bathrooms got overhauled with new wood vanities, delta plumbing fixtures, and bedrosian Chloe tile showers. Finally the dated kitchen was updated with white shaker cabinets, walnut butcher block counters and new, energy efficient stainless steel appliances. A built in… - [Montecito Natural Modern Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montecito-natural-modern-ranch-pj-vj~6453109) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Our team took this traditional ranch and overhauled it to create a contemporary dream fit for it’s young family and their elevated tastes. This project included a 300 square foot kitchen addition as well as a full remodel of the existing house. This house proves that modern does not have to feel cold. We replaced the dated windows and doors with a full wall of Jeldwen windows, as well as a huge La Cantina multi slide door for ultimate entertaining. We added contemporary frameless interior doors,… - [Mission Canyon Spanish Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mission-canyon-spanish-contemporary-pj-vj~5766483) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: We built this "Spanish Contemporary" custom home in the Mission Canyon area of Santa Barbara from the ground up in collaboration with Manifest Building. The project seamlessly blends classic Santa Barbara style with contemporary finishes and all the modern amenities. The house boasts custom shaker cabinets in the kitchen and oversized pantry, wide plank engineered oak floors, Reynaers Bifold doors to the covered outdoor patio, generous 9.5 foot ceilings, as well as 3 beautifully designed bedroom… - [Las Ondas Transitional-Craftsman Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/las-ondas-transitional-craftsman-remodel-pj-vj~1191555) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Completed extensive design and remodel of 2000 square foot home: new kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, master suite, ocean view deck, and craftsman style exterior. \*Winner of the 2016 "Builder of the Year" award from the Santa Barbara Contractor's Association for Remodel under $500,000\* - [Camino Manadero](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/camino-manadero-pj-vj~2384408) - Location: Goleta, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Contemporary Craftsman Transformation This home started out a dated late-sixties ranch style, with finishes that did not match the breathtaking ocean and mountain views. We took the segmented floor plan and turned it into an open concept living space. The space boasts expansive custom windows and Bi-fold doors, custom built-ins and a stack stone fireplace to create the ultimate indoor/ outdoor entertainment space for friends and family. The clean kitchen design offers new stainless steel profess… - [Vineyard-Clean Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vineyard-clean-contemporary-pj-vj~2958052) - Location: Goleta, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This kitchen renovation created the dream kitchen for a young family who love to cook. Our team opened up the space to create room for a panty, 36” wolf range and double peninsulas for prep and dining with the kids. We installed custom shaker cabinets, clean quartz countertops, and a unique glass mosaic backsplash. The result is a clean, contemporary kitchen built for family entertaining. - [Hidden Valley Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hidden-valley-farmhouse-pj-vj~2905326) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Our team turned a 1960's home with a closed off floor plan into an open concept gourmet kitchen and dining space with French doors opening to the expansive yard. - [Coastal Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-guest-house-pj-vj~6864138) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This space was remodeled from an old den to a lovely Guest house. New vinyl plank floors throughout, a new kitchen layout and appliances, new closets, and a light and bright remodeled bathroom. - [Diamond Crest Traditional-Modern Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/diamond-crest-traditional-modern-kitchen-pj-vj~5838633) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: When a leak destroyed this homeowners' kitchen and laundry room, she took the opportunity to upgrade to something more in line with the caliber of the home. We designed the cabinets to compliment a beautiful dining hutch the client loved, and combined a mix of traditional style and high tech Miele appliances to create this "traditional- modern" kitchen good enough for a professional chef. The finishes include wood-look tile floors, custom alder cabinets, professional grade Miele appliances, Camb… - [Nueces Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nueces-renovation-pj-vj~5723870) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: We worked closely with our clients to transform a closed off and dark kitchen and two small baths into a light and bright contemporary kitchen, larger master bath and reconfigured guest bath perfect for visiting grandchildren. The kitchen has Cambria Quartz countertops, custom shaker cabinets, KitchenAid appliances, Brizo faucet and a marble hexagon backsplash. The master bath combines Carrera marble and slate for a clean and spa like feel. - [Bohemian Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bohemian-beach-house-pj-vj~4159545) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This cute 3 bedroom condo had the perfect location- but hadn’t been updated since the 1970s. Our team designed and renovated it from top to bottom. We added a powder bathroom on the main floor, opened up the wall to the kitchen to create an airy open concept that soaks in as much of the view as possible. We installed warm wood look tile throughout, beautiful new contemporary doors and windows, overhauled the existing bathrooms, added recessed lighting and decorative fixtures throughout and custo… - [Collector's Garage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/collector-s-garage-pj-vj~5697887) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 3 - [Spanish Contemporary ground up build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-contemporary-ground-up-build-pj-vj~5414867) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: This in process build of a Spanish style custom home seamlessly blends the quintessential Santa Barbara style with contemporary finishes for a perfect balance and all the modern creature comforts. Completion in Spring 2019 - [His and Hers Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/his-and-hers-master-bath-pj-vj~2006985) - Location: Solvang, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: S&S Co designed this "His and Hers" Master Bath Suite, connected by a custom walk through rain shower. Complete with quartzite waterfall edges, heated floors, towel warmers, jacuzzi tub and custom cabinets reflecting different feminine and masculine color palettes. - [La Vista Del Oceano- Awarding Winning New Construction 2010](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-vista-del-oceano-awarding-winning-new-construction-2010-pj-vj~1157470) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 8 - [Traditional Santa Ynez Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-santa-ynez-kitchen-pj-vj~1546236) - Location: Solvang, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This renovation project updated and upgraded a kitchen in a 1980’s Solvang contemporary Spanish home with outdated finishes and a relatively small kitchen workspace. The new owners had a vision to create an open and inviting Country Kitchen and to add square footage to create a formal dining space. The redesign included reconfiguring the interior walls and adding a small amount of square footage to the dining room to enhance a formal eating area and capitalize on the expansive mountain views. Th… - [Kitchen Remodels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodels-pj-vj~1003239) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 5 - [Our Work](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/our-work-pj-vj~1134286) - Location: Santa Barbara, CA - Photos: 7 [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dovetail-projects-pfvwus-pf~1100437219) ## Ideabooks - [beach flip](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/148470883/list/beach-flip) — 8 ideas - [kitchen design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73614737/list/kitchen-design) — 3 ideas - [Mid Century Mod](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129516509/list/mid-century-mod) — 1 idea - [1241 Deer Trail](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127953919/list/1241-deer-trail) — 6 ideas - [Exeter Bath 1](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125017016/list/exeter-bath-1) — 9 ideas - [Calabria reno](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81121613/list/calabria-reno) — 23 ideas - [Carp-Contemporary Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119637669/list/carp-contemporary-beach-house) — 10 ideas - [SC contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118973384/list/sc-contemporary) — 1 idea - [spanish style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61020723/list/spanish-style) — 33 ideas - [Del Parque- contemporary beach house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87444576/list/del-parque-contemporary-beach-house) — 35 ideas - [WERLIN Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110502657/list/werlin-kitchen) — 1 idea - [vineyard reno](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81121442/list/vineyard-reno) — 31 ideas - [exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71294486/list/exteriors) — 1 idea [See all 13 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/catherinecschmidt) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the fireplace** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the make and model you used? A: Hello, the fireplace stone is from Real Stone Systems, and the insert is made by Valor **Q: What is this accent tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* I'm curious what the accent tile is here. It's so lovely! A: Hi, yes indeed, this tile was purchased from home depot! **Q: great kitchen! what’s the color of the island?** *(in Photo Questions)* What’s the color of the kitchen island? I love it! A: Sorry for the delayed response- the paint color is Sherwin Williams "salty dog" **Q: Counterop material / color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Jaime, the countertop material is Cambria Quartz in SwanBridge **Q: what type of shower doors is this** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These are custom frameless glass doors through a local vendor, 3/8" thick glass if that helps. **Q: Exterior Color?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the color of the siding! Is this James Hardie? And what color? A: Yes, this is HardieShingle siding, I believe the color is Iron Gray --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*