--- title: "DLR Custom Builders — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dlr-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1258571906 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1258571906.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "DLR Custom Builders" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/11831399011d92d1_4796-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "2160 41st Avenue, Oakland, California 94601, United States" latitude: 37.7806 longitude: -122.2166 phone: "(510) 384-5497" website: http://dlrcb.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 years_in_business: 37 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 144 last_updated: 2026-09-06 --- # DLR Custom Builders > East Bay Design Build Contractor > Best of Houzz Winner Original Houzz profile: [DLR Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dlr-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1258571906) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Oakland, CA - **Serves:** Oakland, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, Alameda, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Emeryville, Piedmont - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Industry Research - Barometer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Family owned - Offers Custom Work - 37 years in business - Verified Hires - Hired on Houzz ### Business highlights - Family owned - 37 years in business - Offers Custom Work - 1 Verified Hire - 1 Hire on Houzz Projects designed and supervised by principal with unparalleled installation and design experience. All projects budgeted using the most widely respected pricing system in the construction industry today. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Basement Remodeling - Garage Building - Home Restoration - House Framing - Attic Conversion - Attic Restoration ### Areas Served - Oakland - Hayward - Berkeley - San Leandro - Alameda - Castro Valley - San Lorenzo - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Emeryville - Piedmont ### Typical Job Cost 50,000 - 3000000+ Budgets produced using the most widely used construction pricing system available. All projects contracted on a Not-to-Exceed basis. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | DLR Custom Builders | | Address | 2160 41st Avenue, Oakland, California 94601, United States | | Phone | (510) 384-5497 | | Website | http://dlrcb.com | | License Number | 436951 | | Years in business | 37 | | Followers on Houzz | 144 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [DLR Custom Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dlr-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1258571906) - **Website:** http://dlrcb.com - **Phone:** (510) 384-5497 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 436951 - Type: B - GENERAL BUILDING - Issued by: Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board **Certifications & Awards** - Current & past affiliations: NAHB member; NARI past chapter president; BIA member; Oakland/Berkeley Splinter Group member; BBB member; Trades Guild member; St. Lawrence O'Toole Parish Council Charman. - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Janet Rogers, Sept. 2020** > This review is very belated but hopefully that doesn't reflect on the sincerity of my wholehearted recommendation of DLR Custom Builders. I actually met DLR early in 2014 when I was looking at bidding on a distressed property in a lovely part of Oakland. The property was a mess. The house was built in 1929 and had not been updated at all nor had it been well maintained. There was severe structural damage and nothing on the interior would have met current occupancy codes. But I fell in love with the potential and contacted DLR to get some input on what it would take to restore the house. Daniel Ramirez (owner of DLR) gave me a lot of input, ideas and suggestions prior to my making an offer on the property and has done all the work to completely renovate the house top to bottom. DLR has such talented craftsmen and the end product is just what I dreamed of. What was once a neighborhood eyesore is now a neighborhood showplace!! Thanks DLR you're the best. ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — mollyautry, Aug. 2016** > Daniel Ramierez and his crew transformed our 1906 bedroom into a sumptuous master suite. They redesigned the footprint of a smaller bedroom and transformed it into a carrerra marble classic style that opens to our larger bedroom. The bedroom demolition revealed a coffered ceiling which had been covered in the 1970's and added 10" in height to the room. They also installed an antique, period appropriate, maple fireplace surround against the main wall and installed an insert that we love to use in the winter. Our "old growth" fir floors were revealed under the oak hardwood and the stain and finish on them is beautiful. > > DLR use a software program for estimating that is easy to understand and adjust upon need and the estimates were always very close to the actual cost. Daniel and all of his crew were a pleasure to work with and were always on time, efficient and neat. > > I would definitely call them again and highly recommend them to anyone with a detail sensitive, high end project. Molly **★★★★★ — lorenzo9494, Jan. 2015** > "I've contracted, partnered, or consulted with DLR Custom Builders on various projects over a number of years. They have performed Seismic Upgrade work on a multi-story apartment building, consultation on a mixed use Store Front/Apartment Building complex and a new home currently scheduled for construction, Tenant Improvements, Design-Build on a new hillside home, and numerous Design-Build home restoration projects. I consider Daniel to be the most knowledgable and honest Builder I've worked with. DLR Custom Builders has an incomparable group of talented and loyal lead men that Daniel has trained himself, and a seemingly endless network of installers at his disposal." I have developed properties for 30 years and Daniel Ramirez is my go to contractor. > Lorenzo Frediani **★★★★★ — carmenortizoakland, Dec. 2014** > "DLR Custom Builders performed a large Tenant Improvement project for me. They raised an existing single story house and constructed two 1 bedroom apartments under it on the new lower level. They also remodeled the existing home and installed all new hardscape and landscaping throughout the property. It turned out absolutely beautiful and also came in on budget. I still occasionally call on Daniel for advise and support regarding the property and he is always happy to help me out." **★★★★★ — dlrbldr, Dec. 2014** > We are home owners and have been working with DLR Custom Builders since 1984. We have hired them for several projects that included design, execution as well as finish work. We have been very pleased and have referred DLR to others through the years. They are punctual and Daniel’s team has always been professional and respectful of our space as well as our time. Because of time constraints he could not do one of our projects. We hired another contractor and had DLR/ Daniel as a consultant. Daniel suggested a few changes and worked well with the team on hand. He was very diplomatic and his suggestions were implemented with enthusiasm. **★★★★★ — David Gerstel, Dec. 2014** > As a builder with 45 years experience, and as the author of a book on construction company management that has been the best seller in its field for a quarter of a century, I admire the values Dan brings to the operation of his company. In fact, I have interviewed Dan for two of my books. He has contributed substantially to both of them. His company is strikingly well organized; and Dan is passionate about his work, has a strong sense of spatial design and architectural detail, and is deeply knowledgeable about construction technology. Dan is supportive and profoundly respectful of the team of artisans he employs, practices that I have observed to be critical to successful building project delivery. In my experience, clients in need of building services can be especially well served by highly experienced yet compact companies deploying trusted, long term employees and led by owners who are not just selling jobs but are in close contact with their projects from conception through completion. Such companies are hard to find. They are rare. DLR is one of the few. ---- David Gerstel/Builder **★★★★★ — msantoli, Jan. 2014** > DLR Custom Builders did a superb job with both the design and construction of our remodel. Daniel was a pleasure to work with throughout the whole remodeling process. Daniel is both exceptional in his craft and honest. > > The bathroom, kitchen and laundry room design work that Daniel did took our ideas and made them happen. Daniel's design plans provided creative solutions and stunning design. He was able to maximize every inch of space with great attention to detail. > > DLR Custom Builder's crew did outstanding workmanship. Also, they were always courteous, professional and responsible. Daniel always selects the best subcontractors. > > When family and friends come to our new home we get rave reviews and compliments on how beautiful the remodel rooms look. We would hire Daniel again without hesitation! **★★★★★ — jake\_sorensen, Dec. 2013** > DLR did an excellent basement remodel for us. Daniel did all of our drafting and design work, and the crew did a great job implementing our vision. The final product is outstanding, with a beautiful bathroom, guest bedroom, sitting room, laundry room and wine cellar. It transformed the space to a warm, inviting and comfortable area. **★★★★★ — jancrum, Dec. 2013** > Beginning in 1993, we have had DLR Custom Builders do several large projects for us. They include a kitchen/laundry room remodel, master bath addition and master suite remodel, central heating, and an attic conversion with stairway addition. They have also done some minor repairs and upgrades throughout the years. > Daniel's work is fantastic!! He and his well-trained crew have a wonderful work ethic. They care about the job! All work is done in a timely manner. No shoddy work is tolerated. Every job done for us has been A-1! The work is done so well that everything still looks great! Daniel is a topnotch designer and works to integrate the customer's ideas with some of his own. The results are always beautiful! We very highly recommend this company for any work you are considering having done. You won't be sorry!!! > > Curtis and Janice Crum **Comment from DLR Custom Builders:** > Curtis and Janice are quality people and consequently prized customers. We'll be adding pictures of the projects we've performed for them on Houzz in the near future. **★★★★★ — Keller Williams Realty, Oct. 2013** > Daniel is a good man and contractor he has a high standard for his work and is very ethical. > All of his work and crew show pride of tradesman professionalism his crew have a good eye for details, > All of his work show pride, experience,and is always in touch with all up to date styles and trend and innovations. > He worked on my house and I was very happy of his work and price was reasonable for the kind of HIGH QUALITY WORK he does and is always on time. > These five stars do not give him enough credibility HE NEEDS 10 more. :) :) > > He remodeled my home when it caught on fire and he helped me redesign the > lay out of the house. He made it more fluid to maximize the small space I had. > Put laundry in house and you can not tell it is in hall way other than that this man is great. One of the best contractors around... **★★★★★ — tbrowne01, Oct. 2013** > Dan (DLR) is a top notch contractor. In addition to being the most honest contractor around, Dan and his crew do amazing work. Dan and his tradesmen are perfectionists and make sure all of their work is done with the utmost integrity and professionalism. Dan will go above and beyond to work with and listen to his customers. I would recommend Dan (DLR) to anyone looking for high quality construction work in the Bay Area at a reasonable cost. Check out the DLR Houzz link to appreciate his fine work in Piedmont, Oakland and other places: http://www.houzz.com/pro/dlrcb/dlr-custom-builders. **★★★★★ — propman247, Aug. 2013** > They helped restore my house after a fire. Daniel was exceptionally creative in helping us get back on our feet. We got the kitchen we really needed. He subsequently done work for my sister and other friends who saw my house. ## Selected projects - [Estates, Piedmont Full Home Fire Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/estates-piedmont-full-home-fire-restoration-pj-vj~6533021) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 42 - [Mandana Blvd. Whole Property Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mandana-blvd-whole-property-restoration-pj-vj~1935219) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 54 - Description: Whole property restoration. The epitome of modern urban living. A short walk from the Lakeshore district in Oakland. This property was in extreme need of repairs to both the home and the grounds. Designed in collaboration with Levitch Associates, Inc., landscaping design and installation by Lazar Landscape Design. Interior design by MAS Design. - [Ruthland, New Home Oakland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ruthland-new-home-oakland-pj-vj~171573) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Design/Build custom hillside home. Mediterranean style, 3,400+ square feet, 4 bedrooms, home office, gym/storage room, 3 1/2 baths, laundry rooms in upper and lower floors, three fireplaces, elevator shaft, and wine cellar. Faux stone colored concrete lower floor. Main floor hardwood throughout with hardwood lower floor to main floor and main floor to upper floor stairways. Custom cabinetry throughout. Rear yard deck off of 2nd and 3rd bedrooms. - [Excelsior, Oakland Kitchen Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/excelsior-oakland-kitchen-restoration-pj-vj~6488628) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 8 - [Highland, Piedmont Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highland-piedmont-restoration-pj-vj~169397) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Restoration of home & grounds. Constructed in early 1930's with no significant changes to original design to acommodate today's lifestyles. Challenges: Outbid other interested buyers; Restore home retaining existing architectural detail; Remodel to suit current lifestyles; Perform quality improvements at a price point well below what local contractors would charge for similar work; Sell and turn a profit. - [Wood, Oakland Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wood-oakland-restoration-pj-vj~276805) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Whole property restoration. 1940's hillside home. Last remodeled in 1970's. Required many structural improvements, updating of finishes, elimination of quirky details, in need of a major upgrades to the master suite, bathrooms and kitchen. Completed in 3 months. Sold in two weeks.. - [Estrella, Piedmont Kitchen & Main Floor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/estrella-piedmont-kitchen-and-main-floor-pj-vj~436220) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: Beautiful home in Piedmont, CA in need of a new kitchen and numerous tweaks throughout the main floor level. A successful collaboration between new owners with cutting edge, eclectic taste and our father-daughter design team delivered attractive results throughout. - [French Bistro Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-bistro-kitchen-pj-vj~5654644) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 49 - Description: Fabulous 575+ square foot dream kitchen with all the amenities. Salvaged, re-milled, fumed & pre-finished oak hardwood floor by Waterworks installed with chevron design; Christopher Peacock cabinets, hand painted with exclusive C. Peacock paint line colors produced by Paints of Europe; coffered ceiling; french light fixtures, All Wolf/Sub-zero appliances; calcutta marble counter-tops & range wall; Waterworks finish plumbing fixtures; dual ovens, refrigerator/freezers, and dishwashers; Control-4,… - [Celestial Butler's Pantry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/celestial-butler-s-pantry-pj-vj~5654905) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [King, Piedmont Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/king-piedmont-restoration-pj-vj~172151) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Design/Build Project; 1920's contemporary/Craftsman style home in Piedmont, CA. Remodeled and restored. One thousand square feet at the front of basement converted into inhabitable space consisting of; master suite, family room; half bath, laundry and utility room. Purchase to sale just over 6 months. Sold above list price in one week. - [Coffered ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coffered-ceilings-pj-vj~5416885) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: Variety of uniquely designed and installed coffered ceilings. - [Greenbank, Piedmont Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenbank-piedmont-restoration-pj-vj~197101) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Complete property restoration & remodel. Previously a 960 square foot, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, home with a 1 car garage. At completion a 2,200 square foot, 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home, with a two car garage. - [41st Avenue Kitchen Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/41st-avenue-kitchen-update-pj-vj~350785) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Dated early 90's kitchen with raised panel natural oak cabinet doors, laminate countertops and vinyl flooring updated to provide fresh look and feel. - [Pala, Piedmont Master Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pala-piedmont-master-suite-pj-vj~196140) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Period restoration and remodel of an existing master suite that had been created in 60's or 70's in this beautiful turn of the 20th century home. The entire area was de-constructed. All salvageable trim, doors and windows were restored and re-used. A beautiful coffered ceiling that had been hidden in the decades earlier remodel was repaired and once again exposed. - [Home Gym](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-gym-pj-vj~5628315) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Work Studio with Sleeping Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/work-studio-with-sleeping-loft-pj-vj~1930479) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Re-purpose attic and existing bedroom into Work Studio and Sleeping Loft. - [San Francisco Excelsior District Duplex Tenant Improvement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-excelsior-district-duplex-tenant-improvement-pj-vj~1930536) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 38 - [New Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-suite-pj-vj~5416838) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: Hillsborough Suite . Floor added to upper section of tower to create additional footage within existing house footprint for new bath and creation of a "suite". Custom designed crown and baseboard, silk wallpaper, slow close pocket doors with gold finished door hardware. Reclaimed hardwood floor and bathroom plumbing faucets by Waterworks. - [Hillsborough Master Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillsborough-master-bedroom-pj-vj~5416913) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [All Glass & Marble Master Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/all-glass-and-marble-master-bathroom-pj-vj~5655384) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 [See all 29 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dlr-custom-builders-pfvwus-pf~1258571906) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840713878.m3u8?s=c15c0303bafa3938600e0a3aa699c78c2aed278f&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Ideabooks - [Santoli Bathroom, kitchen & laundry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8135472/list/santoli-bathroom-kitchen-laundry) — 21 ideas - [Horno](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162664906/list/horno) — 9 ideas - [Front Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101050341/list/front-garden) — 25 ideas - [Window Sashes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101512019/list/window-sashes) — 7 ideas - [Picket Fencing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/99606942/list/picket-fencing) — 18 ideas - [Kitchen Islands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78285939/list/kitchen-islands) — 27 ideas - [Houzz Conference](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69955331/list/houzz-conference) — 3 ideas - [Daniela's Loft](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/33317667/list/daniela-s-loft) — 11 ideas - [Jimmy & Mario Design Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26907784/list/jimmy-mario-design-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dlrcb) ## Community Q&A **Q: What brand and color of paint is on the cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's a Kelly Moore color. Don't recall which. The paint is conversion varnish. it was color matched and purchased from Moyer's Paint in San Leandro, Ca. Conversion varnish is heartier than lacquer, but it's much more of a challenge to spec. It is a two part paint. Not all cabinetmakers are willing to use it. You need to get more than enough to do the job because if you go back for more it almost certainly will not match. It's also about $100.00 per gallon, and only sold by the gallon. It's the only stuff we'll use. Good luck. **Q: Can you tell me the wall color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Definitely a Benjamin Moore color if that helps at all. **Q: Paint is perfect! Color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: White Linen by Benjamin Moore. **Q: How much was the total cost of this reno ?** *(in Photo Questions)* I would like to know the per sqft cost that you charge for a renovation. My home is a 1960 built we are looking forward to do a complete reno or add a second floor to the house. A: Don't have the breakdown for just the house. If your project includes something like the following scope of work: full property restoration, exterior retaining walls, new driveway and entry hardscape, large backyard concrete patio, new fences, drainage, landscaping w/irrigation, digging out 3/4 of the basement with retaining walls around most of the perimeter, attached double car garage; two additions totaling 750 s.f.; conversion of 500 s.f. of basement/crawl space into lower floor living space; new roof; all new heating, plumbing, and electrical installations; plus the 4 bedroom/3.5 bath home you see in the HOUZZ pictures. Cost was approximately $325-$355 per s.f. Not sure how helpful this is. Too many big ticket variables. When you decide to draw a finer line to answer this question give us a call. **Q: what are the dimensions of this kitchen?** *(in Photo Questions)* not including the great room space? is there anything on the opposite wall? A: thought i'd answered this question. 14' square. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*