--- title: "Chad Williams Designer Builder — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chad-williams-designer-builder-pfvwus-pf~1292995733 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1292995733.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Chad Williams Designer Builder" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9e93bc8807b7668c_0090-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Watsonville, California 95076, United States" latitude: 36.9294 longitude: -121.7727 phone: "(831) 588-9792" website: https://chadwilliamsdesigner.com rating: 4.6 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 35 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Chad Williams Designer Builder Original Houzz profile: [Chad Williams Designer Builder](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chad-williams-designer-builder-pfvwus-pf~1292995733) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Watsonville, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Los Gatos, Monterey, Live Oak, Soquel, Capitola, Rio Del Mar, Interlaken, Aptos, Seacliff, Freedom, Day Valley, Amesti, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pajaro, Aromas, Bonny Doon, Corralitos, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Elkhorn, Moss Landing, Carmel, Royal Oaks, Seabright - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 25 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - Online consultation - 40 years in business Chad Williams of CWDesignSolutions is a residential designer and builder in Santa Cruz County CA. With over 40 years of hands on experience in every phase of home building and remodeling. Chad tells us “ I have planned , designed, drafted and built with my own hands dozens and dozens of homes, remodeled them and added on to them. I take a complete comprehensive approach to every aspect of a project. Our goal is to make your dream come true. To meet your specific individual project needs.”. As an expert hands on tradesman, Chad Williams has a complete understanding of all materials and practices employed in residential construction. What is available, where to purchase and how to install. Chad is also a certified Green Building Professional. Producing several Near Net Zero designs for houses that are producing their own energy. Considering all aspects of site orientation, topography, micro environment, available energy sources to produce the most green, sustainable, energy efficient habitat for the location and your particular requirements. Chad donates a minimum of 10% of his net income monthly to charity. He is a hospice volunteer, active in his local church, an avid photographer, bicyclist, hiker, husband, father and grandfather. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Deck Building - Basement Remodeling - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Pool House Design & Construction - Porch Design & Construction - Project Management - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Attic Conversion - Barn Design & Construction - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Sustainable Design - Modular Home Additions - Structural Engineering - Site Preparation - Storm Shelter Construction - Floor Plans - 3D Home Design - 3D Rendering - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Bathroom Design - Building Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Home - Drafting - Garage Design - Historic Building Conservation - House Plans - Kitchen Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Remodeling - Space Planning - Universal Design - green building design - house plans design drafting - land use planning - net zero housing design ### Areas Served - San Jose - Santa Cruz - Watsonville - Los Gatos - Monterey - Live Oak - Soquel - Capitola - Rio Del Mar - Interlaken - Aptos - Seacliff - Freedom - Day Valley - Amesti - Carmel-by-the-Sea - Pajaro - Aromas - Bonny Doon - Corralitos - Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley - Elkhorn - Moss Landing - Carmel - Royal Oaks - Seabright ### Typical Job Cost $1,000 - 1.2 million No charge for initial consultation. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Chad Williams Designer Builder | | Address | Watsonville, California 95076, United States | | Phone | (831) 588-9792 | | Website | https://chadwilliamsdesigner.com | | License Number | B 392619 | | Followers on Houzz | 35 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/CWDesign-Soultions-110099115778639/ - Blog — chadwilliamsdesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Chad Williams Designer Builder](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chad-williams-designer-builder-pfvwus-pf~1292995733) - **Website:** https://chadwilliamsdesigner.com - **Phone:** (831) 588-9792 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed General Contractor, Certified Green Building Professional Build it Green 2014 - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2025), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 42.0 - Communication: 42.0 - Value: 44.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-523944399, March 2024** > I have had the pleasure of working with Chad Williams three different projects over the last 16 years. The first, was the remodeling of the severely dilapidated studio unit which Chad completely refurbished. Not only did he prepare all the plans and meet with the City of Santa Cruz building and planning departments to get the project approved, but then took over the responsibility as general contractor, and performed much of hands-on construction himself. The results of his work were phenomenal. > > The second project was the remodeling of two-bedroom unit in a duplex. Again, Chad prepared all the plans, obtained the building permit, and formed a lot of the hands-on construction through completion. And once again, the results were fantastic. > > Our last project together was the conversion of the studio unit described above into a ADU with a one-bedroom one bath unit including an additional loft sleeping area. For this project, Chad prepared all the drawings, made the submissions to the city and obtained approval for the conversion of the unit to the ADU. He then helped organized and presented bids from various contractors and subcontractors. > > During the time between the first two projects and the ADU conversion, Chad has focused his principal efforts on design and project management. I have met with Chad many times to discuss these projects, and on a personal level, found that he an enjoyable person to spend time with. He Is very knowledgeable, even-tempered, and efficient in all aspects of project design and management. If you are looking for an individual who can handle your whole project, Chad Williams is the man you should select. > > I would be happy to provide before and after photos and discuss my personal experience with Chad. Please feel free to contact me. Robert Shamblen, email address: certifiedcapital@aol.com **★★★★★ — Ron D'Aloisio & Mariann Rodriguez, Feb. 2024** > Chad was a God send for us. We had a previous contractor for a front deck who left us high and dry with an unfinished project when the contractor just quit his business with no notice. Luckily, we knew Chad, and he had two of his workers available to finish the project in a very professional and beautiful manner in five quick days of work, for a very reasonable price. It was a huge relief for us because we had been dealing with that project for nearly one year. > Excellent, very professional and personable contractor. We recommend him most highly. > Thank you again Chad. We are enjoying our front deck immensely. > Ron & Mariann **★★★★★ — Barbara, Feb. 2024** > Chad saved my ADU project that was severely mismanaged by a previous builder. He is amazing and has helped create a beautiful unit. **★★★★ — HU-693384500, Oct. 2021** > Chad was extremely helpful and picked up drawings for our ADU mid cycle when my current draftsman unexpectedly was not able to complete the project. He got hte work done quickly and stayed on top of things for us. We were very grateful he was able to push it through. **★★★★★ — L W, Oct. 2021** > In 2015, I built an Art Deco style house in Santa Cruz, California. Chad helped me with the drawings and the application for the building permit. He did an exceptional job. This year, 2021, I build another structure, an ADU on the same lot, I asked Chad to help again. This time, I did not have a stuctural engineer to work with the design. Chad used the Code book to design structure of the house according to my design. I got the permit in September 2021 and started building it now. I am very with Chad’s work. He is knowledgeable, professional, competent, and trust worthy. I highly recommend his service. > > Lw **★ — Julie Hughes, Sept. 2021** > Chad is a very nice man who talks a good game but did not deliver on my project. Chad hired a concrete company to replace my driveway, front steps and build concrete planter boxes, who treated my front yard like a dump. He was not on-site at the beginning of the job (or any day for that matter, until after the start of the days' work) and did not convey design information to the concrete contractor, which resulted in avoidable change orders. I had to go over the days' plans each morning with the concrete contractor to make sure the project was on track and being constructed correctly. He did not provide a porta-potty for the job (even though it was specified in the SOW) which ended up with some of the workers relieving themselves in my front yard. Trash and cigarette butts were left daily on the worksite, even after alerting him to this issue. Chad takes almost no responsibility for his errors unless pushed to do so. His attention to detail is lacking, to say the least. He backed out of several other aspects of the project, I assume, once he realized he had a client who knew basic construction protocol. While the end result was mostly acceptable, the process was stressful and was an unfortunate and costly mistake to hire him. **Comment from Chad Williams Designer Builder:** > I am deeply concerned when any client is dissatisfied. Whenever a problem arises, we work diligently to rectify it. > I am very sorry employing us left Ms. Hughes dissatisfied. > The process of having 8-10 workers in your front yard for over a week is certainly trying. > At the end of the job the landscape was repaired to as good or better than was existing. Site was left clean and debris free. I agree that the concrete contractor should have supplied a porta potty and that no one ever relived themselves on her site. > Our work is done exactly as described in the scope of work and per our daily discussions with the client. My self being on the job daily. > I know the client has had the work reviewed by other building professionals. This peer review found our work to meet highest industry standard. > Over the past 25 years I have had over a hundred satisfied clients. > I hope this one review does not erode my credibility. > That my positive track record out weights this negative review. > Sincerely, > Chad Williams Designer Builder > 10-14-2021 **★★★★ — Wes Hall, Aug. 2020** > We recently added a bathroom and expanded a bedroom in our house. Working with Chad from design to completion. Both he and his sub-contractors were professional and did everything to make the process as easy and non disruptive as possible, all our questions were answered, and people showed up on time. The project was finished just as the pandemic started, so I hope everyone is doing ok in these trying times. **Comment from Chad Williams Designer Builder:** > Hi Wess and Carol, > Hope all is well with you and family. You are wonderful people to work with. Honest and trusting I believe we formed a very clear and functional working relationship that enabled my team to provide the best of service to you. So you helped me do my job. > Thanks, > Chad Williams. **★★★★★ — Michael Nguyen, June 2020** > Chad is an expert in every aspects of his architectural design profession. With a very artistic skill, he helped remodeling my garage into a beautiful accessory dwelling unit. He also helped speedily obtaining the permit and working with the city through out the construction process. His many ideas and suggestions have saved me a lot of time and money putting into this project. Chad is wonderful person to work with. **Comment from Chad Williams Designer Builder:** > Thanks Dr. Mike > Dr. Mike allowed me to collaborate with him making a old run down building into a beautiful and functional ADU and storage. Thanks again Dr. Mike > Chad Williams **★★★★★ — Anton Kokarski, June 2020** > I've hired Chad to take over the design and permitting that my previous architect failed to deliver on. From the first engagement conversation, I knew Chad was a solid candidate with a structured approach. The project although it may seem simple required getting a variance and working through issues from various agencies plus a public hearing. All of that was tackled without any confusion or going back and forth for months. We are now on the second leg of the project, getting a building permit and it is huge relief to have Chad driving this through the county. Initially, I wanted someone to take care of the permitting process, but after working with Chad for some time I am going to use him as GC. > > If you want someone who knows how to work with the county, reasonable, punctual, experienced, and dependable, go for Chad. My only regret is not finding him a year earlier. **★★★★★ — L Winn, May 2020** > I hired Chad to draw the design I created for a rental residence and help facilitate the building permit process. Chad did an excellent job. He showed his knowledge and experience in his work. I highly recommend his service. I have recommended his service to a few people I know already. **Comment from Chad Williams Designer Builder:** > Mr Winn is a talented artist and designer. He is wonderful to work with. I am lucky to have had him as a client. > My Best, > Chad Williams **★★★★★ — Medina Project Construction Corp, Oct. 2016** > As a general contractor, I have worked with Chad from CWDesign Solutions on multiple remodel projects. Chad always delivers. Clients are extremely satisfied with the design. As a builder, I am always pleased that he considers construction during the design stage. I would highly recommend CWDesign Solutions when in need of a building designer. **★★★★★ — Gary UTILE, Oct. 2016** > I have enjoyed working with Chad on several occasions and have found Him to be reasonable, competent and creative. He responds quickly and I have gladly referred Him to others ## Selected projects - [CENTRAL COAST BEACH HOUSE REMODEL-ADDITION](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/central-coast-beach-house-remodel-addition-pj-vj~7368775) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Villa Sophia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/villa-sophia-pj-vj~6167066) - Location: Scotts Valley, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Designer Mediterranean Style large residence on acreage 4 bedroom 3 baths split level Designed with view of entry from lower patio, you can see who is knocking. - [1200 sq ft ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1200-sq-ft-adu-pj-vj~6167052) - Location: Watsonville, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: ADU 1200 sq ft with 17' high ceilings and extensive covered porches. Rafters are hand made 12x12 timber framed trusses. Required extensive geology studies administrated by CWDS. All permits documented and administrated. - [Designer Built Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/designer-built-craftsman-pj-vj~6167063) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: 3200 sq ft craftsman style 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath near Pleasure Point Planned , designed and built by CWDS. All permits documented and administrated. - [A Garage that could be a house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-garage-that-could-be-a-house-pj-vj~6685857) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: A garage that could be a house. 846 sq ft with 12' ht walls and 17/12 tutor style roof. Design, permits and construction recently completed by Chad Williams Designer Builder in Santa Cruz Mountains. GeoTech Butano Geotechnical Engineering Civil engineering Mike Goodhue Civil Engineering Structural Engineering R3 Consulting Engineers Earthwork and foundations Raymond Construction Framing Jeff Meyers Construction Electrical Tim Nestler Drywall Nine Start Drywall Painting Richard Tribble Painting R… - [Mountain Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-retreat-pj-vj~6203583) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: 1200 sq ft ADU qualified house with 2 separate master suites. This is a solar powered near net zero home making most all it's own energy. Vaulted wood ceilings throughout. Custom tile kitchen and bath. Reclaimed oak flooring . Exemplifies the cutting edge in sustainable construction. This is a great example of how small sq ft with limited wasted space can be a big little house. Planned , designed, documented and built by CWDS. - [Santa Cruz Custom Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-custom-cottage-pj-vj~6167056) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Unfinished out building remodeled into a getaway cottage. Required special land use consultation with city to meet code conformance. Land use planning by CWDS. All permits documented and administrated. - [New Art Deco Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-art-deco-home-pj-vj~6167053) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Art Deco design.Designed with owner 6 bedroom 3 bath in 1800 sqft intended to be a rental unit. West Side Santa Cruz Designed for owner who is an artist with great sense of simple, elegant detail. - [Santa Cruz Mountain Executive Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-mountain-executive-residence-pj-vj~6167064) - Location: Bonny Doon, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: 5 bedrooms 3 1/2 baths 1600 sq ft garage on acreage CWDS has subsequently designed for this owner an addition and a garage conversion to ADU. This site has 12kW solar installation by owner too. - [Second Story Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-story-addition-pj-vj~6167059) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Addition of second story to mid century ranch house. Required extensive structural retro fit. - [Aptos Hills Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aptos-hills-residence-pj-vj~6167061) - Location: Aptos, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Designed for builder. Large 2 bedroom 2 bath and art studio with separate entrance for Air B&B unit on acreage. All permits documented and administrated. Typical site development administration tasks of storm water drainage, roads developed, power sourced, installation of waste treatment and well. - [RE Build of House lost in CZU fire](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/re-build-of-house-lost-in-czu-fire-pj-vj~6733246) - Location: Boulder Creek, CA - Photos: 3 - [Just a Little Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/just-a-little-powder-room-pj-vj~6574974) - Location: Aptos, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Powder room added to existing hall. Using space previously not used did not need to add any square footage to house. Compact and efficient. Also added a sun tunnel for light. - [Accessory Dwelling Unit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/accessory-dwelling-unit-pj-vj~6576478) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 3 - [Home for a Family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-for-a-family-pj-vj~6203458) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: Large traditional family home . Vaulted ceilings, 4 bedrooms with 2 master suites. Large "cooks" kitchen. [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chad-williams-designer-builder-pfvwus-pf~1292995733) ## Ideabooks - [subs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167699754/list/subs) — 1 idea - [KITCHEN SINK FAUCETS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167542871/list/kitchen-sink-faucets) — 40 ideas - [kitchen sinks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167542611/list/kitchen-sinks) — 6 ideas - [Tub Shower Faucets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167501371/list/tub-shower-faucets) — 11 ideas - [gas fire place ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167500887/list/gas-fire-place-ideas) — 58 ideas - [Cabinet Knobs and Pulls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129293144/list/cabinet-knobs-and-pulls) — 35 ideas - [Counter Tops](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72986418/list/counter-tops) — 103 ideas - [Neo Angle Showers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72901702/list/neo-angle-showers) — 4 ideas - [Picture Moldings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72716349/list/picture-moldings) — 40 ideas - [Toilets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72548615/list/toilets) — 11 ideas - [Small House Floor plans](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72549891/list/small-house-floor-plans) — 55 ideas - [Sky Lights and Roof Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72552053/list/sky-lights-and-roof-windows) — 8 ideas - [Open Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72551026/list/open-kitchens) — 45 ideas - [Timber Frames](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72433498/list/timber-frames) — 37 ideas - [Libaries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72435710/list/libaries) — 32 ideas - [Courtyards](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72434643/list/courtyards) — 31 ideas - [Mini 1/2 Bath Fixtures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72217797/list/mini-1-2-bath-fixtures) — 37 ideas - [Mini Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72221587/list/mini-kitchens) — 4 ideas [See all 18 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/designbychad) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*