--- title: "James D. Rogers, Builder — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/james-d-rogers-builder-pfvwus-pf~2080591845 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2080591845.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "James D. Rogers, Builder" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7433f446000250b9_6932-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Lafayette, California 94549, United States" latitude: 37.8961 longitude: -122.1119 phone: "(510) 406-3217" website: http://jdrbuilder.com rating: 5 review_count: 9 followers: 233 last_updated: 2026-09-10 --- # James D. Rogers, Builder Original Houzz profile: [James D. Rogers, Builder](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/james-d-rogers-builder-pfvwus-pf~2080591845) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Lafayette, CA - **Serves:** Oakland, Concord, Berkeley, Richmond, San Ramon, Alameda, Walnut Creek, Danville, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, Emeryville, El Sobrante, Piedmont, Diablo, Canyon - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves James D. Rogers, Builder has focused on crafting homes in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly three decades. A master builder and designer with longstanding ties to exceptional tradesmen, James personally secures your investment with immediate answers, reliable schedules, accurate budgets and honest results. We select our connections carefully and make them strong. Because we commit our attention without compromise, we shape concepts into homes we can stand by for a lifetime. Our thoughtful practice of construction achieves your vision with clarity and skill. Our availability keeps us accountable. And our fluency in meaningful design creates buildings that respect every detail of their inspiration and surroundings. After almost fifty years in construction, James knows what makes a good builder. We choose the right team for each project from the fully licensed and insured subcontractors who’ve earned our trust over decades of collaboration. Responsive, energetic and loyal, our people bring their best to what we build together, because we value their expertise, engage their creativity and cultivate their partnership over the long term. You’ll work directly with James, but you can count on all of us. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Building Design - Construction Drawings - Historic Building Conservation - Kitchen Design - Swimming Pool Construction ### Areas Served - Oakland - Concord - Berkeley - Richmond - San Ramon - Alameda - Walnut Creek - Danville - Martinez - Pleasant Hill - San Pablo - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Alamo - Emeryville - El Sobrante - Piedmont - Diablo - Canyon ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 5 million Custom Home Builder and Luxury Home Remodeling in Lafayette, Piedmont, Montclair, Berkeley, and Orinda, CA ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | James D. Rogers, Builder | | Address | Lafayette, California 94549, United States | | Phone | (510) 406-3217 | | Website | http://jdrbuilder.com | | License Number | B-561126 | | Followers on Houzz | 233 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.jdrbuilder.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [James D. Rogers, Builder](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/james-d-rogers-builder-pfvwus-pf~2080591845) - **Website:** http://jdrbuilder.com - **Phone:** (510) 406-3217 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA National, Re-Green Housing Award, City of Piedmont, Award Winner for Best Contemporary Residence and Best Historic Preservation of Secondary Unit, 2014 ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — ODS Architecture, Aug. 2016** > We have worked with them on several large residential construction projects beginning in 2014 and continue to rely on them as an important resource for us and our clients. Their caring and concern, support and attention to detail, knowledge and experience of all phases of the design and construction process including being there at design review and planning meetings, is invaluable. > > Having recently completed a new five-thousand plus square foot home on a challenging uphill lot with them was a difficult process that involved building a new elevated swimming pool deck with walkable skylights, large retaining walls to carve out a hillside site for the house that included a technologically complex home with elevators and whole house computer automation. > > We continue to work with them on projects and look forward to future collaborations. **★★★★★ — cohen848, Sept. 2014** > James was my contractor from concept through completion on a major remodel of a distinguished arts & crafts house in Berkeley. He and his workers respected the integrity of the architecture and enhanced its beauty with top-notch craftmanship. He knows his stuff and goes the extra mile and then some to do it right. **★★★★★ — magbarber, Sept. 2014** > James Rogers has worked with my husband and me to build a playroom, two additional bedrooms, a pool and a poolhouse here at our house in Orinda. He is wonderful to work with -- easy going, responsive, creative, punctual with an amazing attention to detail. Additionally, James hires the most trust worthy, hard working, nice guys to complete the projects. I cannot sing his praises enough. We would never hire anyone else to do a project for us! **★★★★★ — 915kanecircle, Sept. 2014** > Building a home with James Rogers was a delight! His professionalism, knowledge, and calm approach enabled our project to become a reality. James not only has a wonderful relationship with his client but with architect, employees, and subcontractors. This quality enabled him to meet our construction loan deadline with ease! James was not only our builder, he designed our kitchen, family room, and covered patio. His creative eye and attention to detail provided high end finishes. His follow up was greatly appreciated after the project was completed and into the landscape phase of this project. I highly recommend James! **★★★★★ — Dream Business Coaching, Aug. 2014** > As a business consultant for the construction industry for over 30 years I've worked with hundreds of contractors. I find James exceptional in his attention to detail and his focus on the relationship with the client and architect. Since James entire life has been dedicated to building quality homes he brings a depth of experience that is difficult to find in the bay area. He really understands the importance of value engineering and can implement it without compromising the design intent. I highly recommend James. **★★★★★ — lupitarsutton, Feb. 2013** > I bought the house with the idea of turning it into a Spanish-California house. The project became more complicated when both my architect and James decided it was better to tear down the whole structure and start from scratch, it would cost the same and I would end up with basically a new house. The project took about 18 months and I was delighted with the result. Last year we won the award for the best remodel in Orinda. James has been wonderful in coming back, without charge, for a leak from an upper window and has managed to get a new door for the dining room that was defective. I would recommend both my architec and my contractor to anyone that expected a excellent job. Lupita R Sutton. **★★★★★ — Applegate Tran Interiors, Feb. 2013** > We collaborated with James Rogers on an amazing project in Orinda. This project required a high level of finishing and details. The result was positive for all that involved. I am so proud to be a part of this project due to the execution of his firm. It was flawless. **★★★★★ — jdvanhof, Feb. 2013** > We hired James in 2007 to construct a high end Craftsman home on an extremely unique 15 acre view property in Lafayette. In summary, we could not have been happier with his service. In particular: > 1\. We had a great deal of difficulty gaining approval with the city planning office and James helped us for almost 2 years while we worked through the issues. Without his help I doubt we would have stayed with the project. > 2\. Since I had experience in contracting, I was adamant that we keep detailed budgets and review regularly. James met all my expectations. > 3\. He brought only the best subcontractors in all phases. We loved them all. > 4\. His pride in workmanship showed throughout the project. He basically lived at the site and managed all phases. > We love the home and have become good friends with James and his family. I couldn't recommend him higher. **★★★★★ — suzsmith, Feb. 2013** > James is an experienced professional who provided us with expertise in residential design and building, a creative eye, superior subcontractors, patience under fire, meticulous attention to detail and continued follow-up after completion of the job. His ability to integrate and enhance existing structures with new construction resulted in an exceptional product that exceeded our expectations. Numerous design and building professionals have commented on the beauty and superiority of the workmanship in our home, which was featured in numerous publications. James was also clear, detailed, prompt, and collaborative in all estimating and billing matters, allowing us to plan financing effectively throughout the project. I recommend James without reservation. ## Selected projects - [SUBURBAN RANCH](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-ranch-pj-vj~118815) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: After 15 years in their 1970’s suburban ranch house, our clients requested a complete remodel. As landscape designers, gourmands and artifact collectors, they wanted an open floor plan with room to cook, custom cabinetry to display their eclectic collections and abundance of exterior interludes. We created a new structural logic, replacing the two-story western wall with four glass doors that opened up the living room and double-island kitchen (including wood burning oven and beverage station) t… - [ORINDA HOMESTEAD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orinda-homestead-pj-vj~112999) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Our client moved to an Orinda ridge top a few doors away from her daughter and three granddaughters to become part their everyday lives. Rather than renovate the existing 1970’s structure, we recycled it down to the foundation to build a hacienda of her dreams and bring to life memories from her past. Taking the original structure down to the foundation saved both time and money, and let architect Fred Hyer to perfectly blend Mediterranean and Mexican architecture that resonated more strongly an… - [NEW ENGLAND FARMHOUSE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-england-farmhouse-pj-vj~118861) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This cluster of four Salt Box buildings on a secluded stretch of Happy Valley Creek mimics a New England small village in the woods. Using time-honored methods, cedar shingles were laid individually on the exterior. The oversized residence is trimmed in true divided light windows and doors. A great room with vaulted paneled ceiling combines the kitchen and living area to gather the family at the core of the house while enclosed corridors run to the three separate wings of the sleeping quarters,… - [BUNGALOW IN LAFAYETTE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bungalow-in-lafayette-pj-vj~103216) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: Retiring from careers in aerospace, engineering and medicine to a 15-acre hilltop in Lafayette encircled by oaks and vistas, we built the owners an updated 21st century craftsman bungalow designed by Richard Bartlett in the handmade tradition of the Greene Brothers of the early 1900’s. The exterior of the home combines Western red cedar, copper trim and stone, as graceful in impression as the Chinese antiques and English botanical prints arrayed inside. Metal-clad Douglas fir doors and windows f… - [HACIENDA LIVING](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hacienda-living-pj-vj~113007) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: As architect, designer and builder, we rebuilt a 1949 ranch house into an approachable and more functional 21st century California hacienda. From the street, a glimpse of the residence peeks invitingly through pine trees. Artfully rusted wrought-iron gates yield to mossy garden walks of antique brick that wind past purposely cracked stucco walls and grayed woodwork to a recycled front door, evoking a long history in place. A paved courtyard surrounds the residence allowing nature to be just step… - [CALIFORNIA GREEN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-green-pj-vj~103210) - Location: Niles, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: 2009 AIA National, Re-Green Housing Award Antique residence in the historic Niles district of Fremont, California doubled in size with an extension using historic conservation with modern green practices resulting in an energy efficient dwelling for a family of four. - [KITCHENS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~638094) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: For many of our clients, the kitchen is the most important room of their residence. To quote a popular phrase, “like it or not, everybody ends up in the kitchen.” A beautifully designed and built kitchen is crucial for people for both the function of serving up meals as well as another room for their entertainment needs. The kitchens built by James D. Rogers Builder range from remodels of quintessential Julia Morgan residences to Mediterranean masterpieces to stainless steel showcases. - [JULIA MORGAN RESTORATION](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/julia-morgan-restoration-pj-vj~103205) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: The restoration and remodel in Berkeley of a classic Julia Morgan residence celebrates the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement with the historic architect’s use of simple materials mixed with superb craftsmanship. The redwood beams of the home abound through-out as seen in the 1st floor sitting room, foyer and dining room. - Photography \| Jeff Anderson - [IN PROGRESS: REDWOOD VALLEY RAILWAY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-progress-redwood-valley-railway-pj-vj~638301) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: The Redwood Valley Railway, an East Bay entertainment treasure, was founded in 1952 by Western Pacific mechanical engineer, Erich Thomsen, a career railroad man and preservationist. This 15" gauge miniature railway is located in Tilden Regional Park high above San Francisco near Berkeley, California. The railroad now under the care of his daughter, Ellen Thomsen, went under a restoration of its main barn where the five oil-fired steam locomotives are housed. - [UNDER CONSTRUCTION](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/under-construction-pj-vj~637100) - Location: Orinda, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: The 4,500 square foot residence in Orinda, California, sited on 1 acre optimizes the Southwest exposure to the sun. The home’s large overhanging roof further highlights the wooden siding and rain-screens, stucco details and open beam butterfly roof. The interior has an open floor plan that allows one room to flow easily into the next, all the more open by massive wall-to-wall windows revealing the vista beyond. - [MODERN IN WOODSIDE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-in-woodside-pj-vj~103197) - Location: Woodside, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Contemporary masterpiece at one with the natural Californian environment. Custom built for a renowned designer/writer and a textile artist, this 3000 sq. foot home sits on 17 acres in Woodside with soaring walls of glass and open floor plan. Featured in Dwell Magazine, the galvanized aluminum roof overhangs the cinder block and redwood siding residence creating a modern mixture of building materials. The interior is cleverly divided by a center hallway to separate living space from workspace in… - [PLAYHOUSE IN PIEDMONT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/playhouse-in-piedmont-pj-vj~950482) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Playhouse of Yesteryear Becomes a Garden Retreat of Today Once upon a time, little girls and boys frolicked in a playhouse tucked into a corner of a grand 1912 estate on Sea View Avenue in Piedmont designed by the renowned architect Willis Polk. When the estate's land was sub-divided in 1984, the playhouse was allocated to a lot on Hampton Court. After the meticulous restoration of this Victorian playhouse, a beautiful garden sanctuary is now enjoyed by the present owners. 2014 Award for Excelle… [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/james-d-rogers-builder-pfvwus-pf~2080591845) ## Ideabooks - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83832288/list/bathrooms) — 4 ideas - [Garden Retreats](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46526541/list/garden-retreats) — 12 ideas - [Landscapes/Hardscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29392455/list/landscapes-hardscapes) — 20 ideas - [Kitchen Islands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29578366/list/kitchen-islands) — 5 ideas - [Entrance Ways/Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/38568681/list/entrance-ways-doors) — 4 ideas - [Glass and Translucency](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43789211/list/glass-and-translucency) — 2 ideas - [JDRB: Memorable](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3296869/list/jdrb-memorable) — 17 ideas - [Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29583295/list/windows) — 8 ideas - [Rafters](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30150246/list/rafters) — 3 ideas - [Fire pits](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8514436/list/fire-pits) — 12 ideas - [Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29393317/list/pools) — 8 ideas - [Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29622052/list/storage) — 5 ideas - [Moldings/Cornices](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28394021/list/moldings-cornices) — 1 idea - [Steel Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12282422/list/steel-stairs) — 7 ideas - [Pavers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8961139/list/pavers) — 11 ideas - [Modern Steel Gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8542786/list/modern-steel-gates) — 6 ideas - [Mangus](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3296681/list/mangus) — 25 ideas [See all 17 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jdrb) ## Community Q&A **Q: Shingles** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of shingles did you use? Will they weather to gray or are you staining them? Can you let them weather before installation? A: Thank you for your inquiry. The shingles on the New England Farmhouse are western red cedar. They were not stained and will weather naturally. I imagine you could attempt to allow shingles to weather before installing. However, it would be more cost effective and natural to do so after installation. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. James **Q: Where did you get the floor tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you A: So sorry for the delayed response. I purchased these tiles at Import Tile in Berkeley. 611 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710 Tel. 888.843.5959. Please let me know if you need any further assistance. **Q: Wall length?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the length of the wall from the refrigerator to the double ovens? A: Thank you for your inquiry. The length of the wall was 9' from refrigerator to the double ovens. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. **Q: Counter/sink** *(in Photo Questions)* May I ask who fabricated your stainless steel counter and integral sink, plus what is the patina? Nice! Thanks. A: The stainless steel counter/sink was custom made by Berlin Food Equipment in San Francisco. The finish was brushed to match appliances. **Q: door behind stove** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi. Beautiful kitchen. Just curious. What is in the space behind the stove/oven? Pantry? Bath? I see a door and am curious. Thanks so much! A: Thank you for your inquiry. The door leads to a well-stocked pantry for additional storage options and to keep the kitchen clutter-free. **Q: Where can you buy the blue backsplash tile** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your inquiry about the tile is the COLORFUL MEDITERRANEAN kitchen. I purchased the tiles at Import Tiles in Berkeley, California. It is a great resource for Talavera azulejos and trim from Dolores Hildago. Let me know If I can be of any further assistance. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-10.*