--- title: "Big Red Construction — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/big-red-construction-pfvwus-pf~402881587 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~402881587.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Big Red Construction" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/33a3a1a60ff1e84d_8054-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "946 Hough Avenue, Lafayette, California 94549, United States" latitude: 37.8961 longitude: -122.1119 phone: "(925) 962-0145" website: http://bigredconstructionlafayette.houzz.com rating: 4.5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 74 last_updated: 2026-09-06 --- # Big Red Construction Original Houzz profile: [Big Red Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/big-red-construction-pfvwus-pf~402881587) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Lafayette, CA - **Serves:** Lafayette - **Houzz rating:** 4.5 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 100 Ideabook Saves Big Red Construction has been a respected leader in exceptional home remodel services for over 23 years. Distinguished in the marketplace by impeccable client service and the highest quality performance, Big Red Construction can transform any bathroom, kitchen or living space into a homeowner's dream come true. Big Red Construction offers in-house design assistance as part of the "Big Red way." Kathy Kovell and her talented team are the essential tools for your successful construction project! ### Areas Served - Lafayette ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Big Red Construction | | Address | 946 Hough Avenue, Lafayette, California 94549, United States | | Phone | (925) 962-0145 | | Website | http://bigredconstructionlafayette.houzz.com | | Followers on Houzz | 74 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Big Red Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/big-red-construction-pfvwus-pf~402881587) - **Website:** http://bigredconstructionlafayette.houzz.com - **Phone:** (925) 962-0145 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Voted BEST CONTRACTOR in the Bay Area 2010 on SFChron/Baylist! - Winner of 4 SUPER SERVICE AWARDS on Angie's List 2011 - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★ — KBKC Design, June 2020** > Big Red Construction has provided exceptional service and a wonderful quality of work. They are a wonderful company to work with. We look forward to continuing to watch their fabulous work. **★ — HU-3706426, April 2019** > High cost. $$$$$. Low quality. Big Red installed defective tile in my master and guest bath. Gave them 5 opportunities to correct. (Last attempt October 2018) Kept acting like it was an unknown anomaly. Turns out, the tile was not suitable for shower walls (too absorbant) and needs to be completely replaced. She said, she didn't have the money to fix my problem. Has gone radio silent. **Comment from Big Red Construction:** > It was quite a surprise to read your comments about me and my company, Big Red, on HOUZZ. We have worked together on a number of projects since 2014, including a major drainage project, new kitchen, major refurbishing of the interior of your home and other work totaling close to $500,000.00 over the years. Seems like an expensive, low quality builder would not have had a long-term relationship with you. You were always full of glowing remarks about our work and my team and continued to contact us for work. We were there immediately to help when your husband had an unfortunate turn of events with a medical problem. > > Your tile issue was a big one. This tile, that you selected for your bathroom, was problematic. When you first brought the absorption issue to our attention, I spent the next few months working with the tile shop, where we purchased the tile, and the tile distributor, who represented the tile. With our attention to this problem, I was able to secure replacement tile and had my tile setter replace the tiles on at least three occasions. This was at my expense, of course. It was just last week that you met with my assistant and discussed having another tile setter come in and provide a bid to remove and replace all the tile. It was my understanding that when you had secured these estimates, we would discuss getting the work done. > > My 29 years in the business are marked by providing excellent quality and service to all of our clients. For you to express these comments about us is nothing short of disappointing. I have called you as recently as yesterday and have not had a response. A call yesterday, a personal visit by my assistant last week to meet with you personally is hardly radio silent. **★★★★★ — Kate Repko, May 2016** > I hired Kathy and Big Red Construction to complete a remodel on my home in El Sobrante. I had two bathrooms remodelled completely, a load bearing wall removed, hard wood flooring installed, and the entire project was done on time and in budget. I think I had some windows replaced as well. I LOVED working with Kathy and her team! Big Red isn't inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. She added such value to my house that when I sold in 2013 I had a bidding war of 7 potential buyers! Working with contractors can be a nightmare, but Kathy and her team were HONEST and RELIABLE. Each evening my house was "broom clean" so I wasn't living in filth during the project. I highly recommend this company! **★★★★★ — Freddi Robertson, March 2016** > I am a retired teacher. I have known for some time that in order to stay in my home safely, I would have to move my washer and dryer up two floors from the basement. I put off this project for years, dreading the disruption, filth, and noise. Most of all I was concerned I'd be taken advantage of by an unethical contractor. My neighbor had a beautiful kitchen remodel done by Big Red Construction and loved working with Kathy Kovell. I had my son interview her with me. He works for DPR Construction so knows a bit about the industry. From the moment we met Kathy, she impressed us. She was knowledgeable, honest, transparent about her pricing, and respectful of my budget. There was no need to interview anyone else! > The project began with some initial exploration needed to locate the existing plumbing. Then Kathy could give me a more accurate estimate. The team designed and built a beautiful closet to house my washer and dryer in my bedroom. It's got shuttered doors that match the existing closet. It looks as if it's been there since the house was built over 80 years ago! The craftsmanship is superb. > Kathy Kovell runs a tight ship. The crew was always on time and took steps to protect my house while they worked. They cleaned up every day before they left. They were soft-spoken and pleasant to have around. And they love dogs! > Big Red does not cut corners, so if you're looking for a bargain job, they are not for you. However, they do impeccable work and stand behind it. Long after my job was finished, I called Kathy with some unrelated concerns. She responded immediately and would not accept payment. > I couldn't be happier with the process and the outcome of my project. I cannot recommend Big Red Construction highly enough. **★★★★★ — aybea, Oct. 2015** > We have worked with this outstanding Contractor and her talented teams since we purchased our home over a decade ago. Big Red Construction has designed, implemented, and completed all of our various projects in a timely, quality and highly professional manner,and with consistently excellent results. We have contracted with the company to do everything from smaller home improvement work to a kitchen remodel and a large home addition. No matter the size of the project, Big Red and her loyal, long-term teams of experts have put our needs at the center of the process. We can not say enough about the integrity and high performance of Big Red Construction! We wish we could give them 10 Stars! **★★★★★ — 8734, Sept. 2015** > I am trying hard to think how to convey to you the joy of working with Kathy Kovell of Big Red Construction. I was paralyzed for years by the thought of spending loads of money on a large remodel, costs spiraling out of control and shady subcontractors in and out of our home. You know the story. I had interviewed 5 contractors. I had an approved building permit and was ready to go. Finally I was referred to Kathy Kovell. At our first meeting she impressed me with her values, integrity and sense of humor.. Her communication skills and follow through are legend. She suffers the details and will not let subcontractors get away with less than Big Red quality. Her own staff are long term employees. In fact our lead carpenter has worked for Kathy for 19 years. Employees have health insurance, rather unusual in the business. She runs a tight ship. All her trucks (yes they are red) are washed weekly. It's a girl company, she proudly says. We love our new kitchen and library. Hire her, you won't be disappointed. **★★★★★ — jjdireland, April 2015** > We hired Big Red Construction to remodel our outdated 1960's home. We knew from our first encounter that Kathy was on the same page with us. She updated, opened and lightened the kitchen, bathrooms...the entire home. Kathy and her crew were the utmost professionals, always on time and on budget. Any changes or concerns were dealt with immediately. Kathy was knowledgable and creative with wonderful design ideas for a beautiful transformation. **★★★★★ — eveolve, March 2015** > Im so glad Big Red was recommended to me. I had an extensive remodel to my house in San Francisco. Adding bathrooms, moving bathroom, removing walls, adding walls, adding support, replacing roof, removing and adding a kitchen, removing stairways, adding stairways...it goes on. I was pleased with the actual construction time and how quickly they were able to complete the work. Timelines were met and work is quality. I HIGHLY recommend Big Red and I will definitely request them for any work I have in the future! **★★★★★ — Lori Anders, Oct. 2014** > In the beginning stages of our project, but we are extremely impressed with Kathy and her subcontractors. Her knowledge, fairness, and personal warmth and attention to our needs is outstanding. **★★★★★ — bizzyella, Sept. 2012** > One day our bathroom ceiling collapsed. I just wanted somebody to fix it. Big Red fixed it in record time, including all the "while you're at its" that we added because they were so clearly up to the job. One project followed another over several years until now, when we are actually kind of sad that the whole house is done. > > Their crews are highly skilled, professional and friendly. Even better, they generally have excellent aesthetic judgement; I remember in particular a couple of tricky tile arrangements that they did better than I would have thought possible. Their crew includes a staff member who makes sure that the finishes are selected and ordered; she will even go shopping with you, if needed. > > Big Red stands by their work. On the rare occasions that I have not been happy with what I saw, it was redone to my specifications. When they replaced the roof and, several months later, a skylight leaked, they were out immediately to take care of it. > > And you know what? We are still getting compliments on that first bathroom. **★★★★★ — Jonathan Wornick, Sept. 2012** > This women owned home renovation contractor is OUTSTANDING. They are smart, organized, HONEST, and fast. Their work is excellent and i recommend them highly. ## Selected projects - [Piedmont Kitchen and Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/piedmont-kitchen-and-home-remodel-pj-vj~1218890) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Orinda Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orinda-home-remodel-pj-vj~223750) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Fogel Project Lafayette](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fogel-project-lafayette-pj-vj~991984) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Iles Cabin Lake Tahoe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/iles-cabin-lake-tahoe-pj-vj~992052) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [St. Helena Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-helena-remodel-pj-vj~223740) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Oakland Backyard, Hot Tube, Gates, Fences, Hardscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-backyard-hot-tube-gates-fences-hardscape-pj-vj~223748) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Lake Tahoe Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-tahoe-remodel-pj-vj~223820) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Orinda Woods, Kitchen Remodel, Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orinda-woods-kitchen-remodel-dining-room-pj-vj~223749) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Lafayette Master Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lafayette-master-bathroom-pj-vj~223747) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Orinda Kitchen Remodel Oak Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orinda-kitchen-remodel-oak-street-pj-vj~223746) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Walnut Creek Remodel - Kitchen, bathrooms, decks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/walnut-creek-remodel-kitchen-bathrooms-decks-pj-vj~223745) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Lafayette Great Room / Hardscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lafayette-great-room-hardscape-pj-vj~223743) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Orinda Water Scape / Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orinda-water-scape-backyard-pj-vj~223741) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/big-red-construction-pfvwus-pf~402881587) ## Ideabooks - [Fran Bird](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53143299/list/fran-bird) — 1 idea - [bigredconstructionlafayette's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10571008/list/bigredconstructionlafayette-s-ideas) — 28 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bigredconstructionlafayette) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*