---
title: "McCutcheon Construction Inc. — General Contractors | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/mccutcheon-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~755220577
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755220577.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "McCutcheon Construction Inc."
category: ["General Contractors"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/dde3eae1002c24d2_8989-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "806 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, California 94710, United States"
latitude: 37.8696
longitude: -122.2959
phone: "(510) 558-8030"
website: http://www.mcbuild.com
rating: 4.8
review_count: 18
best_of_houzz_awards: 7
followers: 181
last_updated: 2026-09-02
---

# McCutcheon Construction Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [McCutcheon Construction Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/mccutcheon-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~755220577)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** General Contractors
- **Location:** Berkeley, CA
- **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Walnut Creek, San Rafael, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, Emeryville, Piedmont, Tiburon, Sausalito, Ross, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon
- **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (18 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 25,000 Ideabook Saves

Since 1980, McCutcheon Construction has delighted homeowners throughout the Bay Area with fine homebuilding and remodeling that sets the standard for high quality craftsmanship. As a leader in green building, we collaborate with clients, architects and designers to create beautiful and enduring spaces that are healthy, energy efficient and sensitive to the environment. Our team of employee owners has a vested interest in creating an excellent customer experience based on integrity, open communication and trustworthy business practices.

### 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
- Flooring Installation
- Garage Building
- Outdoor Kitchen Construction
- Home Restoration
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Project Management
- Multigenerational Homes
- Tile Installation
- Roof Replacement
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- House Framing
- Green Building
- Attic Conversion
- Window Installation
- Concrete Construction
- Stair Installation
- Wine Cellar Installation
- Roof Installation
- Tiny House Construction
- Foundation Construction
- Attic Restoration
- Lighting Installation
- Fireplace Installation
- Stucco Installation
- Foundation Repair
- Subfloor Installation
- Stone Installation
- Soffit Installation
- Skylight Installation
- Basement Waterproofing
- Waterproofing
- Site Preparation
- Earthquake Retrofitting
- Radiant Floor Heating
- Roof Waterproofing
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Storm Shelter Construction
- Water Treatment System Installation

### Areas Served

- San Francisco
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Alameda
- Walnut Creek
- San Rafael
- Lafayette
- Albany
- Orinda
- Moraga
- Alamo
- Emeryville
- Piedmont
- Tiburon
- Sausalito
- Ross
- Belvedere
- Belvedere Tiburon

### Typical Job Cost

$100,000 - 9 million

McCutcheon Construction offers a small projects division and can help with projects in the range $10,000 to $100,000 in addition to major renovations from $300,000 to the millions.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | McCutcheon Construction Inc. |
| Address | 806 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, California 94710, United States |
| Phone | (510) 558-8030 |
| Website | http://www.mcbuild.com |
| License Number | 528791 |
| Followers on Houzz | 181 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/McCutcheon-Construction-Inc-100292920032098/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [McCutcheon Construction Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/mccutcheon-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~755220577)
- **Website:** http://www.mcbuild.com
- **Phone:** (510) 558-8030

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Certified Green Building Professional
- Certified Green Business
- Berkeley Architectural Heritage Preservation Awards
- NARI National Contractor of the Year (COTY)
- NARI Remmies Awards
- Remodeling Hall of Fame Contractor
- City of Piedmont Design Awards

- **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [ASID California North Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/asid-california-north-chapter-pfvwus-pf~848111714)
- [NARI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nari-san-francisco-bay-area-chapter-pfvwus-pf~1133314130)
- [AIA East Bay](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-east-bay-pfvwus-pf~789616700)
- [GreenPoint Rated](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/media-and-bloggers/greenpoint-rated-pfvwus-pf~789997748)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 18 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Ehsan Karimian, April 2020**

> I inquired about the cabinetry that I randomly found a photo of in their houzz.
> This is not a business for them this was a business for a cabinet maker who worked for them.
> James took the time to call me and share his subcontractor information with me.
> GCs don’t do that.
> These people have good hearts.
> I have saved their info for my next project

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Thank you for reaching out and taking the time to comment. We look forward to speaking with you about future projects you may have!

**★★★★★ — HU-83735917, March 2019**

> The people we worked with were great and they were able to finish our remodel on schedule with a pretty tight window for when we needed to move in.

**★★★★★ — KF F, Dec. 2018**

> Extremely highly recommended - from the first email to walk the job site for a preliminary bid to the final punchlist item, the team from McCutcheon was truly remarkable. I could not have asked for a more thoughtful, professional, skilled, approachable and friendly team. While these folks are known for being on the high cost end, as the old saying goes - you get what you pay for - the team stayed within budget and finished on time and I could not be happier with the final product. If I were to do another project, I would not even bid out the job, I would call the team I worked with at McCutcheon. Phenomenally conscientious and warm - the remodel of a kitchen, bathroom and yard was truly an enjoyable and positive experience. Thank you so much John, Hya and Frank and two thumbs way up for McCutcheon!

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Hello KF F, The whole Team here at McCutcheon thanks you for your trust in us and the kind words in your very flattering review!
> It was our pleasure to help you realize your dream remodel for your beautiful home. It was equally a pleasure getting to know you.
> Warm Regards and a Happy New Year - The McCutcheon Team.

**★★★★★ — jean caicedo leach, Dec. 2018**

> This team was wonderful in every way. The quality,the time lines for completion and the craftsmanship were all first-rate.
> Workers showed up daily and on time.Friendly service all the way!!!

**★★★★★ — ALEXANDER JERMYN ARCHITECTURE, Sept. 2018**

> My firm worked with McCutcheon on a custom residence in San Francisco. They are not just a builder, they are a collaborator. They exhibited the highest level of professionalism, respect, and patience throughout the project, keeping it on schedule and budget. Their skilled team was able to conceptualize and execute impeccably the custom details. I highly recommend them for any renovation or new construction project.

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Alex, we loved working with you and your talented team on the whole house remodel that won the 2018 Bay Area Remodeling Award for entire house over $1M. You were a very important partner in that award and beautiful renovation of a house that was ravaged by fire. You dialed right into the owner's dream of a modern, open and gallery-like interior - just gorgeous. Thank you for the fantastic review!

**★★★★★ — Rick & Annie Farman, July 2018**

> McCutcheon is top notch in every way. When we purchased an older house ('27) in Berkeley that needed significant system upgrades (roof +solar, plumbing, electrical, seismic, etc) our second child had just been born and we were living SF. We need someone who we could handle all the contracting and project management with limited effort on our part. We also wanted a firm who had experience with older houses and the challenges that came with it. McCutcheon delivered at every step. Following the renovations they have also been willing to help on smaller projects and upkeep along the way which has been a major bonus for us. There whole team including Lorrie, Vicente and John had been absolute pleasures to work with and have around our house.

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Rick and Annie, we loved working with you over the years on your projects large and small and hope to be of service to you in the years to come. Thank you for your gracious review!

**★★★★★ — Peter Nussbaum, June 2018**

> McCutcheon recently completed an extremely complicated repair job on our kitchen which had suffered severe water damage.  We could not have chosen a better contractor.  The employees we dealt with were highly professional.  Everyone was extremely knowledgeable, polite and a pleasure to deal with.  They showed up on time, cleaned up every day, answered our questions, and were totally responsive to our needs.  The project was a complete success and I enthusiastically recommend the company.

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Peter, it warms our collective heart to hear your kind words and enthusiastic recommendation!- thank you and Vicente, Sean, Keith and Neil enjoyed working on your project.

**★★★★★ — Grace Fawcett, June 2018**

> I had a flood from a leaking valve while I was away for over a month.  Many rooms, on the second floor where the.leak  occurred, the first floor and then the basement had severe water damage, the walls and. ceilings having collapsed , the woodwork very damaged and the floor ruined.  My house was built in 1915 and the architect was a very famous one,and I was  worried about restoring the home to its architectural  splendor. McCutcheon did a splendid job and very efficiently and timely.  And the staff was very professional and helped me through a very horrible experience.

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Hi Gay, thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of our service. We really enjoyed working with you and love it when you stop in to our office to say hello. It is great to know that we helped you through that difficult time.
> From all of us at McCutcheon Construction.

**★★★★★ — Orinda - Diessner, May 2018**

> In hiring McCutcheon, we felt like we hired a full team of professionals that took care of us every step of the way. I loved every minute of my remodel - and I don't think they are many that can make that statement who have been through the process. McCutcheon was transparent with every detail, I felt lead (never mislead) - they made their budget and they made their deadline. I have heard nightmare stories from friends who have gone through simple updates to their house, to full-on remodels (ours, was a full-on remodel, top to bottom). I expected to dread the process and be incredibly stressed. Absolutely did not happen. I enjoyed it - the work was exceptional, the communication always clear, and we could not be happier with our home. We are very grateful to every person that worked with us at McCutcheon. I would HIGHLY recommend them.

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Hello to the Diessner family, thank you so much for your stunning review of our services and it warms our collective heart to hear how well you enjoyed the process. You have created a beautiful home in collaboration with design and construction professionals that we hope will provide you with a lot more than shelter.

**★★★★★ — LMB Interiors, June 2016**

> Where do I begin? I have a high end, high volume interior design firm in downtown Oakland and have been working with Michael McCutcheon and his amazing team for more than six years now.
>
> Over the years we have worked on dozens of projects together and have built many great relationships with our clients because of our seamless communication and their commitment to quality and service. When we choose to grow with a vendor it is important to us that we collaborate with professionals who share the same values of integrity, honesty, follow through and kindness. (with a little good humor thrown in for fun) There is a reason why McCutcheon is one of our go-to contractors. Our clients love them and we do too.
>
> We are grateful to have them quality builders we can rely on as our business continues to grow. A special shout out to VP Alex Hodgkinson, who shows up ready to take care of us and our clients with his fabulous British style, humor and attention to detail.

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> Laura,
> We LOVE the sound of your generous review of McCutcheon Construction and staff; a heart-felt Thank You! We value our great relationship with you and LMB Interiors and know and trust that you have and will continue to provide a high level of design services to our clients.

**★★★★★ — Fannie Allen Design, April 2015**

> I've worked with many contractors in the SF area over many years, with McCutcheon on both a client's job and later for my own project. The McCutcheon team is the best group of creative problem solvers, dedicated to quality solutions, that I've found. And they are all simply a pleasure to interact with -- thoughtful, transparent, intelligent, dedicated. They kept the job site clean everyday, managed the numbers skillfully, and dealt with remodeling "surprises" in an efficient, intelligent way. The process was a professional pleasure, the results are gorgeous. The fact that I chose them for my own project after working with them on a large client project is the real testament.

**★ — samuridah, Feb. 2015**

> While they may have been good in the past, I had a very bad experience with McCutcheon recently, and would not recommend them to anyone.
>
> All of the members working on my design/build project left the organization very quickly, and without much notice to me.  This stalled my entire project for months, and ultimately, we had to end the project.  When I complained to McCutcheon, all I was asked to do was pay my final invoices.
>
> It appears that McCutcheon has been very unresponsive to emails, calls, and general requests, and cannot keep up with their existing clients.  Avoid.

**Comment from McCutcheon Construction Inc.:**

> 3/5/2015  Saied - Thank you for bringing this situation to our attention. First and foremost, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience and delay we may have caused you, as well as any poor communications during your design project. Above all else, providing excellent client service is our main goal, and it is unfortunate that you did not receive the service and responsiveness that you should have. Given the opportunity, I would like to learn more about your case and be able to make things right. Please contact me at your convenience.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jim Tibbs
> Vice President, McCutcheon Construction
> 510 558-8030
> jimt@mcbuild.com

## Selected projects

- [Seminar - Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seminar-outdoor-living-pj-vj~6088687)
  - Location: Berkeley, CA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Connect to the outdoors all year long Saturday March 21st, 10:00 AM - Noon 1280 Sixth Street, Berkeley CA 94710 RSVP 510-558-3906 (no text messages please)
- [Seminar - Building a Healthy Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seminar-building-a-healthy-home-pj-vj~5857472)
  - Location: Berkeley, CA
  - Photos: 1
  - Description: Creating spaces for your family to flourish Saturday, September 21, 2019 10:00 AM - Noon 1280 Sixth Street, Berkeley CA 94710 RSVP: juliem@mcbuild.com or call 510.558.3906 (no text messages)
- [Victorian Modern - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-modern-home-remodel-pj-vj~3731677)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: The owner of this Victorian 1911 house suffered the heartbreak of seeing his childhood home ravaged by fire in 2015. But like the phoenix of Greek mythology, a stunning new home has risen from the ashes. The architect was given the challenge of combining the historically protected front façade with the contemporary interior the owner wanted to create. The approved design removed most of the interior walls on the main level to create an open floor plan and a gallery-like experience. All of the in…
- [Mid-century Modern - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-home-remodel-pj-vj~3353980)
  - Location: Orinda, CA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: This midcentury modern ranch house with its well-worn 70’s attitude was not up to the gorgeous setting of the property in Orinda with a beautiful backyard and a pool that backs up to a park. We worked with Architect Rebecca Amato and the new owners, a family of 5, to reimagine the use of space throughout the entire house. Walls were removed in what was a separate kitchen/family room and living room to create a huge great room with an extended kitchen area with a comfortable family area and a spa…
- [Contemporary Ranch - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-ranch-home-remodel-pj-vj~2479795)
  - Location: Lafayette, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: McCutcheon worked with LMB Interiors talented design team and Suzanne Arca, Landscape Designer, to create a new-millennium makeover of an outdated farmhouse in Lafayette for a family of five that love to cook and entertain. The kitchen was reimagined with a modern and industrial aesthetic that provides a gourmet cooks dream space and the new high-end outdoor kitchen is gorgeous, sturdy, comfortable and perfect for entertaining.
- [Vintage Inspired - Master Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vintage-inspired-master-bath-remodel-pj-vj~5515393)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [Updated Craftsman -  Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/updated-craftsman-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~5157332)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 14
- [Bohemian Classic - Apartment Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bohemian-classic-apartment-remodel-pj-vj~3555891)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: This apartment is located in an historic San Francisco building with breathtaking views of the Bay. One of the current owners inherited the apartment from her mother who had remodeled and redecorated in the 1990’s. The goal was to create a plan that would reinvent the space to meet the new owner’s needs while respecting the architectural heritage of the building. One of the owners is a renowned chef who never felt at home in her mother’s cramped and outdated kitchen. The kitchen was enlarged by…
- [Cutting Edge Contemporary - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cutting-edge-contemporary-home-remodel-pj-vj~3135603)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: This remodel was named the winner in its class by the 2018 Bay Area Remodeling Awards. The owners of this Midcentury home had planned and dreamed for 10 years to make it their own; The main floor was given a new outlook on life with an open plan that integrates the public spaces into a seamless whole. The fireplace was relocated and reimagined as a focal point for the space. A large island with seating for five in the kitchen is a central hub for entertaining. The fixtures, finishes and multi-co…
- [Sustainable Showcase - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sustainable-showcase-home-remodel-pj-vj~2479802)
  - Location: Piedmont, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Inspired by the simplicity of New England Colonials, this renovation represents a collaborative creative endeavor between the architect, designer and homeowner. Envisioned by the owner as a home that she and her young family would enjoy for years to come, she applied her finely tuned sensibilities as an artist to create an aesthetic that embodied a delicate balance between order and casualness, with an emphasis on beauty. The resulting design encapsulates clean lines, simple detailing and eco-fr…
- [Asian Inspired - New Basement Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/asian-inspired-new-basement-addition-pj-vj~419623)
  - Location: Berkeley, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This project took first place in its category in the NARI Regional Awards in 2013. Built in the 1920’s, this Berkeley home was originally constructed atop a small basement. Little more than 175 square feet; it was just enough space for a small laundry area and limited storage around the furnace, water heater, and other utilities. In 1994, the home was extensively remodeled—however, what was underneath was left untouched. Consequently, occasional basement floods brought by seasonal rains and the…
- [Sleek Contemporary - Master Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sleek-contemporary-master-bath-remodel-pj-vj~5515389)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 8
- [Transitional, Bright & Open - Home Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-bright-and-open-home-renovation-pj-vj~2479787)
  - Location: Burlingame, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: This project was the winner in its category of the 2017 Bay Area Remodeling Awards. Our client decided to live out the rest of her days in the home where she had raised her family and to share it with her dear friend and roommate. The two had plans to entertain and lead very social lives, but the house had a closed-off feeling that made entertaining challenging. Their architect was inspired by the arch in the existing plan so walls gave way to another 5 arches creating a light-filled, functional…
- [Avante Garde High Rise - Apartment Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avante-garde-high-rise-apartment-remodel-pj-vj~386916)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This 2,040 square-foot San Francisco apartment—located on the 18th floor of a 24-story tower—required a complete renovation. This project garnered the 2014 NARI National Contractor of the Year in its category. Not only was the ceiling coated with asbestos, the baseboard heaters and other utilities barely functioned. Moreover, the original angular designs of the apartment dated back to the construction of the tower in 1968. The new design replaced all the square and straight lines of the existing…
- [Mid-century Minimalism - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-minimalism-home-remodel-pj-vj~419742)
  - Location: Piedmont, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: This entire house remodel took first place in its category in the 2012 Bay Area Remodeling Awards. A close collaboration between architect and the client, transformed this 50s ranch style home into a midcentury modern LEED Platinum Certified home. The client wanted to create a comfortable family home emphasizing improving the ecological footprint of the property with a special focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and water conservation. This home integrates the California style of seamles…
- [Glamorous Traditional - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glamorous-traditional-home-remodel-pj-vj~84254)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This Presidio Heights home was entirely remodeled including the master suite, kitchen, living room, etc. Interior Design by Janice Weingrod. Architecture by Patricia Motzkin.
- [Iconic Mid-century - Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/iconic-mid-century-home-remodel-pj-vj~432686)
  - Location: Tiburon, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: This project won a NARI National Contractor of the Year award in 2012. The homeowner was a life-long city resident so she was apprehensive about moving to the "suburbs" and also intrigued by the possibilities of the small home in Tiburon. The mid-century style home was dated and unattractive to begin with. The owner wanted a complete update, including all the mechanical systems, interior, and landscape. The scope of work included: • several small additions, totaling about 200 sf • complete inter…
- [Hand-Forged Artistry - Deck & Spiral Staircase](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hand-forged-artistry-deck-and-spiral-staircase-pj-vj~4147903)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: The intent of this project was to increase the exterior space of the house by installing a new, two-tiered deck on the back of the house to replace a much smaller footprint. Safety was a concern with the poorly maintained existing deck. The upper deck was small and not very useful. The new upper deck opens off the kitchen allowing for indoor/outdoor flow that was missing on the original plan. The added hot tub and custom spiral staircase increased usability of the deck and accessibility of the l…
- [Moroccan Spa Retreat - Master Suite Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moroccan-spa-retreat-master-suite-remodel-pj-vj~2479792)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Seminar - Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seminar-outdoor-living-pj-vj~6088695)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1

[See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/mccutcheon-construction-inc-pfvwus-pf~755220577)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks

A: No, please do not use our image(s).

**Q: Cost per square foot to rebuild in San Francisco?** *(in Building a Home)*

Our homeowner's insurance renewed this month and the fire insurance dwelling limit increased to $543K based on estimated replacement cost (RC) of $417 per foot - which seems high, but I'm no builder. Our insurance agent cited their in-house estimator and GC's &quot;word on the street&quot; of $400-$500 per foot up to $1,200 per foot here in SF.  But our home is hardly one of those homes that would grace the cover of Dwell magazine. Trust me. 

Help
Can any SF builder/GC weigh in on estimated RC and advise one way or another what a decent cost per sq ft is? 

Our House
We have a modest 3BD/2BA home, 1,300 sq ft, build 1939 with stucco and wood siding, updated 20 years ago. It's sort of a split level: enter home to the main level, go up a half flight of stairs to two bedrooms, go down a half flight of stairs to an office/utility room and one car garage and storage, from there, down an another half flight of stairs to a family room/3rd bedroom and second full bath.  

In our now &quot;dated&quot; kitchen we have Kitchen Craft cabinetry, 20 year old granite and stainless Frigidaire fridge, Wolf stove, and a 5 year old Bosch dishwasher; the kitchen flooring is laminate. The home flooring is mostly parquet hardwood, but also tile in one bathroom, painted pine flooring in the other one, and some doug fir in the family room and a large utility/office space. We have &quot;big box store&quot; crown, base and chair rail on the living level, but less detail upstairs. The bathrooms have 20 year old Kohler and Moen fixtures. The windows, electrical, plumbing and furnace were replaced 20 years ago. The washer and dryer are as old as dirt but work great. The roof is new (ish). 

Correct Fire Insurance Dwelling Limit
Do any of the home's finishes and fixtures matter since I am subject to the dwelling fire limit anyway? How does a homeowner arrive at the right dwelling limit? I know it's not the market value of the home, nor is it the tax appraised value; the home is supposed to be insured for estimated replacement cost value, so the home can be rebuilt to &quot;like kind and quality&quot; in the event of a total fire loss. But I don't want to over insure us (or under insure us). 

My Research
a) An online RC estimator I used adjusted for zip code, building material and dwelling finishes, and came up with $264 per foot in the &quot;standard building materials meeting building codes with standard big box store finishes and fixtures&quot; category for our zip code. Our insurance agent ignored this estimate and cited his in-house estimator tool, which I get he's obligated to use.

b)  I called two SF contractors asking their professional opinion of RC in SF and they didn't call back, but I didn't follow up either. 

c) Connect Homes (pre-fab, green builder) did give me a new build estimate but they have yet to build in SF. Two clients planned to but didn't build because they didn't want to wait the 2 year planning approval process happening then (do most new construction projects take that long in SF planning?)  Their cost per SF was about $400-$500 but that is for a green &quot;build&quot; which I  think is usually more expensive than standard. 

No Conclusion
So what dwelling limit should I use for my fire insurance policy? Are any SF builders/GC's in the mood to weigh in on estimated RC in SF?

A: Hi,  I just saw this.  For a new home rebuild you are, at a minimum, at $700 per sq ft and probably closer to $1,000.

**Q: So beautiful !** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the size of this kitchen please?

A: The cabinets are prefinished &quot;mystery oak&quot; color 61-Arise by Precision Cabinets

**Q: I love this built in, is it purchased or custom?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: We're sorry but that piece was brought in after construction so we're not sure.

**Q: What is the counter top material?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I like the color combination of the wood and countertop.  Is the countertop a precast or solid concrete?  Thanks!

A: Thank you! The concrete was cast in place and the wood is Ipe : )

**Q: Hi, where did you buy the dining chairs?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hello, the homeowner worked with a designer to furnish the home after we finished construction. Although they look to be vintage Scandinavian design to us. We hope that helps.

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*
