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About Us
6x Best of Houzz winner
References available
Family owned
Collaborative, Established Local Contractor in Berkeley
Oliver Builders Inc., is an established local contractor, we are also a consultant and liaison for clients during the challenging times of project development as well as during your remodeling project. Our collaborative approach and our ability to listen and communicate are only part of what you can expect from working with Oliver Builders.
Services Provided
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Carport Installation, Custom Homes, Energy-Efficient Homes, Garage Building, Green Building, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, House Framing, Modular Home Additions, New Home Construction, Project Management, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Tiny House Construction, Custom Home, Concrete Construction, Custom Cabinets, Deck Building, Door Installation, Door Repair, Foundation Repair
Areas Served
Alameda, Albany, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Lafayette, Moraga, North Richmond, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, Richmond, Tiburon
Awards
GreenPointRated Builder & EPA Lead certified firm
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Business Details
Business Name
Oliver Builders, Inc
Phone Number
(510) 398-4880
Website
Address
1428 Stannage Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
Typical Job Cost
$150,000 -
License Number
B682120
Followers
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Credentials
6 Houzz Awards
5 Houzz Badges
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Featured Review
Groff
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsThe Oliver Builders team really did an amazing job from the initial bid to the final finishing details on my ADU addition. Severin has set up an incredibly professional, trustworthy and talented team, starting with his leadership.Read Full Review
41 Reviews for Oliver Builders, Inc
Newest first
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars5.0|41 reviews
Work Quality5.0
Communication5.0
Value5.0
HU-313868931
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders has fantastic and honorable leadership, which runs from the very top to the last man cleaning up at the end of each day. The Estimate and Scope of work was accurate and every target was met. The crew showed up each day ready to work, the schedule of work was easy to access and see. Communication on any items that came up out of the "scope of work" were addressed with dealt with presenting options and joint decisions. We have had many people visit our home, rave about how nice everything is and ask a lot of questions about the pain of remodeling. We just smile and tell them that was never the case with Oliver Builders. We only consider ourselves lucky that we were able to work with Severin and his team. If you are considering doing a remodel and you get a chance to have Oliver Builder do the work...jump at the opportunity and enjoy the peace of mind...it is priceless.
April 28, 2022
melindamen3
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
wonderful to work with! Responsive, reliable and experienced. Employees are all careful, the job site was always clean, the neighbors were happy with the communication and the care that was taken to accommodate their needs. All personnel were easy to talk with and eager to help. The job was well organized and orders were made in a timely way so there was not time wasted waiting for a delivery. Each sub was monitored and held accountable for the quality of their work. The overall quality of the work was excellent in every way.
April 27, 2022
ralph and melinda mendelson
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders has just finished a major remodel of our home in Point Richmond,CA...94801.....our house has two floors and the lower floor was completely rebuilt to create an apartment where friends and relatives can stay and have complete privacy....the work was well done and the new space is very comfortable and attractive...on the main floor there are two full bathrooms that were completely rebuilt and the result is very handsome space....we are on a cliff overlooking San Francisco Bay,the city, the three bridges....the deck was completely rebuilt and with new railing...we are delighted with the result...in addition a coat closet was removed and open shelving to display our many pieces of glass art was built and the result is stunning...we had a small study/TV room that was expanded by pushing out a wall and creating a new room +/- 200 square feet larger and now has room for my 18th century english desk..bookcases and 10 in wall filing cabinets... Major repainting of the entire interior and portions of the exterior also occurred and a large portion of exterior stucco had to be repaired and replaced.......and on the lower level a room was created that now holds a 600 bottle wine refrigerator...storage cabinets and shelving...and room for my exercise bike.....the two car garage was also reconfigured and a new mailbox was installed outside our main gate/patio area so that the mail no longer goes through a slot in the garage door and slops all over the garage floor....throughout this process which took over 7-8months ....Severin Oliver and his team were responsive to and sensitive to our needs and wishes...minor defects were promptly repaired/corrected...billing was done on a weekly basis and was clear and told us what was happening and who was doing it...my concerns about getting lien releases from the few subs who served pre-lien notices was dealt with and no lien claims have been filed...in all Oliver Builders has done a major project for us and we are delighted with the result...we would enthusiastically recommend Oliver Builders to any one undertaking the building of a house or undertaking a major remodel like we have done....
November 8, 2021
Steve & Kathy Terusaki
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders, Inc. gets my highest kudos for their professionalism, their ability to problem-solve and the way in which they handled complex and difficult issues during the construction process. Severin, Joel, Orlando and crew were my best advisors during the 12-month and 3 week construction process that had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Together with their subs (each expert in their specialities) they delivered a beautiful project with great details that we are now thoroughly enjoying. If you're looking for a high quality builder who will work with you to implement your project within a budget and a schedule, Oliver Builders, Inc. should be your number one choice.
November 8, 2021
Severin and his team were amazing. They were incredibly organized and always available. His team and subs did incredibly high quality work and even finished under budget! They were on top of things when unexpected issues came up as they inevitably will during a big project. We would not hesitate to recommend them and are looking forward to using them again for future projects.
November 7, 2021
Comment from Oliver Builders, Inc:
Thank you very much for the kind words! A project is only successful with a great team! You were both great clients and a pleasure to work for.
The Oliver Builders team really did an amazing job from the initial bid to the final finishing details on my ADU addition. Severin has set up an incredibly professional, trustworthy and talented team, starting with his leadership. The bid was detailed, and each week I received an updated statement on the building progress AND the cost progress. We worked together to fine tune the subs used and cost associated. My project was ON TIME and ON BUDGET, two things you'll likely not hear often relating to construction! Highest recommendation.
December 15, 2020
Paul Friedman
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I have worked with Severin Oliver and his team on two major projects. They produce superior work, are responsive and excel at teamwork with the client. Severin is a very honest and a good communicator; he is fair and balanced in his approach, and listens to feedback. I would work them again on a future project.
December 10, 2020
Krista Bell
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We hired Oliver Builders to complete a whole house remodel. We live in Albany, so we were happy to hire a local builder that has completed so many successful projects in the area and is committed to maintaining his excellent and well deserved reputation in our neighborhood.
The house has surpassed our dreams – it is so beautiful and well constructed. Severin has built a brilliant team of very skilled craftsmen. They showed up every day on time, had superior quality standards, and worked hard to keep the project on time. They were committed to doing things right the first time, but owning and correcting any mistakes that were made. Severin has also developed very solid professional relationships with subcontractors who delivered products and services that exceeded our expectations.
Severin has spent years refining his business model, process and relationships and did a great job managing our extensive remodel project, keeping us informed, and coming up with solutions to problems encountered along the way. His production manager, Joel, deserves special mention for his unparalleled service, positive attitude, fantastic communication, timely responses, equanimity, and diligence.
We enthusiastically recommend Severin and his entire team.
May 3, 2020
Kris Perry
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The Oliver Builders team is top notch. From the beginning of project which involved settling on the full scope, meeting with our architect and engineer and negotiating the contract amount there was a high degree of responsiveness and engagement.
During the project the OBI team moved seamlessly between their staff and subcontractors and managed the day to day project with little to no reliance on us. This was a noticeable difference from other contractors who elevate the wrong decisions causing delays and interruptions.
The most important element of the OBI team is the overarching quality each member brings to the job. No matter how big or small the task, how advanced or rudimentary the OBI team handled each with care and attention to detail. We finished on time and on budget which of course is incredibly important. I would recommend them to anyone looking for turn-key support with professional skills.
March 11, 2020
Right Design Lab
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders has managed and constructed many of my Bay Area architectural design projects, and the experience is always exceptional. My Clients consistently appreciate their warm professionalism, integrity, communication, transparency and above all - their beautiful work. Severin's dedicated team of project managers, site leads and tradespeople are truly best-in-class AND a joy to work with. They bring great skills, collaboration and care to the entire project. And from years of working together, I can also happily attest to how well OBI's work stands the test of time, in well-built, worry-free homes. Every project somehow just gets better, and I always look forward to the next one!
December 16, 2019
Linda Richardi
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The entire team at Oliver Builders promotes excellent work on your project. They listen thoughtfully and throughly. They provide excellent workmanship and quality materials as well as a weekly progress report. The results are an efficient timeline and a great outcome.
Severin and his Forman Luis are on the job for you!
Even the sub contractors associated with our project spoke highly of those at Oliver Builders. We can now recommend them all.
November 1, 2019
Samantha Fraguas
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I highly recommend Oliver Builders. I am the Business Manager of a nonprofit school with two campuses, one in Berkeley and another one in El Cerrito. I am responsible for Facilities and have been relying on Oliver Builders to do our repairs and capital improvement projects for the last two years and I couldn't be happier with the quality of their work. They are reliable, very knowledgeable and professional. All of our projects were completed in a timely manner and on budget.
September 18, 2019
Severin Oliver and his team of skilled builders and sub-contractors brilliantly guided us through a year’s long renovation/conversion of a quirky old (1908) North Berkeley “brown shingle.” Hand-in-glove with us and our architect, Tim Larkin, they crafted handsome improvements - both new construction and interior remodeling – that will allow us to live comfortably on our ground-floor level without the need for stairs. Highlights include a 400 sq. ft. addition with workshop and studio space, a contiguous 500 sq. ft. deck on two levels, a re-built foundation under the existing house, and in-ground HVAC system to serve the workshops and re-built living areas.
Everyone involved was thoughtful, respectful, responsive, flexible and creative about changing needs and inevitable small calamities. Estimating and budgeting were flawless from the get-go, and the project was completed on its original schedule. Production manager Joel Chala master-minded work flow, materials deliveries, and the complexities of permits and inspections by our city buildings department.
Sev kept a sharp eye on the details through numerous site visits, and even came to the rescue one cold winter night when our main furnace inexplicably conked out! Site manager Isidro Campos and his crew provided everything from stout new framing/sheetrocking, piers and decking to TLC for salvageable old redwood moldings and trim. We looked forward to their prompt arrival and cheery voices every morning, and they kept us laughing all the way.
Five stars for OBI. We can recommend them without reservation.
September 10, 2019
McGlashan Architecture
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I'm an architect and Oliver Builders built a recent project that I designed. I loved working with them. Super organized, friendly crew, high quality work, committed to making the owners happy. The project had a number of innovative features (all electric utilities, folding windows, rigorous insulation, etc) and a demanding client, but OBI came through every time. I look forward to our next project together. --Scott mcglashanarchitecture.com
August 26, 2019
Carrie Buckner
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders EXCEEDED my expectations on my Crocker Highlands home remodel! I was nervous, had never done a remodel before, and Severin, Joel, Luis and their team were AMAZING to work with - their expertise, craftsmanship, attention to detail, willingness to work with me on every aspect of my kitchen/bathroom remodel was amazing! Every sub-contractor was very skilled and courteous. I recommend them HIGHLY!!
July 25, 2019
Ayse Sercan
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I am an architect and after working with them on several client projects, I hired Oliver Builders to do a whole house remodel and addition on my own house, an 1876 Victorian on the local historical register. The process was as painless as a renovation of a historic home can get. The site foreman was always responsive and attentive to requests, mistakes (inevitable) were corrected without a fuss, and the work was top notch. The carpenters did a flawless renovation on my damaged staircase including replicating a missing baluster. I could not be happier with their work and recommend them to everybody.
July 25, 2019
Joan Bieder
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I was very pleased that Oliver Builders was the contractor that remodeled my home. Everyone, from owner Severin Oliver to each craftsman and workman shared the values of professionalism, problem solving, pride in their work, kindness, courtesy and fairness. The team worked quickly, remained flexible and finished on time. I recommend Oliver Builders completely and without reservation.
October 10, 2018
Daniel Weiler
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders finished this nearly one-year job ahead of schedule and under budget, with top quality work all around and amazing attention to detail. The job supervisor and crew were on site every day, all day. All the company principals -- owner, production manager, job supervisor -- were extremely responsive; I often had phone calls returned within five minutes and never later than the same day. Every worker, from supervisor to carpenter, had clearly absorbed the company ethic, which I would characterize as "Do it right, and if it's not right, make it right." We had of course heard the usual horror stories about large remodel projects, but we quickly learned to stop worrying and just enjoy the process. The company really values its well-earned reputation for integrity and competence, and we could not have had a better experience. (Our architect was so impressed she hired them to work on her own house!) Highest possible recommendation.
August 2, 2018
Comment from Oliver Builders, Inc:
Dan, Can't thank you enough for being a great client and making our job easy. All we had to do was do a good job:) It was a pleasure working with you both and we are here whenever you need us for anything big or small!
Chris Lorenz
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We hired OBI to perform a multi-faceted second-story master suite addition. I don't think many contractors in the area would have been able to tackle such a project with such a large scope. Our home is also coming up on 100 years old; there were many discoveries uncovered during demo which needed to be addressed and required adjustments to plans. OBI was able to handle it all. The project effectively was finished on time and on budget, which I feel is a bit of a rarity in this field.
March 24, 2018
Alison Seevak
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders recently completed a renovation of my kitchen and bathroom, along with structural work including replacing my roof and dry rot repair. I recommend them without hesitation. Severin and his crew are highly professional, organized, always responsive and meticulous about both design and structural issues. Severin's operations manager, Joel and our job site manager, Isidro were wonderful to work with on a daily basis -- skilled, hardworking craftsmen who were very responsive to our needs. We also were very impressed with all of the subs. We lived in the house for the final months of the project and appreciated how respectful (and orderly) the crew was. We are thrilled with the new kitchen and bathroom. And if we had to do it again, we would most definitely work with Oliver Builders.
March 20, 2018
David Lieberman
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Severin Oliver and Oliver Builders deserve highest praise. My wife and I have never recommended a firm with such enthusiasm and confidence!
Oliver Builders did a superb job in remodeling our Berkeley home. The work centered on our kitchen, where a spacious and stunning kitchen was created out of four cramped and inefficient rooms; and the transformation of several damp downstairs spaces into two spacious offices, a guest bedroom and a new bathroom. The remodel eventually touched all of the main rooms of our home. Thanks to Oliver Builders, our usable space was increased by about a third, without altering the footprint of the house. The finished product looks gorgeous and the workmanship throughout was of the highest quality. My wife and I lived through the remodel and we were able to observe first-hand the care and excellent workmanship of Oliver Builders. The team maintained a remarkably clean job site and we enjoyed the uniform kindness, friendliness and high energy of the crews and subs.
In addition to producing such outstanding results, I was especially impressed by two outstanding qualities that Severin Oliver brought to our project. First was his transparency, accuracy and attention to detail in matters of estimates and costs. This was the first major remodel undertaken since our house was first built in 1941. The scale of parts of the project only became clear once the work was underway. For example, the house had significant drainage problems. But the extent of these problems could not be known until the demolition of an existing surface of cracked and uneven concrete slabs. As we all feared, the area underneath the slab was a mess, including broken sewer lines and plumbing. In determining how to approach the resulting work, Severin Oliver was always available: explaining the options; setting out the anticipated costs of each approach; and making his own recommendations. For each step along the way, he produced a detailed and reliable budget. He was always available to meet and we were delighted to learn that we could rely on his professionalism and expertise without hesitation or worry.
Severin Oliver also displayed outstanding integrity in ensuring the quality of our remodel. For example, he judged to be inadequate the hardware that was supplied by the cabinetmaker (chosen by our architect) who built our kitchen cabinets and drawers. Although the weakness of the hardware would not have become apparent until well after the job was completed, he decided to replace at his own cost the supplied hardware with better materials. The work must have cost him thousands of dollars, as several crew members spent over two days on the job. None of the work he and his subs provided has failed to function as promised. And the few times we sought additional assistance (doors that were stiff; adjustments to lighting, etc.), he would quickly arrange for someone to come by and take care of us.
We every day enjoy the benefits of our remodeled home and only wonder why we waited so long. Friends who visit cannot believe the transformation. We could not be more grateful that we chose Severin Oliver and Oliver Builders!
October 7, 2017
Melinda Floyd
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
In the fall of 2015, Oliver Builders renovated my bathroom. I still smile when I walk into my bathroom -- it's that great! I've included some before and after pictures. Severin was responsive, professional, good at explaining things and true to his word. Joel was wonderful to work with and always available when I had questions. Every worker who came to the house was pleasant, careful, and very skilled. The work site was always clean at the end of each day. As with any construction project, this one had some unexpected events. But I was comfortable with the explanations and with the options provided for solutions. I would be happy to hire Oliver Builders again.
August 22, 2017
We have our dream home thanks to the team at Oliver Builders. They are professional, kind, hardworking, and perfectionists. They are great with communication, flexible, and creative problem solvers. They went above and beyond to make sure we were pleased with the project and the process. We recommend them without hesitation.
August 17, 2017
Geeta & Kal Wajid
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
After a challenging search for many months, we found a house in Kensington that seemed to have the potential to make it 'our home'. The house was dated and lacked a few "must-haves" for us. We wanted a larger kitchen and dining area, a separate laundry room, a powder room and more closet space. The place also needed all around updating and modernizing, including new bathrooms.
Our agent suggested that we talk to Severin Oliver, the proprietor of Oliver Builders, a reputable local general contracting firm. We called Severin and he responded promptly and agreed to meet with us.
When we met Severin, we were very impressed. He seemed highly competent and straight forward. We were able to communicate our needs regarding the project and he seemed to completely understand and get what we wanted. We were at the same time in the process of selecting an architect. Severin gave us a couple of names of architects with whom he had worked before. We contacted one of them and could see that he, along with Severin, seemed to get our vision for the renovation. They gave us a transparent cost estimate and helped us adapt our expectations to the budget. We knew we had found our team.
The architectural and construction contracts were signed and both the architect and Severin worked with us diligently and in great detail to develop the renovation plans. The county permit approval process went smoothly and was handled entirely by them. The work on the project began in earnest in late summer with completion targeted for early spring.
Throughout the construction phase Severin worked with us closely. We met with him several times to discuss the progress of the project, etc. which we greatly appreciated. He was always welcoming, open and easy to communicate with. The demolition and building process went incredibly smoothly, Severin and his team, along with the architect, came up with sound solutions as a few unexpected challenges arose.
Oliver Builders' crew is outstanding. Joel Chala, our project manager has been a delight to work with. He is a true professional and all along, has always been accessible and responsive to our questions and changes. Luis, Juan, Felipe, Jose and Mark and all other team members are highly skilled, smart and quality craftsmen and always very pleasant to interact with. They are all very organized and extremely hard working. We were also very happy with all the sub-contractors, including for electrical, plumbing, tiling and flooring work.
Despite a slight slowdown due to inclement weather, we were able to move back into the house in early March. The renovation has turned out well beyond our expectations. The team's attention to detail and help in selection of materials and fixtures was invaluable in realizing our vision. Several upgrades and changes we made raised the cost of the renovation beyond the original budget, but given how nicely the remodeling turned out, it has been worth it.
Over the construction months we really got to know the team personally and we miss our regular interactions with them. We are grateful every day for their excellent work which has made living in our home a real joy. When our friends and family hear about our wonderful experience with the renovation, they are a bit surprised but happy that it turned out as it did for us. We could not possibly have had a better experience than we did.
August 15, 2017
Jesse Rosen
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Severin and his very cable crew completed a second story remodel and first floor upgrades to our aging Albany house in late 2015-2016. Having been back in the house for some months now, enough time to settle in and start enjoying the place, both my family and I are thrilled with the final project. Remodels are always stressful and this was a big one, however considering the size of the project, I think we ran into very few hiccups along the way. Severin was amazingly transparent throughout the project and both he and his staff are great at communicating what is needed and where they are in the project. The level of care and detail that was applied through-out the project was also top notch. They went about re-building this house as if it were their own. If a design detail didn’t make sense on the plans, or was missing, they asked and made sure to get it right. The result is a great final product. It is without hesitation that I recommend Oliver Builders.
October 4, 2016
Doug Mosher
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We feel like we hit the jackpot with Severin, across the board! He worked with us as the General Contractor on our major house renovation and second story addition. Not only was the craftsmanship excellent, the project came in on time (early, in fact) and met our budget. The construction results were beautiful and exceeded our expectations. Severin has great communication skills, detailed accounting, flexibility when necessary, and most of all, a lot of integrity. We highly recommend Severin for any sized General Contractor job.
October 3, 2016
Working with Oliver Builders has been one of the most rewarding partnerships I have experienced in terms of any service provider or even really business dealing I can think of. Undertaking a remodel is fraught with opportunities for tension, misunderstandings, and conflict between owner and contractor, given all the "unexpected" issues that inevitably come up. Suffice to say, our project involved many surprises--not by any fault of OBI and mostly related to change-of-mind on our end regarding certain details--and by extension countless opportunities for problems to arise with Oliver Builders. But these problems just didn't arise. At every step of the way, we felt Oliver Builders strived for fairness, kept their word, looked for ways to go above and beyond, and respected our trust. We ended the project liking them more than when we started--how many homeowners can honestly say that about their builder? Oh, and have I mentioned the workmanship. Truly top notch. We did a massive remodel job, involving all kinds of structural issues, relocating a kitchen, laying hardwood flooring, putting up stucco, putting in all new windows, on and on. The house sparkles. It radiates solidness, the pride of skilled craftsmen, and overall quality. And the look and feel are just how we had envisioned. In the end, the workmanship is second to none. And was done on budget and on time. But even more important, the integrity this company stands for lets you take that leap of faith to start a construction project with the security of knowing your dealings will be fair and they will truly act at every step of the way with whatever is needed to protect your best interest. It's a pretty uniquely gratifying experience working with Oliver Builders.
October 3, 2016
We used Oliver Builders to update our kitchen, expand our house and put in an internal stair case. The total project lasted about one year and now that it is completed we are so happy with the results. Severin Oliver and his team did a great job of communicating through out the project. We met frequently about budget and we were able to stay on target. They were always present at the job getting tasks big and small done in a timely manner. The crew kept the site clean and free of debris after the end of each day which made living there during construction so much easier.
Without reservation I would recommend Oliver Builders, Inc for their excellent workmanship, top notch quality and pride they put into their work.
Brian L - Oakland
September 2, 2016
robindeutsch
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Beginning with our first consultation, Oliver Builders was on time, on budget, and responsive. All the employees who worked on our house were skillful, friendly, and kept the space clean during the entire project. Severin and Joel were available as needed, worked with the architect and the structural engineer. We would hire them again.
May 26, 2016
Tierney Conner Architecture
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
It's not easy to find a great contractor, which is why we are so happy to have met Severin. We've worked with Severin on several of our design projects, and he is always professional, organized and thorough. His pricing is accurate, he does high quality work and he is a very genuine, friendly guy. We highly recommend Severin for all of your contracting needs!
May 26, 2016
kimmiebonnar
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Oliver Builders was everything you look for in a remodel vendor...a true partnership. Our project encompassed kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, water heater closet, and touched the upstairs and downstairs bathrooms (We have a complicated, old house). Sev and team were open communicators, honest, ethical, creative problem-solvers, punctual, budget-conscience, and ultimately in it to provide us with an exquisite - and practical - remodel. An outstanding value for this cost.
May 23, 2016
Eisenmann Architecture
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We've been fortunate to work with the Oliver Builders team on many East Bay projects. They provide quality construction, with a great deal of thought behind it, and every last member of the team is a pleasure to work with. Their willingness to collaborate with the architect has been a valuable technical resource to us during the design process, and valuable in realizing the design goals of the client during construction. They recently completed a whole house remodel for a client living across country, and Severin's strong communication skills maintained a happy and informed client through what could have been a difficult process. I look forward to continuing to build beautiful and well constructed homes together!
May 20, 2016Last modified:May 20, 2016
2601lajolla
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
My house was a challenge to remodel because it was built in 1923 and had been neglected for many years. We had to take much of it back to studs removing plumbing, outdated electric, and HVAC and adding 800 square feet to get additional bathrooms and a professional kitchen. This was a 20 month project and I could not have asked for a better experience working with Severin Oliver, his company's employees, and his sub-contractors. His standards and attention to detail are exceptional. We met regularly, and he was responsive to my calls or requests at every stage. Severin was proactive when he saw any issues or a better way to execute something so this became a collaborative relationship. I received timely estimate/billing statements so I knew the progress from a budget standpoint. We ended the project as friends which I think speaks volumes to our working relationship and his sensitivity to my standards and goals. I would hire him again without hesitation.
May 20, 2016
Susan McAllister
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Severin Oliver of Oliver Builders was extremely professional from start to finish. His estimate was fair and changes and add ons were implemented smoothly without complaint. The construction area in the kitchen and living room was carefully condoned off with a series of wooden frames and floor-to-ceiling plastic sheeting. All debris from my dismantled chimney was swiftly removed. The reconstruction of the wall was done to my specifications--the wall behind the sheetrock was reinforced floor to ceiling with plywood so that I could hang paintings at any level for my art gallery and in the kitchen. Finished carpentry of new shelves and nooks in the kitchen was attractive and useful. His crew also refurbished my art supply room with additional, cleverly constructed shelving which allows the space to double as a guest room. The crew also did a thorough job of sealing the foundation and crawl space against pests and rodents, culminating in pouring a concrete pad over the dirt of the crawl space. The ample crew assigned to focus on my job was excellent, polite and good at communicating. As a result of this sustained focus, the job was completed on schedule and before the deadline I had specified. If you are lucky enough to get on the Oliver Building schedule you will not be disappointed.
May 19, 2016
We're delighted to recommend Oliver Builders. In 2015 Severin, his crew, and his subcontractors renovated our large kitchen/dining room, upstairs master bath, and laundry room, and they also completed a structural retrofit in the basement. Throughout these projects Severin and Joel consulted frequently with the architect and structural engineer, and they communicated almost daily with us. They were "on it" whenever there was a snag (like unexpected problems with electrical or plumbing or subcontractor delays due to illness), and they frequently revised schedules to accommodate the unexpected. They planned ahead and gave us ample time to choose all materials -- cupboards, counters, plumbing and light fixtures, flooring, tile, hardware, paint colors.
The end result is fabulous - we love all the renovations! The spaces are beautiful yet very functional. We're cooking and entertaining more; we love the flexibility of bathtub or shower in the master bath; and we actually enjoy doing the laundry!
The renovation took longer than expected, and it proved to be more complex than anyone anticipated, but we ended the project with plans to hire Oliver Builders for additional work -- that is the ultimate compliment to any contractor!
May 19, 2016Last modified:April 14, 2024
I wholeheartedly recommend Oliver Builders for both large and small projects. We worked with OB to add approximately 400 sq. feet to our second story, including master bedroom, bathroom and dressing room. Our budget was tight but OB, without compromising quality or attention to detail was able to finish our project just under their projected estimate. A second set of smaller projects included floor refinishing, built-in cabinetry design and installation, and window replacement. All were done with great care for details and right on budget. Severin Oliver is a pleasure to work with. He's extremely knowledgeable and experienced and a great partner to take on a project with.
May 18, 2016
Oliver Builders, Inc were very professional and easy to work with throughout our project. They kept us well informed throughout every phase and were accommodating when problems occurred. Severn and Joel are good communicators. They run an honest business.
May 12, 2016
We had an incredibly positive experience and found that every person who worked on our new windows and doors plus painting and light fixtures project were professional and courteous throughout the length of the project.
May 2, 2016
Oliver builders did a superb job renovating our kitchen/family room. Severin was very easy to work with and quickly responded to all our concerns. The workmanship was excellent and on time....and even a bit under budget. I give them my highest recommendation!
April 30, 2016
Ilene and Elliott Wolf
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We did a complete home renovation, which included: a fully remodeled kitchen, all new plumbing fixtures, new vanities and new tile in the three bathrooms, new wood flooring throughout the house, updated electrical and much, much more, while still maintaining the integrity of the Mid-century modern architecture. We had heard horror stories from our family and friends regarding their remodeling experience. We anticipated the worst, but we were pleasantly surprised throughout the construction. Oliver Builders gave us an estimated completion date and price for the renovation. They adhered to both and the entire process was most enjoyable. We are very picky and the contractor was always very patient with our numerous "requests" and kept us very well informed. We were living in Michigan during the construction and we received many photos and phone calls to keep us updated during the process; this enabled us to oversee the daily progress. We are ecstatic with the results and we highly recommend Oliver Builders. We couldn't be any happier with our home.
March 31, 2016
Larson Shores Architects
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We have had the pleasure of working with Oliver Builders for over 3 years now on multiple projects. As an architect, we are always trying to deliver a great product but also a great experience. Severin and his team are concerned with the design details and work easily with our team to resolve the best solution. Severin is also incredibly organized keeping the project on track and on budget. He is a man of integrity and through the years I have watched him over and over again take the high road and do the right thing for everyone involved. I can not recommend them highly enough.
September 16, 2014
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is Oliver Builders, Inc rated?
Oliver Builders, Inc is currently rated 5 overall out of 5
What services does Oliver Builders, Inc provide?
Oliver Builders, Inc provides the following services: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Carport Installation, Custom Homes, Energy-Efficient Homes, Garage Building, Green Building, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, House Framing, Modular Home Additions, New Home Construction, Project Management, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Tiny House Construction, Custom Home, Concrete Construction, Custom Cabinets, Deck Building, Door Installation, Door Repair, Foundation Repair
Where does Oliver Builders, Inc provide services?
Oliver Builders, Inc provides services in the following areas: Alameda, Albany, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Lafayette, Moraga, North Richmond, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, Richmond, Tiburon