Answers to the questions prospective clients usually ask before a first conversation. For project-specific detail, see the project pages.
GamaBuilt builds high-end residential renovations and ground-up modern construction in San Francisco and Marin. The work concentrates on ground-up constructions of San Francisco's Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-century housing stock, and ground-up modern construction on hillside parcels and wine-country sites.
Design-build is a project delivery model where a single firm holds the contract for both design and construction. At GamaBuilt, that means structural, mechanical, millwork, and finish all report through one project manager from schematic design through final punch-list. The homeowner does not become the integrator between separate firms.
Yes. The firm regularly partners with architects of record (MAK Studio, Philip Mathews, and Smith & Architects, among others) and holds the construction contract while the architect leads design. The same single-project-manager coordination applies.
San Francisco and Marin County, with concentrated work in Mill Valley, Glen Park, Buena Vista, and Pacific Heights.
Yes. California Contractor's License and full liability coverage. The firm has been in operation since 2005.
The firm works with a small number of clients each year. Recent projects include ground-up constructions and ground-up homes typically in the $1M to $7M range. Larger or smaller engagements are possible depending on scope.
A ground-up construction or new build typically runs 12 to 24 months from schematic design to final punch-list, depending on scope, permitting timelines, and site conditions. Hillside projects with deep foundations or excavations often run longer.
Yes. Multiple completed projects have required deep foundations, shoring, and slope engineering, including Roosevelt Way and Rosemont Place, both with two-story excavations under contemporary residences. On San Francisco hillside lots, the work below grade often outweighs the visible work above grade in both cost and risk.
Before drawings are finished. The earlier the firm is involved, ideally during early schematic design with the architect, the better the outcome. Bringing the contractor in to flag constructability, cost, and timeline issues while there is still time to revise the drawings is the difference between a smooth project and a series of expensive change orders.
Reach the studio through the form on the contact page, by email at info@gamabuilt.com, or by phone at (415) 860-7174. The studio responds within two business days.