Orange County and Newport Beach, California, are coastal gems that blend the allure of pristine beaches with the cosmopolitan charm of Southern California living. The sun-kissed shores, upscale communities, and a lifestyle that’s second to none make this region a coveted destination. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business looking to embark on a construction or renovation project, you’ll need the best commercial contractors to bring your vision to life.
This guide presents the crème de la crème of commercial contractors in Orange County and Newport Beach. Our expert team has meticulously curated this list, thoroughly assessing their portfolios, industry expertise, client testimonials, and the accolades they’ve garnered. Whether you’re considering a retail space remodel, a restaurant renovation, or any other commercial project, you can trust the excellence and precision of the featured contractors to exceed your expectations.
Esplanade Builders
23820 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90505
Esplanade Builders, Inc. is a certified small business, serving Southern California since 2003. As a full-service general contractor, it offers comprehensive project support across various commercial real estate sectors, from preconstruction to occupancy. Esplanade Builders conducts most of its daily operations under a general building contractor B license.
Catering to the regions of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, it specializes in tenant improvement construction. It holds the distinction of being a six-time best-in-class award recipient. Esplanade Builders’ success isn’t driven by marketing but is nurtured by fostering relationships and repeat business, appreciating its diverse clientele.
With affiliations in the Building Owners and Managers Association and accolades like the 2021 Top 10 Tenant-Improvement Contractors in Orange County, Esplanade Builders maintains a strong presence in the industry. Principal Christian Sorenson, with 20 years of experience in construction, leads the company with a background in development and architecture, making it a respected contractor across Southern California.
Bogart Construction
9980 Irvine Center Dr, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618
Bogart Construction, a leading general contractor in the retail construction sector over the last decade, has distinguished itself through its unwavering commitment to the unique demands of retail projects. This exclusive focus has honed its expertise, enabling it to deliver exceptional results.
Through years of experience and unwavering attention to detail, Bogart Construction has become one of the foremost retail general contractors on the West Coast. The company’s affiliations with organizations such as the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Retail Contractors Association underscore its commitment to industry excellence.
Under the leadership of Brad Bogart, CDP president, with 30 years of experience, Bogart Construction has become renowned for its retail and commercial construction expertise. A philosophy of “On Time Completion – Zero Punch Turn” guarantees the realization of client-driven objectives, while the company’s steadfast dedication to “Building Relationships That Last” is evidenced by its many repeat clients who attest to this commitment.
Shawmut Design and Construction
11390 W Olympic Blvd, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Shawmut Design and Construction is all about delivering a superior building experience. As an acclaimed construction management firm, Shawmut is committed to surpassing expectations daily. This commitment runs deep within the studio as employee-owners and is a pledge to each of its partners. From project initiation to the final ribbon-cutting, it ensures its clients enjoy the best building experience possible.
What sets Shawmut apart is its unique ownership structure; it is 100% employee-owned. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), every team member shares in the company’s success, making the firm a talent-driven organization dedicated to delivering exceptional client service.
Affiliated with the Association of Luxury Suite Directors, Shawmut is also recognized as a Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE) and a Minority Business Enterprise. Its achievements are acknowledged in accolades like the 2023 LABJ Best Place to Work in Los Angeles, and it was featured in Engineering News-Record and Forbes. Key figures at Shawmut include Les Hiscoe, CEO, with 24 years at the company, and Greg Skalaski, executive vice president, West, who has been with Shawmut for 26 years.
Howard CDM
17434 Bellflower Blvd, Suite 300, Bellflower, CA 90706
Howard CDM, established in 1972, focuses on commercial construction, development, and management. It directs projects throughout California, creating a tangible legacy through client-centric service, lasting relationships, and successful project completion. The company consistently delivers top-quality service, meeting client expectations within budget and schedule constraints. This commitment to construction excellence resonates through every project it undertakes.
Howard CDM’s affiliations with organizations like the Long Beach Heritage Society and the Santa Monica Conservancy reflect its dedication to preserving heritage and promoting community. Its notable accomplishments include the Laemmle Theatres, Orange County School of the Arts, Otium Restaurant, SteelCraft, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, City Place in Long Beach, and The District in Tustin.
With 40 years of experience, Martin D. Howard, president and CEO, has steered the company’s evolution into a successful multimillion-dollar enterprise. His leadership has successfully completed various commercial, industrial, hospitality, medical, and mixed-use developments. The core of Howard CDM’s success lies in its people, projects, and the commitment to ensuring each endeavor’s successful outcome.
Casco Contractors
9850 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Casco Contractors, situated in Orange County, is a general contracting firm specializing in commercial tenant improvement. With affiliations boasting LEED-accredited professionals and certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise, Casco is committed to sustainable and inclusive practices.
In recognition of its dedication, Casco Contractors was honored with the 2019 OCBJ Civic 50 Emerging Award, a testament to its impact on the community. Its accomplishments have been acknowledged by respected publications such as the Orange County Business Journal.
At the helm of Casco Contractors is Cheryl Osborn, the president and founder. Her educational background, including a degree from California State University in construction and interior design, underpins her leadership. Osborn’s vision revolves around comprehending clients’ evolving requirements, transforming their aspirations into reality, and fostering enduring partnerships to ensure complete contentment. With three decades of experience in construction, her unwavering commitment to integrity and high standards propels her team to succeed and sets a remarkable example for her staff.
SCGWest
18001 Sky Park Cir, Suite LM, Irvine, CA 92614
At SCGWest, quality, reputation, and trust are the cornerstones of its business philosophy. The company was founded with a keen understanding of retail, restaurant, and medical office owners’ unique needs. It is committed to streamlining the process of opening new locations or rejuvenating existing ones, all while reducing costs, timelines, and owner stress.
Affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the Design-Build Institute of America, SCGWest brings expertise to every project. Its commitment to excellence has been recognized with awards, including the 2020 Orange County Business Journal’s acknowledgment as one of the largest tenant improvement contractors.
The firm’s leadership team, comprising co-founders and managing partners Kyle Gorman and Brandon Lehman, brings extensive experience to SCGWest. Gorman’s finance and construction background and his passion for project management laid the foundation for the company. Lehman’s engineering and management expertise drives the development of streamlined systems and processes.
ACR Builders
23372 Madero, Suite E, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
ACR Builders, Inc. is a general contracting company established in 2010 by a group of highly experienced individuals in the construction industry. The firm specializes in construction projects, including tenant improvements for national clients, retail market facilities, commercial properties, and local government projects. ACR Builders’ primary objective is to fulfill customers’ construction needs by committing to quality artistry and cultivating successful relationships with owner-management teams, resulting in a growing list of satisfied repeat clients.
At the helm of ACR Builders, Michele Richardson serves as CEO, while Steve Richardson serves as president. Together, they have a collective 55 years of industry experience, with Steve’s extensive 35 years of general contracting expertise managing ACR Builders and the operations of another medium-sized general contracting firm.
The company is affiliated with Women’s Business Enterprise and recognized as a California Small Business. Notably, the Orange County Business Journal honored ACR Builders in 2020 as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses in Orange County. The company’s commitment to quality and excellence is evident in its continued recognition in the industry.
Slater Builders
3100-B Pullman St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Slater Builders has upheld a reputation for excellence and dependability through various seasons. It serves Orange County, extending its reach into parts of San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. It is large enough to address its client’s every requirement and remains attuned to the minutest of details. The guiding principles of the company have evolved gradually, day by day, generation by generation. Pride, integrity, and values are its heritage, building upon the past to construct for the future.
Slater Builders is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the Design-Build Institute of America and has recently earned recognition as one of the Best Places to Work by the Orange County Business Journal in 2023.
The company’s leadership team, led by President and CEO Lizabeth Slater, collaboratively oversees all company operations, from managing financial risk to daily financial responsibilities. This ensures it exceeds $400 million in contract sales. Slater, a 1981 graduate of the University of Southern California with a business finance/marketing degree, brings extensive experience and expertise to Slater Builders.
