We had a great experience working with Chris, Dave and the rest of the crew at Christopher Gate Construction. Beginning with the bidding process, Chris showed up on time, submitted a thorough proposal when he said he would, and was very professional. Yes, there were hiccups and surprises along the way. Chris and crew always handled them gracefully and fairly. We are very pleased with the quality of their work, and they stand by it even after the job is completed. I highly recommend considering CGC for your remodel. read more

See all

I am a residential building designer who strives to build strong connections with my clients up front so that I can experience the project through their eyes and collaboratively realize the design based on their needs and wishes. We also sometimes realizes permit drawings for other designers who would rather not go through the challenges of assemble drawings and legal documents required by cities to acquire building permits. Such was the case was the when I received a phone call. "I'm Christopher Gates and I'm working on the O. project in San Francisco and I think we're missing a real opportunity." Chris went on to explain that the upper and lower levels of the project were connected by a set of non conforming stairs, which were grandfathered in by not touching them, but were't the most enjoyable to navigate. The previous designer had elected not to touch those stairs. But Chris suggested something extraordinary: "Perhaps we can carve out some space from the adjacent closet, a bathroom, and a light well, and make a set of beautiful stairs with a skylight above that unifies the home right when you walk through the front door. Are you interested in checking it out?" As one who wants my clients to really love their new home, I was a little embarrassed that I'd miss the opportunity myself. But even more, I was super grateful for Chris's suggestion as well as his palpable enthusiasm, especially when so many architects and builders are willing just to gloss over it just to get it done quickly. "Hell yes!" I said. We scheduled a time to meet, trouble shot the challenges, and over the next 10 days, co-created an amazing solution together. Yesterday, nearly nine months since that first meeting, I had the chance to check it out the (nearly) finished project. Chris and his fantastic team had totally transformed the place, from a chopped up, piecemeal layout to a spacious, light-filled home with all the essential amenities a family needs. Thank you, Chris, for making me a better designer through your curiosity, fantastic work, and service to your clients! read more

We were referred to Chris, Jamie and the team for our recent project and we're about to start again with them on our next one. The experience has been so great! We have happily referred them to friends looking for a great professional GC and they have been super happy too. They worked with us to get the look and function we needed, while also helping us stick to budget and schedule. They go above and beyond to make sure the project is executed flawlessly, taking pride in their project management, craftsmanship and finishing detail. They are great communicators, very honest and reliable and have so much experience which was invaluable. Thanks so much! read more

Chris is an honest, reliable, considerate, skilled, creative, and fair contractor who delivers quality work in a timely manner! What more can I say? And what more could you want from a contractor.? Boy, things have changed since the days when you couldn't even find one contractor that would do a small job. (by small I mean less than a major remodel) Chris did several 2-3 day long jobs for me and was willing to spread them apart by a few weeks to make it affordable for me. He and his crew are a pleasure to have around. He has the sweetest Brazilian guy working for him who smiles and sings while he works. They are like little elves in your home; so happy and so respectful of your space. I cant wait to get him back to tackle phase 2 of my "to do" list. read more

Chris Gates Construction: Superb. In Nov. 2011, I began cleaning and checking out my parents' house for needed repairs. I was upset that some contractors had taken advantage of their age and handicaps. Despite the house's major restoration following the 89-earthquake, I noticed the 1990's work was decomposing faster than remaining 1920's parts of the house. I contracted Chris Gates (rated tops on YELP) to repair and reconstruct damaged parts of the house and foundation. His costs matched his estimates, and results worth every penny. Invisible from inside, the rear face of the house had large sections of rotted support structure for both walls and house supports, termites too. Two back walls needed reconstructed. Nearly 2 floors worth of siding were replaced. The 1990's back deck stairs violated SF building codes, and water penetrated the house's exterior walls. Some room floors were damaged, boards replaced matching wood/grain/color and refinished. And, ...there's more. After the mess, we remodeled two bathrooms, replaced lamps, refinished the kitchen cabinets, and painted the house's interior and exterior. Gates is efficient and cost-conscious. He's also courteous, which matters with neighbors when operations get noisy. He and his employees left no traces and debris for us to clean up. All is quite remarkable, considering the narrow confined townhouse setting, on the edge of a walled sand dune. Chris Gates' final product is amazing. read more

We originally hired Chris Gate Construction to do a complete kitchen remodel. We gutted our kitched down to the studs, moved some plumbing, and installed all new lighting fixtures. Chris and his team did a fantastic job. They were highly communicative during the project and came in on time and on budget. When it came time to rennovate our basement, we did not hesitate to hire Chris again and were extremely statisfied with the level of service for the second project. Chris and his team pay attention to details and are true craftsman - particularly when it comes to tile. Chris and Francelino helped us install an Italian mosaic in our kitchen which looks amazing. read more

This contractor employs, and evidently approves of, subcontractors who do not work well with the neighborhood. The neighbors have repeatedly requested that the Christopher Gate employees park within the legal limits of 20 permitted feet; the requests have been met with reactions ranging from indifference to profanity. If you want to piss off the community you're going to be living in, hire this guy. read more

Upon visiting San Fransisco, my family had our car broken into and possessions stolen. Chris stumbled across our stuff, collected it, and sought us out. After sorting through numbers and documents, he was finally able to contact us that he had our things. He even drove out of his way to bring everything to us and refused any sort of compensation for his troubles. While we did not use his contruction services, we did have the priveledge of learning how thoughful, caring, and considerate Chris truly is! In a business where someone's word is everything, this is one person whose word certainly means a lot. Thank you Chris! read more

We need someone to lead the replacement of a small rental unit's kitchen so I checked on Yelp and found Chris Gates. He quoted a fair price and his references checked out. I didn't want to spend too much since it was a rental but I wanted something nice and solid. He pointed me to a cabinet shop that beat the box stores and a great granite place (Stones Plus) that was great and inexpensive. Chris has a great team, especially Andrew his carpenter. They got the job done on schedule and close to budget. It turned out great. Definitely will use again. read more

Chris and his crew worked on our condo conversion and also worked on additional upgrades we wanted for our flat. Everything about this experience was great. Work was done very fast , I think it was finished even earlier then estimated. The price was right, and quality great. Would certainly be working with him again read more

Top quality work at reasonable prices. Chris and his crew completely transformed my carpeted home by installing bamboo floors. If you are thinking of having wood floors installed call Chris. His finishing and trim work is fantastic. He really knows what he is doing. read more

We hired Chris and his crew for a full kitchen remodel and some related side-projects. The scope included all new cabinets, counter top, tile backsplash, appliances, engineered hardwood flooring, electrical, and some plumbing. Every major project has some surprises, and Chris was very fair and easy to work with as these unexpected items came up. First, our sub floor was in bad shape, and Chris quickly designed and executed the solution to level and solidify it prior to installing the flooring. Next, we changed the scope by upgrading to an acoustic underlayment to minimize noise transmission to our neighbors below. This change required additional time, materials, and brute-strength to install. In each of these cases, Chris was quick to explain any additional costs and time considerations before proceeding. Each day, Chris and team worked within some unusual parameters to accommodate this work-at-home client, a very fussy neighbor (noise sensitivity), and our two cats. All participants (Chris & crew, inspectors, etc) were very respectful, accommodating, and delightful to be around. Our ugly, old kitchen is now truly beautiful, and we couldn't be more pleased with the work. We're committed to hiring Chris and his team for any future projects. read more

Chris and his team are top quality and always a pleasure to work with. They came and did some structural work when we first moved in and did a wonderful job. The details they added are not just flourishes but are elements I could not imagine living without. read more

Chris is a true professional. Our project involved moving walls, setting up new electrical and plumbing as well as building new deck and stairs. As any project of such complexity, also this one presented its share of hard to anticipate challenges and obstacles. Chris was very good about offering solutions and resolving problems quickly and efficiently. We could not live in our home during this remodel, but we did not feel that we needed to oversee the progress closely. Chris was at the property daily, advising his employees and sub-contractors and making sure that set deadlines and milestone are met. We are very happy with the final outcome and would recommend Christopher Gate Construction to anyone contemplating multi-level, complex remodel project. read more

As a retired teacher, I had done my "homework" in selecting the contractor for our extensive San Francisco home remodel ( 2 story addition & 2 decks), so I expected the six months of work to proceed well. I did not anticipate how enjoyable the whole process would be. Chris completed the project on time and on budget. Truly the work done is beautiful! His subs are not only exceptionally skilled but artists as well. Chris was on-the-job every day and strives to maintain warm, attentive relationships with all his workers. He really does care, and that makes all the difference. During construction I was co-housing with my daughter, son-in-law, baby granddaughter, and three house rabbits. Chris and his workers calmly and amiably worked around all of us. The foreman brought treats for my granddaughter in his lunch box, and the carpenters saved special wood pieces for her block construction. What more could anyone ask for! Even after the completion of our project, Chris has checked in to make certain all is going well. Chris is a superlative contractor, but more importantly he is a great guy! Our family knows how considerate, dedicated, honest, and caring he is, and we all highly recommend him to you. read more

I highly recommend Chris Gate construction. They did a full kitchen remodel, extended the exterior wall, and added a new bathroom in our house. We've lived with our new kitchen and bath for 4 years now and have been nothing but thrilled with how it turned out. Chris is a great craftsman and worked hard to ensure that our remodel flowed well with the rest of our Edwardian home. He made the door moldings and inlaid the hardwood floor to match the rest of the house himself. Chris was a great communicator and I would hire him again in a minute. read more

Excellent craftsmanship, super-friendly and fair. A pleasure to work in every way. Chris and his team are top notch and we are extremely happy with their work and the value they brought to our home. He transformed our basement into a beautiful guest suite with a full bath. The internal stairway he created looks as if it was part of the original floor plan. From the big picture to the small details, Chris and team cover everything with extraordinary craftsmanship. Seriously, hire this guy if you want the job done right and on-time. His prices are fair and reasonable. read more

Five Stars: to see why look at my review on houzz.com : http://www.houzz.com/viewReview/258004/Christopher-Gate-Construction-review

Hire CHRISTOPHER GATE CONSTRUCTION. You won't be disappointed. I promise. Chris and his crew are professional, reliable, honest and a pleasure to work with. We had a 6 ft x 7 ft picture window installed in our kitchen. I have to say, we were a little worried that we weren't going to be able to get it in but Chris and Francelino changed that. They made it happen and it looks GREAT! Thank you for turning a vision we had into reality! We hope to be hiring them again for the rest of our kitchen remodel. read more

This is the second time I have hired Chris Gate. I had an excellent experience. The project included foundation work, repairing leaks, building a garden bench, and bracing a chimney. I am very happy with the work. In all phrases of the project, Chris and his team were reliable, professional and a joy to work with. I recommend him highly. read more

I have am having a housing crisis from hell, with a vindictive tenant in a house with few permits for the work done on it over the last 50 years. I rang Chris to see if he would look at the roof deck and he made the first helpful suggestion I've received, supplying me with the name of an architect to help. Thank you Chris. read more

We really enjoyed working with Chris. Maybe there are some folks out there who love doing home renovations, but for most people, it's stressful to pick out all of the materials and get everything done within budget and on time. We bought a house that needed a lot of work, mainly the bathrooms and the kitchen. And the guest room. And then the laundry room. We kept adding on to the scope of work and Chris was patient and thoughtful about how we could get it all done within our budget. Oh, and, we had only 10 weeks before we moved in! His crew is professional and skilled, he is always available for questions and open to changes and he handles all aspects of the job, including permits and city issues. We moved in a month ago and the house looks great. We found a few small issues that needed to be addressed and Chris had his crew over immediately and got them all resolved as part of the project wrap-up. It's not often you meet a nice guy who runs a professional business and knows his trade! We would work with Chris again in a heartbeat. read more

I echo all of the great comments for Chris and his team! They just completed our kitchen re-model. It looks great and the project was on budget. I also really appreciate how courteous they were with our neighbors. I will definitely use them again. read more

Chris has done great work on our home. He coordinated a full floor remodel, from the footings up to the finished built in cabinetry, and has also handled the rough and finish carpentry on another smaller project on our top floor. All the work is top quality and Chris is great to work with. I definitely recommend him highly. read more

We've used Gates Construction several times, both for small jobs and very large ones. (We are also about to use them again, so I guess that's about as good a recommendation as you can get!) Chris has done work both inside & out, including replacing our building's back stairs and decks. (A huge job considering the building is four stories high, with decks on each level. ) The decks are absolutely beautiful & the stairs extremely well constructed. He's also put in new windows, replaced a support beam, made crafted cabinets and bookcases. His team is professional, they always clean up after themselves and are an extreme pleasure to have around! read more