About
Art & Craftsmanship
At Altmann & Associates, we enjoy the art of construction and the challenges that accompany it. Every project is unique and requires imagination, creativity, and craftsmanship to succeed. We are an independently-owned construction company with experience in all aspects of residential construction from architectural concrete and foundation work to the highest quality mill work and trim.
OUr approach
Drawing from experience
Whether we are restoring an old Victorian or Craftsman home, or working with the close tolerances demanded by a mid-century modern or steel-frame home, our years in the construction business—nearly three decades—provides us with a wealth of experience from which we can draw. Our team of skilled and friendly carpenters and expert subcontractors are truly interested in realizing your vision and exceeding your expectations.
Tap on each of the pictures below to explore some of our past work.
Alvarado/Berkeley
Our work with designer Heidi Caillier on this Berkeley Craftsman Home was recently featured in Architectural Digest. Click on the photo to pull up the article.
Grizzly Peak/Berkeley
Tasteful update to classic Henry Hill mid-century modern in the Berkeley Hills designed by Fischer Architecture in 2017. The project was featured by Curbed.com. Construction work required updating all systems to modern standards and code. Project included full master bedroom with ensuite bath, kitchen remodel, new roofing and windows, plumbing and electrical update, security system and modern technology updates. All materials were specified by the team at Fischer Architecture to provide modern equivalents to the originals.
Avalon/Berkeley
Update to traditional home in Berkeley's Claremont district. Work included new kitchen, bath and master suite. This project represented particular challenges fitting the close tolerances of the modern design to the older home. Included in the project were numerous innovations that required custom millwork and creative use of materials and techniques.
Lincoln/Berkeley
On this project, we were brought in to add a second story master suite to a traditional Berkeley bungalow. The project also included a new living room and kitchen, as well as a garden office. This modern addition, designed by Envelope Architecture and Design, creates an open floor plan and contemporary finishes to seamlessly integrate the old and the new.
Nogales/Berkeley
Updating the 1909 Walter H. Ratcliff, Jr.-designed Berkeley Craftsman bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship. Highlighted by Berkeleyside when the home was up for sale in 2017 for its “perfect Arts & Crafts sensibility.”
Chabot/Oakland
With Stonorov Workshop, this bathroom update was designed with a variety of natural and high end finishes. Cedar slats on the walls and ceiling, oak shelving and casework, and decorative plaster bring warmth to this jewel box of a bathroom. Daylight from a custom wood window helps to accent the penny tile floors and white Carrera countertops.
Hillside/Albany
Mid-century modern sensibilities inform a tasteful redesign of a home hugging Albany Hill after a fire that destroyed most of the home. The architect took advantage of spectacular views by designing around an open plan that brought the views deep into the home. Our work included a complete rebuild. All that remained after the fire was about 1/4 of the structure and some reusable portions of the foundation. An additional challenge was completing the work within the constraints of the insurance budget.
Rich/Oakland
Reconstruction of 1921 California Bungalow to create a more open floor plan. The redesign completed by Envelope A+D reoriented the floor plan toward the back garden. Renovation included the kitchen and bath as well as an update of all systems and services. Walls in this distinct bath are a special shower plaster that provided a deep color while remaining water tight. Featured in Ponga project here.
Locksley/Oakland
Update to Rockridge area bungalow to open the floor plan to connect the dining and kitchen area and increase the connection to the back garden. The project included renovation of a main floor bathroom and the addition of a bedroom with an ensuite bath on the second floor.
Buena Vista/Berkeley
With Lorin Hill Architecture, we updated this entire 1967 home designed by award-winning architect and former chairman of the UC Berkeley School of Architecture, Gerald McCue. The home was redesigned with large open spaces and giant windows, refreshing the mid-century modern look. We used custom tiling and cabinetry to accent every room while staying true to McCue’s original vision.
King/Piedmont
With Lisa Joyce Design, this kitchen remodel was envisioned in the Mediterranean Revival style, featuring dark Soapstone counters and a Moroccan tile backsplash with brass trim. Recycled redwood cabinets and shelving are coupled with brass hardware and strips of display lighting.
Plan
Design phase input
We are often hired at the same time as the architect to provide critical cost input during the design phase to aid in keeping the project within its intended budget. This team approach is often the key to the ultimate success of a project with valuable, practical construction expertise provided during the critical design development phase of the project.
When a final design is arrived at we generate a detailed estimate and a fixed price contract. This gives the owner the greatest amount of control over design and budget and prevents the issue of the beautiful but unaffordable project.
Under certain conditions such as expedited projects or for clients who prefer total flexibility during the course of construction we propose time and material billing.
Reach out if you'd like to know more about our process, or get feedback during the design phase.
Our Office
Our home base is in Oakland on the Berkeley border. That central location gives us the ability to serve clients throughout the region as well as access to some of the best talent, materials, and resources. Reach out, and let's talk about your project.
Altmann & Associates
