Richard Schwartz, Builder

As well as an exceptional author Richard is an outstanding member of the community. He is extremely knowledgable about construction especially from a historic perspective and is a kind and generous communicator. Richard saw the value of saving historic documents from the tip and with patience and vision he put them together in a very engaging book.
Mr. Schwartz also wins a good samaritan award from Thousand Oaks Elementary for overseeing the writing of the 5^th Grade Play in 2016.
Thank you Richard!

Richard came to consult me with water leak and drainage problem. I appreciate many things about him:
1. He listened very carefully to the information that I gave him.
2. He looked at the problem, asked questions and actually gave it a thought. In other words, he is a man that is confidant with his knowledge and experience.
3. In the process of investigating the problem, he again was very open to hear what I am thinking.
4. He gave me very useful advices on what to do at the short and the long term.
5. In line with that, he was very clear about what is known and what is unknown. To be clear, the ways of the underground water are hard to predict.
6. He was available to further questions and advices.
To summarize it all, I really appreciate someone who knows his craft and confidant enough to tell you the facts, what the options are and what can be done.

Richard Schwartz is a superb builder and craftsman. He brings to his work a lifetime of experience in the construction trades, careful analysis of the big picture and fair pricing.
I especially appreciate Richard’s versatility for fine work in concrete, seismic, waterproofing, carpentry, landscape features and lighting, as well as his comprehensive project management skills.
Richard is also an amazing building detective who can analyze the root causes of construction issues. He solves problems methodically thru a combination of experience, diagnostic tools, careful record keeping — and persistance — to get the job done right.
As an architect, I especially value Richard’s sharp eye for beautiful, timeless detail and historic integrity in buildings.
I have had the honor to work with Richard for over 15 years. I know of no other builder with Richard’s combination of talents. I highly recommend him.
– Dave Deppen, Architect

richard schwartz, builder did another job for us recently. it was another great experience working with him. richard had great ideas we would not have thought of and generously offered his expertise on many aspects of our project in the design phase. he kept a neat worksite, his work is careful and thoughtful, and his prices fair. he finished on time and we are more than happy with everything he did. the thoughtful planning really pays off. would recommend him without hesitation. an «old school» man– honest, keeps his work, and is happy to be of help.

This guy is amazing !!! He know so much about everything and the fact that he write books on earthquake and the history of Berkeley make me realize he really knows what he is talking about .
Beside of that, I enjoyed the sweet personality he have and talking about construction with so much passion help me make the right decisions that can be hard sometimes.
We used Richard company for more than few projects so far and can be happier.
Highly recommended

I have known Richard Schwartz for many years and was delighted when he agreed to take on a project with me. From the beginning, he was a consummate professional. Always clear with detailed contractual information and expectations.
I appreciated that he asked questions I had not thought about and was more than willing to think about creative solutions during the problem solving process.
At the end of the first day, I viewed what had been done. It struck me instantly that this was a builder who took pride in his craft and was committed to doing his best work for his clients. I trusted him completely!
Richard has the unique ability to be focused, direct, clear in communication and also a warm, caring individual. I recommend Richard Schwartz without reservation.

Richard repaved the sidewalk in front my property, and I’m delighted with the results. He’s a consummate professional, thoroughly knowledgable and detail-​oriented. He’s also a great human being.

I have worked with Richard on many projects in the Eastbay over the years. His knowledge as a contractor is exceptional. Every job has turned out well.
Working with Richard is always a pleasure in that he his couteous, professional, and a great coversationist.
Thanks Richard

Richard is a pleasant, thoughtful, knowledgable, thorough, and meticulous contractor. I found him trustworthy, reasonable, honest, and easy to work with. My wife and I hired him for a home improvement contract with a variety of elements to make adjustments to the home we bought in Berkeley. He took the time to answer all of our questions (and being new homeowners that was a lot), and he carefully explained everything. He really knows his stuff, and when he didn’t know the answer to one of our questions he told us he didn’t know, and went and researched our question and consulted an expert (at no extra charge). He was flexible about making changes to the contract when we changed our minds, and when unexpected complications arose he gave us very reasonable rates for the additional work. We are so pleased with the relationship and the results of the initial contract that we are having him draw up estimates for additional changes to be completed in a new contract. I found his subcontractors to be very professional with one small exception and he took my feedback very seriously. To me, it was definitely worth the small additional cost to have Richard as a contractor instead of calling the electrician, plumber, and insulation folks myself and trying to coordinate it all on my own. Richard is my go-​to guy for any future home repairs/​improvements.
Additional note: Beyond general contracting, Richard has specific expertise in interior lighting, so if you want someone to make your vision for lighting a reality, he’s your man.

Richard Schwartz has been a friend and neighbor for years. He worked on a house where I was a renter and then helped me when I bought my own home 18 months ago. He is a man of integrity and deals well with city agencies. Among other things he retrofit my home and his work was known to and respected by the city inspector which made a remarkable difference in the ease and timeliness of the inspections. All his sub-​contractors and employees were excellent as well. Richard continues to take an interest in my home and is always available for questions and consultations. If you want to work with an intelligent, trustworthy, knowledgeable, animal friendly contractor Richard Schwartz, Builder, is your man.

I was in need of advice about the cost of work on a potential home purchase and called Richard after seeing the review on Unilocal.I was blown away by how helpful he was. The job would be in San Francisco, so he said he was unlikely to do the work himself, yet he spent more than 40 minutes explaining what to look out for, and outlining all the potential costs involved with buying a really old house. He’s very cautious in estimating costs and sounds like a very meticulous builder. Highly recommended!