What type of builder is Redwood Constructors, and how are you different from other contractors?

Redwood Constructors is a licensed, bonded, and properly insured general contractor that specializes in building healthy homes and high-performance residences. With our unique angle, we self-perform many of the critical trades (framing, waterproofing, windows/doors, siding, finish carpentry, etc.) with full-time employees on payroll. This allows us to maintain higher quality control, tighter schedules, and cleaner job sites. Our work is not only about building a quality home, but also creating a healthy, durable environment for your family with the best indoor air quality possible through industry leading best practices in ventilation, moisture prevention, No-VOC materials, and systems created for maximum comfort. 

Why is it important to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor?

Working with a licensed contractor means you are hiring a professional who is legally authorized to build in California. Being bonded and insured protects you from liability if something goes wrong on your project.

• You can verify a contractor’s license status with the California State License Board (CSLB) at www.cslb.ca.gov.

• Check that the contractor carries workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you if one of their workers is injured on your property. If a contractor doesn’t carry this coverage, the liability falls on the homeowner.

What’s the difference between Cost Plus and Fixed Fee contracts?

• Fixed Fee Contracts: The builder gives one lump sum for the project, regardless of the actual costs. These contracts can lead to change orders, cut corners, or disputes if unexpected issues arise.

• Cost Plus Contracts: The homeowner pays the actual cost of construction plus an agreed-upon management fee. This structure provides full transparency, allowing you to see exactly where your money goes and ensuring you’re paying true costs rather than padded numbers.

At Redwood, we build under a Cost Plus model because it creates alignment between client and builder. You see real invoices, real labor costs, and know that decisions are made in your best interest, not based on hidden markups. 

Why do not all contractors offer Cost Plus contracts?

The Cost Plus system requires a sophisticated administrative and accounting structure. Every invoice, receipt, and labor entry must be carefully tracked, coded, and shared with the client. Many contractors are not set up to provide this level of transparency. Redwood has invested heavily in the administrative side of the business so our clients always know the exact financial status of their project.

Why are Healthy Homes such an important part of how Redwood builds?

Healthy homes go beyond standard construction drawings. We incorporate building science details that improve indoor air quality, durability, and energy performance which are features most builders overlook. Examples include:

• Air-tight exterior envelope to control the inside air with proper ventilation  

• ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) systems for constant filtered fresh air exchange

• Low-VOC materials and finishes to reduce harmful long-term chemicals

• Rainscreen siding assemblies to prevent mold and rot

• Advanced waterproofing systems for long-term durability

Our goal is to deliver homes that are not only beautiful, but also healthier for your family to live in.

What’s the difference between a General Contractor who only uses subcontractors and one who also employs in-house crews?

A general contractor that exclusively hires subcontractors (often called a “Paper GC”) has limited control over schedule and accountability. Quality can also be an issue if their list of vendors is short. Subcontractors often juggle multiple jobs and may not always align with your project’s timeline.

At Redwood, we combine the best of both worlds:

• Trusted subcontractors for specialized trades like electrical, HVAC, etc.

• In-house employees who self-perform key scopes of work (light framing, siding, finish carpentry, flooring, waterproofing, painting, etc.)

This hybrid model ensures that your home is built to a higher standard, with greater consistency and oversight than a subcontractor-only approach.

How early should we bring Redwood into the process?

Clients often wait until after they have full plans to hire a builder, but that can lead to redesigns, delays, or budget shocks. Redwood works best when we are part of the pre-construction phase by collaborating with your architect, designer, and engineers as early as possible. This ensures accurate budgeting, code compliance, and seamless integration of healthy-home features before construction starts.

How does Redwood manage budgets for custom homes?

High-end projects require precise financial tracking. With our Cost Plus system, we use professional project management and accounting software tools to give you line-by-line visibility into project costs, timelines, and shared documents through a project portal. These tools and transparency protects you from inflated allowances and surprise change orders, which are common in lump-sum contracts.

What makes Redwood a “Healthy Home” builder versus a standard custom home builder?

Most builders stop at code minimum. Redwood designs and builds beyond the code, incorporating building science principles such as:

• Advanced moisture management (rainscreens, Schluter waterproofing, Advantech subfloors, Zip sheathing)

• All-electric, high-efficiency heat pump mechanical systems

• Conditioned attics and crawl spaces

• Soda-blasting and borate treating the framing to remove mold, dirt, and termites

• Thoughtful ERV design for indoor air quality to reduce air-born allergies, pollutants, and reduce CO2 levels

These are details you won’t find on standard plans and they are proven methods to make homes healthier, longer-lasting, and more comfortable.

How do you ensure quality control on a large custom home project?

Redwood employs full-time, in-house crews for key trades and installations. This gives us direct oversight of craftsmanship, daily jobsite quality, and schedule adherence. Our project managers also provide detailed reporting, photos, and progress updates throughout construction so you’re always in the loop.

How do you keep projects on schedule?

Custom home construction is complex, but Redwood minimizes delays by:

• Self-performing critical path trades

• Using project schedules to track milestones

• Assist with material choices and recommendations

• Holding weekly progress meetings with clients and design teams

• Coordinating early with inspectors and city planning departments

This structured approach helps us avoid the typical “stop-and-start” delays seen in high-end residential projects.

What role does sustainability play in Redwood projects?

Beyond indoor health, Redwood prioritizes sustainability through:

• Energy-efficient systems like heat pump systems that reduce long-term operating costs

• Water-wise plumbing and irrigation design

• Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials (fiber cement siding, metal roofing)

• Waste management and recycling during construction

We believe luxury and sustainability should go hand in hand.

How do you protect clients during construction?

We carry comprehensive insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, follow strict safety protocols, and maintain a clean jobsite. We name our clients as additionally insured on all our policies for complete peace of mind. This protects you legally and financially which is something many homeowners overlook until it’s too late.

What happens after the home is complete?

Redwood provides a post-construction walkthrough, warranty package, and maintenance guidance to ensure your home continues to perform at the highest level. We see our clients as long-term partners, not just a one-time build. If something happens to your home, we are there for you along the way.