Jim Gardner Construction

Our foundation repair service addresses cracks, settlement, and seismic vulnerabilities using steel beam reinforcement and modern concrete techniques. We stabilize homes through pier and grade beam systems, crawlspace supports, and complete foundation replacement. Each project includes engineering analysis and permit handling to ensure lasting structural integrity.

We install comprehensive drainage solutions including French drains, downspout systems, and surface water management. Our dual membrane approach prevents water intrusion while conveyors efficiently move 200+ tons of soil during installation. Projects integrate with existing infrastructure to protect foundations from seasonal water table fluctuations and atmospheric river events.

Our basement digouts create 8-9 foot finished spaces through steel beam support, excavation, and reinforced concrete flooring. The process includes temporary shoring, soil removal using Bobcat excavators, and integrated drainage systems. We handle complete foundation wall construction and vapor barrier installation to create code-compliant living spaces.

We strengthen homes against seismic activity through foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, and shear wall installation. Our retrofitting includes steel beam reinforcement and connection hardware upgrades to meet modern building codes. Projects often combine with drainage work to address both structural and environmental vulnerabilities simultaneously.

Our retaining walls stabilize sloped properties using reinforced concrete systems with proper drainage integration. We construct walls with wide footings and steel reinforcement to prevent settlement, addressing both structural support and water management needs. Projects include replacement of outdated brick walls with modern engineered solutions.

Jim Gardner is a UC Berkeley graduate with 40+ years of construction experience. He holds certifications as a Graduate Remodeler (NAHB), Structural Repair Specialist (NAWSRC), and Building Performance Contractor. Jim leads all project estimates and oversees operations, combining technical expertise with community-focused service.

Luis has served as project foreman for 15 years, managing daily operations on complex structural projects. He supervises crews in foundation replacement, drainage installation, and seismic retrofitting while maintaining strict quality control standards throughout the construction process.

We serve Alamo, Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Blackhawk, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, San Leandro, and Walnut Creek, CA.

We employ pier and grade beam repairs, crawlspace supports, and complete foundation replacement using steel reinforcement and modern concrete techniques tailored to each property's specific needs.

Yes, we manage all permitting requirements and provide engineering drawings, including connections to city inspectors and code compliance documentation for structural projects.

We install French drains, downspout systems, and surface water management solutions with dual membrane protection, integrating with existing infrastructure to prevent water intrusion.

Yes, we specialize in basement digouts creating 8-9 foot finished spaces with proper structural support, drainage integration, and reinforced concrete flooring systems.

Our 40+ years of specialized experience, A+ BBB rating, proprietary drainage techniques, and complete project ownership from design to completion deliver unmatched value for structural repairs.

I highly recommend Jim Gardner for his deep expertise, honesty, and professionalism. I contacted Jim to assess the drainage and foundation at my house. A lot of other drainage professionals I talked with felt like they are trying to sell you something or scare you into spending a ton of money right away--but not Jim! I was very impressed and appreciative that Jim was upfront and honest that we didn't need to rush into any projects. Jim's decades of experience led us to understand that there was probably nothing wrong with our house and should wait before deciding on any major projects. He told us what to look out for in case something major changed in the future. If we ever have drainage or foundation concerns again in the future, we will definitely be calling Jim!

We recently bought a 1920s home and found there were some drainage problems and the wall cracks indicating settlement issues. Jim, from the get go, knows how to manage clients and their projects. He asks pointed, high-yield questions starting with his online questionnaire that help tailor his consultation to your exact needs and budget. He provides honest assessments and is uninterested in offering quick, cheap fixes that will not solve your problems - very refreshing and much appreciated. He is very knowledgable and reliable. We won't hesitate to reach out to Jim again when we have work that needs to be done!

Contacted Jim for work on our foundation and he said to fill out information on the website which I did. He emailed back asking for pictures and more details and estimated cost? (WTH am I some estimator?). I provided more details but there are no pictures that would be helpful to demonstrate what needs to be done. Plus am I an engineer? Does your auto mechanic ask you to diagnose why your car isn't working and how much you think the cost will be?

He emailed back saying no thanks your job is too small. I asked him how he knows this and what defines a "small job"? Never heard back. My recommendation is go with someone who will actually take the time and courtesy to evaluate the scope of a project. If you read the Reviews you'll see he'll cherry pick big projects and blow off anything else. Never knew snobby construction companies exist but I guess they do. Jim, if you only work on top dollar projects then state that on your website and don't waste your time and mine with all this silly back and forth. I had no problem getting 5 other companies to come out and evaluate and give their bids. I bet he'll respond real fast with a reply to my review!

I contacted Jim Gardner Construction in regards to a retaining wall. Jim came out, spent time with us looking at our wall, and helped us make a decision to wait until the wall needs replacement and not to try and patch it now. I appreciated the honesty and desire to help us do the project right at the right time, not throwing on a bandaid that won't really fix the problem, in order to make a quick buck.