Custom Woodwork in San Francisco
We provide custom cabinetry, closets, shelving, and other fine millwork, in a range of styles for homeowners in Northern California and Nevada.
Remodeling in San francisco
Mike and his team are super professional and responsive. They listen to your needs, communicate with you clearly, and provide the top notch service!
Xinru Liu
The quality of work was excellent and has stood the test of time, in that it still looks great 5+ years later. I would definitely recommend [Watershed Built].
Wendy Wilson
We worked with [Watershed Built] on a house remodel. They are all professional, clear, and honest. This was our first home remodel project and they made the process easy for us. Mike is honest – the project took exactly as long as he said it would, and we ended within our budget.
Caitlin Hannon
The work was great, the communication was clear and timely, and the extra efforts to solve problems was amazing. I never felt stressed because I always felt confident that the team was taking care of it. We are super pleased with the finished product and would recommend [Watershed Built] to anyone looking for a high quality contractor.
Carl A.
Michael Howes and the team at [Watershed Built] do absolutely stunning work. If you want high quality results on your residential remodeling project of any size, and an excellent team in the office and on the job site, call [Watershed Built].
Marisa N.
select works
Washington
San Francisco, CA
why watershed built
Precision, professionalism, and fully personalized service — from start to finish. Trust us to deliver exceptional value and extraordinary results.
Industry Experience
Expertise & Artistry
Adaptable Mindset
We are equally adept at small and large projects. We maintain a meticulous attention to detail and clear communication, no matter the scale.
Frequently asked questions
What is millwork?
Millwork specifically refers to any wood that was produced in a sawmill and then built into your home. This can include cabinetry, built-ins, wall paneling, trim, doors, shelving, and architectural details that give a space its finished look.
In a Bay Area home, millwork often plays a big role in tying together function and design, especially in kitchens, living areas, and older San Francisco homes where character matters. Because millwork is made to fit your space, it allows for better use of square footage, cleaner lines, and a more cohesive feel throughout the home.
What's the difference between woodworking and carpentry?
Carpentry refers to the building and maintenance of the structure itself, while woodworking focuses on finer, detailed finishes. Think of it this way: a carpenter may need five different chisels to complete their job properly, while a woodworker may have thirty (or more!) to achieve the aesthetic and level of detail needed
How much does a custom millwork project cost?
The cost of custom millwork depends on several factors, including the scope of the project, the materials selected, the level of detail, and how the millwork integrates with the rest of your renovation. It typically is priced by the linear foot, and starts at $500/foot for simple projects.
Built-ins, custom cabinetry, and architectural features each require different levels of design and fabrication time. In the Bay Area, costs are also influenced by craftsmanship standards, permitting requirements, and installation complexity. Most homeowners find that custom millwork is an investment in long-term quality, durability, and a tailored look that standard, off-the-shelf options can’t fully match.
What types of custom woodwork projects do you offer?
We offer cabinetry, shelving, paneling, millwork, and more. Our custom woodworking is flexible and tailored to your goals for your space.
If you can dream it up, we can make it a reality with our skilled craftsmanship and artistry.
How do you integrate custom millwork into your home renovation plan?
The best way to integrate custom millwork into your renovation is to plan for it early. Millwork often affects layouts, electrical planning, lighting, and even structural details, so it works best when coordinated alongside architectural and construction decisions. During a renovation, millwork can define focal points, add storage where space is limited, and create visual continuity between rooms. Working with a design-build team allows millwork to be aligned with your overall goals, timeline, and permitting process, which helps avoid revisions later and keeps everything moving smoothly.
What states do you service?
We service Northern California and areas of Nevada. Our primary service area encompasses San Francisco, Sonoma County, Marin County, and Lake Tahoe region.
What other services do you offer?
In addition to custom woodwork, we offer comprehensive remodeling services. Whether you want a whole home renovation or a kitchen remodel for your San Francisco home, we can help you achieve your goals.