Ward Construction
Company Overview
Drainage, leveling, foundation repair, and retaining walls are our core services. Trust our 60-plus years of experience to protect your property.
We are a third-generation family-owned business serving the East Bay, including Berkeley, Richmond, Oakland, El Cerrito, Kensington, Piedmont, and surrounding areas. California Contractors License #416376.
John Ward and Bill Gilman, experienced builders, founded our company with guidance from Jack Marchant of Marchant Construction Company. At first, our focus was on building beautiful custom homes, additions, and remodels.
As the late 1960s approached, John Ward took charge and rebranded the company as John R. Ward, General Building Contractor. Our expertise was sought after for resolving structural issues, including foundation settlement, drainage, retaining walls, and floor leveling. In the mid-1970s, we embraced this transition, focusing exclusively on structural repairs.
Joining us in 1978, Art Ward added vibrant energy and valuable skills to our company. In 1981, we transitioned to Ward Construction, Inc., appointing Art Ward as president. Under his guidance, we have broadened our service area and honed our craft. In 2020, after working part-time with us during college, Art’s son, Henry Ward, joined the company. He currently serves as an estimator and superintendent.
Business Services
- Earthquake retrofitting
- Foundation construction
- Foundation repair
- Foundation replacement
- Retaining walls
- Construction or installation
- Masonry/concrete repair
- Moisture control installation
- Moisture control repair
- Retaining wall repair
- Sump pump installation
- Sump pump repair
- Waterproofing installation
- Waterproofing repair
Business Location & Hours
Mon: | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tue: | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wed: | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thu: | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Fri: | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Sat: | Closed |
Sun: | Closed |
Recommended Customer Reviews

We hired Ward Construction to do some drainage work for us. Their proposal was reasonable in terms of price. Their workers arrived when expected, worked quickly, and did quality work as far as we could see. We feel more than satisfied with Ward Construction.

Ward construction did some level work in my house regret it. The house looks the same or worst.. Waste of money. When you hire them double check the exclusions on the contract because that is what you are going to get,

I have used Ward Construction for many years. I lived in the Oakland hills, and they installed a sump pump that worked like a charm .. literally, for decades. I have recently purchased a home in Napa that had a drainage problem. Called Ward Construction without hesitation, and they installed a French drain. There were some minor issues with regard to landscaping, and they were up here the next day to fix the problem. Recommend them highly.

Art Ward, his right-hand man, Richard Arden, and crew were so attentive and did the job, start to finish, just like they said they would;. We had to replace part of our foundation to our 83 year old house. Art and crew found that our french drains had not been properly installed either, so that was done along putting in an outside sump pump to carry water (if we ever get any rain again) away from the house. The price was good but what was even better is that they were always on point, everything was explained, and we just feel very confident in the work that Ward Construction did.

I hired Ward Construction to earthquake retrofit my house. They did a fantastic job, secured the permit through Richmond City (which is renowned for being difficult), cleaned up each day, and provided excellent customer service. I have hired Ward Construction for past jobs, and they are the best. I do not hesitate to recommend them. They are my go-to contractors.

I hired Ward to install a huge French Drain around my house.
Their pricing was good, and their speed, quality and service were excellent.
Great crew all around.

Good execution on a french drain, a new garage foundation, and foundation buttresses for the house. No surprises!

When we decided to add 4 new piers to better anchor our hillside home into the bedrock, we reviewed many contractors for this work and selected Ward Construction. We were very happy with the whole experience as well as the very reasonable price. Art and his crew were very responsive throughout the entire process. Based on our experience, we highly recommend Ward Construction. Ward is a great choice -- very happy with our decision.

These guys did a great job replacing my entire foundation. Their estimate was spot on, I paid in installments (which was easiest, actually), and they finished exactly when they said they would from the start. They were accommodating when I asked if they could start the jack-hammering later in the morning, and they were prompt when telling me about any issues (slight wood rot by the downspouts; didn't cost much to fix). Best of all, they were affordable. Hopefully I'll never need to have a foundation replaced ever again, but if I do (on a different house maybe), I will definitely work with them again.

I hired Ward Construction to install French drains around my wife's art studio which was converted from a free standing garage. Their bid was the lowest of four by far and their work was excellent. The work was scheduled for the Monday before Thanksgiving. The heavy rains were coming and arrived Saturday. The crew seeing the forecast, wanted to complete the job before the rains came and worked Thanksgiving Day and the day after completing the job before it rained. Not a drop of water has entered the studio during the heavy rains of December.
I can't imagine many companies being so conscientious to work holidays. I highly recommend Ward Construction. I think they will give the best job at the best price. What more can anybody want?