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Three generations, decades of satisfied customers
What began as Ward/Gilman Builders, a custom home construction company in Contra Costa County, has grown into a trusted name in structural foundation repair and drainage, now with the third generation participating in company operations.
Our Beginnings
John Ward and Bill Gilman, both seasoned builders, launched our company under the mentorship of Jack Marchant of Marchant Construction Company. Initially, we focused on crafting beautiful custom homes, additions, and remodels.
A New Focus
As the late 60s rolled in, John Ward took the helm, renaming the company to John R. Ward, General Building Contractor. Our expertise was increasingly sought for solving structural issues like foundation settlement, drainage, retaining walls, and floor leveling. In the mid-70s, we embraced this shift, specializing solely in structural repairs.
Leadership and Growth
Art Ward joined the company in 1978, bringing fresh energy and expertise. By 1981, we became Ward Construction, Inc., with Art Ward as president. Under his leadership, we’ve expanded our reach and refined our skills. In 2020, after working part-time for Ward Construction through college, Art’s son, Henry Ward joined the company. He’s now an estimator and superintendent.
Our Expertise
Today, Ward Construction is renowned for our mastery in foundation and earth-movement repair, drainage solutions, and addressing water-related issues. We’ve completed projects from Lake Tahoe to Fresno to Hermosa Beach, but now serve Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, and Marin Counties. Our highly trained crews work seamlessly with architects and engineers to identify and fix all types of structural failures.
Why Choose Us?
With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, Ward Construction is your go-to expert for reliable, efficient, and lasting structural repair solutions. We’re here to keep your foundations strong and your structures secure.
Foundation Repair
Our Bay Area foundation repair operations are comprehensive. We repair, lift, replace, and level all types of foundations.
Retaining Walls
It is often necessary to install a retaining wall to prevent soil movement. Our team installs solid, well-designed retaining walls to prevent landslides, mudslides, and ultimately, foundation problems.
Drainage
Proper drainage around homes is critical for stabilizing the soil and preventing damage to the foundation from excess water. Your foundation is designed to be supported by dry soil, not wet soil. We design and install drainage systems and retaining walls, to keep your home safe and dry.
Leveling
Our leveling services address uneven floors and misaligned structural components by restoring your foundation to its proper position, preventing further damage, enhancing the overall stability of your home and relieving stress on the structure so it will perform better during earthquakes.
Seismic Retrofit
Seismic retrofitting involves strengthening your existing foundation and structure to better absorb and distribute the energy generated by an earthquake. This reduces the risk of catastrophic failure, ensuring the safety of your home and family during a seismic event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is proper drainage important for my foundation?
Poor drainage can lead to water pooling around your foundation, and a damp crawl space causing soil expansion, and erosion, which can weaken your foundation over time. Installing proper drainage solutions helps protect your home from costly structural damage. We offer estimates and make recommendations, so please call for your professional estimate.
What are the signs of poor drainage around my home?
Signs include water pooling near your foundation, damp or musty smells in your basement or crawl space, cracks in foundation walls, mold growth, and soil erosion around your home. If you notice these issues, a professional drainage consultation is recommended.
What drainage solutions do you offer?
We offer a variety of drainage solutions, including French drains, sump pumps, surface drains, and grading improvements to direct water away from your home’s foundation.
What is a French drain, and how does it work?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater and rainwater away from your foundation. It helps prevent water buildup and reduces pressure on foundation walls. We can provide a consultation to see if a French drain is your best option.
Do I need a sump pump for my home?
If there is not enough elevation change to slope the drainage system to the street, or to another approved point of discharge such as a creek or storm drain, a sump pump might be necessary. Water from the drainage system would need to be collected into a sump, and then a pump will discharge the water to the designated area.
How do I know if my home needs foundation repair?
Common signs of foundation problems include cracks in walls or floors, doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly, sloping or uneven floors, and gaps between walls and ceilings. If you notice any of these issues, it's best to schedule a professional estimate to determine if foundation repairs are needed.
What causes foundation problems?
Foundation issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including soil movement, poor drainage, seismic activity, tree root intrusion, and water damage. Expansive clay soils, which shrink and swell with moisture changes, are a common cause of foundation settling in the Bay Area.
How much does foundation repair cost?
The cost of foundation repair depends on the severity of the issue, the size of your home, and the repair method needed. We can provide a professional estimate for your specific situation.
Can you fix sloping or uneven floors inside my home?
Yes, uneven floors often indicate foundation settling or shifting. We assess the cause of the issue and provide leveling solutions, such as foundation replacement, underpinning, or cosmetic leveling, to provide stability and a level living space.
Testimonials
What People are Saying
After struggling thru two rainy seasons with quick fixes for water in the basement, we had Ward come out, expertly diagnose then expertly fix/prevent the problem from happening again. We were able to travel this winter without worrying.. These guys know what they're doing..
Diane StewartMay 14, 2024
I had Ward Construction remove and replace a failing retaining wall (6 foot exposure by 45 ft long) several years ago. Ward created the new design, drafted blueprints, arranged for the county permits and inspections, provided million dollar proof of insurance to East Bay Regional parks (we share a boundary with EBRPD) and managed all aspects of the project and sub-contractors. Over the years I've had numerous construction and renovation projects completed on several homes by various contractors. Ward Construction was the most professional and honest, easiest to deal with, most on-time, hardest working and most cost-effective contractor that I've worked with. At our final county inspection, the inspector measured everything against the permit documents, shook my hand and simply said "beautiful work". I can recommend Ward Construction without reservation.
Burt BechtelMay 14, 2024
Great experience with Ward Construction a few months ago. They did a major drainage project in our house. Top quality work and a wonderful crew that communicated very well. We would definitely recommend them.
Jens BirkholzerSeptember 8, 2025
We live in a small community with specific parking and work conditions and the crew was very mindful of that. Now that it's been a few months, with various rain storms, I'm happy to see the new drain doing its job, with runoff still coming out even a week after the rain stops (while I see none coming from other nearby properties). The crawlspace has stayed dry as a result. It's working.
In addition, you're the only company that came by and tried to assess the proper depths needed for the drains, as well as the placement (based on the slope of the back patio). That was what led me to select your group for the job.
Thank you for the expert service.
MIKE S.
APRIL 4, 2025