Kirkwood Califonia's Premier High Elevation Custom Home builders.
Construction Elevated
More than 106 years of combined experience building & remodeling homes in the high Sierra.
In 1873, John Muir wrote a letter to his sister to whom he mentions, “The mountains are calling and I must go…” The latter part of that famous sentence, in which few people reference, reads, “…and I will work on while I can, studying incessantly.” Muir’s ambitions inspired many to live and work hard where Muir once walked himself, including Frank Whatford – founder of Whatford Construction, Kirkwood California’s award-winning custom home builders.
In 1982, Frank bought his first season pass at Kirkwood ski resort – in a time when daily lift tickets approached $16 – one of the most expensive lift tickets in North America. In order to help pay for his costly “hobby”, Frank opted to do what he did best – build and remodel homes.
Nearly 40 years later, Frank and his curated team of elite craftsmen continue to build award-winning legacy homes that reflect the character of these unique environs and clients alike.
New home construction overlooking Red Cliffs in Kirkwood, California.
Being the only year-round home builders in Kirkwood, California allows us to fully understand the unique build challenges this environment presents.
As an almost daily ritual, you’ll find Frank perusing the valley streets to observe his craft and to make sure the homes his team has built continue to reflect the high level of craftsmanship Whatford Construction has come to be known.
It’s been said that Frank has been known to occasionally change out a lightbulb in an unlit sconce or turnoff a tripped alarm at the owner’s request many years after build completion.
Something I never could have imagined in our early years was the number of lifelong friends that would come out of the home building and remodeling process.
