• Articles

Best General Contractors & Home Remodeling in San Diego

Beginning any major home renovation project can definitely be daunting, especially if you’re looking to completely transform your home while also sticking to a budget. There is no shortage of talented general contractors in San Diego who can help guide you through this process, allowing you to remodel your home with confidence. 

Home Remodeling & the Top General Contractors

Before you begin, though, it’s essential to do your due diligence, as the practices and performance of even our best contractors in San Diego may vary. That why obtaining insurance for general contractor services might be a good idea. Additionally, you’ve got to be selective about who you choose to work on your home. By carefully combing through our curated list of general contractors in San Diego, you can help ensure a final result that meets — and even exceeds! — your expectations.

What does a general contractor do?

From supervising the entire project itself to taking liability for any issues that may arise during the project, a general contractor’s duty is to make sure the project goes as planned. In addition, a general contractor makes sure that all of the necessary permits are secured, the sub-contractors (like the plumbers, electricians, and carpenters) are hired, all safety measures are enforced, everything is built, and installed correctly, and the job site is properly cleaned afterward.

Is it better to hire a general contractor?

Depending on the size and the scope of the remodeling project, it may be ideal to hire a general contractor. If you expect the project to last longer than a week, you require several sub-contractors, or you need specific permits to proceed, then yes: hiring a general contractor may be best.

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Home?

In truth, home remodeling in San Diego isn’t a cheap prospect, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either. The answer to this question is contingent upon the kind of work you want to be done and which general contractor in San Diego you chose to get the job finished to your expectations.

To give you a ballpark idea, an average San Diego kitchen remodel with minor renovations and updates may cost around $10,000. On the other hand, major kitchen and home remodeling in San Diego can vary wildly from $25,000 to upwards of $200,000 depending upon the task at hand. Clearly, the cost to remodel a home in San Diego is directly influenced by the type of work required and the scope of the project.

Can Remodeling Increase the Value of Your Home?

Anything you can do to improve your home can contribute to the sale of your home. However, some home improvements are better investments than others. For instance, bathroom remodeling is a big factor in homebuyers’ mindset in San Diego right now, and it has the potential to boost a bidding war on the asking price of your home.

Additionally, kitchens are hot commodities on the market today, so a kitchen renovation may absolutely increase the value of your home. However, remodels such as adding rooms or finishing the attic for living space might not be an optimal investment. Consult with a savvy general contractor in San Diego who is current with market trends to confirm your ideas about adding value through remodeling.

What Remodeling Projects Add the Most Value?

According to the American Homeowners Association and market research, certain remodels are more lucrative in terms of home value than others. For instance, adding a pool or investing in a finished basement could potentially increase a San Diego home’s value by $20,000. Alternatively, adding an attached garage or adding a half-bath yields only about $7,000-$9,000 return on investment. Also, keep in mind that curb appeal is huge. A fresh coat of external paint, repairing or replacing garage doors, or improving patios and outdoor decks goes a long way towards jacking up the asking price (and ultimate sale amount) of your home in San Diego.

How to find a general contractor?

Finding reliable home remodeling in San Diego is fairly straightforward, just as long as you know where to look. One of the best ways to find good general contractors in San Diego is to first search Google for “general contractors near me.” After selecting one, a glance at their Home Advisor review comments can also vouch for their quality. From there, you can check their Google or Yelp reviews to determine the quality of their work and if they are the best general contractor for your project.

Home Remodeling & the Top General Contractors

The last thing you need to worry about when starting a major renovation project is if your general contractor is capable and competent. Nobody likes to discover that their contractor isn’t suited for the project after they already hired them! Fortunately, finding the right general contractor in San Diego is a breeze, especially since we have so many amazing ones ready to help you with your remodeling job. If you’re looking for general contractors in San Diego, why not check out one of these local companies?

Jackson Design & Remodeling

Established in 1989, the award-winning team at Jackson Design & Remodeling can help you make your renovation goals a reality. JDR is proud to have earned the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics six years in a row thanks to their activity in several local charity groups, including Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots. No matter the size of your project, they can help you with it every step of the way. JDR not only offers remodeling services for your entire home, but they can also help build and design your own unique, custom home, too. Whatever you need to be accomplished, JDR has the ability to help you. Their friendly customer service is unmatched, and their reputation speaks for itself.

Jackson Design & Remodeling Contact Information:

• 4797 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111
• (858) 348-5254
• Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
• Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Charco DESIGN & BUILD, Inc.

A local institution since 1966, Charco DESIGN & BUILD, Inc. has served the greater San Diego area for over fifty years. The recipient of many distinguished awards, including The Best of Houzz and the San Diego Daily Transcript Top Influencer award, this family-owned company has firmly established itself as a respected local business. Their work is so impressive, it has been featured in numerous magazines, such as Ranch Coast and San Diego Magazine, and was an HGTV Faces of Design finalist in 2016. One of Armando Flores’s kitchens can even be seen on the hit cooking show, “Sam the Cooking Guy.” Whether you need a move-in-ready house or you want to completely renovate your own existing home, they’re ready to assist you.

Charco DESIGN & BUILD, Inc. Contact Information:

• 11585 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92121
• (888) 600 4339 or (619) 274 8220
• Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Kaminsky Design & Remodeling

Kaminsky Design & Remodeling isn’t just one of your run-of-the-mill general contractors in San Diego; this local remodeling company has also been giving back to our community for the past fifteen years, too. Since their inception, they’ve been active in numerous charitable organizations, such as the Promises2Kids annual toy drive, the San Elijo State Beach clean-up, and Habitat for Humanity. Started as a humble handyman and renovation company, Kaminsky Design & Remodeling has grown to an award-winning company with a vast team of impressively gifted designers, trade partners, craftsmen. As a Certified Green Professional, they embrace the latest design innovations and technology to build incredible La Jolla homes, whether you’re looking to remodel your entire house or you want to optimize your outdoor living space.

Kaminsky Design & Remodeling Contact Information:

• 12396 World Trade Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, CA 92128
• (858) 271-1005
• Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wardell Builders

As the only general contractor in San Diego to have won the prestigious Custom Builder of the Year award from the National Association of Home Builders not only once, but twice, Wardell Builders is proud to be one of the top builders in our fine city. This company has many other notable awards backing its name, as well, including several accolades from San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine and The Coast News Top Performer award. It’s no wonder they’ve earned such high praise from our community, though, as it’s clear that Wardell Builders really know construction. They’re pleased to offer expertise in a wide assortment of design styles and materials for any project you may have in mind, from custom builds to repairs and maintenance.

Wardell Builders Contact Information:

• 649 Valley Avenue, Suite A, Solana Beach, CA 92075
• (858) 793 4190
• Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

American Quality Remodeling, Inc.

With their “can-do” attitude and willingness to take on any project — regardless of the size or duration of it — you can rest assured that you’ll be satisfied with American Quality Remodeling Inc. With many years of experience in home improvement in San Diego, this company stands by the belief that every project should be completed like it’s their own. In fact, almost all of their clients are referrals, further proving the quality of work you can find with them. Their Home Advisor review page further attests to their ethos. Their portfolio is equally stunning, showcasing gorgeous kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Of course, their work doesn’t stop with the indoors. If you want to create your very own outdoor kitchen or firepit, American Quality Remodeling Inc. is the general contracting company you’ll want to use.

American Quality Remodeling, Inc. Contact Information:

• 4572 Manitou Way, San Diego, CA 92117
• (888) 988-8277
• Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Closed Saturdays

Element Builders

While some general contractors in San Diego specialize in just one or two things, Element Builders has the knowledge and skill to tackle virtually any project you throw at them. Their impressive portfolio includes high-profile clients like Ulta Beauty, Westfield U.S. Shopping Centers, Subway, and Taco Del Mar. However, they’re equally delighted to help oversee your private renovation project, as well. If your goal is a complete home renovation, or perhaps you’re simply wanting to build an addition to your house, they’re ready and able to get the job done for you. Just a glance over their extensive client testimonials on their Home advisor review page further attests to their quality, and you truly can’t go wrong choosing this local San Diego business for your next project.

Element Builders Contact Information:

• 3920 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA 92109
• (858) 414-4601 or (858) 288-4443
• Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

CRS Builders

CRS Builders stands firmly by the philosophy of delivering only the most excellent craftsmanship with an unwavering dedication to their customers, and it genuinely shows in their handiwork. This family-owned business isn’t afraid to push up its sleeves and get completely involved with every aspect of your renovation project, and its impressive portfolio demonstrates the remarkable quality of its work. Not only will they help you with building a home addition, but they can also help you design and build your perfect home, too. CRS Builders are more than just your average general contractors in San Diego, though. Their compassion shines through in their willingness to work with your insurance company after a disaster, and whichever project you enlist their help for, you’ll be sure to love it.

CRS Builders Contact Information:

• 11922 Charmaine Way, San Diego, CA 92131
• (858) 790-8773
• Monday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Eco Home Builders

These general contractors in San Diego specialize in green home remodeling, and they are intensely committed to 100% customer satisfaction. They offer high-quality workmanship with personalized service and do their best to make sure your home remodeling experience is precisely what you anticipated. With their environmentally conscious practices and their commitment to meeting your needs, Eco Home Builders might be your best solution for home renovations in San Diego.

Eco Home Builders Contact Information:

• 9225 Dowdy Drive, #211 San Diego, CA 92126
• (619) 919-1121
• Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Edison Home Improvement

With over a decade of experience, Edison Home Improvement continues to provide San Diegans with excellence for affordable prices. They provide a wide range of home renovation services, from roof replacement to full home remodeling in San Diego. The professionals at Edison understand that your home is your castle, and you deserve the very best. They use texture, color, and architectural design to make dynamic curb appeal for your home and are devoted to their customer’s ultimate satisfaction.

Edison Home Improvement Contact Information:

• 3160 Camino del Rio S, Unit 315, San Diego, CA 92108
• (619) 993-2000
• Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Precision Home Design & Remodeling

Precision Home Design & Remodeling is a family-run business and prides itself on maintaining values and integrity when it comes to improving your home. They founded their business on being fully honest, upfront, and devoted to their customers. They can handle any project of any size. They not only build homes, but they also rebuild them too – and they do this in the spirit of building long-term relationships with their clients. Precision Home Design & Remodeling specializes in custom home design, home additions, blueprints, engineering issues, kitchen and bath remodeling and so much more.

Precision Home Design & Remodeling Contact Information:

• 4225 Executive Square, Suite #600, La Jolla, CA 92037
• (877) 263-4346
• Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
  Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Closed Saturday

Lars Remodeling & Kitchen Design of San Diego

For over 30 years, Lars Remodeling & Design general contractors in San Diego have been collaborating with qualified designers to meet their client’s wishes for their ultimate dream home. As a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Lars maintains the highest standards, workmanship, and professionalism in the industry today. They strive to stay on top of current trends in the housing market, so they are well-versed in the most innovative practices in the San Diego housing market. Their specialties include home additions, deluxe outdoor living spaces, custom home designs, kitchen, and bathroom remodels, and whole-house restorations.

Lars Remodeling & Kitchen Design Contact Information:

• 5925 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
• (858) 279-6300
• Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m 

Unparalleled Quality with a Local Touch

Starting a major renovation project can undoubtedly be incredibly exciting, especially when you see your renovation vision come to life in the hands of a skilled general contractor. However, having the wrong contractor on your side can quickly spell disaster, leading to wasted time, unanticipated expenses, and even legal turmoil. One of the most important financial tips for La Jolla homeowners before undergoing a renovation project is to be fastidious in your research before selecting from our general contractors in San Diego. By taking the time to carefully vet your general contractor, you can help ensure that you’re not only embarking on the construction project of your dreams, but you’re also starting one that is sure to bring you genuine joy for years to come!

About the author: When Karyl Trejo isn’t writing articles about health and fitness, you can find her hanging out with her husband and two cats on the beautiful Central Coast of California, chipping away at her next science fiction novel. If you want to hit her up for her favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe or swap running tips with her, you can find her LinkedIn here.

About the banner photo: Thank you to @jacksondesignandremodeling on Instagram (they are the first on our list of general contractors in San Diego here) for this example of what a high-quality general contractor can do to a San Antonio home. That pool looks terrific!