Justin's List of Recommended Contractors (or Handy People) in San Diego

The buying process may be over when you move into your new San Diego home, but the work of owning a home never stops!

Throughout the life of your home, you’re likely to need the help of a whole variety of professional contractors, from plumbers to landscapers to roofers. Just like you need a buyer’s agent you can trust, you need contractors you can trust, too!

As a service to my past clients, I’ve put together a list of some of the best San Diego contractors. 

Please keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and opinions. I cannot vouch 100% for the work of any of these contractors for legal reasons (gotta love how litigious California is!), but each of these are contractors/businesses with whom either my clients or I have had good experiences. Certain jobs require a contractor's license, while others may not. I recommend that you do your own research before hiring a contractor/handyman to check on the license status, insurance, etc. 

Please let me know if YOU have a contractor to ADD to (or remove from) the list.

Here's an interesting thing I've learned over the years about contractors:
 

1. There are three qualities we hope a contractor will display: (A) quality work, (B) low price, and (C) great customer service.
 

2. The problem is we can only realistically get two out of three (and sometimes less than that).
 

3. We usually have to decide what we're willing to sacrifice out of those three.
 

4. The smaller companies tend to have lower operating costs, so they usually cost less (and in many cases, a LOT less) than bigger companies. And they often have worse customer service for a variety of reasons. They just don't have the same level of organization and teamwork as bigger companies often have and they can be spread thin at times. So you might have to stay on them more and track them down a bit. That said, a lot of smaller outfits still do quality work. 
 

What we especially want to avoid is bad quality work and horrible customer service at an unreasonable price. And you will need to decide which two of the three qualities matter most to you.
 

There is also the issue of finding a contractor whose availability fits with your schedule/timeline.
 

I always recommend that you interview several contractors when you're getting ready to start an important project on your home. You'll learn a lot through the process, you'll get different ideas from different contractors, you'll get a feel for who you trust and prefer to work with, you'll often see widely varying prices for the same work, and you’ll have a much better chance of choosing a contractor with whom you’ll be the happiest!

Acoustic Ceiling Removal (Popcorn Ceiling/Asbestos Removal)

• Boyd's Remodeling Ceiling Specialist (Danny Boyd): 858-568-2594

• Juan (acoustic/popcorn ceiling removal and drywall repairs): 760-978-4898

Appliance Repair

• Just Call Me Greg (Appliance Repair): 619-549-2929

Bathtub & Sink Refinishing/Resurfacing

• NuFinishPro: 858-413-7707 https://www.nufinishpro.com/

Cabinets

• Pull Out Shelf Company (adding drawers inside cabinets): 760-753-7071 

• Wholesale Cabinets Inc. (retail location) 619-309-5759

• Southland Cabinets(design, build, paint, and/or install): https://southlandcabinetsfinishing.com/

• H Cabinets (discount cabinet store): https://www.granitencabinet.com/

Carpet Cleaning

• SoCal Steam Clean (carpet, upholstery, tile, & grout): 858-381-7872 https://www.socalsteamclean.com/

Chimney Repairs

• Authentic Fireplaces (Jim Crawford): 858-274-6134
  https://authenticfireplacesinc.com/

• San Diego Fireplaces (Paul Walker): 619-287-6464
  http://www.sandiegofireplaces.com/

• Michael Smyth (Chimney Mason): (619) 253-6391

Chimney Sweeps

• Chimney Champ: 619-888-8311
  http://www.chimneychamp.com/

• Chim Chiminey Sweep: 760-471-8282
  http://www.chimchimineysweep.com/

• The Village Chimney Sweep (North County only): 760-436-0086
  https://www.villagesweep.com/

• Kleen Sweep (San Diego, South Bay, and East County): 619-460-6882
  https://www.kleensweepsandiego.com/ 

• Swede Chimney Sweep: 858-573-1672
  https://swedesweep.com/

• Chimney Crickets: 619-469-9944
  https://www.chimneycrickets.com/

• Weststar Chimney Sweeps: 619-338-8116
  https://weststarchimneys.com/

• San Diego Chimney Sweeps: 833-466-7668
  http://www.sdchimneysweeps.com/

• Chimney Sweeps, Inc.: 619-815-5461
  https://www.chimneysweepsinc.com/

• Meyers' Chimney Sweep (Mike Meyer): 760-672-5319

Civil Engineers/Structural Engineers

• Miles Lovelace/Lovelace Engineering
   
• DeBerry Engineering (and Geotechnical Engineer)
   
• AAA Structural Engineering (Scott Larson)
   
• SD Engineering (Trent or Gary)
   
• Martin Owen, Geotechnical Engineer
   
• Private Eyes Engineers (Massood Gaskari)

Craftsman/Victorian Wood Refinishing

• Michael Good (Craftsman Wood Refinishing): https://craftsmanwoodrefinishing.com/

Custom Closets (Design and Install)

• Jim Somers: 858-735-0882

Demolition (Concrete, Sheds, Etc.)

• Juan De La Cruz (DLC Landscaping): 619-493-8392

• Impact Environmental Co. (junk removal and light demolition): 619-393-6265 https://impact-eco.com/

Designer & Drafting

• Lance Stratton (kitchen and bath design and drafting): https://studiostratton.com/  

• Jesse Leon (Draftsman): 619-733-8134

• Ian Harris (Plan Runner): 619-395-7275

Drain Line Cleaning

• Wayne Taylor: Golden West Drain Service: (619) 972-1405 

• Drain Mob: 858-212-1940 https://drainmob.com/

• Xtreme Drainworks: 858-583-1798 https://xtremedrainworks.com/

• Affordable Drain & Pipeline Services: 858-689-4000 https://www.affordabledrain.com/

• San Diego Drain Krew: 619-855-2256 https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-diego-drain-krew-san-diego
  

Drywall

• Felipe: 619-971-7166 

• Juan (acoustic/popcorn ceiling removal and drywall repairs): 760-978-4898

• Noe (drywall installation): 619-727-9524

Electricians

• Raceway Electric

• Arce Electrics - talk to Lugo: 619-750-9087

• Borrego Electric: 619-817-5921

• Joe Casillas Electrician: 858-610-8253

• Milholland Electric

• ER Electric

• Premo Electrical (ask for Julian)

• Ms. Sparky Electric (Mary Stapleton) sparky89@cox.net (for installing a Tesla charging outlet and other custom electrical work)

• Emerald Pacific Electric

Fencing

• San Diego Fence Co.

• Alpine Fence Co.

• Scripps Poway Fence (Ron Heater)

• Vega's Fence Co.

Fireplaces/Chimney Maintenance

• Authentic Fireplaces, Inc. (Chimney repair and maintenance - last time I checked $1000 gets you a full chimney inspection and basic repairs.)

• Innovation Gas Fireplace 619-796-4419

Flooring

• ClickOnFloors (One of my clients used them for all their flooring, both wood floors and tile): 858-935-8131

• IR Hardwood Flooring (Ismael Ramirez, refinishing specialists): 619-917-5788

• Friendly Flooring: https://www.friendlyeliteflooring.com/

• JR Hardwood Flooring: 619-917-5788

• Palomar Flooring: 858-457-1122 https://www.palomarfloors.com/

• Coles Fine Flooring (San Diego and San Marcos: https://www.colesfineflooring.com

• Abbey Carpet and Floors

• Kevin (flooring installer): 951-973-1246

• Ulysses (flooring installer): 619-398-6768

Foundation Contractors

• RAD Construction (foundation specialists)

• Powerhouse Foundation Repair

• Craftsman Foundation

• Affordable Foundation Solutions

• Atlas Footing Repair

• San Diego Footing Repair

Garages

• Garage Experts (storage, floor coatings, etc.): 619-457-4890 https://www.garageexperts.com/san-diego/

• Garage Door Giant (father/son team, garage door installation and service): 619-857-3447 http://www.garagedoorgiant.net/

• Perkins Custom Coatings: (619) 236-0343 https://perkinscustomcoatings.com/

• Garage Floors 1 Day: 949-446-9403 https://www.garagefloors1day.com/

General Contractors/Construction

• TAG Construction and Roofing

• RAD Construction (foundation specialists)

• All Seasons General Contracting

• Classic Home Improvements

• Precision Renovations

• Vanberg Construction

• Maurer Construction, Inc.

• Lars Construction

• Hultenius Construction

• TR Construction

• Finest City General Contractor (Oscar Ramos)

• Coast to Coast Restoration: http://coasttocoastrestoration.com/ 

• Powerhouse Green Construction http://phgconstruction.com 

Geotechnical Engineers

• Michael Hart Engineering (engineering geologist)

Handyman

• Ask neighbors for referrals. Find handyman recommendations on neighborhood forums such as Facebook Groups and NextDoor.

• TaskRabbit and Thumbtack can help you find a handyman in a pinch

• Handy Ivan: 619-214-8622

• Helper Henry Jones: 619-857-7588

• Alonso's Handy Services: 619-356-8303

Heating and Air

• Gladstone Heating and Air

• Guthrie and Sons

• Action Air & Heat

• West Coast Heating and Air Conditioning

• Cano Heating and Air Conditioning

• Major League Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning

• Carini Home Services

Insulation

• J & L Insulation: 619-561-8632

Junk Removal

• Impact Environmental Co. (junk removal): 619-393-6265 https://impact-eco.com/

Landscape Design

• David Clarke Design: 619-787-0686 https://davidclarkedesign.com/

• Raymond Shaw: 619-861-7790 https://rayshawlandscapedesign.com/

Landscapers/Outdoor Projects

• Gold Star Concrete (Oceanside)

• Ryel Landscapes and Home Services

• Gordy's Stump Grinding

• Perpetual Tree (Mike) - Tree Removal

• Terra Firma Landscape Co. (Larry Swikard): 858-408-3720

• The Landscape Company https://www.thelandscapecompanyus.com/

• Dan Jennings (landscape construction): 619-200-2195

Lighting

• Gibson Lighting https://www.gibsonlighting.com/  

• Right Way Lighting (recessed lighting installation, lighting & ceiling fans, EV charger, etc.): 800-799-7540 or 858-449-9366 (cell) https://www.rightwaylighting.com/

Masonry

• Tru-Block Masonry (Mike Larsen): 619-267-5747

Moving Company

• Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.: 858-513-3800 https://www.atlasallied.com/

• QShark Moving: 844-969-7325 https://qshark-moving.com/san-diego-movers/

Network Wiring & Phone Systems Installation

• Shaun's Telecom: 619-559-0985 https://shaunstelecom.com/

Painters

• Kingdom Painting (Tommy Tulloch): 619-933-3631 https://kingdompainting.biz/

• Royall Painting: 858-255-9571

• SD Coatings: 619-587-7494 https://sdcoatingsinc.com/

• Pipeline Painting(Jason): 619-672-6633

• PaintGreen: https://www.paintgreen.com/ 

• JCS Painting (Julio Sanchez): 619-675-4191

• Yanez Painting Services (Noe Yanez): (619) 838-7630

• Chuckie's Painting Company (Charles): 619-795-9429

Pest Control

• Payne Pest Management 

Plumbers

• CSR Plumbing: (888) 243-5353

• Joe Scheineman: 619-549-9892

• Tradesman Plumbing (Tom Caron, owner): 619-362-6620

• Route One Plumbing (Hector Montano, owner): 619-654-3331

• Tomo’s Service Plumbing

• Core Plumbing (Father & Son owned company): 858-293-4174

• Jon Brien: 858-268-2290 or 619-410-7758 (cell)

• Top Quality Plumbing (Steve): 858-272-6692 or 619-985-8716 (cell)

• Greentech Plumbing

• Plein Plumbing (Steve Plein): 619-562-5239

• Ideal Plumbing

• Clearwater Drain Service (Seth) 619-248-6484

• Verday Smart Solutions (tankless water heater installation & repair, water softeners and water filtration): 858-300-6172

Pool Construction

• San Diego Pools (Josh Lawson): 888-707-7781 https://www.sandiegopools.com/

• Zier Pools: 760-290-4147 https://www.zierpools.com/

• Sundancer Pools: 760-489-5850 https://www.sundancerpools.com/

• So Cal Custom Pools and Spas: 760-547-4573 https://www.socalcustompoolsandspas.com/

Pool Removal

• The Landscape Company https://www.thelandscapecompanyus.com/

Professional Home Cleaning

• Con Gusto Cleaning: https://www.congustocleaning.com/

• Mint House Cleaning: https://minthousecleaning.com/locations/sandiego-ca/

• Tranquil Home: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tranquil-home-san-diego-3

• Absolutely Clean Agency: https://absolutelycleanagency.com/

• Magi Clean Maid: https://www.magicleanmaid.com/

• Garcia's Cleaning Services (Teresa) 760-585-5529

• Absolutely Clean Agency

• Dusty's Cleaning Service

Rain Gutters

• San Diego Rain Gutters (Bill Michalek): 858-488-8377 https://sdraingutters.com/

Raising a "Sunken Living Room" Floor

• Aging In Place (Tyler Owen)

Roofers

• Boyce's Roofing

• TAG Construction and Roofing

• Oceanside Roofing

• All Seasons Roofing

• Weathermaster Roofing Services

• TR Construction

• The Roof Masters

• California Premier Roofscapes

• TWM Roofing Inc.

• Mark Anthony Construction and Roofing 

Shutters & Window Coverings

• The Shutter Guys: 760-546-6442

• Perfect Fit Shutters and Shades: 760-412-9152

• PRO Window Covering Services (Cleaning and Repairs): 619-766-2019 http://prowindowcoveringservices.com/

• Lowe's (the home improvement store): Blinds & Window Shades Department

Solar Panel Installation

• Baker Home Energy: 877-409-0341 https://bakerhomeenergy.com/

• UC Photons (Garrett Lees): 831-224-3015

• Stellar Solar: 866-787-6527 https://stellarsolar.net/

• Wave Electric Energy (Josh Ohana): 619-368-0149 https://waveelectricenergy.com/

Water Damage Remediation

• Risk Free Serv (Omar): 858-209-7338 https://www.riskfreeserv.com/

• 3D Environmental Inc. (Dave & Drew Castro): 619-546-0105 https://3denvironmentalinc.com/

• American Response Team: 858-750-5923 https://amresponse.com/

• Mighty Dry San Diego Flood Restoration: 858-293-8896 https://sandiegowaterdamagesd.com/

Windows & Window Screens & Screen Doors

• The Glass Guru (glass and mirror shop in Carlsbad, also foggy window repair): (844) 960-4878 https://www.theglassguru.com/ 

• Alpine Mobile Screen (screen repair, re-screening, and security screen doors): 619-569-2345

• Affordable Glass & Window 619-241-1373

• Farrell Construction (Heath Farrell, Wood Sash Window Repairs): 619-787-5814

• Dutchman Vintage Home Restorations (wood sash window repairs): 619-296-4544

If you need a specialist that’s not listed here, you might call one of the companies listed above and ask for a referral. Or call me (my list continues to grow), and I’m always excited to hear from you!

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How to Introduce me (Justin) to a Friend Who is Planning to Buying a Home

Most people start out their home search by researching homes and neighborhoods online AND going to open houses. This is a great time to introduce your friends to me.

Just like when you and I first met, I typically offer to meet with ANY potential home buyer for a free Buyer Strategy Session. 

I do my best to take amazing care of your co-workers, family, and friends, and I truly appreciate any introductions you make for me. Thank you!