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.
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 (quality work, low price, and great customer service).
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!
Please let me know if YOU have a contractor to ADD to (or remove from) the list.
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
Attic Cleaning, Etc.
Attic Projects (Attic & Crawl Space Experts): 858-326-0417
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
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
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/
Locksmith
C & D Locksmith (John): (760) 705-4118
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
Blue Bridge Painting: 858-988-9000 https://bluebridgepaintingsd.com/
Pest Control
Payne Pest Management
Plumbers
CSR Plumbing: (888) 243-5353
JG Water Heaters, Filtration, and Plumbing: 858-434-7257
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
Oceanside Roofing
Dana Logsdon 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/
Tile Installer
Seaside Tile (Roger Verdugo), tile installations and countertops: (619) 581-4308
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/
Water Heater & Water Softener / Filtration Installation
JG Water Heaters, Filtration, and Plumbing: 858-434-7257
Verday Smart Solutions (tankless water heater installation & repair, water softeners and water filtration): 858-300-6172
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!