Yes, Pacific Beach Builders is fully licensed (California Contractors License #C-39), bonded, and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance ($2 million coverage) and workers' compensation insurance for all employees and subcontractors. All our licenses and insurance policies are current and can be verified upon request.

We serve all of San Diego County, with particular expertise in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Bay, Clairemont, University City, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, and Poway. Our local knowledge of building codes, permitting processes, and neighborhood requirements allows us to provide superior service throughout the region.

Yes, we provide detailed free estimates for all projects. Our estimates include a comprehensive breakdown of materials, labor, timeline, and permit requirements. We typically schedule estimates within 48 hours of your initial contact and provide written quotes within one week of our site visit.

Design and planning typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on project complexity:

• Simple Projects (bathroom refresh, kitchen updates): 1-2 weeks
• Major Remodels (full kitchen, master bathroom): 2-3 weeks
• Complex Projects (ADUs, additions, multi-room renovations): 3-4 weeks

This includes initial consultation, measurements, design development, material selection, and permit preparation.

Absolutely! Our team includes experienced designers who help clients select materials, finishes, and fixtures that match their style and budget. We provide 3D renderings for major projects, maintain relationships with local suppliers for material samples, and stay current with the latest trends in home design.

Change orders are handled through our formal change request process. We provide written estimates for any proposed changes, including cost and timeline impact. Minor changes that don't affect structure or permits can often be accommodated easily. Major changes may require updated permits and can impact the overall timeline.

Yes, we handle all permit applications and coordinate with local building departments throughout San Diego County. This includes:

• Building permits for structural work
• Electrical permits for new circuits and fixtures
• Plumbing permits for fixture changes and new lines
• Mechanical permits for HVAC and ventilation
• Special permits for coastal zones and historic districts

We include permit costs in our project estimates and handle all inspections.

Permit timelines vary by jurisdiction and project complexity:

• City of San Diego: 2-4 weeks for residential projects
• County Unincorporated Areas: 3-5 weeks
• Coastal Zone Projects: 4-8 weeks (requires additional approvals)
• Historic Districts: 6-10 weeks (design review board approval required)

We submit permits early in the design process to minimize delays.

Permits Required:

• Kitchen remodels with electrical or plumbing changes
• Bathroom renovations
• ADU construction
• Room additions
• Solar panel installation
• Structural modifications
• New electrical circuits
• Moving plumbing fixtures

No Permit Typically Needed:

• Interior painting
• Flooring replacement (same type)
• Cabinet refacing (no structural changes)
• Simple fixture replacements

Kitchen remodeling costs in San Diego vary based on size, materials, and scope:

• Minor Remodel: $25,000 - $45,000 (new countertops, cabinet refacing, appliances)
• Major Remodel: $60,000 - $120,000 (new cabinets, appliances, flooring, electrical)
• Luxury Remodel: $120,000 - $250,000+ (custom cabinets, premium appliances, structural changes)

Factors affecting cost include cabinet quality, appliance selection, countertop materials, and electrical/plumbing changes.

Bathroom renovation costs depend on size and finishes:

• Basic Renovation: $15,000 - $25,000 (new fixtures, vanity, tile)
• Mid-Range Remodel: $25,000 - $45,000 (quality fixtures, custom vanity, frameless shower)
• Luxury Renovation: $45,000 - $75,000+ (premium fixtures, natural stone, heated floors)

Additional costs may apply for structural changes, accessibility modifications, or luxury features like steam showers.

ADU construction costs in San Diego typically range from:

• Garage Conversion: $80,000 - $160,000
• Small Detached ADU (400-600 sq ft): $150,000 - $220,000
• Medium ADU (600-800 sq ft): $200,000 - $280,000
• Large ADU (800-1,200 sq ft): $250,000 - $350,000

Costs include design, permits, construction, and final approvals. Site conditions, finishes, and utility connections affect final pricing.

Project timelines vary by scope and complexity:

• Bathroom Renovation: 2-4 weeks
• Kitchen Remodel: 4-8 weeks
• ADU Construction: 12-20 weeks
• Room Addition: 8-16 weeks
• Whole House Renovation: 16-24 weeks

Timelines include material delivery, construction, inspections, and final approvals. Weather, permit delays, and change orders can affect schedules.

Our payment schedule is structured to protect both parties:

• Contract Signing: 10% deposit to begin permit process
• Project Start: 25% upon material delivery and construction start
• Mid-Project: 35% at 50% completion milestone
• Near Completion: 25% at substantial completion
• Final Payment: 5% upon final inspection and customer satisfaction

We never ask for large upfront payments and tie payments to specific project milestones.

Yes, we provide comprehensive warranties:

• Workmanship Warranty: 2 years on all labor
• Materials Warranty: Manufacturer warranties passed through to customer
• Structural Work: 10 years on structural modifications
• Appliances & Fixtures: Full manufacturer warranty plus our installation guarantee

We stand behind our work and provide prompt service for any warranty issues.

This depends on the project scope:

• Single Room Projects: Usually yes, with some temporary inconvenience
• Kitchen Remodels: Possible but challenging; we help set up temporary cooking areas
• Bathroom Renovations: Often manageable if you have multiple bathrooms
• Whole House Projects: May require temporary relocation for safety and efficiency

We work with clients to minimize disruption and maintain safe, clean work areas.

We take extensive precautions to protect your home:

• Dust Barriers: Plastic sheeting and zipper doors to contain dust
• Floor Protection: Ram board and protective coverings on all walkways
• HVAC Protection: Filter system intakes during dusty work
• Daily Cleanup: End-of-day cleaning to maintain livability
• Secure Storage: Lockable areas for tools and materials

We proactively communicate about potential delays and their causes:

• Weather Delays: Communicated immediately with revised schedules
• Material Delays: Alternative sourcing or adjusted sequencing when possible
• Permit Delays: Regular status updates and alternative work when feasible
• Inspection Delays: Flexible scheduling to accommodate city inspector availability

We maintain realistic timelines and update you immediately when circumstances change.

Yes, we provide complete solar installation services including:

• Energy usage assessment and system sizing
• Custom system design and engineering
• All permit applications and approvals
• Professional installation with certified electricians
• SDG&E interconnection coordination
• Performance monitoring and maintenance
• Federal and state incentive assistance

ADU construction involves unique considerations:

• Zoning Compliance: Setback requirements, height limits, and lot coverage ratios
• Utility Connections: New or upgraded electrical, water, and sewer services
• Parking Requirements: Understanding when additional parking is required
• Design Standards: Architectural compatibility with main house
• Rental Regulations: Compliance with local short-term rental laws

Our team navigates these complexities to ensure successful project approval and completion.

Getting started is easy:

1. Contact Us: Call (619) 637-5746 or submit our online form
2. Initial Consultation: We visit your home to discuss your vision and needs
3. Proposal Development: We create a detailed proposal with costs and timeline
4. Contract Signing: Once you approve the proposal, we execute the contract
5. Permit Process: We begin permit applications and design finalization
6. Construction Start: Work begins once permits are approved

The entire process from first contact to construction start typically takes 4-8 weeks.

To make our consultation most productive, consider preparing:

• Project Goals: What you want to accomplish and why
• Budget Range: Realistic budget expectations for your project
• Timeline Preferences: When you'd like to start and complete the project
• Design Inspiration: Photos or examples of styles you like
• Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves: Priority list for project elements
• Current Challenges: Problems with existing space or layout

Don't worry if you don't have all the answers - we'll help guide you through the decision-making process.