Best known for its incredible oceanside scenery, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountain views, San Clemente is regarded as one of the best places to live in California. It offers prospective homeowners pleasant climates and highly popular and beautiful Spanish colonial-style architecture. Known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” most residents here in San Clemente live in their own homes and enjoy leisurely activities in several of its quaint and inviting restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. That said, the area is also among the country’s most expensive zip codes. Because of this, remodels are popular among homeowners looking to revamp classic homes rather than start from scratch.
This list contains 15 of the area’s best general contractors behind some of San Clemente’s most successful remodels and custom homes. They were chosen based on merit, experience, and their respective portfolios.
Mr. Build Construction
18100 Von Karman Ave. Suite #850, Irvine, CA 92612
From kitchen and bathroom remodels to new home build-outs, Mr. Build Construction services Orange County and the greater Los Angeles metro area. It utilizes a transparent and highly hands-on approach coupled with competitive pricing. It provides clients with free initial consultations and quotations that it adheres to throughout the entire process. This ensures that it does not go over budget nor exceed the projected schedule. Mr. Build Construction assists its clients throughout the entire process from inception to completion, including obtaining and processing permits.
The firm is family-owned and operated and has been in business since 1979. It maintains affiliations with industry organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and works with only the area’s best and most experienced professionals and subcontractors. The firm is licensed, bonded, and fully insured throughout California. It also practices only the highest standards, which has led it to be featured in prestigious publications such as Luxe Interior + Design.
Streamline Construction
23632 Via Fabricante Suite F, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Streamline Construction offers a full list of residential construction services and employs a design-build approach. In addition to its custom home building, the firm also provides kitchen and bathroom remodeling services and custom cabinetry and commercial construction. Working throughout the entire Orange County area, Streamline is led by Jason Adams, who personally oversees every project. The firm provides its in-house designers and is known for its custom millwork and woodwork. The Streamline portfolio showcases an extensive range of sleek, elegant contemporary and transitional designs.
Showcased above is one of the firm’s best remodel work. Completed in 2017, this project challenged the firm with both its large-scale interior and exterior remodeling. It features a modern theme coupled with touches of rustic and Spanish colonial elements.
Stud Construction
23372 Madero Suite K, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Stud Construction provides luxury design-build services using a highly collaborative process between homeowners and its team. Stud is known for its attention to detail and its craftsmanship and has earned a reputation for its ability to stick to an agreed-upon budget. The firm provides extensive remodeling services and offers clients communication software that allows them to access their project’s progress via the firm’s website. Through this, clients can view the complete project timeline. The software also allows them to approve and change requests, submit or view any documents, and remotely communicate with anyone on the team.
The remodeled space above is an excellent example of the firm’s craftsmanship. Labeled in its portfolio as “Coastal Glam,” this home showcases a combination of contemporary and Craftsman themes. Several farmhouse elements may also be observed in its woodwork, as well as pops of color through the firm’s excellent interior design.
Greater Pacific Construction
3943 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92602
Regarded as one of Orange County’s best general contractors, Greater Pacific Construction specializes in both commercial and residential projects. Its residential construction division primarily focuses on large-scale remodeling and is noted for its excellent kitchen and bathroom remodeling and home additions. The firm has been in business since 1989 and utilizes only the finest materials in combination with the most innovative techniques. In addition to this, Greater Pacific can also take on any project regardless of size and scale. It draws inspiration from over decades of experience and shows expertise for industrial, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, retail, tenant improvements, and warehouse construction sectors.
The firm is affiliated with numerous industry organizations such as NAHB, the Building Industry Association of Southern California, and the California Building Industry Association. Like its wide range of services, it is also experienced in an extensive list of architectural themes. Its skills and craftsmanship are best seen in the chosen project above. This kitchen and dining remodel opted for custom cabinetry, colorful backsplashes and exposed beam work. Clean granite countertops can also be seen along with several wood finishes.
Opulent Design Build
9471 Irvine Center Dr. Suite #150, Irvine, CA 92618
As its name implies, Opulent employs a design-build approach and services the entirety of Orange County. It provides a full range of general contracting services and handles project management, permitting, and engineering. The firm employs the latest green building techniques and is known for its excellent customer service. The firm’s processes allow it to control costs, rendering them more than equipped to deliver projects on time and within budget. Manned by an experienced team of architects, designers, and builders, Opulent has also worked on several large-scale development projects and was the company behind the completion of multiple 600-unit spaces. The firm is also known for its kitchens, grand entrances, and brilliant master bedrooms and bathrooms.
The firm’s expertise is best seen in the condo remodel above. Located in the heart of San Clemente, this space is an oceanfront home that maximizes the area’s incredible nearby views. Opulent achieved this by working with large windows and glass doors and a seamless floor plan that effortlessly connects the home’s interior and outdoor spaces.
M&J Star Construction
23482 Peralta Dr. Suite D1, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
M&J Star Construction specializes in building and remodeling commercial, residential, and restaurant projects. It also provides excellent property management services and operates throughout the counties of Orange and South Los Angeles. With over two decades of industry experience, M&J has secured a solid reputation for itself and has been regarded for delivering the highest level of quality, artistry, and customer service. Its team comprises experienced and talented professionals who have a collective experience of nearly eight decades. They assist each of the firm’s clients throughout every phase of the process, which entails project planning, design, and construction. M&J Star Construction commits itself to execute each client’s vision and consider their lifestyles and needs into its plans.
One of its best work is seen in the modern yet cozy home above. This elegant home consists of a neutral color palette that completes its minimalist look. A recurring theme of clean and geometric lines may be seen in several of the home’s rooms and various unique custom fixtures.
Ground to Gable
23151 Alcalde Suite C-8, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Operating out of its office in Laguna Hills, Ground to Gable extends its services throughout Orange County and its surrounding areas. It specializes in residential remodeling and offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of services. Additionally, it has become known for its sophisticated design and unique touch. Its transformations are noted to wonderfully revamp outdated spaces without compromising its seamless integration into a home’s overall design and theme. It offers its clients over two decades of remarkable working experience, from which it draws expertise and a rich portfolio filled with exquisite interiors and exteriors. Some standouts include its kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
The project above borrows elements from classic art deco themes throughout the entire house. For this particular space, the home’s dining area, the firm opted for an enlarged sunroof that extends towards a portion of the room’s wall. Wood-paneled flooring was also used along with a quaint but inviting earthy color palette.
Elite Kitchen & Bathroom
18187 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Servicing the entirety of Southern California, Elite Kitchen & Bathroom is a family-owned and operated firm that provides its clients with a full range of services. It has been in business since 2007, and as its name suggests, is best known for its kitchens and bathrooms. In addition to this, it has worked on numerous interior, exterior, minor, and major renovations. A significant number of its projects may be seen throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County. Competitive pricing makes it a popular general contractor for many. It begins its process by working on a complete analysis that addresses everything a client may want or need. It works on everything from planning to construction and assists with plans, permits, and scheduling.
The featured project above was featured in 2015 and displayed a contemporary theme. For this project, the firm’s team installed studio-like overhead lights, wood floor panels, and a minibar to serve as a divider.
Riviera Construction
127 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente, CA 92672
Servicing San Clemente, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, and San Juan Capistrano, Riviera Construction specializes in custom home building, remodeling, and home additions. It has been working around these areas for almost two decades and takes great pride in its excellent track record. Further, it has become known for its superb kitchens and bathrooms as well as its thorough processes. Nolan Harris, the firm’s founder and owner, personally leads the firm and oversees its day-to-day operations. He is a finish carpenter with over two decades of industry experience that reflects itself in his work. Under his supervision, all of the firm’s projects are completed with its in-house team of carpenters and professionals. The firm is also able to take on specialty projects such as crafting decks, installing windows and doors, and designing decorative moldings. The firm also builds much of a project’s cabinetry themselves rather than purchasing from distributors.
Riviera Construction does both large and small residential remodeling. It also continually challenges itself by taking on projects that require intricate designs. Additionally, the firm is noted for its excellent single level additions, second-story additions, finish carpentry, drawing of non-structural building plans, and construction management.
South Pointe Construction
23 Corporate Plaza CA Suite 150 PNB 603, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Named by Remodeling Magazine as among its Top 550 firms for three consecutive years, South Pointe Construction is considered a residential remodeling leader in Southern California. The company utilizes a design-build approach and emphasizes collaboration with its clients. It assists its clients throughout the entire process, including budget analysis and scheduling. This limits the probability of exceeding the agreed-upon budget and ensures that all of its spaces and homes are completed on time. Furthermore, it also requires collaboration within its team and with a project’s homeowner and emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency. It showcases a diverse portfolio, specializing in not only entire house remodeling but also in home additions and new home construction projects.
Pictured above is one of the firm’s best works. For this project, the firm primarily used modern elements, as seen in its open concept coupled with clean finishes and tiles.
Smart Building Group
32565 Golden Lantern Suite #360, Dana Point, CA 92629
Based in Orange County, the Smart Building Group offers design-build work and specializes in general contracting and home automation services. It has been in business for the more significant part of a decade and has since completed over 250 projects spread across Southern California. The firm is led by Art Burrola, Jr., an Orange County native who has more than 15 years of experience as a project manager and tradesman. Before establishing the firm, he first served as Vice President of Operations for a leading firm in the area for six years. His time there led to him overseeing the remodeling of over 200 residential projects. He ensures that this experience manifests itself in the firm’s work by personally handling each project that the firm takes on to give them all a hint of his personal touch.
The firm is capable of engaging with a project regardless of what stage the project is in. As previously mentioned, it also offers its clients a home automation service. Its division in charge of this particular service provides the firm’s clients with software compatible with the iPad or any smartphone that allows them to oversee the design, installation, programming, and maintenance of its projects.
CDI / John Clarke Construction
108 Chiquita, San Clemente, CA 92672
Founded in 1984, Clarke Development provides a wide range of construction services for residential and industrial projects. Also known as John Clarke Construction, the firm extends its services in Orange County and its surrounding areas. It has secured a solid reputation throughout the years through excellent projects and its high-quality and stellar services. The firm is particularly noted for its kitchen and bathroom remodels and room renovations, and new home construction projects. It provides its work at competitive and fair pricing. Additionally, the company specializes in home repairs and has secured partnerships with some of the area’s best subcontractors and artisans. Through these partnerships, the firm is capable of taking on any project regardless of complexity.
Clarke Development utilizes innovative solutions and techniques. It also works with local companies to get the materials it needs. This ensures that all of its projects are completed with only the best materials.
Clifton Boyz
116 Ave. Lucia, San Clemente, CA 92672
Extending its services throughout Greater San Clemente, Clifton Boyz offers a comprehensive range of home remodeling services. It is a family-owned and operated business that has resulted in an excellent gallery of spaces and homes. The firm is extremely flexible with appointments and is available to work seven days a week. The firm’s high-caliber work is the product of over 60 years of combined experience in designing, fabricating, and custom building luxury homes, developments, and properties. Its team demonstrates fine attention to detail and is fully licensed, bonded, and insured to work on any size property—from custom home remodeling to full commercial builds. Additionally, this team includes an in-house architect and engineering specialist, enabling the company to keep the entire process in-house.
The firm traced its origins back to the ‘60s and was established by Jon Clifton, Sr. Now, in its second generation of builders, Clifton has also set an excellent clientele list for itself.
Pacific Wood Designs
33531 Atlantic Ave., Dana Point, CA 92629
Pacific Wood Designs was established over 40 years ago and specializes in various services that include renovations, additions to simple improvements, and home repairs. It has built a strong reputation throughout Southern California and commits itself to provide superior and excellent services. It regards itself for its outstanding reviews and specializes in an extensive range of designs. The firm’s work is often distinguished by its superb woodwork coupled with its custom finishes and use of rustic elements. Pacific Wood’s portfolio depicts a gallery of beautiful Spanish revivals and the latest modern and contemporary spaces.
The project above is an example of the former. The firm’s design team installed several exposed beams to go well with several of its wide arches for this home. Wooden floor plans were also utilized as well as a warm and inviting color palette.
Mile X Builders
27101 Puerta Real #150, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Regarded as one of South Orange County’s leading design-build firms, Miles X Builders offers a wide variety of turn-key solutions. It manages each of its projects throughout the entire process and is experienced in various project types from extreme remodeling, tenant improvements to facelifts, and ground-up construction of extensions. Since its inception, it has worked on over a thousand spaces in South Orange County. Most of these projects were completed in just under two months since 2006. The firm does not limit itself to residential projects and has also taken on numerous commercial spaces. Furthermore, it is manned by a team of experienced and talented professionals who together have been working in the industry collectively for nearly two decades. Its workforce is diverse and is complemented through partnerships with a select group of trusted subcontractors.
Located in Laguna Woods, the project above brandishes one of the firm’s latest projects. It cost around $200k and features a highly contemporary theme. Large glass windows were utilized along with unique overhead lights and an open floor plan.
