Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 03:34 am
San Juan Capistrano draws its name from the site of a Catholic mission, Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is the home of California’s oldest post-colonial residential neighborhood, Los Rios, as well as the first vineyard and first winery in the state. Its population is diverse and is reflected in some of the area’s most popular architectural vernaculars.
Given the steady rise of housing costs, we decided it was time to review the ten best general contractors in San Juan Capistrano—the firms behind some of the area’s best remodels. Our editorial team chose these companies based on their extensive experiences and portfolios, in addition to their impressive array of industry awards.
David Gabay General Building Contractor
31726 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite #108, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Headquartered in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, David Gabay General Building Contractor extends its services throughout the prestigious neighborhoods of coastal Orange County and provides a full range of interior and exterior remodeling and new home construction. The firm is also known for its superior kitchen remodels, home additions, and accessory dwelling units. The firm offers a variety of services not provided by most firms. These include extensive remodels of the most challenging and complex projects and historical restorations. The firm adheres to the highest standards and provides the services of architects and designers in one comprehensive method. The firm’s work has been featured in an extensive range of publications, including Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, and LUXE Magazine. LUXE Magazine recognized the firm in 2020 with a RED Award Winner for having built Southern California’s Best Kitchen and Bathroom.
The Cowan Heights project above is an excellent example of the company’s expertise. It features a great wooded theme coupled with rustic finishes. We loved its large kitchen island and custom cabinetry. Some other great features include its high ceilings and custom wood chandelier.
Steven Foster Construction
26939 Camino De Estrella, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
Founded in 1981, Steven Foster Construction extends its services throughout Orange County and is well-respected for its great designs that come at affordable prices. It handles everything from blueprints to project completion. It has had the opportunity to work in some of the best communities in San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, and Irvine. Best known for its great kitchens and bathrooms, Steven Foster Construction provides a great range of finish carpentry and outdoor decks. It has also worked on several home additions, providing quality woodwork, crown molding, mantles, and staircases. Aside from its residential work, the firm has also taken on a multitude of commercial work throughout California, Hawaii, Oregon, Chicago, and New Mexico. Some of its most noteworthy clients include LAX, Victoria’s Secret, Disney, and GAP.
Our editorial team especially loved the project above. This exquisite kitchen remodel showcases a transitional theme with a patterned and lively backsplash. Its most impressive element, of course, would be its custom kitchen island which was customized with sleigh-like ends. Another would have to be the great custom chandelier just above the island.
RDS Development
28121 Calle San Remo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Established in 1992, RDS Development is a recognized expert in home remodel, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and outdoor improvements. It collaborates with some of the area’s best local suppliers and contractors and is well-respected for its ability to work within a client’s budget, assuring them that it does not exceed the agreed-upon expenses. RDS extends its services throughout the greater Orange County area and is experienced in every facet of the home remodeling process.
This project is a great example of the firm’s work. Note the great kitchen that draws inspiration from timeless European architecture. We loved its unique exposed overhead beams coupled with small chandeliers. Some other touches include its curved breakfast bar that directly faces its main windows. Our editorial team was especially impressed by the quaint nook the firm’s team made for the stove.
Ikon Builders
32158 Camino Capistrano, A-366, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Now on its second generation of builders, Ikon Builders is a licensed and certified firm that has been in business since 1978. The firm is personally led by its owner Phil “James” Cuthbertson, an experienced and talented professional who holds a degree in Business Administration. He has a diverse background in design and construction, and you can see that experience in the firm’s work. The firm assists throughout the entire process, from start to finish. In addition to its residential projects, the firm has completed a variety of extensive restoration work. That includes water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, and mold remediation. The firm works with the most talented subcontractors in the area, ensuring the quality of its spaces and projects.
The firm assists homeowners throughout the entire process and emphasizes the importance of communicating with clients closely. That means few or no revisions during the duration of a project. The firm insists on making use of only the best available materials.
CDI / John Clarke Development
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 throughout Orange County and the surrounding areas. It has secured a solid reputation over the years through excellent projects and its stellar service. The firm is particularly well-known for its kitchen and bathroom remodels, room renovations, and new home construction projects. It provides its work at competitive and fair pricing. 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. The firm uses innovative solutions and techniques. It also works with local companies to get the materials it needs. That ensures that all of its projects are completed with only the best materials.
CDI’s work is best embodied by the project above. For this bathroom remodel, it worked on great details and opted for a warm palette. Our editorial team loved its separate walk-in shower and the custom tub. We were also impressed by the unique fixtures and the excellent tile work.
Lucco Builders
32422 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Lucco Builders draws inspiration from nearly three decades of industry experience and is a family-owned and operated business. It is one of the area’s leading general contractor and construction management firms that provides a complete and comprehensive range of services. The firm uses innovative techniques, assuring homeowners of the quality of its work, and it has developed a great design-build approach. It operates on a solid foundation of principals that have allowed it to create an excellent network of repeat clients for itself over the years. Lucco is best known for its stellar exterior remodels, custom homes, patios, and extensive remodels. It has also worked on numerous pools, spas, and home additions.
Our team loved the firm’s work on this Laguna Beach home. It features a great open floor plan with one side being devoted to a window that can slide off to allow for easy access to the home’s terrace. Our editorial team loved its artsy kitchen and the modern concept living area.
Southern Counties Construction
31103 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
With over three decades of industry experience, Southern Counties Construction extends its services throughout South Orange County. It specializes in new residential construction and remodeling projects and provides its clients with a complete and comprehensive range of services. It operates out of its office in San Juan Capistrano and typically offers clients contract pricing or hourly charges based on a client’s individual needs. This assures homeowners that it does not exceed the agreed-upon budget and also completes all of its spaces on time. In terms of design, the firm has curated an excellent portfolio for itself during its years in business.
For this bathroom, the firm’s team installed unique backsplashes behind its custom vanity. It also worked on installing a separate walk-in shower encased in glass. Some other great details include its lighting, palette, and tile work. Overall, it’s a great example of what Southern Counties can do for you.
Arc Construction
26522 Briarwood Lane, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Based in San Juan Capistrano, Arc Construction is a full-service residential remodeling company that draws inspiration from more than three decades of collective experience in the fields of architectural design and building. The firm uses a highly hands-on approach that enables the firm to conduct regular walkthroughs with clients, work on detailed plans to ensure all clients’ needs are met, and ensure accuracy in estimates. This method also includes the tedious but very important process of permit processing. The firm is the by-product of the vision of father-and-son duo Vito and Anthony Carrieri. Together, they have worked on a number of projects across Arizona and California. The firm has provided quite a number of home additions, patios, second-story renovations, and complete remodels. The firm has also become known for its excellent handiwork.
The project above embodies the firm’s talent and skill for home additions. Our editorial team loved its high ceilings and minimalist finishes. One wall is devoted to several large windows that bring in a rich amount of ambient light.
