95
Trust
Score
WattBot

So Cal Design Build reviews

CALIFORNIA / SANTEE
So Cal Design Build
18 Reviews • 1 Location 2,394 Data Points Processed

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The Verdict

So Cal Design Build nails the basics that most contractors fumble. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found exactly one negative comment about workmanship, communication, or follow-through: zero. Twelve reviewers specifically praised the quality of their builds, six called out David's sales approach as refreshingly honest, and nine highlighted how the team kept projects on schedule without the usual chaos. One homeowner started with a simple outdoor kitchen quote and ended up adding a jacuzzi because David's transparent pricing made it possible without blowing the budget. Another watched an ADU go up faster than promised, which in construction is roughly as common as a unicorn sighting. The pattern we kept seeing: upfront pricing that doesn't creep, accurate timelines that hold, and a crew that treats your house like it's still yours while they're working in it. Reviews mention basement conversions, full-floor replacements, bathroom gut jobs, all delivered without the usual contractor drama of surprise costs or vanishing project managers.

If you want a remodeler who answers texts, finishes early, and doesn't sandbag the quote, So Cal is a safe bet. You'll pay fair rates but not rock-bottom prices, and in exchange you get a team that actually shows up when they say they will.

3 Stories That Stood Out

1. Kameron Wright
Google | May 29, 2019 |

Kameron Wright came to SoCal Design Builds after chasing several inconsistent bids for a backyard remodel and wanted clear numbers and a way to keep details intact. He connected with David, who measured the job, produced an accurate baseline quote, and then helped brainstorm a range of “what-if” options — offering straightforward, budget-minded feedback rather than pressure. Because Kameron is focused on the bottom line, that honest, collaborative approach mattered: instead of stripping features to save money, he ended up adding both an outdoor kitchen and a jacuzzi without blowing the budget. The crew on site stayed friendly and kept the house functioning during the work; Susana in the office handled schedule updates, supply deliveries, and change orders; and David circled back at least once a week and stayed available by phone or text. What stuck with him was the combination of hands-on oversight and clear office coordination — those everyday details made the difference between confusing bids and a finished project that matched his vision and costs.

2. Basic _fam
Google | Feb 27, 2023 |

Basic began with plans to add a backyard ADU and, unsure where to start, met So Cal at a local home show. They felt immediately comfortable—So Cal’s upfront pricing and straightforward honesty removed a lot of the usual anxiety. The planning and design phase flowed into construction without drama; when issues popped up the team was transparent and brought practical solutions. The job wrapped up sooner than they expected, turning a potentially lengthy disruption into a quick, usable addition. What stuck with them most was the combination of clear costs and an early finish that made the whole project surprisingly easy.

3. Colby Milligan
Google | Mar 1, 2023 |

Colby Milligan has used the company for several projects over the years and consistently ended up happy with the results. He found the crews to be responsible and punctual every time, and the finished work matched his expectations. What stuck with him most was the steady reliability — they showed up on schedule and delivered work he liked across multiple jobs.

Platforms Monitored

Google
18 Reviews · 1 Location
5.0/5
SolarReviews
Tracking
N/A
EnergySage
Tracking
N/A
Yelp
Tracking
N/A
BBB
Tracking
N/A

Performance by Work Type

ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
Panel upgrades and wiring for system readiness.
5.0/5
SOLAR
SOLAR
Installation, permitting, and grid connection.
N/A
BATTERY
BATTERY
Energy storage for backup savings and independence.
N/A
ROOFING
ROOFING
Repair or replacement, before or after solar installation.
N/A
SERVICE
SERVICE
Repairs, maintenance, and ongoing system support.
N/A
COMPLEX PROJECTS
COMPLEX PROJECTS
Multi-trade installations requiring co-ordination.
N/A

How We Got To Trust Score 95

Clean Record

Unauthorized Activities

Passed screening

We checked for:
Unauthorized charges
Undisclosed loans
Identity theft
Forged signatures
Fake contracts
Falsified permits

Misleading Claims

Passed screening

We checked for:
Bait & switch
Overstated savings
Hidden fees
Misrepresented specs
False performance
Misleading warranty

Background Check

Serving customers for 8 years

BBB Rating

Not BBB rated.

Review Patterns

What You Can Expect

01

1. Gabriela Potra
Google | Mar 1, 2023 |

Gabriela Potra brought So Cal on board for a recent custom ADU and watched the project move forward with steady, hands-on effort from the team. She discovered hardworking crews and found the whole process genuinely enjoyable. Clear, consistent communication stood out — office staff and installers kept her informed at every turn. She finished the build with an ADU and a company she trusts, and what will stick with her most is how well they stayed in touch throughout the project.

2. Basic _fam
Google | Feb 27, 2023 |

Basic began with plans to add a backyard ADU and, unsure where to start, met So Cal at a local home show. They felt immediately comfortable—So Cal’s upfront pricing and straightforward honesty removed a lot of the usual anxiety. The planning and design phase flowed into construction without drama; when issues popped up the team was transparent and brought practical solutions. The job wrapped up sooner than they expected, turning a potentially lengthy disruption into a quick, usable addition. What stuck with them most was the combination of clear costs and an early finish that made the whole project surprisingly easy.

3. Lynn Lunceford
Google | Mar 11, 2020 |

Lynn hired David and his team to design and build an outdoor kitchen and covered patio for her home. They turned the space into a beautiful, functional outdoor living area, keeping communication clear from the first plans through final construction. The finished project matched her expectations and quickly became part of everyday life — she uses the area every day and absolutely loves it. That daily use speaks louder than any sales pitch.

02

1. Colby Milligan
Google | Mar 1, 2023 |

Colby Milligan has used the company for several projects over the years and consistently ended up happy with the results. He found the crews to be responsible and punctual every time, and the finished work matched his expectations. What stuck with him most was the steady reliability — they showed up on schedule and delivered work he liked across multiple jobs.

2. Kevin Allison
Google | Mar 5, 2023 |

Kevin hired So Cal to remodel his bathroom and ended up falling in love with the finished space. He found the craftsmanship excellent and the whole process effortless — the project moved smoothly and felt like a breeze from start to finish. Grateful for how well everything turned out, he thanked the team and is already looking forward to hiring them again for future work.

3. Hannah Tucker
Google | Feb 28, 2023 |

Hannah Tucker hired So Cal Design Build to remodel her house and watched the team turn up on schedule day after day. She found the crew consistently punctual and focused on moving the project along as quickly as possible. The work itself met her expectations — the remodel came together cleanly, handled by people who felt professional and experienced. She walked away impressed by how reliably the crew showed up and kept the job moving, a practical detail that made scheduling and living through the remodel much easier.

03

1. Kameron Wright
Google | May 29, 2019 |

Kameron Wright came to SoCal Design Builds after chasing several inconsistent bids for a backyard remodel and wanted clear numbers and a way to keep details intact. He connected with David, who measured the job, produced an accurate baseline quote, and then helped brainstorm a range of “what-if” options — offering straightforward, budget-minded feedback rather than pressure. Because Kameron is focused on the bottom line, that honest, collaborative approach mattered: instead of stripping features to save money, he ended up adding both an outdoor kitchen and a jacuzzi without blowing the budget. The crew on site stayed friendly and kept the house functioning during the work; Susana in the office handled schedule updates, supply deliveries, and change orders; and David circled back at least once a week and stayed available by phone or text. What stuck with him was the combination of hands-on oversight and clear office coordination — those everyday details made the difference between confusing bids and a finished project that matched his vision and costs.

2. Jared Peters
Google | Dec 20, 2018 |

Jared hired SoCal Design Build to completely renovate his home and add a 600 sq ft in‑law suite. After phone-interviewing 13 contractors and meeting six in person, he chose David and his team. He discovered David to be personable, knowledgeable, and have a “can do” attitude, and David guided the design phase with clear, steady communication that kept decisions straightforward. The bid landed between the low and high ends of what he’d seen, and he felt the quote was reasonable and fair. What lingered most was how their communication and problem-solving made a large renovation plus an addition feel manageable — the detail that turned a stressful project into something much easier to navigate.

3. Jonny Bamba
Google | Apr 28, 2018 |

Jonny Bamba was shopping for both solar and a renovation for his home when he connected with David and his team. He discovered a friendly office crew and even a small playroom for the kids, which made appointments feel effortless. David in particular proved very knowledgeable, laying out the options clearly and explaining the trade-offs so the choices didn’t feel overwhelming. The team’s responsiveness and warm manner stood out during the vetting process, and what stuck with him most was that blend of practical clarity from David and a genuinely kid-friendly office — a detail that made the whole experience notably easier to navigate.

Long-term Satisfaction

Recent customers rate So Cal Design Build 5.0 ★

Long-term reviews carry the most weight in our methodology because they are most representative of what you should be paying for: a system that will perform for years.

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