Whole House Remodeling In San Diego, CA

Transform your whole home with one San Diego design-build team managing layout, structure, systems, interiors, permits, and construction. Lars helps you plan the full scope before work begins so every room moves forward as one connected project.

Two-story Craftsman-style home exterior with tan siding, blue shutters, and covered front porch with white picket fence
Modern kitchen remodel with wood cabinetry, marble slab backsplash, and bentwood counter stools
White kitchen remodel with herringbone tile backsplash, geometric brass pendant lighting, and navy blue island
Living room addition with floor-to-ceiling windows framing mountain and canyon views
Light wood kitchen remodel with white cabinetry, marble backsplash, and dome pendant lighting
Two-story whole home remodel exterior with cream stucco, gable roofline, and craftsman wood entry door

Custom Home Improvements At Your Convenience

Lars Remodeling & Design has been the leading remodeling company in San Diego, CA, for over 35 years. As a full-service indoor and outdoor remodeling contractor, we handle everything from architectural and design aspects to product selection, and construction work.

Our design-build approach means you have a single point of contact throughout your entire project.

You can count on our award-winning team of licensed architects, interior designers, project managers and project consultants’ support every step of the way.

Best of all, we use only top-quality materials, which is why we take great pride in standing behind our work.

The Most Predictable Whole Home Remodel In San Diego

Whole house remodels are complex — but they don't have to be unpredictable. Our On-Time Guarantee and in-house design-build team give you a clear timeline and one accountable team for your entire San Diego whole home renovation.

  • One team oversees every phase of your San Diego whole home remodel.
  • Thorough pre-construction planning keeps large, complex projects on track.
  • Experienced project management prevents the delays common to whole home renovations.
  • A written on-time guarantee backs your entire remodeling project.

Written On-Time Guarantee

Built into the process, not promised after the fact.

94%

On-Budget Track Record

Planning, pricing, and scope control under one roof.

35+

Years Serving San Diego

A local team that understands homes, permits, and expectations here.

1,200+

Projects Completed

A repeatable design-build system refined across decades.

Enhance Your Property With The Help Of Our Team

As one of the leading construction remodeling companies, we know that a successful whole house remodel hinges on the careful and detailed design of each room in your home. Moreover, creating a cohesive look that exudes balance is of utmost importance – something we excel at. This is why you can trust our team to renovate every part of your home, creating stylish designs that homeowners across San Diego adore.

Whether it comes to installing completely customized kitchensturning bathrooms into retreats, creating the perfect living room, or building outdoor living spaces, our team knows how to get the most out of every space. What’s more, they use the latest techniques and implement the most recent trends to turn your house into a remodeled haven that you’ll love.

before + after [ Slide the arrow left to right to view the transformation. ]

2026 Investment Guide

Whole House Remodel Cost in San Diego What A Full Scope Includes

A whole-home remodel with Lars typically represents a complete design-build investment of $150,000 to $650,000+. That range includes architecture, plans and drawings, renderings, engineering, permits, interior design, finish selections and materials, project management, and construction. Lower figures quoted elsewhere may reflect construction costs only, leaving design, permitting, finishes, and other essential services outside the price.

A whole house remodel is not just a series of room updates. Budget depends on home size, structural changes, systems, selections, permits, local review, phasing, and how much of the home is opened up at once. Lars helps you plan the full design-build investment before construction begins.

Whole-Home Scope Typical Investment Range What It Includes
Layout-Intact Updates $150,000–$250,000+ Best for flooring, paint, fixtures, lighting, and lighter kitchen or bath updates while the existing floor plan stays mostly intact.
New Kitchen, Baths & Systems $250,000–$400,000+ A larger renovation with new kitchen and baths, updated electrical or plumbing, coordinated finishes, and a more complete construction scope.
Remodel + Reconfiguration $400,000–$650,000+ For homeowners changing the way the home lives: wall removals, open-concept planning, structural coordination, new suites, stairs, or major layout work.
Major Transformation $650,000+ For second stories, large additions, coastal or hillside properties, premium finish packages, and whole-home projects with extensive engineering or permitting.
Typical Investment Range

$150,000–$250,000+

What It Includes

Best for flooring, paint, fixtures, lighting, and lighter kitchen or bath updates while the existing floor plan stays mostly intact.

These ranges are planning references, not estimates for a specific project. Every property is different, so accurate pricing requires feasibility review, design scope, site conditions, and proper planning before numbers should be trusted.

Before You Compare Whole-Home Quotes

Make sure every estimate is solving the same project.

Large remodels can look cheaper when architecture, engineering, permit revisions, systems, temporary protection, or finish decisions are missing. Lars builds the plan around one complete scope so cost, design, and schedule stay connected.

Questions to ask before signing

  • Does the estimate include architecture, interior design, selections, and construction?
  • Are structural engineering, Title 24, permits, plan revisions, and inspections included?
  • How are allowances, finish selections, and change orders documented before work begins?
  • Can the project be phased safely, or should temporary relocation be planned?
  • Who owns communication when design, permitting, trades, and field decisions overlap?

For contract basics, CSLB recommends a detailed written agreement with scope, payment schedule, permit responsibility, completion timing, change-order terms, and license information. Review CSLB contract guidance.

What Is Included

What a Whole-Home Remodel Includes Planned As One Home

A whole-home remodel works best when every room, system, and finish decision is coordinated from the beginning. Lars plans the architecture, interior design, permitting, selections, and construction path around the entire home.

Kitchen

Open-concept layouts, island planning, storage, appliances, and indoor-outdoor connections that fit the way San Diego families gather.

Bathrooms

Primary suites, hall baths, powder rooms, laundry adjacency, storage, waterproofing, lighting, and finish packages planned together.

Flooring & Paint

Flooring, paint, cabinetry, counters, tile, hardware, doors, and trim selected as one cohesive home instead of disconnected rooms.

Structural & Layout

Wall removals, beams, stairs, ceiling changes, large openings, and reconfigured circulation coordinated with engineering when needed.

Exterior & Curb Appeal

Windows, doors, stucco or siding, entries, patios, and curb appeal updates that support San Diego indoor-outdoor living.

Permits, Phasing & Local Complexity

San Diego Whole-Home Remodels Need Serious Coordination

Large remodels can involve architecture, structural engineering, interior design, permitting, inspections, selections, trade sequencing, and daily site decisions. Lars keeps those moving through one accountable design-build process.

Permits & Inspections

Whole-home scopes commonly involve building permits, trade permits, plan review, revisions, and multiple inspection milestones.

Structural Engineering

Open-concept work, larger openings, second-story planning, stairs, foundations, and hillside conditions may require engineering coordination.

Title 24 & Systems

Energy, lighting, insulation, windows, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing updates can affect compliance and should be reviewed early.

HOA, Coastal & Historic Review

Coastal homes, HOA communities, hillside lots, and older neighborhoods may add design guidelines, overlays, or additional review steps.

Phasing & Temporary Relocation

Some projects can be phased; others are safer and faster when the family relocates during the most disruptive construction work.

Older-Home Discovery

Outdated wiring, plumbing, framing, moisture, foundations, or prior unpermitted work should be anticipated before demolition reveals them.

The Lars Design-Build Advantage

One In-House Team For A Whole-Home Transformation

Whole house remodels are where handoffs can get expensive. With Lars, architecture, design, estimating, selections, permits, project management, and construction stay connected under one roof so responsibility does not disappear between vendors.

Best fit for homeowners who need:

  • A major layout change or open-concept plan
  • A whole-home finish plan that feels cohesive
  • Architecture, permits, design, and construction connected
  • A project manager who understands large, multi-trade scopes

Why San Diego Homeowners Choose Lars For Whole House Remodeling

In-House Architecture

Your existing home, structural goals, flow, additions, and permit path are reviewed with the construction realities in view.

Interior Design & Selections

Cabinetry, tile, lighting, flooring, fixtures, surfaces, and hardware are planned as one complete home, not separate room projects.

Project Management Depth

Whole-home work needs sequencing, schedule discipline, trade coordination, and regular communication across many moving parts.

San Diego Since 1991

Lars understands older homes, coastal communities, canyon lots, HOAs, and the expectations of large San Diego remodels.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Review CSLB License #616035 through the official California license lookup before signing a remodeling contract.

On-Time Completion Guarantee

Once design, selections, and construction planning are ready, our written completion date helps make a major remodel more predictable.

Verify contractor license details through the official CSLB license check. Lars Remodeling & Design CSLB License #616035.

Whole Home Remodeling Process

Our Whole Home Design-Build Process

Whole-house remodeling needs a process that protects the big picture. Lars connects discovery, architecture, selections, permits, construction, and closeout so the home moves forward with fewer surprises.

  1. Discovery, Budget & Existing-Home Review

    We start with goals, lifestyle, budget, home condition, likely constraints, phasing needs, and the problems the remodel must solve.

  2. Architecture, Design & Selections

    Our in-house team develops layout, structure, interiors, finish direction, and material selections so the home is planned as one connected project.

  3. Permits, Engineering & Pre-Construction

    We coordinate drawings, engineering when needed, Title 24, city comments, selections, schedule planning, and pre-construction details.

  4. Construction & Project Management

    A dedicated team coordinates trades, inspections, site protection, communication, budget updates, and schedule progress through the build.

  5. Final Walkthrough & Warranty

    We complete punch-list work, closeout, orientation, and warranty support so the remodeled home is ready for everyday life.

Whole House Remodel Questions San Diego Homeowners Should Ask

How Long Does A Whole House Remodel Take?

A whole house remodel often takes many months across design, permitting, selections, and construction. The timeline depends on home size, structural scope, city review, material decisions, phasing, and whether additions or major systems are involved.

Do I Need To Move Out During A Whole-Home Remodel?

It depends on the scope. Some projects can be phased so part of the home remains usable, but full gut remodels, major structural work, and large systems updates are often safer and faster with temporary relocation.

Can You Phase A Whole-Home Remodel?

Sometimes. Phasing can work when the scope, utilities, access, dust protection, and inspection sequence allow part of the home to remain usable. Lars reviews phasing early so the plan is realistic instead of disruptive.

Do You Handle Structural Changes?

Yes. Whole-home remodels often involve wall removals, beams, larger openings, stairs, additions, or foundation conditions. Lars coordinates design, engineering, permit documentation, and construction through one design-build process.

How Often Should You Remodel A House?

San Diego homeowners typically take on a substantial remodel every 15 to 20 years, though lifestyle changes often drive the timing more than age alone. The condition of the home matters just as much: original kitchens and baths, dated electrical or plumbing, water intrusion, and layouts that no longer suit the household are the usual triggers for acting sooner.

How Much Do Home Remodeling Contractors Charge In San Diego?

A whole-home remodel with Lars typically represents a complete design-build investment of $150,000 to $650,000+. That range includes architecture, plans and drawings, renderings, engineering, permits, interior design, finish selections and materials, project management, and construction. Lower figures quoted elsewhere may reflect construction costs only, leaving design, permitting, finishes, and other essential services outside the price.

Why We Stand Out as a Whole Home Remodel Company in San Diego

At Lars Remodeling & Design, we recognize that embarking on whole home remodels in San Diego can feel like a daunting task. That’s why our dedicated team prioritizes streamlined communication, ensuring you stay informed and confident at every phase of your project. By focusing on detailed planning and creative collaboration, we’ve positioned ourselves as the go-to whole home remodel company in San Diego, delivering extraordinary results and happy homeowners.

  • Detailed Consultations: We listen to your goals for your whole house remodeling in San Diego and tailor our designs to reflect your unique vision.
  • Expert Craftsmanship: Our seasoned professionals boast years of hands-on experience, guaranteeing top-notch quality.
  • High-End Materials: We source only the finest materials to ensure longevity and impeccable finishes.
  • Transparent Timeline: From initial consultation to final touches, we provide clear milestones to keep your whole house remodel in San Diego on track.

Our Expert Home Remodeling Contractors Always Go The Extra Mile

Whether you’re full of ideas or need help with inspiration, we’re right around the corner! The Lars Remodeling & Design team doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter designs. In fact, we think that your home should reflect your uniqueness.

When planning a San Diego home remodel, we understand just how important it is to get to know every client, and understand their needs and desires for their new whole house designs. That’s why our team consists of only the best designers who can create custom solutions from scratch for each project.

When you choose Lars Remodeling & Design as your home improvement company, your designer will be there to guide you every step of the way, from developing design concepts to picking finishing touches. We’re here to help bring your whole house design dreams to life!

Added Value Through Customized Whole House Remodeling in San Diego

We believe personalization is key to maximizing both comfort and resale value. During our comprehensive design process, we collaborate closely with you to balance aesthetic preferences, functionality needs, and budget considerations.

This approach ensures that your newly renovated home is a harmonious blend of style and practicality.

  • Adapt floor plans to align with evolving family dynamics
  • Integrate modern conveniences and smart-home technologies
  • Emphasize open-concept layouts to encourage natural light and better flow
  • Incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient installations

San Diego Whole Home Remodel Ideas With A Great ROI

Whether you’ve bought a fixer-upper, you’re planning to put your home on the market, or you simply want to improve your home experience, a carefully devised remodeling project can be just what you need. And our experienced remodeling contractors are just the right people for the job!

We will carefully evaluate the current condition of your property and suggest which areas can be improved. Afterward, we will come up with a tailor-made renovation plan in accordance with your input and expectations. We will take into consideration various factors, including the following:

  1. Your lifestyle habits and personal preferences.
  2. Timeless design trends that bring most value.
  3. The general design and style of your home.
  4. The predominant design in your neighborhood.
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This way, we will be able to design your home in a way that will boost its value and bring you the highest return on investment. If you decide to sell your home, you’ll be able to appeal to a great number of potential buyers and recoup your renovation costs. If this is your forever home, you’ll live in a stylish, comfortable atmosphere for years. Either way, our home improvement contractors will deliver nothing short of perfection!

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Custom Home Remodeling For A Hassle-Free Experience

As one of the top home improvement companies, we’re on the mission to help San Diego residents build the home of their dreams. Our team is here for your ideas, suggestions, and requests, providing unparalleled remodeling services. Not only are we here for San Diego homeowners, but we also extend our services to the surrounding neighborhoods.

So, you can rely on our expert remodeling contractors in Solana Beach, highly experienced remodeling contractors in Rancho Bernardo and trusted remodeling contractors in Poway to meet all of your design needs. We service other areas, too, so feel free to call us today or fill out our online form to speak to one of our talented team members about your remodeling plans. Let’s get you your dream home!

Your Whole Home Transformation Awaits

No matter the scope or complexity, our team embraces each project with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence. By choosing Lars Remodeling & Design for your whole home remodels in San Diego, you’re investing in a partnership that places your satisfaction at the forefront. Let us take the reins, and we’ll deliver a finished space that truly feels like home.

Explore Other Services

Not sure which service fits your next step? Explore related Lars design-build services to see how kitchens, baths, additions, ADUs, outdoor living spaces, custom homes, and whole-home remodels can be planned together under one accountable team.

Accessory Dwelling Unit - ADU

Our team designs and builds stylish, functional ADUs and in-law suites that maximize space, elevate comfort, and increase property value, seamlessly managed from initial concept to final inspection.

Learn More

New Builds

From the ground up, we build custom homes that reflect your lifestyle, goals, and personal design preferences; crafted with precision and built to last.

Newly remodeled living room in a San Diego home.
Learn More

Additions

Our home remodeling San Diego experts design and build room additions, second stories, and primary suite expansions that give your home the space it needs without sacrificing flow or style. From framing to finishes, we manage every detail of the addition process from initial design through final inspection.

Learn More

Kitchens

Our home remodeling San Diego experts can remodel your kitchen into a stunning and functional space where your family gathers and memories form. From custom cabinets to perfect lighting, we handle every detail that turns ordinary kitchens into extraordinary ones.

Learn More

Bathrooms

Our home remodeling San Diego experts transform bathrooms into beautiful, functional spaces designed for comfort, relaxation, and everyday use. Whether you’re updating a guest bath or creating a spa-inspired master bathroom, our bathroom remodeling contractors handle every detail—from custom vanities and tile to lighting, fixtures, and finishes.

Learn More

Outdoor Living

In San Diego’s ideal climate, our home remodeling San Diego experts create outdoor retreats that feel like natural room extensions. We design entertaining spaces, cooking areas, and relaxation zones that maximize your outdoor living space.

Learn More

Design Build

Our San Diego design-build remodeling services bring design, planning, and construction together under one roof. From kitchen or bath to whole home remodels and additions, our in-house team guides every step of the process to create a cohesive, well-planned remodel built around your home, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Learn More

Expert Whole-Home Remodeling Across San Diego County

From older-home modernization to full layout reconfiguration, Lars Remodeling & Design helps San Diego homeowners plan whole-home remodels with architecture, interiors, systems, phasing, permitting, and construction under one coordinated design-build team.

Find your city

Whole Home Remodeling Questions San Diego Homeowners Ask

What is a whole-home remodel?

A whole-home remodel coordinates changes across multiple rooms and systems as one connected project instead of treating each space as an isolated update. Depending on the scope, it can include kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, finishes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural or layout changes, exterior improvements, architecture, interior design, permitting, and construction.

What factors influence the cost of a whole-home remodel?

The largest cost drivers are the home’s size, existing condition, number of rooms involved, structural and layout changes, foundation or building-system work, kitchen and bathroom scope, finish selections, site access, permitting, phasing, and whether the home remains occupied. Accurate pricing requires a feasibility review and a complete design-build scope so design, materials, permits, and construction are being compared together.

What is the 30% rule for home renovation?

The 30% rule is a general budgeting guideline that suggests keeping renovation spending near or below 30% of a home’s current market value to reduce the risk of over-improving for the surrounding market. It is not a building code, lending requirement, or universal limit; the right investment depends on the property, required repairs, neighborhood values, financing, and how long you plan to own the home.

Is it cheaper to renovate a house or tear it down and rebuild?

It depends on whether the existing foundation, framing, layout, and systems can support the home you want. Renovating can make sense when the structure and location are worth preserving, while rebuilding may be more practical when extensive structural repair, code work, or layout limitations make the remodel unusually complex. Architecture, engineering, zoning, permitting, budget, and schedule should be reviewed before choosing either path.

Is $100,000 enough to renovate a house?

For a complete whole-home design-build scope, $100,000 is generally below the typical starting investment, with most starting around $150,000. It may support targeted, layout-intact improvements or a smaller group of rooms, but it may not cover architecture, drawings, permits, interior design, finish materials, systems work, project management, and construction across the entire home.

How do I prepare my home for a whole-home remodeling project?

Start by documenting your priorities, must-haves, budget range, known property issues, and what you want to keep or change. Before construction, complete major design and finish decisions, remove or protect valuables, plan storage and pet safety, confirm site access, and decide whether you will remain home, phase the work, or relocate temporarily. Lars addresses these details during discovery and pre-construction planning.

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