Full House Remodel in San Diego, CA
Full-house remodels in San Diego County span modernizing 1950s ranch homes in Clairemont and Allied Gardens, reworking Spanish Colonials in Kensington and Mission Hills, and gut renovations of coastal properties in Pacific Beach and Encinitas. Because so much of the county's housing stock predates 1980, whole-home projects frequently combine layout reconfiguration with electrical, plumbing, and energy upgrades to meet current code. Estate-scale full remodels in Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla often approach new-construction scope.
Full House Remodel Cost in San Diego
Typical range: $150,000-$500,000+ typical; roughly $150-$450/sq ft, so a 2,000 sf home commonly lands $300k-$900k
San Diego whole-home costs run above the national average; older homes add a 10-20% contingency for surprises uncovered at demolition.
For a detailed, no-obligation estimate tailored to your home, call (888) 324-1144.
Permits & Local Building Departments in San Diego
Whole-house remodels are permitted through City of San Diego Development Services or the County and usually involve combined building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy permits, with fees commonly running $1,000 to $5,000+. Homes 45 years or older in North Park, South Park, Mission Hills, and Coronado trigger historical screening under Municipal Code 143.0212 for any exterior work, and parcels in the Coastal Overlay Zone require Coastal Development Permit review. These overlapping reviews make scheduling expertise essential on full remodels.
Common San Diego Full House Remodel Projects
In Clairemont, Allied Gardens, and San Carlos, families gut and reconfigure dated 1950s-60s ranch homes to open the kitchen-living core and add a primary suite. Kensington and Mission Hills owners restore Spanish Colonial character while modernizing systems, and coastal Pacific Beach and Encinitas clients often raise or rebuild substantial portions of a beach property to add square footage.
Climate & Material Considerations
Coastal whole-home remodels in Point Loma, Coronado, and the beach communities call for corrosion-resistant exterior envelopes and marine-grade windows, while inland projects in Escondido and East County prioritize upgraded insulation, efficient HVAC, and fire-hardened materials in higher fire-severity areas.
Why Choose RL Remodeling for Your Full House Remodel?
- Local Expertise: Our team knows San Diego-area building codes, permitting requirements, and inspection processes.
- Dedicated Project Manager: One point of contact from design to completion.
- 3D Design Visualization: See your full house remodel before construction begins.
- Licensed, Bonded & Insured: Complete peace of mind on every project.
- Free Estimates: No-obligation consultations, available 7 days a week.
- Flexible Financing: We offer financing options to fit your budget.
Our Full House Remodel Process
- Free Consultation: Meet with a Project Manager to discuss your vision, needs, and budget.
- Design & Planning: Our design team creates a detailed plan with 3D visualization.
- Permitting: We handle all necessary permits and approvals for San Diego.
- Construction: Expert crews execute the build with quality craftsmanship.
- Final Walkthrough: We ensure every detail meets your expectations.
Featured Full House Remodel Projects
Browse recent projects from our Southern California portfolio. See the quality craftsmanship RL Remodeling delivers on every full house remodel.

COMPLETE NEW CONSTRUCTION
43 photos
COMPLETE NEW CONSTRUCTION
40 photos
COMPLETE HOME REMODELING
40 photos
COMPLETE NEW CONSTRUCTION
69 photos
2 STORY ADU WITH POOL
27 photos
COMPLETE REMODEL
57 photosFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a full house remodel cost in San Diego?
Whole-home remodels in San Diego typically run $150,000-$500,000 or more, roughly $150-$450 per square foot, so a 2,000 sf home commonly lands between $300,000 and $900,000. Costs run above the national average, and we recommend a 10-20% contingency for issues uncovered once demolition exposes older systems.
Will my older San Diego home trigger historic review for a full remodel?
If your home is 45 years or older and the remodel touches the exterior, the City requires historical screening under Municipal Code 143.0212. This is common in North Park, South Park, Mission Hills, and Coronado, where exterior alterations visible from the street may need Historical Resources Board review and historically appropriate materials. We handle that screening as part of the permit process.
What permits does a whole-house remodel in San Diego need?
Full remodels through City of San Diego Development Services or the County typically combine building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy permits, with fees often $1,000-$5,000 or more. Coastal Overlay Zone parcels add Coastal Development Permit review, and older homes add historic screening. RL Remodeling manages every submittal and inspection so you are not coordinating with the city.
What Our Clients Say
"Hired RL Remodeling to remodel bathroom to include a walk in shower and upgrade smaller bath. Avi was the Project Manager who did an excellent job from inception to completion! Highly professional and timely."
- Kenneth Buchanan · ★★★★★
"Finding a reliable contractor in LA is tough, but RL Remodeling exceeded our expectations. The crew was respectful of our home, kept the site clean every day, and was very patient with all our questions."
- Daniel S · ★★★★★
"RL Remodeling did an excellent job on our ADU from start to finish. Communication was clear, the timeline was respected, and the quality of work was top-notch."
- Elad Nisim · ★★★★★
Visit Our Local Office
RL Remodeling - San Diego4360 Twain Ave, Suite 514
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: (888) 324-1144
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