--- title: "San Diego Master Craftsmen — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/san-diego-master-craftsmen-pfvwus-pf~1704050917 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1704050917.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "San Diego Master Craftsmen" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e003148904418f38_2719-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "San Diego, California 91942, United States" latitude: 32.7835 longitude: -117.0189 phone: "(619) 586-6613" website: http://www.sandiegomastercraftsmen.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 37 years_in_business: 16 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 118 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # San Diego Master Craftsmen > San Diego's Finest Construction & Remodeling Firm \| 3x Best of Houzz Original Houzz profile: [San Diego Master Craftsmen](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/san-diego-master-craftsmen-pfvwus-pf~1704050917) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, Rancho San Diego, Coronado, Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, Bonita, Eucalyptus Hills, Granite Hills, Crest, Lakeside, Hill Crest San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego, Mission Valley San Diego, Tierrasanta San Diego - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - 16 years in business - Responds Quickly ### Business highlights - 16 years in business - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - Responds Quickly San Diego Master Craftsmen is a full service provider of high quality residential construction and remodeling. We have built our reputation on customer satisfaction and on-time, on-budget projects. We specialize in unique and creative designs, as well as challenging builds. We have never gone over budget on a project due to our thorough and detailed planning process. SDMC has cultivated relationships with some of the best craftsmen in the San Diego area whom we utilize to offer the highest quality remodels in the industry. Each and every craftsman on our team has been hand picked and meets the standards of mastery in their field. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Building Design - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Deck Building - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Architectural Drawings - Multigenerational Homes - House Plans - Pool House Design & Construction - Floor Plans - Garage Building - Energy-Efficient Homes - Basement Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Space Planning - Historic Building Conservation - Deck Design - Mudroom Design - Handicap-Accessible Design - Drafting - Home Theater Design - Structural Engineering - Swimming Pool Construction - Landscape Plans - Construction Drawings - Custom Home ### Areas Served - San Diego - El Cajon - La Mesa - Santee - Spring Valley - Lemon Grove - Rancho San Diego - Coronado - Casa de Oro-Mount Helix - Bonita - Eucalyptus Hills - Granite Hills - Crest - Lakeside - Hill Crest San Diego - Mission Hills San Diego - Mission Valley San Diego - Tierrasanta San Diego ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - 1 million Depending on the scope of project (partial build to full home remodel) the cost of the job will vary. Please contact me for details regarding your specific project. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | San Diego Master Craftsmen | | Address | San Diego, California 91942, United States | | Phone | (619) 586-6613 | | Website | http://www.sandiegomastercraftsmen.com | | License Number | 869892 | | Years in business | 16 | | Followers on Houzz | 118 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/sandiegomastercraftsmen/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [San Diego Master Craftsmen](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/san-diego-master-craftsmen-pfvwus-pf~1704050917) - **Website:** http://www.sandiegomastercraftsmen.com - **Phone:** (619) 586-6613 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 869892 - Type: B - GENERAL BUILDING - Issued by: Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board **Certifications & Awards** - BBB A+, Angie's List Super Service, LEED certified - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 37 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 4.7 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Philip Erquiaga, Dec. 2019** > I have worked with Jon Hammer of San Diego Master Craftsmen on four separate occasions, the first of which was a major renovation of my home. I employed Jon after an extensive due diligence process, which included interviewing other contractors, following up on references and site visits of completed projects. > > We started the renovation with certain "baseline" objectives. The primary concern for my hillside home was structural integrity, so we ended up ripping the existing house down to its studs and strapping down all the posts and beams, reframing the roof, adding structural reinforcement where necessary and where required by current code, constructing new retaining walls and shear walls and reinforcing pillars; much of which was required to meet higher engineering standards for southern California (seismic zone). > > In time, the renovation work grew to include expansion of floor space. In the process, my budget for the renovation also grew. The single largest incremental change to the budget arose from my decision to rip off the car port, completely reconstruct it with commercial grade waterproofing, and add an extra room and bathroom below it. These were unforeseen items that sometimes occur in the middle of renovations. To his credit, Jon walked me through these change orders clearly and patiently, and offered me alternatives to consider as well. > > The second job involved renovation of external, cantilevered decks to my home. This job consisted of reinforcing the existing framing to make the decks structurally sound and adding new deck material. I was concerned about the risk associated with this job, as the upper deck is approximately 30 feet off the ground, but Jon's team was very professional, skilled and experienced. > > The third job involved construction of an external concrete stairway at the side of my house. The work included construction of a new retaining wall and leveling off the hill to create a barbeque space. This work also involved construction of a new wooden fence at the property line. > > The fourth job (current) involves replacement of three large picture windows, updating the window framing and repairing exterior stucco. > > Throughout each of these jobs, Jon has been candid, transparent and willing to work closely with me. It has been a pleasure working with him. He is someone that every homeowner looks for in a General Contractor: responsible, creative and timely. More than anything, he listens to his clients, and tries to meet their expectations wherever he can. I am very satisfied, both with his responsiveness and the quality of the work undertaken. > > Jon's team of sub-contractors and tradesmen are very professional and courteous. Jon's sub-contractors did a superb job on the framing, masonry, plumbing and tile work. One important thing to keep in mind is that Jon directly assumes any responsibility arising from the work of the sub-contractors, occasionally at his own expense. Case in point was a chip in the bathtub off the second bedroom. We suspect this may have been caused by a dropped tool, but Jon replaced the tub and repaired the walls (damaged in taking the tub out) at his own expense. > > He works closely with engineers during design phase to ensure structural integrity and code compliance. Jon talked me through these discussions in a very patient and comprehensive manner. > > Overall, I have been very happy with the end results. I have re-hired Jon and his team three times following the initial renovation work. I would highly recommend this talented and professional company. ### All 37 reviews **★★★★★ — Lucas Bennett, May 2025** > Jon and the team at San Diego Master Craftsmen were awesome to work with. Super professional, great attention to detail, and everything turned out even better than we hoped. Would definitely recommend! **★★★★★ — Sophie Williams, May 2025** > San Diego Master Craftsmen really know their stuff! If you're looking for skilled professionals who genuinely care about their craft, they're definitely worth checking out! **★★★★★ — HU-189211601, Dec. 2022** > We are in the beginning stage of a renovation with Jon. Jon proves to be punctual, organized and has good communication skills which we appreciate. His attention to detail is duly noted and he offers creative solutions to our concerns thus far. We look forward to working with him in the next stage of our project. With reference to completion date the current project is pending and forecasting approximately mid year 2023. **★★★★★ — Pete and Claudia Penczar, Dec. 2022** > Our experience with Jon and San Diego Master Craftsmen has been positive. We hadn’t updated our 1970’s house so it has been a major undertaking. Jon, Yo(our daily onsite contractor), and all others have been very professional at all times. Before work started we were introduced to all the subcontractors. At all levels we again were consulted about how we wanted things done. This reinforced our confidence throughout the work. We’ve recommended Jon to friends who have seen our improved house! Jon and everyone’s attention to details has been reassuring. I would not hesitate to call on Jon again! **★★★★★ — jennie starr, Aug. 2022** > We hired Jon after interviewing five builders to add an addition to our home and take the rest down to studs to remodel. We wanted a builder we knew we could trust, with creativity to solve problems but who would stay aligned with our vision and we found that in spades with Jon and every member of his team. Jon is enormously organized, very focused on detail, has a strong drive for excellence and has cultivated an incredible crew of like minded vendors and subcontractors. Most of his vendors have worked with him for many years; surely a good sign. He was patient and also transparent when it was important not to delay to ensure we could get into our home on time and within budget. He was reliable, accountable and honest. Jon delivered a full remodel of our home including an addition in under 6 months as promised and we couldn’t be happier with the end result. Anyone we tell that it was done in 6 months simply can’t believe it. On every issue Jon did what he said he would do. His teams were always very professional and very respectful of our home and our family. Whenever we had concerns he took the time to work through the issues with us. Thank you again, Jon. **★★★★★ — Ghiloni Granite Design, Dec. 2019** > Working with Jon and San Diego master craftsmen is a privilege. Jon and crew are easy to communicate and work alongside. We are a subcontractor for them. We are very happy to be on the team. **★★★★★ — Joe's Hardwood Floors, Dec. 2019** > I have worked with Jon's company for over 10 years now and I can say with all honesty he is the best contractor I have ever worked with. He and his subcontractors are knowledgeable, and conscientious on the job. Jake his superintendent is a great guy. The work is outstanding and Jon is on top of it constantly. > > Jon is a unique individual compared to other contractors, he is calm collective and very good at his job. You will not have a subcontractor knocking on your door asking for payment as Jon pays them. His work ethic and integrity is incredible. I highly recommend San Diego Master craftsman for your next remodel. **★★★★★ — Top To Bottom Landscaping, Dec. 2019** > I have worked with San Diego Master Craftsmen on various projects and have always found them to be very courteous, informed, and professional. Jon and his associates have utmost integrity and a thorough knowledge of the industry. Highly recommended. **★★★★★ — Raul Marquez, Dec. 2019** > Jon with San Diego Master Craftsmen has been one of my best partners. As a subcontractor, it’s refreshing to work with professionals who communicate effectively and who are experts in construction. We’re always paid promptly and enjoy working with SD Master Craftsmen. There’s no other general contractor that I would recommend. They are trustworthy l, professional, and are true experts in all trades. Highly recommended! **★★★★★ — Frank Hofstee, Dec. 2019** > Very Professional and great Contractor. Jobs always run smoothly and Clients are alway very satisfied. One of our favorites to work for. **★★★★ — Mbuzi, Dec. 2019** > In an industry full of fast talkers, hucksters, and guys not living up to their word, San Diego Master Craftsmen (SDMC) is a breadth of fresh air. No contracting group is perfect, but SDMC does their absolute best with honesty, integrity and good faith. These guys take initiative and make suggestions not for the purpose of simply adding to the project cost but rather because they want to see the job get done right and get done once. We contracted for an addition, which turned in to an extensive remodel, and SDMC was very attentive and responsive with all our requests and feedback throughout the year and half we worked together. They provided critical insight and design recommendations that really enhanced both the aesthetic and functional design of our home. If you have a design direction and can help steer the vision for the project and you don't need or want to pay for a design center on Miramar Rd. with a staff of 25 or a fleet of branded trucks then SDMC is your contractor. They provide the same quality, communication and professionalism as the big outfits without the overhead. **★★★★★ — C.J. Daluz, Dec. 2019** > Jon and the Crew over at SDMC are great to work with . You can tell they care about the client . The relationship we have with SDMC is Great !! They manage their jobs well which allows us to run a clean schedule. **★★★★★ — Local SD Painting, Dec. 2019** > We love Jon and Jake! It’s alway a pleasure working with the best. Makes our work easy when all the other trades work is perfect. If you want excellent work, with people that care, call Jon! **★★★★★ — Philip Erquiaga, March 2019** > This extensive renovation began with various "baseline" objectives prioritizing structural integrity for my hillside home (strapping down all the posts and beams, reframing the roof, adding structural reinforcement where necessary and where required by current code, etc.). In time, the scope also included expansion of floor space. > > Throughout the entire process, Jon Hammer of San Diego Master Craftsmen was candid, transparent and willing to work closely with me on meeting my objectives. In short, I would describe him as someone many of us look for in a General Contractor: honest, responsible, creative and timely. More than anything, he listens to his clients, and tries to meet their expectations wherever he can. I am very satisfied, both with his responsiveness, and the quality of the work undertaken. > > The benefit of working with a design/builder like Jon Hammer is that he can look at a project and give you a good sense, ex ante, of what's involved, so you have a more accurate assessment of cost up front. > > Jon works closely with a seasoned team of sub-contractors and tradesmen. In my case, many of them were consulted in the design phase. In particular, we spoke at length with the engineers (I used structural, geotechnical and soil engineering services) to ensure the structural integrity of the renovation, and that it would meet all current codes. Jon talked me through these discussions in a very patient and comprehensive manner. I also worked with Jon's interior designer at this stage so that we could get a feel for end design requirements. > > During construction, Jon was very responsive and communicative. Our principal form of communication was by email, as I was living abroad at the time. But during my visits, Jon made himself freely available to meet with me, repeatedly and sometimes at the spur of the moment. I was always given a chance to provide feedback, every step of the way. > > Jon's sub-contractors did a superb job on the framing, masonry, plumbing and tile work. One important thing to keep in mind is that Jon directly assumes any responsibility arising from the work of the sub-contractors, occasionally at his own expense. > > The budget was a bit higher than initially forecast, due mainly to numerous enhancements identified during the course of construction (some of which were focused on meeting higher engineering standards). To Jon's credit, he provided me with full explanations of each change order, every step of the way. And he offered alternatives, which I appreciated. > > Overall, I have been very happy with the end results and would re-hire Jon for future work. Indeed, after this job, I hired Jon again to renovate my outside decks. **★★★★★ — Mary Farrell, April 2018** > Jon and his team did a great job on our interior remodel. We did an almost complete remodel of our interior two story home. Jon is great to work with, he helped us stay within budget which was important for us. He and his team worked very quickly and finished the project very quickly which was impressive with such a big job. All of the people working on the project were professional and we very much appreciated our project manager Rick who was great at communication as well. **★★★★★ — Lindsay Westfall, Nov. 2017** > One year after doing an addition on our home using Jon Hammer, we sold the house in 4 days for well above our asking range, with several offers competing for that top bid. We had wanted to add square footage, move the the kitchen so the sink faced the backyard, and create nooks and spaces to build in custom cabinetry and cozy spaces. Actually, we were trying to squeeze too much in, initially. Jon helped us realize the value of space in a home. He gave us realistic measurements for things like how much room you really need for a comfortable dining table and chairs and he played around with different layout ideas for our kitchen. He was so willing to dream with us, and give us honest feedback for what he thought would work and wouldn't. We incorporated his suggestions, and followed his advice, and ended up adding more square footage to the addition before the plans were even drawn. And then, he gave us a great group of subcontractors to come in and take care of the job. Everyone did quick, thorough work. And the addition was beautiful. The inspector was amazed and said it didn't even look like an addition. It was seamless! > > The new house we bought is in a dream location for us, but it has nothing done. I can think of no better person to work with than Jon- so I'll be giving him a call soon! **★★★★★ — Dr. Nate Landis, Sept. 2017** > San Diego Master Craftsmen successfully designed our family's back deck project and saw it through to the end with excellence. The level of professionalism demonstrated by their company built high trust and put us at ease. They obviously care personally about the quality of work and the people they serve. I recommend them wholeheartedly with no reservations whatsoever! **★★★★★ — Margaret Lambson, Aug. 2017** > I was extremely pleased with the quality of work performed by San Diego Master Craftsmen. The communication, coordination, and follow up by Jon Hammer and his people was exceptional. My project included interior renovation and exterior landscape and erosion control. I look forward to using this company for future projects. **★★★★★ — S Allen, Aug. 2017** > I contracted San Diego Master Craftsmen to build a MASSIVE deck onto the back of my house. I had preconceived ideas regarding aesthetics and materials. Thank God for John's wisdom and experience regarding all things construction. He made logical recommendations and suggestions that extended beyond my "limited" perspective and perception of what I envisioned the end result to be. What I was left with was a deck that should be listed in "San Diego Home and Garden Magazine". It was very intricate. John had to overcome hurdles such as an uneven slope of the property, and fabricating a way to cohesively tie in the deck to the existing landscaping. What he was able to accomplish was nothing more than miraculous. John suggestions not only saved me money (which proves his ethical business practices), but they were for materials that actually elongated the life of the deck, and gave it a richer, more luxurious look. Start to finish, the deck was done faster than predicted, and this was during the rainy season when delays seemed imminent. My wife and I couldn't be happier with the the service we received. Start to finish, John met every expectation. To say that he comes highly recommended by me would be an understatement. He is the BEST! > > Update..... We have once again contracted John to oversee a project at out house. This time it's a massive remodel of our kitchen, hallway, and downstairs bathroom. If I didn't have such a great experience with John the first time, I wouldn't have come back again. But I have nothing but good things to say about John. His work is paralleled by his morals and ethics. He goes out of his way to make sure he fulfills his commitments. His mantra is "Under promise and over deliver." And trust me when I tell you he DOES! He's always reachable during any point in your project, and he exudes grace. He understands that the average consumer will have questions, and need explanations at various points in the project. He will patiently spend time with you until YOU are confident that your concerns have been addressed. > > John is a man of integrity! This is a rare character trait nowadays. If you decide to employ him for your project, you can be confident it will be done right, and it will be done quickly. I can't say enough good things about John. **★★★★★ — Janet and Tim Murphy, Feb. 2017** > We are very pleased to write a review about our experience with Jon Hammer and San Diego Mastercraftsmen. From our initial contact with Jon, it was clear that he is highly professional, thorough, and attentive to our expectations in the remodeling process. He established a very accurate timeline for our project. Additionally, he worked within our established budget to achieve our goals. The design process, prior to beginning work on site, was extremely helpful in focusing on priorities. His excellent communication and supervision of his work crew enabled the building process to proceed smoothly. Jon, his designer, and all the work crew were conscious of our needs and priorities. They maintained constant communication with us from beginning to end. **★★★★★ — ryan russell, Feb. 2017** > Jon and his crew did a fantastic job. We felt we were in good hands from the outset, and we worked from budget to completion very efficiently and with high quality results. > Jon stands by the work and made sure everything was done to perfection, we would hire him again without a doubt. > The craftsmen were not only skilled but friendly and courteous and it made the process a lot easier to handle. **Comment from San Diego Master Craftsmen:** > This was a great project and great client. The house was originally built as an old world Mexican hacienda with pink undulating stucco. They had used low quality materials and terrible techniques, so the exterior was falling apart. > We came in and stripped all of the stucco off, reframed the roof lines, straightened walls, refinished the windows and doors, added a patio cover in the back, and did a general face lift to the entire house. It made an eyesore turn into a real Encinitas gem! **★★★★★ — Tatyana Stepacheva, Dec. 2016** > I am very pleased with my experience with San Diego Master Craftsmen and highly satisfied with both, the process and the end results. They worked on remodeling my kitchen and 2.5 bathrooms. Everyone at SDMC who I dealt with was very professional, committed to quality, attentive to details, committed to customer satisfaction, and pleasure to work with. > I picked SDMC for my project not only because of all the good reviews and recommendations provided, but also because I liked that they work with you starting from the designs. I needed help on figuring out what exactly I wanted, I did not even know where to start. Their designer Heidi works with you on the designs, understands you taste and style, provides suggestions, helps to select the right option and pick products and materials. When we were done with the designs, I already had a picture in my mind of what the end result will look like, and at the end I actually got what I was expecting. > Jon diligently works with your budget to make sure that cost of the project will fit into it. And when I realized that the scope of work was too much for my budget, he worked with me on eliminating and changing some items, adjusting the scope of work back and forth until I was happy with the project and the price. And I ended up paying the exact amount that was quoted upfront, no hidden fees or, no unexpected expenses, etc. The only change from the original cost was that we realized that one of my bath tubs was in bad condition and had to be replaced. But this was all discussed and agreed with me at the time, and it was not a surprise or unexpected cost change. > All the work was performed while we were living in the house, and workers made sure to keep it as clean as possible on a daily basis, and they always made sure that we had an access to at least one shower, toilet, and were able to perform our daily activities. > I was really impressed by the job done by their tile setter Jason. The way the tiles are measured, cut and positioned is just a work of art. Very nice work. > Jon and Rick were very attentive to every remark I made, every question I asked, and every little (or not so little) change or fix I asked them to do, and when I was not happy about something, they kept redoing it for me until I was satisfied. > San Diego Master Craftsmen is not the cheapest option you can find, but the quality of their work matches up with their prices. I definitely recommend them to everyone, and I would for sure hire them again. **★★★★★ — Scott Laughlin, Oct. 2015** > We are highly impressed by the quality and care put into our project. They went above and beyond with details on the project and I can't say enough about how incredible the quality they put in their work. > > We are a local non-profit organization caring for the local homeless population as well as families in low income housing in our community. This "shower & shave" facility is a very important next step for people who are struggling to regain dignity and self worth as they rejoin society and the workforce. It will help us have incredible impact in the lives of many in San Diego. > > SD Master Craftsman donated this project completely and we are so very thankful! > > We would highly recommend them to anyone! > > Scott Laughlin > Executive Director > Project Reach World, Inc. **★★★★★ — ja40tb43, Oct. 2015** > Project Description: > Renovation of a 1967 era 2200 square foot single story ranch style home including the following: project planning, design assistance, asbestos & lead testing and abatement, gut & rebuild two full bathrooms & a powder room, fabrication & installation of custom vanities with Silestone countertops plus storage cabinetry, installation of tile floors & tub/shower surrounds in the bathrooms, replace all windows and exterior doors, frame & install three new exterior multi-panel door sets, removal of old siding & faux stone, prep for and apply new stucco, plaster old floor-to-ceiling fireplace, relocate all supply plumbing from slab to attic, install tankless water heater, install additional electrical circuits & multiple LED light fixtures (both internal & external), remove "popcorn" ceilings & skim coat, gut and refinish a 300 square foot patio room, perform multiple small modifications to internal walls plus widening of doorways, significant amount of drywall repairs/replacement, painting of the interior and the external eaves, installation of new hardwood flooring throughout (except baths which were tiled),installation of new baseboards and casings, and perform a myriad of small finishing details associated with a project of this size. > > Performance: > San Diego Master Craftsmen (SDMC), owned by President Jon Hammer (licensed General Contractor), prides itself on thorough project planning and top quality construction. Mr. Hammer is selective in the projects undertaken to assure that the client’s priorities (quality, cost, & schedule) align with SDMC priorities, with quality being priority number one. SDMC limits the number of projects undertaken at one time to assure that Mr. Hammer and his staff will have the time to be thoroughly involved with each project from start to finish. For this house renovation, the project was divided between a design phase and a construction phase, with separate contracts for each phase. The design phase contract was at no cost to the clients as long as the clients proceeded to the construction phase. For the construction phase, this project was split to accommodate the client’s wishes to live in one half of the house while construction was performed on the other half, and then vice versa. Dividing the construction into two phases extended the project schedule as it meant all trade personnel would have to do their work in two different time periods. This scheduling approach was appreciated by the clients whose priorities were quality \#1, cost \#2, and schedule \#3. > During the design phase, SDMC worked diligently with the clients to define in great detail the project tasks and materials list. Significant effort was spent to minimize any construction surprises, even opening walls (with permission) if needed. As a method to assure quality, SDMC screened and carefully selected only subcontractors (the “craftsmen”) that are proven, very experienced, and generally highly rated on various review sites. All of the project subcontractors visited the project site during the design phase to participate in the planning and estimating, thus helping to avoid the risk of construction surprises. This process also enabled the clients to meet and assess the personnel who would later be working on the job site; it was a positive experience. Although the clients spent considerable time and effort to describe the detailed project objectives and do preliminary designs, SDMC provided an excellent designer, Heidi, to work with the clients to refine the designs and assist in the picking of finishing details; she was very helpful and a pleasure to work with. > The construction phase was completed without any significant surprises, a tribute to the thoroughness of the design phase. There were only two change orders, both of which were initiated by the clients. The quality of the craftsmen’s work was consistently good to excellent; any call-backs were of a minor nature or touch-ups. Noteworthy outstanding work was performed by the craftsmen in the areas of cabinetry, tile setting, drywall, ceiling finishing, flooring, and stucco. A particularly challenging construction task was the alteration and finishing of the master suite to be aging-in-place friendly including a curbless walk in shower with linear drain; the finished result is both functional and beautiful, and has already served as an example to prospective SDMC clients. There were two schedule impacting problems during the project, neither of which were the fault of SDMC. The first and biggest problem was a high-end purchased front entry door set that would never close properly; SDMC & the clients teamed cooperatively in a ten week dispute with the door manufacturer who finally agreed the door set was faulty and then manufactured a new set which took another six weeks. SDMC adjusted the construction schedule to work around the problem as best as possible, but the door delay did impact project finishing by a couple months. The other problem was with a tankless water heater that sporadically would stop heating water during showers. Again, SDMC worked diligently with the manufacturer, retailer, and plumber to attain resolution for a difficult problem due to its intermittent nature. Both problems must have cost impacted SDMC but never did they balk at standing behind their contract and completing the job as expected. > All of the personnel on the project were professional, courteous, did not smoke on the job site, and never gave the clients any concerns about their presence. The clients were especially appreciative and thankful for SDMC’s on-site foreman, Rick; his attention to detail and creativeness reflected his lifetime experience in the field. At times, the clients felt the project cost may have been a little high, but acknowledge that attaining meaningful cost comparisons for a project of this scope is difficult. In the end, the clients recognize that obtaining quality work from professional & reliable trade personnel has a price tag, thus the clients feel the project cost was fair for the results attained. The clients therefore recommend SDMC be considered for any medium to large remodeling project, especially where quality has a higher priority than cost. **★★★★★ — sarah\_klann, Oct. 2015** > SDMC owner, Jon Hammer thinks creatively and has a great business sense. The amount of planning prior to construction allowed Jon to give us a clear,honest picture of what our project would cost,how long it would take and what to expect along the way. That attention to detail meant that we were able to relax and enjoy our remodel. > Our house was built in the early 1950's, suffered through a homeowner remodel sometime in the 70's and we had some funky challenges to overcome.Jon's creativity let us maximize what we love about our house and minimize the funkier aspects. The most heard comment from passersby has been that the house looks like it has always been this way even though we've added 2 bedrooms,a master bath and a second story deck! > Last but not least,the relationships that Jon has with his sub-contractors are all respectful.productive and pleasant. We live in a neighborhood where the houses are close together and having a construction project going on impacts our neighbors. All possible steps were taken to minimize the impact of our job-from maintaining a clean worksite to maintaining clean language. Each and every trade worked hard to produce a high quality result in a timely fashion. > A beautiful remodel completed on time and on budget-we are customers for life! **★★★★★ — sierracutter, March 2015** > SDMC were very responsive and it was a pleasure to work with Jon and Rick. Aside from Jon and Rick's rich knowledge on quality construction and best practices of the trade, they were able to stick closely to the timeline (and we had a very hard deadline for completing the project). Before the job started, Jon and his team (including craftsmen from various trades) carried out a very thorough planning process, going through each step of the project to plan for any on hidden surprises. SDMC used several subcontractor on the job and three of them were exceptional - electrical, stucco, and hardscape/landscaping. The stucco subcontractor's work was very well done and I understood that re-stuccoing of the house was a bit complex as the existing surface had many many imperfections and required the skill of stucco professionals. The railing work included 160 linear feet of railing, including two stairs. Overall the process was very good. I think Jon does a really great job on staying on the proposed budget and on time. The workmanship is high quality and delivered on time. **★★★★★ — benleewood, Feb. 2015** > Like all major reno's, there's always a hiccup or two to delay or affect the job. Our new master Bathroom reno was no different. The key making it a successful overall renovation is to have a great General Contractor. Jon Hammer (Owner of SDMC) was our solution. > > Not only did Jon know his stuff……he had ideas. He wasn't pushing ideas on us to "upsell" us. He was helping us see our own vision. The best thing about Jon is that he's realistic. He knows that "BUDGET DETERMINES WHAT CAN BE DONE". When we gave him our number ($25k) and Jon started putting together a couple rough floor plans. He gave us a "grand" plan to consider building a master closet behind the bathroom to increase our master bedroom. Since we were working with a blank slate, now was the time to do it and we could really get BANG for our buck. > > The job would be more, of coarse, but we loved the idea and floor plan he came up for the space. He wasn't trying to push us beyond our needs or try to build us something we didn't want. He was just trying to stretch the project and budget as far as it would go. We decided that we wanted to go with Jon's idea for the renovation. But now we had to save for another year before we could sign and start the work. > > During this year, we called a couple other contractors to shop around. They were all very intimidated with the idea to expand into the garage. Other contractors just suggested to just rip out the old, and replace with the new. The one contractor that seemed semi-interested in the job quoted us at $75,000 just to start thinking about the job. Needless to say, that phone call didn't last long. > > After meeting with 5 contractors in the San Diego area, it became clear, there was only one person that we felt like we could talk to. Jon Hammer. > > We had Jon come out to the house 3 times to rehash and tweak the plan. He knew we were far from signing and contract with him but he came out anyway. Multiple times. Did I mention that Jon was Great? > > When we called him with our "final" budget number, he put together a detailed plan. He accounts for EVERYTHING!!!! Down to the 15 minutes it takes to sweep up at the end of the day. Now you would think this sounds knit-picky but its actually great. It means all the costs are accounted for. Which means NO CHANGE ORDERS. He guarantees that SDMC doesn't have change orders. And I put that practice to the test i assure you. > > When the contract was signed, he met us at our house with EVERY worker that would be in my house. They were all craftsman at their particular field. We felt very comfortable with them working in our house. We have dogs so it was important to know that not just anyone is coming in and out of the house. Just as Jon promised, when we signed the contract, the job was 60% done. Jon gets all his ducks in order before a hammer hits a nail. > > The job was going like clockwork. We were looking to finish around 4 weeks. He said the job would be 4-6 weeks so we were very happy. But we hit a small bump and needed to wait for more tile to finish the plan. I think the tiler may have used too much waste and ran out with only a couple tiles left to go. That threw the schedule through a bit of a loop but we recovered quickly and were back on track…… > > We went with a bold shower idea. It was a special concrete that looks great called Westcoat. Its very versatile and bold. Our craftsman for the shower was actually a stucco guy, named Hector. He was great. Doing a shower like this is more like mudding drywall then laying tile so it takes a deft touch to get right. The shower was the focal point of the renovation and Hector NAILED IT. It was better then we could have ever hoped for. > > The last step was the big pane of glass. Glass comes. Gets installed and boom….the jobs done. But then our second snafoo. A crack began to develop where the concrete meets the wood. I called Jon and he was out the next day. We needed to do a diamond mesh instead of whatever they put in. Unfortunately, the only way to fix it was to redo the whole thing. Which meant….scheduling the glass guys to come get the glass…..then redo the whole shower. > > Just about any other contractor would start ducking your calls at this point. They would also be writing up a HUGE change order for you if they do the job right. Otherwise they would just come and patch it with something that won't hold up in the end and now you would have a nightmare on your hands. NOT JON HAMMER!!!!! He delivered on his "no change order guarantee". > > He took it a step further. He told us to use the shower as a test shower for the final product. Since the shower is so big (just like we wanted) we found that another foot of glass was required to keep ALL the water from splashing outside of the shower. Luckily for us, there was a hairline fracture inside the glass that could only be seen once the product was installed and viewed in the artificial light. > > The glass company made it very difficult for us to return the damaged glass and pay the difference for a longer piece. Jon used his relationships and contacts to work with the glass company. The company was just following policy that protects themselves. When they saw the unfixable scratch in the glass they honored us with a new pane. We originally wanted etched glass but it took a little away from the focal piece (our shower inserts). Jon was able to talk them into getting us the bigger glass we needed and we made it clear. Can you say BLESSING IN DISGUISE. > > When I called Jon about the glass idea, I was a bit panicked. He calmly told me that everything is going to be alright and that I shouldn't worry about it. He would take care of everything. And he did. And everything was not just alright, it was better. > > We had our last hiccup with the shower redo. The decorative colored concrete we selected was applied on top of the original shower. This affected the end color which was too light for our tastes. So we had Hector come back to do it a third time. It came out a couple shades darker then we originally selected but it looked amazing. We wanted to keep the darker color. We also asked him to put a little more texture on the floor so we didn't need slip mats. Once again, blessing in disguise. > > Each redo of the shower cost a couple thousand dollars just for the product. Plus Jon wanted to support the existing shower more to account for the extra weight. I'm sure this is another thing most contractors would skip under the circumstances. Jon charged us $0.00 for all the extra work and materials. He isn't lying about "NO CHANGE ORDERS…….EVER!!!!! And thank god because we would have been SUNK. > > The job turned out great. Better then we could have ever imagined it. Good thing we had a true professionals imagination working in our corner to give us the bathroom of our dreams. Project turned out to be just under 34k. No surprise, right on budget. > > Jon's a guy you can trust. And when your spending thousands of dollars, why mess around just to attempt to save money. You could end up paying dearly for it in the end. "You get what you pay for in life". In Jon's case, we feel like we got more. Thanks San Diego Master Craftsmen. **★★★★★ — matsuda1, Jan. 2015** > I bought my first home approximately 7 years ago and it was a fixer upper. I knew nothing about remodeling. I called on Jon's expertise not only in the area of structural issues but design as well. I was under a time constraint and had only 6 weeks before needing to move into the house and Jon was able to make that happen. I was extremely pleased with the work that was done. Looking back, I'm so thankful that I took his recommendations as I always get compliments on my home. Jon is very professional, honest, reliable, responsible, and does work in a timely manner. All of his work is "quality" work. I would highly recommend him for any home remodeling project. **★★★★ — periojd, Jan. 2015** > This was the THIRD project I enlisted Jon Hammer of San Diego Master Craftsmen to take on over a 4-year period. I wanted to renovate the guest bathroom (I did not have it done originally because I thought I would do the work myself once I moved in). Jon is busy with large projects but he made room in the schedule (as he always does) to take on the project. I had seen a photo of a bathroom on HOUZZ similar in size to my guest bathroom and it was exactly what I was looking for. Jon and his team of craftsmen made it happen and my guest bathroom is nearly identical to the photo I showed him. I love the result. **★★★★★ — groff123, Jan. 2015** > Jon does high quality work with great attention to detail. We had a complete kitchen remodel, including a build out of a new dining space (two stories up), tearing down a wall between the old kitchen and the living room. New cabinets, all new appliances, new floor, and a full repainting of the kitchen, living room and entry. > > Jon was also very good at keeping the project on track. He completed the work in advance of the expected deadline. The workmen were polite, helpful and professional and did their best to keep the chaos and dust confined to the work area. > > We are very pleased with the results and have recommended Jon to our friends who are looking to remodel. This was over a year ago and we remain very pleased with our new kitchen. > > Do fully review the contract beforehand and be very specific, as items that are not in the contract will not be included, even if you think they are implied. \[for example, electrical sockets will be white unless you specified a different color, exterior paint for the new section is included but it does not go to the edge of the existing wall if not specified. If you want more than one color of paint specify the exact number of colors\] **★★★★★ — imouse, Jan. 2015** > San Diego Master Craftsmen bid for and won the contract to upgrade our home bathroom. All the work done was on time, and within budget. All our questions we addressed and the workers were always considerate of our needs. > All work was superb and well done. Each step of the project met with or exceeded our expectations. > We would hire San Diego Master Craftsmen without hesitation again. **★★★★★ — 3browndogs, Jan. 2015** > Jon was very outgoing and worked hard to keep the project on task and worked with us on some of the pricing to keep within our budget. He came prepared with drawings and was always open to hearing our concerns and making and needed changes. > > Our lead foreman, Rick, and the interior designer Heidi were both awesome -- always friendly and did just about anything and everything we needed or asked of them. It was a great comfort knowing Rick would be there to meet and direct the subs for each phase of the project. > > All of the subs were easy to work with and did a great job - it was awesome to see how Jon schedules his work so that the subs are constantly moving in sync with the various projects and there wasn't any down time where we were waiting for work to be finished at another location so they could work on ours. Jon's talent at scheduling so there is no lag time at all was truly amazing. Our project was a big one- took over six months to complete and in that time- we only had a handful of days that no work was happening and when no one was going to be there, Jon would tell us in advance, so there was never any wondering why no one was working. That is a rarity in the contractor business. > > When we had a color issue with the stain on the stairs, the team worked quickly to re-stain them to match the floors and when there were small cracks in the tile of the fireplace, they were right there to fix that too. > > We've received tons of compliments on our remodel (we had one couple even stop by our place hoping the address for the house next door was wrong because they wanted to purchase our home after seeing the remodel) and have no doubt gotten our moneys worth with Jon and San Diego Master Craftsmen. > > We definitely recommend Jon and San Diego Master Craftsmen team. **★★★★★ — Chad Lansford, Jan. 2015** > I had Jon build a porch onto the front of my house. There was a very small existing porch just in front of the entrance, and Jon build out an extension that extended across the front of house. We LOVE this porch, and you can't tell that it was added on to an existing porch. Jon was prompt, clean and extremely knowledgeable - and even made some design change suggestions that made the porch even better. He was even gracious enough to answer all my questions and teach me a bit as construction was underway - explaining every decision he was making. I can't recommend Jon highly enough, I would definitely hire Jon for my next project. **★★★★★ — jayminnich, Jan. 2015** > Jon remodeled two bathrooms for me. One at a time. He helped me to decide exactly what I wanted to do. I bought material where it was advantageous. When we had a couple of unknowns occur he helped to decide best course of action. His timing for work phase was great. That is his management skill. > The work done was excellent. He did a great inspection of all subcontractors. > Four years since doing the job, everything is great. Job cost was around $8000 a bathroom. **★★★★★ — mrstuccoman, Jan. 2015** > I am taking this moment to let all know how much I appreciate the opportunity to know and to work with Jon Hammer and San Diego Master Craftsmen. My association with Jon and his incredible team as a Stucco Sub-Contractor, MR. STUCCO MAN, INC, goes back several years. Since the first project we worked on together, I have been very impressed with Jon's knowledge, professionalism, organizational skills, attention to detail, and most importantly, he places his customers’ complete satisfaction and focus on timely service as his No. 1 priority. I have worked with many contractors throughout my over 35 years in the trades and I have yet to meet a general contractor that encourages and expects the very best from his staff and team as does Jon Hammer. > > If you are looking for an exceptional product and service and "if you want it done right the first time", give Jon Hammer and San Diego Master Craftsmen your business; you will be the benefactor of a quality project with a company that stands behind their work. > > Nick Scarcella/President > MR. STUCCO MAN, INC **★★★★★ — jonilesage, Dec. 2014** > San Diego Master Craftsmen did a complete kitchen and bath overhaul (including a wall removal) on my very difficult old house. The team was extremely skilled, professional and creative. Jon Hammer is very detailed designer and gave me great ideas to make the most of my space while maintaining the character of the home. He also saw to it that numerous other projects around the house were completed concurrently. Every little project was just as important as the major items and everything turned out gorgeous, within my budget! I highly recommend Jon and his team to anyone who wants perfection. ## Selected projects - [Del Cerro Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/del-cerro-modern-pj-vj~7142257) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 17 - [Mt. Helix Contemporary Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-helix-contemporary-craftsman-pj-vj~7148715) - Location: Mount Helix, CA - Photos: 17 - [Del Mar Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/del-mar-modern-pj-vj~6676489) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 22 - [Historic Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-craftsman-pj-vj~6741664) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 34 - [Point Loma Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/point-loma-modern-pj-vj~6676494) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 13 - [Rancho Santa Fe backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-santa-fe-backyard-pj-vj~5898777) - Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA - Photos: 2 - [Mid Century Modern Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-home-pj-vj~1532375) - Location: La Mesa, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Modern kitchen, new wood flooring, copper lighting, modern appliances, open concept. White, bright walls and cabinets make for a modern kitchen, the natural wood elements give it a warm and comfortable feeling. Great kitchen for families and everyday use. - [Rancho Bernardo Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-bernardo-classic-pj-vj~6676516) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 4 - [San Diego Mid Century Modern Kitchen and Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-diego-mid-century-modern-kitchen-and-bath-remodel-pj-vj~729111) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Kitchen remodel created a beautiful space to eat, dine and hang out. With custom white cabinets, built in refrigerator and plenty of work space. The kitchen flows seamlessly to the dining area, stairs and living space. Bathroom remodel includes gorgeous wood tile behind a natural wood countertop vanity and white sink with black faucet. Modern and yet still cozy and natural. - [Midcentury Modern Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-modern-kitchen-pj-vj~843296) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Beautiful mid century modern kitchen with warm wood creates the perfect cozy feel, while modern countertops and large cabinet pulls keep it sleek. Large floor tile mixed with dark wood floors help define the spaces. Small tile backsplash gives the kitchen interest. Wood slatted ceiling really adds warmth and beauty. This kitchen is really mid century modern at it's finest. - [Rancho Santa Fe Mexican Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-santa-fe-mexican-ranch-pj-vj~1042341) - Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Beautiful ranch home remodel in the classic Spanish style. Gorgeous decks look over the pool with waterfalls coming out of the jucuzzi. Perfect blend of stucco, natural wood and tile work make this home stunning. - [Spanish Rustic Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-rustic-bathroom-pj-vj~730449) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Beautiful Spanish tile creates the backdrop for this unique bathroom remodel. Custom wood cabinets and drawers flank the path to the glass-surround shower. With an arched doorway and rustic lighting, this bathroom has so much to see! - [Rustic Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-ranch-pj-vj~730558) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Gorgeous rustic ranch. With high ceilings and a built in fireplace, this living room and dining room space is warm and inviting. - [Rancho Santa Fe Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-santa-fe-backyard-pj-vj~1042268) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 5 - [Mid Century Pt Loma](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-pt-loma-pj-vj~7224121) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 4 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/san-diego-master-craftsmen-pfvwus-pf~1704050917) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840729793.m3u8?s=d8d19eaf4e31235b3f5d78c36c373e66c8e5e85d&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you manage permitting and approvals?** As a full-service design-build firm and general contractor, we absolutely manage all necessary permitting and approvals for your project. Our thorough planning process ensures everything is handled efficiently, from initial design to final inspection, so you don't have to worry about the complexities. **Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?** Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Our California contractor's license number is 869892. We carry comprehensive insurance and bonding to ensure complete protection and peace of mind for all our clients and projects, reflecting our commitment to professionalism and reliability. **Do you handle permits and inspections?** As a full-service design-build general contractor, we absolutely handle all necessary permits and manage inspections throughout your project. Our detailed planning process ensures every regulatory requirement is met, allowing for a smooth progression from start to finish without any added stress for you. **Are you licensed and insured?** Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. Our California contractor's license number is 869892. We maintain comprehensive insurance coverage to protect both our team and your property throughout every phase of your project, ensuring peace of mind for all our clients. **What kind of projects you specialise in?** We specialize in high-quality residential construction and remodeling, particularly unique and creative designs and challenging builds. This includes custom homes, significant home additions, ADUs, and comprehensive kitchen and bathroom remodels. We cater to clients who cherish the finer things in life, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and tailored solutions. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143276427/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jonhammer77) ## Community Q&A **Q: What tile above the sink is this, please??** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking to know what tile above the sink is. Thank you! A: Unfortunately we didn't provide the tile in this location, so we're not sure what the product is. **Q: Source of material used on wall? Great work.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This is a "timber series" tile. Comes in 8" x 48". **Q: Help with floor plan** *(in Design Dilemma)* Suggestions please! Would love something more suited for modern living with children. Budget is open.Thanks! A: The kitchen is the focal point in modern living. "Openness" should revolve around good flow around the kitchen. That is where people congregate. I recommend removing the wall between dining and kitchen...plus trying to remove some or all of the wall between the foyer and dining area. **Q: Problems with home building contractor** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are building a new home that will hopefully be completed within four weeks. We changed several aspects of the home such as opting for wood flooring instead of carpeting, putting in two chandeliers instead of one, etc. We are also able to choose our cabinets (from several offered by the builder), sink color, tile colors, and soforth. All of our specifications were noted with the builder and the realtor yet things have gone awry. The problem is that our choices are being ignored and we are having to constantly check up on things because they are not being completed per our request. As examples, the roof is a different color than we chose and the second outside color on the house is incorrect. We are unable to be at the property 24/7, meanwhile our home is undergoing changes we did not ask for. Other than to try our best in speaking with the contractor (and we are), what recourse do we have in getting the home we planned for? Judi Hede A: It is important to have concrete proof of what your decisions were. In our contracts we go to ridiculous measures to ensure the model, color, size, etc. of every product we are installing. If your contract doesn't specify the product and model, then there needs to be some proof of what you chose (IE - a picture, email, sticky note, etc.). This is key, especially if you do have to get an attorney involved. Is the issue that the contractor is unwilling to correct things, or just keeps messing up? If he's unwilling, then you might need a lawyer. But if he's willing to correct the issues, then I recommend to keep your chin up and get through it...and just accept that you didn't choose the best contractor. It may be that you have to spend more time on the job site than planned. Or you don't pay invoices until you can visit the site and confirm everything is how it should be. Make sure to hold payments if there are disputes! Also hold about 10% until completed. **Q: Change cabinets/woodwork? Help please??** *(in Design Dilemma)* I am trying to decide if we should have our cabinets painted white and change out all the woodwork to white or what other options I have? I think if we have the cabinets refinished and painted white we need to change all the oak woodwork to match? Is it worth it or not. We have a greyish corian countertop. My other option would be to keep everything oak and get a new dark granite countertop to create some depth. Any thoughts/advice? A: Oak is tough to refinish. The grain is deep and will show through paint. If you can avoid painting them and focus on other things in the kitchen you'll be avoiding a lot of headaches. If you do decide to paint and like the look of the wood grain through the paint then there's just some minor prep to do. Otherwise, to get a smooth finish you'd need to prep the cabinets with a paste filler or similar product and sand them smooth (a ton of work). **Q: How do I paint a brick fireplace surround?** *(in Design Dilemma)* There is also a concrete hearth and mantle. Do I need special tools, primer, paint? Thanks! A: Make sure it's a primer made for concrete and brick. Also I recommend to use a sprayer because it's hard to get into all of the little cracks. If you don't have access to a sprayer use brushes and really thick rollers --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*