San Diego Residential General Contractors
Experience remodeling the way it should be with clear communication, honest budgets, and a team that handles everything. Rice Design & Build serves San Diego area with an integrated design-and-build process, so your vision and your construction plan are always in sync.
"They guided us through every design choice, from material selections to furniture and accessory product choices, ensuring each element fit perfectly within our vision. Highly recommend Rice Interiors for anyone looking to elevate their home with professionalism, expertise, and a touch of artistry."
Remodel + Design / Allison E.
Home Remodeling Projects
View our portfolio of interior design projects — making each space a true reflection of its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about our design-build and general contracting services.
What is a design-build firm, and how is it different from hiring a general contractor?
A general contractor manages construction, and they build from a set of plans that you or a separate designer created. A design-build firm like Rice Design & Build integrates both services: we create the design and build it, under one team and one contract. That means the people drawing your space are the same people accountable for building it, which leads to more accurate budgets, fewer surprises, and a smoother experience overall.
Is a design-build approach more expensive than hiring a GC separately?
Not necessarily. When you hire a general contractor separately from a designer, miscommunications between the two often result in costly change orders, redesigns, and delays. Because design and construction are coordinated from day one at Rice Design & Build, budgets are built around real construction costs. The result is a more accurate estimate upfront and fewer budget overruns during the build.
What types of projects does Rice Design & Build take on?
We specialize in detailed, quality-driven residential remodels in San Diego and surrounding communities within about 45 minutes. Current projects include kitchen remodels, primary bathroom renovations, whole-home remodels, large-scale additions, and accessory structures. We’re building toward ground-up custom builds as a natural extension of our work. We focus on projects where the design matters as much as the construction does.
What does the process look like from first contact to project completion?
Our process has four clear phases:
• An initial phone call to understand your goals and confirm fit
• A paid in-home consultation where we evaluate your space, scope, and budget
• A design package developed by Charlotte that defines the full scope and finish selections
• A construction bid and build managed by Hunter.
Why do you charge for the initial in-home consultation?
A paid consultation allows us to do a thorough job evaluating your space, discussing your vision, and giving you honest feedback about scope and budget before we’ve committed to anything. Our clients tell us that this conversation alone gives them more clarity than three free estimates from other contractors. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you.
Do you use subcontractors, and how do you manage quality?
Like all licensed general contractors, we work with specialized tradespeople for certain scopes of work. The difference is that Hunter has spent years vetting and building relationships with a trusted roster of subcontractors who share our standards. We don’t call in whoever is available, we work with people we know, whose work we stand behind. Every project has a dedicated site supervisor, which means consistent oversight from start to finish.
What areas do you serve?
Rice Design & Build is based in San Diego and serves homeowners throughout the greater area, generally within a 45-minute radius. That includes Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Escondido, Ramona, San Marcos, and other surrounding communities. If you’re not sure whether your area is within range, reach out and we’ll be happy to let you know.
Do you offer interior design as a standalone service?
Yes. Charlotte offers interior design independently of construction, covering space planning, material selection, finish specifications, furniture curation, and overall aesthetic direction. It’s a strong fit for homeowners who already have a contractor but want professional design guidance, or who are furnishing and finishing a space that was recently built. If you later decide to move forward with construction, we can build on that design work seamlessly.
Why Rice Design & Build
We deliver a refreshingly transparent design and remodeling experience rooted in craftsmanship and guided by your vision.
Professionalism & Attention
Clear Communication
We’re known for prompt responses and clear updates, meaning you’ll never wonder what the status of your project is. We provide transparency to give you confidence at every stage.
Thoughtful, Tailored Process
Our process is structured into clear phases, making it easy to collaborate. We offer everything from interior design-only to full design-build services. Unlike a typical GC who sends clients to pick materials themselves, we lead with a design-first approach — creating cohesive, beautiful spaces that enhance your lifestyle and home value.
Local San Diego Experience
We’ve got experience: from our personal home-building journey to the projects we’ve led around San Diego. Construction isn’t our only passion, though. We’re involved members of the community through nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Club.