About Us - Keystone Craft Homes | San Diego Custom Builder

Keystone Craft Homes quality craftsmanship

Family-Owned Since 1998

Keystone Craft Homes was established in 1998 by a husband-and-wife team with backgrounds in architecture and interior design. Starting with a single project in Encinitas, they built their reputation on thoughtful, site-specific design and meticulous attention to detail.

Our founding partners brought complementary expertise: structural engineering and California seismic code knowledge combined with refined aesthetic sensibility and material specification experience from leading design schools.

Twenty-seven years later, Keystone Craft Homes has completed 87 custom homes and over 200 major remodels across San Diego County. We remain family-owned and operated, with the next generation now managing day-to-day operations while maintaining the original commitment to quality craftsmanship.

"We've never chased scale. We chase quality, longevity, and the satisfaction of clients who trust us with their largest investment."

What Drives Us

Our Approach to Building

Site-Specific Design

Every coastal lot presents unique challenges—slope, soil conditions, sun exposure, ocean views, wind patterns. We don't use cookie-cutter plans. Each home is designed specifically for its site and the family who will live there.

Seismic & Coastal Engineering

San Diego is Seismic Zone 4. Our homes meet or exceed Title 24 energy codes and utilize seismic-resistant engineering. Salt air, marine layer moisture, and coastal winds demand specialized material selection and construction techniques.

Transparent Process

No surprises, no hidden fees. You receive weekly progress reports, full material breakdowns, and direct access to ownership throughout construction. Our average client satisfaction score is 9.4/10 (surveyed by third-party firm GuildQuality).

5-Year Craftsmanship Warranty

We stand behind our work. Every custom home includes a comprehensive 5-year warranty covering structural elements, systems, and finish details. Our warranty claim rate is under 2%—industry average is 12%.

Local Expertise

We know San Diego's 18 coastal communities intimately. From Coastal Commission permitting to HOA architectural review boards, we navigate local requirements efficiently. Our relationships with city planners and inspectors keep projects on schedule.

Sustainable Building

All homes built since 2016 are solar-ready with conduit runs and panel space. We prioritize drought-tolerant landscaping, low-flow fixtures, and Energy Star appliances. Optional: LEED certification coordination available.

Our Team

Experienced Professionals

Our 12-person team averages 18 years of experience in residential construction. Everyone from our project managers to finish carpenters has worked on high-end coastal homes. We don't use day labor or rotating subcontractors—you get the same skilled team from foundation to final walkthrough.

Ownership & Management

Licensed General Contractors

Our ownership team includes licensed general contractors with degrees in architecture and design from UC Berkeley and Parsons School of Design. Combined 60+ years experience in coastal construction, structural engineering, permitting, and client relationships.

Design & Architecture

LEED & ASID Professionals

Our design team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and ASID members who lead all architectural planning, material selections, kitchen/bath design, and finish specifications. We personally source tile, fixtures, and custom cabinetry for every project.

Project Management

Operations & Coordination

Our project managers hold degrees from Cornell and Cal Poly SLO with construction management certifications. They oversee timelines, subcontractor coordination, client communication, and quality control from permit to certificate of occupancy.

Field Supervision

Licensed Contractors

Our senior field team includes licensed general contractors with 25+ years experience managing custom homes and luxury remodels. Bilingual capabilities ensure clear communication with all trade partners throughout construction.

Finish Carpentry

Master Craftsmen

Our lead carpenters specialize in custom trim, built-ins, and architectural millwork. With construction technology training and 20+ years hands-on experience, they execute the detailed finish work that defines our projects.

Trade Partners

Trusted Subcontractors

We work with the same electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and concrete subcontractors on every project. These long-term partnerships ensure consistent quality, reliable scheduling, and accountability throughout construction.

Certifications & Memberships

Professional Credentials

Licensed General Contractor

California License #876234
Active since 1998
$2M General Liability Insurance

LEED Accredited

LEED AP certification
Green building expertise
Sustainable design coordination

NARI Member

National Association of
the Remodeling Industry
Member since 2001

San Diego Magazine

Best Custom Builder
2019, 2021, 2023
Readers' Choice Awards

BBB Accredited

Better Business Bureau
A+ Rating
Zero complaints since 2015

Houzz Pro

4.9/5.0 stars (67 reviews)
Best of Houzz 2022, 2023
Customer Service Award

Our Track Record

27 Years in Numbers

Custom Homes Built

Ground-up construction projects from 2,400 to 6,200 sq ft across San Diego County coastal communities.

200+

Major Remodels

Kitchen, bath, and whole-home renovations. Average project value: $125,000.

$180M

Total Construction Value

Cumulative value of all projects completed 1998-2024. Average custom home: $1.8M.

9.4/10

Client Satisfaction Score

Surveyed by GuildQuality. 94% of clients would recommend us to friends/family.

14 mo

Average Custom Home Timeline

From permit approval to certificate of occupancy. Includes 2 months for Coastal Commission projects.

43%

Repeat & Referral Rate

Nearly half of our projects come from previous clients or their referrals—testament to our quality and service.

Building Legacy Homes Since 1998