Building dreams with Galvanized Builders Inc.
We specialize in residential home builds and renovations, bringing your vision to life.
CA General Contractors Lic. #1026301
other projects we have completed
Remodeled a dated stairway with new flooring and modern railings.
Installed beautiful luxury vinyl flooring.
Designed and built new pitched roof where there were no roof over porch area. This completely transformed the face of this home into a beautiful craftsman/ranch style home.
Built new patio deck and balcony over a newly built room addition.
Built new balconies and refaced the front of the home for a modern look.
Show More
accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become an increasingly valuable option for homeowners looking to add rental income or house extra family members.
An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a new name for an old idea. A second residence located in the backyard, or over the garage, may have been referred to in the past as a guest cottage, a casita or a granny flat. In San Diego, it could be permitted as guest quarters for extended family or a companion unit to generate rental income.
In 2016, the state Legislature passed SB1069, which defined and legislated these second units. It essentially aims to create more affordable housing in single-family residential zones as a grassroots movement. Rather than having big developers come in, the law gives individual homeowners the ability to be the developer for their own properties.
There were some initial panic about how that would affect the character of established neighborhoods. People had fears that single-family homes would be torn down and replaced with four houses on one lot. There was a lot of confusion about the original bill, so it was amended twice, in 2017 and 2021. Now the rules say that a homeowner can have up to three rentable units on each lot: the main house, an ADU, and a Junior ADU (JADU).
The difference between an ADU and a JADU is mostly size. A JADU can’t be more than 500 square feet and must be built within the existing footprint of the main house but with a separate entry. It can share the kitchen and bathroom with the main house.
An ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet, depending on the size of the main house. It has a full kitchen and bathroom and its own mailing address.
The presence of an additional rentable unit instantly raises the property value. The real estate professionals have known this all along. So why not make an investment in your own property? Every penny you put into an ADU, you get back and more. If you have a house in a single-family zone, don’t sell it. Develop it.
For example, if you want to downsize, don’t buy a generic, cookie-cutter $600,000 condo that comes with HOA and other monthly fees. Think about converting your garage or building a new, smaller, custom-designed home in your backyard for about half the cost. Live in it. Rent out the main house or offer it to your children or someone you know who might not be able to afford to buy their own house. Rental income will be a good source of revenue in retirement.
Prefab ADUs or Manufactured homes are OK if you’re only going to use it as a rental or you have the lot size available. But a custom design ADU may be the better option when open space is limited or you might want some flexibility and a little character. But either way, you must get permits, so you still need professionals to draw up site plans, submit engineering details and deal with inspections.
Cities can regulate the ADU process, but the state law says city and county regulations can’t be more restrictive than the state guidelines on property size, setbacks and parking. The City of San Diego is pretty lenient.
The great news is that California offers some attractive incentives including grants to cover pre-development such as design and permit fees. The California Housing Finance Agency provides up to $40,000 grants to homeowners to use for the fees and expenses involved in building an ADU. It’s not a loan; you never have to pay it back.
That brings the overall cost of the project way down. Do your homework and see if you qualify. Apply for the grant before you stick a shovel in the ground.
The No.1 fear people have is the cost of construction. They worry about little changes, but they don’t see the big picture. From my perspective, it takes almost the same amount of time and effort to add 120 square feet to your property as it does to add 1,200 square feet.
Getting permits is time consuming, so if you are applying for a small addition to the main house — such as an extra bathroom, bedroom, or larger kitchen — also apply for an ADU at the same time if you think you may consider it in the near future. You can decide about building it later.
About Us
Reliable and personable General Contractor
Galvanized Builders Inc. established in 2014, but it's history began more than 14 years prior as a sole proprietor buying, renovating and selling real estate as personal portfolio.
We are a family owned business and proud to provide premier remodeling and new construction services within our San Diego communities.
Jesse Galvan, Owner and Manager of Galvanized Builders, Inc. What inspired Jesse to start his construction business is the satisfaction of seeing how a home transforms throughout a remodeling process from start to the final finish and to see the joy through the eyes of the homeowner. Jesse is a reliable and professional General Contractor. Jesse is very "hands on", which means, Clients will often see Jesse at the project site, managing his subcontractors/laborers to ensure the project is done properly and on schedule. No contractor is perfect and every job may have glitches, but Jesse's priority is to always communicate and listen to his Clients to resolve any concerns or issues. Jesse will always ensure that in the end his Clients are treated fairly, respectfully and to deliver on the project.
We are more of a people's construction company and we love working within our local neighborhoods - University City, La Jolla, Bay Park/Bay Ho, Clairemont, Point Loma, but we are open to all projects in San Diego.
We are fully licensed, insured and bonded, and ready to work on your next remodeling project!
Communication is Key
We will always make every effort to meet deadlines and coordinate with other related projects. We will maintain open communication with you to keep you up to date on the status of your job. We strive to ensure that your project is completed according to your preferences.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We strive to save you both time and money by combining our use of industry knowledge, the highest quality materials and equipment, and our dedication to delivering exceptional service. Sometimes it's not always about how fast the project can be completed or the cheapest price you can find - we do not take shortcuts! Our client's overall satisfaction is always our goal!
Discover Galvanized Builders inc.'s commitment
Quality Workmanship
Quality Workmanship
Quality Workmanship
At Galvanized Builders inc., we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality workmanship to all our clients. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that every job we undertake meets the highest standards of quality and excellence.
Affordable Pricing
Quality Workmanship
Quality Workmanship
We believe that everyone should have access to quality construction services at an affordable price. That's why we work hard to keep our prices competitive, without compromising on the quality of our work.
Expert Advice
Quality Workmanship
Timely Delivery
With years of experience in the construction industry, we have the expertise and knowledge to provide our clients with the best advice and guidance. Whether you're looking to build a new home, renovate an existing property, or undertake any other construction project, we're here to help.
Timely Delivery
Customer Satisfaction
Timely Delivery
We understand the importance of timely delivery when it comes to construction projects. That's why we work closely with our clients to ensure that every project is completed on time and within budget.
Transparent Process
Customer Satisfaction
Customer Satisfaction
We believe in transparency and honesty when it comes to our work. That's why we keep our clients informed every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final delivery.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer Satisfaction
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is our top priority at Galvanized Builders inc.. We go above and beyond to ensure that every client is satisfied with the work that we do. We're proud to have satisfied clients who have trusted us with their construction projects.
What our clients say....
Gabrielle - Poway, CA
We recently purchased an older home that needed some structural changes. Galvanized Builders proved to be a contractor that we could trust. Jesse came in, evaluated our needs and requests, made professional recommendations, and then his team completed the job well and in a timely manner. We're looking to do some more work on our house down the road and won't hesitate to call Galvanized. It's difficult to find a contractor that offers a fair price and is reliable.
Mark F. - San Diego, CA
We have used Galvanized Builders for block-and-stucco retaining walls and wooden fencing that have literally transformed our backyard. Jesse is easy to work with and he and his team get the job done well on time and at a reasonable price.
Mira - San Diego, CA
I did a remodel earlier this year for a 20X16 room extension and a bathroom remodel. I am super happy with the results! Jesse, the owner, was very professional and was a very "hands on" general contractor. He was there to make sure subcontractors/laborers did what they need to do so the job was on schedule and on budget as much as possible with little to no surprises. He also made sure the jobsite is left as clean as possible! Communications was always transparent and quick - you can tell he's cares about his business and reputation to do the best job for the client. Their prices are fair and reasonable- you will not be price gouged like you would with brand name contractors! If you are looking for an honest hardworking contractor whether its a small job or a big job, I highly recommend Galvanized Builders!
Terri - University City, CA
Anything we need done from a small job to remodel, Galvanized Builders gets it done. Friendly, professional and punctual, this company will be with you from the beginning till the end of your repairs or remodel.