Duende Design + Construction

We've used Joseph and Duende for many remodeling projects, the most recent being our backyard patio/deck. We really wanted a space to hang out outdoors that included a hot tub and hangout area with shading, but didn't just want it to look like every other pergola/gazebo. So Joseph came up with a great design that was modern and original. We worked with him to tweak the design to meet all our needs, and he coordinated with the Hot Tub company to ensure a perfect install right next to the deck. Also, the whole space has retractable roman shades that are great for when it's sunny out. Now we have a great outdoor entertaining and hangout space that we use all the time.

From the initial consultation, Joseph's unique background as an architect, artist, and general contractor provided invaluable. Within minutes of his arrival, Joseph provided a plan for a kitchen addition that was far superior to any of the ideas I had brainstormed for over a year or the other proposals I had received. Throughout the project, Joseph provided unparalleled communication and collaboration. Due to his experience in design and construction, he was able to efficiently adapt the plans and design to changing requirements. Furthermore, because of his illustrious background in art, he included truly stunning creative and unique elements that made me feel that he cared for my project and home. The final result far exceeded any of my expectations. I am so grateful that Joseph worked his magic on my home, and I wholeheartedly recommend Joseph and Duende Design and Construction for any and every home remodel.

Joseph and his crew were excellent to work with! My husband and I did an addition to our home and everything went very smooth. They were great at communicating, making recommendations, and unlike may contractors they finished ahead of schedule!! The quote we received at the beginning of the project did not change, therefore we did not have any unexpected expenses. The quality of the work was exceptional and we are very happy with the end result. I would definitely recommend Duende!!

Joe helped me build a bathroom in an existing detached office and add an outdoor shower in the backyard. He really excelled at coming up with creatives ideas and also integrating my ideas into the project. The final result was just what I wanted.

LYMAN HOUSE After we acquired our home in October 2016, we made a plan to tear it down to the studs throughout, vault the ceiling in the great room and master, and add square footage where there used to be a breezeway and an old wasted entryway. We also added 9 feet to the front of the house. It was a huge job to take on. Not to mention having to replace the entire main sewer line and half of the roof framing that was sagging or not meeting code. After our first contractor pulled out of the project during planning phase, before demo, our architect referred Duende. And to be honest, I wish I had known about them from the day one. My husband and I have been in the building and design industry for 20 years. We knew the vision we had and we wanted a contractor to understand us. I had a friend tell me that the contractor you hire is the one that you really need to get along with and "gets you". Joseph and my husband hit it off immediately. Duende worked so hard on our short timeline and major hiccups along the way. I felt like the entire time I was working with a team, and not just some hired workers. Communication was amazing. If I had an idea they respected it, we could talk about it, bounce it off each other, and ultimately come up with a great design together! Any tiny little detail that was questionable, I would get a call to make a decision. This was so important because I wanted to be 100 percent involved, without micromanaging. They understood we wanted to repurpose some items that were sentimental wherever we could. We were able to re-stain and reuse the old house front doors as interior sliding barns doors in the master bath and main hallway. And they were also great about helping us decide on how to save money on big ticket items. For instance using recycled railroad ties for our retaining wall instead of concrete. Repurposing a neighbors old wood fence pieces to incorporate into our new fence, using wood flooring to create a beautiful design on our kitchen island cabinet instead of staining and cutting raw wood. Of all the contractors I have worked with, Duende goes above and beyond my expectations. From the dedication to making sure every technicality was perfect, to custom building something I drew on a piece of paper or found a picture of on Pinterest, Duende hit the mark. The day that construction was done and we were moved in, it was bittersweet. We had this beautiful new home. But we didn't get to see Kyle, Joseph, Kaleb and Tristen (aka "Twistin" by our 3 year old) anymore! We miss our Duende family and my kids ask all the time when are they coming over again. They were a part of our every day life for 8 months! So as you can see, they didn't just do a fantastic job with craftsmanship, detail, and design, but they also treated us like more than a client. They seemingly loved our project and had pride and joy creating it.

We interviewed several design-build firms before going with Duende. We chose Joseph based on his willingness to listen AND his knack to add a bit of artistry to the build. While some other firms did not seem receptive to our vision, Joseph was excited about our ideas and followed through with excellent workmanship and quality. Our house was a complete fixer upper – literally, every room of the house underwent a massive transformation. Joseph took a nearly original mid-century 1940s home that was in need of dire repairs and transformed it into a modern oasis that captures the best elements indoor-outdoor living in southern California. Joseph gave us retracting sliding doors and windows that maximize the cool ocean breeze and a deck that nearly doubles our habitable space, allowing our family to spend most of our waking hours outdoors. As a family, we are mindful of unnecessary waste – and Joseph was happy to work with this principle. He reused elements of the original house rather than dragging them out to the landfill. He refurbished our front door giving it a beautiful sheen; he cleaned up the original midcentury closet doors and made custom closets that are seamless to the design of the house. When I had the idea of repurposing the old and decrepit garage door, he and Michael happily honed the 70 year-old pine wood planks into an artisan kitchen table. They crafted the original redwood from our carport into table legs and placed the entire thing on casters so that it easily serves as a kitchen table, movable countertop and as our outdoor patio dining table. Other reviewers mention the Duende crew and sub-contractors – and we couldn’t agree more. Joseph’s crew is ALWAYS delightfully courteous and cheery. We have 2 small children, therefore character is important to us. Kyle, Triston, Caleb and Michael all work incredibly hard and clearly enjoy what they do. Joseph’s communication throughout the project was superb –always in constant contact, he returned calls and answered questions promptly. Overall, we highly recommend Duende look forward to using them again in the future.

We recently wrapped up a major backyard remodel with the Duende team. Our back yard started as 6 feet of sidewalk/landscaping area dropping down 8 ft to the neighbor's house. The result is shown in the photos attached (landscaping is pending - we ran out of funds!). Joseph was very strong in providing cost reduction ideas that didn't sacrifice our original design intent. This included the use of mangaris instead of ipe for the deck and siding and using railroad ties for a short retaining wall. His team was very respectful to our family and our home. Joseph also had very competent sub-contractors. The end result was beyond my expectations and we can't wait to start using our new play area!

With Duende Design + Construction, you are not just getting a builder, but a builder with a designer's eye. Joseph has a background in architecture, so he brings more to the job than the ability to get the project built. He worked with us to realize the full design vision within our project budget. We were very pleased with the workmanship and quality of the delivered product!

I could not have chosen a better partner than Joseph and his team in helping me through the process of construction. From setting a realistic budget and timeline, to his seemingly never ending patience, he and his team produced a finished product of exceptional quality that I am happy to call home. Joseph and team delivered on all their commitments. Full stop. Flexibility in adjusting to changing plans was paramount to this project and his team were champs in this regard all around. I am unable to commiserate with friends who have struggled with absentee contractors/subs or who complain about a difficult permit process. Communication was continuous and always productive. With excellent guidance, planning, and coordination with the city, he and his team ensured that submissions were completed as planned, resulting in approvals achieved with no hassles (including an application that needed to go through the San Diego Historical Society). "Unanticipated" events were almost non-existent demonstrating a wealth of experience and knowledge about how to renovate old homes. Joseph added more than a "hammer and nails", with an artistic and creative eye, such that even the doorsare as much works of art as functional. But just as important, Joseph's non-pressure suggestions for additions to improve the planned design were in balance with suggestions on opportunities to reclaim and save. This was reflected in no change orders to the original scoped work (except where I requested those extras you only think about once the walls are down and you realize the opportunity to change things is now :)). Building a home is a team effort, and Joseph was equally collaborative with other professionals who contributed to putting together my home. I have been fortunate to have had good contractors with every remodel I've attempted, and have learned that being able to trust your contractor (that they have your best interests in mind) is paramount over any fancy portfolio they can produce. This experience was exceptional on all accounts, and I can not imagine having done my first full house renovation with anyone else.

Duende Design & Construction is by far exemplary with their work! From the consultation, exchange of ideas, and installation, this team bypassed all standards. Prompt, innovative, and trustworthy are just a few of the many characteristics displayed by them. I had wainscoting installed throughout my living/dining room- and each day I come more excited than before. It is absolutely gorgeous. I HOPE they work on my future projects!!

Our experience with Duende was great! Joseph was very easy to talk to and work with. He is a great listener and performed on our every request. I especially liked that he worked with me on the design of the kitchen. We did not hire an interior designer however Joseph was very patient and willing to work with me on the layout and design all the way though the process. Our kitchen turned out better than we ever expected! Joseph custom build a huge sliding chalkboard door for us that covers the pantry, which is a very cool and unique element that we love! We could not have done this with without Joseph and his team. All of his workers were very kind and respectful and a joy to be around. They all made the process of remodeling our kitchen as painless as possible and even helped baby proofed the work area for our 1 1/2 year old. I would absolutely hire this company again for our next remodel.

Duende designed our Patio cover and was able to use his creativity to bring our dream alive. We wanted a patio that would still bring light to our living room and they did just that. Beautiful and Unique design, our friends tell us they are always talking about our outdoor living space! Amazing!