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The 5 Best Custom Home Builders in El Cajon, California

4 Min Read

El Cajon is an idyllic city surrounded by mountains that make its geography look box-shaped, with its name, “El Cajon,” meaning “the box” in Spanish. El Cajon is rich with land, resources, and history. People come here to settle down with their family and for the city’s historic and modern amenities. It is known for its thriving nightlife, diversity, and public schools. 

This article features the five best custom home builders in El Cajon, California, to help families settle comfortably. The following custom home builders are experienced in building single family homes. These custom home builders were evaluated based on their awards, professional accreditations, industry rankings, and the number and quality of projects they have completed in the city.


David Kaiser Custom Construction

PO Box 2971, La Mesa, CA 91943

David Kaiser Custom Construction has delivered extraordinary professional service since 1996. It was founded by master craftsman, David Kaiser, who was originally mentored by his father, who was a fine-quality craftsman and respected contractor. The firm specializes in building single family homes, with styles that range from farmhouses to Spanish homes. It employs the finest of craftsmen who skillfully plan, organize, and provide finish touches for each project, consistently producing excellent results.

David Kaiser Custom Construction has won the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) SD Excellence Award from 2012-2016 and has been accredited by NARI.


Papenhausen Construction Inc.

10390 Quail Canyon Road El Cajon CA 92021 

Papenhausen Construction Inc. brings over thirty years of experience in Custom Home Construction, Built to Suit Remodels, and Construction Consulting for a diverse clientele. A second-generation contractor who comes from a construction family, Jim Papenhausen was mentored by his father and peers in the industry in all levels of construction. He attributes his success to his involvement at an early age in the industry, as a  child helping his dad, before becoming full-time when he was eighteen. Word of mouth and reputation have enabled the company to thrive. 

The company values transparency in all parts of a project. Clients receive a full explanation of the fee structure, which is typically laid out as a flat fee for construction based on the scope of work. Since 1998, Papenhausen Construction Inc. has built single family homes to cater to all the desires and needs of its clients. A perfect example of this is the luxurious and fun home of Funko Toy CEO, Brian Mariotti. The company collaborated with Designer Paul Schatz of Interior Design Imports, Architect Kim Grant, and landscape designer Theresa Clark Studios to create this whimsical California castle. This more than $20 million home has a Star Wars-themed home theater and a six-hole putting green. The project has also been featured on The Wall Street Journal.


Nielsen Builders, Inc.

1220 Greenfield Dr El Cajon, CA 92021

Nielsen Builders, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business headed by Eric Nielsen. It has over forty years of experience in all facets of building and developing, with a goal to exceed its client’s expectations in all tiers of real estate, no matter the scope of the project. The company’s strength of building custom homes gives it an advantage in the competitive industry. As a privately-owned company, its senior management team is involved in each step and detail during the home building process. They specialize in building homes of all designs and styles, such as French Chateau, contemporary, beach homes, and Spanish — there is nothing that they cannot achieve.


Woolsey Construction

​1934 John Towers Ave, Ste. E El Cajon, CA 92020

Woolsey Construction is known for producing incredible results in each construction or remodeling job. Whether a client seeks to build an addition to accommodate a growing family, create an outdoor dining space and casita for entertaining friends, or remodel a living area to better fit their needs, Woolsey makes peoples’  homes fit their lifestyle. Its priority is the client’s satisfaction and peace of mind. Clients can rest assured of its high quality workmanship and attention to detail.

It has received numerous service awards, such as the Best of Houzz in 2018 and the Angie’s List Super Service Award from 2013 to 2019. Learn more about them at woolseyconstructionsd.com


TJS Construction Co.

1950 Siesta Calle, El Cajon, CA 92019

TJS Construction Co. was founded by Tom Stufflebean, who has over thirty years of experience in the construction industry. The TJS team values all of its customers, no matter how small or large the job is. Its goal is to help its customers design, create, and build their dreams. By listening, maintaining open communication with clients, and executing its plans, the company does this consistently. 

TJS Construction Co. specializes in New Home Builds, Home Remodels from Kitchen, Bathroom, Flooring, Room Additions, and Decking and Exterior Living Spaces. Its other projects are commercial works, as well as steel stud framing and office remodels.