Farhad Designs Remodeling - San Clemente, California

Michael D.

Probably the worst part of homeownership is working with contractors. Sure, everyone hates paying property taxes, mortgages, and insurance (especially lately) but at least those are known and regulated costs. If you pay them, you generally know what you're getting in return. On the other hand, when you pay a contractor, you have no idea what you will get in return, or what games they will play after you hire them.

Over the past 13 years I have owned 4 houses, with one being a new oceanfront house I designed and built, so I have experienced the entire gamut of contractors. I would say at least 90% of them lack a moral compass. They lie by way of always over-promising time-frames, then cheat and steal by way of bogus change orders you have no choice but to accept. I’m talking change orders for relatively minor unexpected things the contractor really should have expected as possible/probable and priced in upfront accordingly. Farhad Ghalami falls in the rare 10% of contractors whereas you get what was agreed upon upfront, delivered in the time promised, and each scope of work is for an agreed upon price beforehand. None of this “get-the-check-and-then-be-flakey” problem you have with the vast majority of contractors.

On the 2007-built Dana Point house I hired him for, he did around $100k of work which included:

- Refinished all wood floors, including replace and match areas previously occupied with built-in cabinets.
- Paint entire interior, which included some double-height ceilings. Total was around 2,950 sq ft.
- Install new lights, move existing lights, and similar.
- Paint kitchen cabinets with matte black enamel (previously cherry) and replacing all hardware. That costs $13k and made it look like brand new cabinets, which would have cost probably $70-80k minimum, not to mention, taken several months.
- Construct movable mirrored wall around spa equipment in garage, as part of home gym.
- Wrap open stair treads with carpet and padding for dog. When I checked in and saw they were only doing the padding on the top of the treads and not the fronts (which I guess is uncustomary) they, without my insistence, found a way to do it on the front. This required them re-doing all the padding but he didn’t care, because he wanted to do it the right way, how I wanted, and no bogus change order for this.
- Replace bathroom vanity and install 3 lighted mirrors in 2 bathrooms.

There were some other things, too. I do think the fact that he was Iranian-born contributes to his stellar work ethic, something I haven’t gotten from many locally born and raised contractors who grew up in this affluent coastal area. They don’t want to be bothered afterhours, they don’t call you back, they wouldn’t fathom working weekends, etc. In other words, they’re lazy and seem to have a sense of entitlement. On the other hand, I had many long phone calls with Farhad which would start at 9 or 10 pm, him meeting me on-site on Sundays, him working ‘til late in the evening, doing extra things without extra charges, and so forth. Just a totally different experience than I have had with almost every other contractor, regardless of trade. He also doesn’t whine which again, is something you hear from most local contractors when they actually – gasp! – face a challenge and have to do some real work or problem solving.

I am so happy to have found Farhad. In fact, it was about the only useful thing that came from working with the dual-representing agent for this property (she had recommended him). My only regret is that I didn’t know him earlier. If I would have known about this legit, trustworthy, and hardworking contractor in South Orange County, I may very well have bought a different house, simply because I would have known beforehand that I would have some reliable to do whatever I needed. I almost don’t want to write this review, because I fear he will become too busy and unavailable for when I need him again. I would prefer to keep Farhad Designs a secret, so I have him all for myself whenever I need him!

Don L.

We hired Farhad Design to replace our tile flooring (about 1400 ft2), repaint ceiling and walls in 2/3 of our home and we are very happy with the services they provided. In spite of the fairly large scope of the work, disruption was kept at a minimum and we appreciated the good cleanup at the end of each day. Farhad is reliable, honest and paid attention to all the details. We highly recommend this company

Lenore J.

My husband is very picky about his home projects and usually does a lot of his own work. We hired Farhad to remodel two bathrooms from scratch and were so happy with the work we hired him for a closet and kitchen too! Farhad is very knowledgeable and solution oriented. Our project had lots of difficulties because of the age of the house but he was able to give us the results we wanted. You won’t be sorry if you hire Farhad.

Kris S.

Farhad has completed several projects for us. The first was a home full staircase and second floor landing remodel. We used a cable railing system that was new to Farhad and the staircase was a complete redesign. We had to overcome several challenging issues, but the result exceeded our expectations. Farhad is excellent at creative solutions and is a perfectionist. We couldn't be happier with the result.
The second project was a master bathroom full remodel - adding window for ocean view, moving wall to expand bathroom space, re-plumbing, custom shower design, beautiful tile installation, floating vanities, air duct relocation, new recessed lighting, and tie-in flooring to open bedroom design. Farhad and is crew maintained a very clean work area and contained all dust to the work area - we lived in the house while under construction. Farhad is meticulous and his creative craftmanship is the best. All along the way Farhad provided very important insight and ideas to create an amazing end product. We LOVE it!!
Farhad has also installed several ceiling fans ( full installation..ran electrical lines, switch plates, etc.). Farhad's work quality is very high, even with these "smaller" projects - seamless installation like it was the original new construction!!
We highly recommend Farhad for all home projects. You will be glad you chose Farhad. Farhad can do it all!!!

Terri G.

I am very lucky to have met Farhad and have him remodel both my bathrooms and replace the water lines in my home. My stress level was beyond a 10 and he brought it down to a 2. Which if you knew me, is a pretty big deal to do.

His work is immaculate and clean. And the end results is absolutely beautiful. What I like best is that he starts a job and finishes it before taking on a new job. He is there every day and is very responsive to my request and ideas. The end results always makes me smile. It was such a pleasure to work with him.

David D.

Farhad is amazing. He is a designer, contractor, artist and great person who has become a friend. How many can say this about a general contractor? I recommend him unconditionally!!!

Dana M.

Very talented craftsman, who takes pride in his work.
He was friendly, reliable and finished our kitchen remodel in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Farhad Designs!

Jacqueline B.

Farhad remodeled my garage and utility room. Remodel does not describe it - re-create is more like it! They turned out wonderful! He completes work on time and on budget! The best contractor by far that I have ever worked with!