Sterling Design & Remodeling

The crucial first step in the complete remodel of our 1926 house was to locate the best company to carry out our project. We knew we wanted to preserve the extant Spanish Eclectic character of the aging house, but we also wanted to reconfigure the interior to reflect a more contemporary sense of openness and modern convenience. Ken Manchego of Sterling Design & Remodeling was the perfect fit for us. He immediately understood our vision for the house and the ideal path to realizing that vision and brought in the most appropriate and skilled designer, John Mills Davies ASID, to translate our vision into a set of plans that he and Ken could use to create our “Dream Home.” Because we were living in another part of the country, this remodel required constant detailed communication, which Ken cheerfully provided on an almost daily basis, getting our input on every detail and decision. We have lived in our beautiful home for almost a year and appreciate daily the extraordinary care Sterling Design & Remodeling provided to help us realize our amazing “Dream Home.”

Sterling Design is an exceptionally well run company. From the first consultation to every step along the way Ken is right there with you to help you realize your vision, explain the pros and cons of various materials and the ins and outs of remodeling a home that was built in 1933. Thats right, my home was almost 90 years old. I was newly divorced and had bought my first home on my own. And I had never been involved in a remodel. I had heard all the stories from friends but nothing prepares you for the variety of potential hiccups when you start digging into a 90 year old home. That is except a good contractor. And this is exactly where Ken and Sterling Design and Remodeling shine. Ken hires workers with the right credentials and experience - people who show up on time and get work completed on time. Ken walks you through every step of the process. Ken consults and advises as various issues come to light. Ken problem solves with workers, coordinates time lines and supervises the entire process. And as the project comes to an end, Ken recommended subtle design elements which elevated my project from an "upgrade" to Wow. Since my work was completed, almost everyone who has walked by has commented how beautiful the property looks. I love to watch as people approach my home and stop for a moment to take in the design elements and then again as they pass by, to take one long look and appreciate all the small touches that just made my home exceptional. We have all heard the remodel nightmares from friends and strangers. And my project was not without the occasional glitch. This is where a contractor like Ken really shows what he is made of. Finding the new experts who can assist and to work them onto the schedule, work around all the other professionals that are already on the job. Coordinating that schedule and keeping things moving. Like most people my home is my biggest financial asset. And trusting my home to Ken was monumental. I can honestly say that the changes he made in my home were life changing for me. My home had become a place I am incredibly proud of. My property went from looking tired and old to designer and elegant. I have a patio and courtyard that has become the focal point of my entertaining and a quiet place where I relax most evenings. My remodel was a financially and emotionally significant experience for me. I am a first time home owner, single female with no construction knowledge or experience. Throughout the process Ken was my advisor and advocate. Since my project Ken has kept in touch to make sure there were no issues with any of the elements of the remodel and to assist me on occasion when I need recommendations for regular home repairs. I have repeatedly expressed to Ken that he is the best and that I would highly recommend him as an individual and his company for any project you have.

Sterling Design and Remodeling
Ken Manchego, General Contractor

Communication. Communication. Communication.


Although friends of mine have used contractors countless times, I have never had a need to hire a contractor...until now.

The discovery of multiple substantial cracks in the living room floor of the LaJolla home for which I am responsible sent me scurrying for a general contractor who could direct the sequence of results which had to be carefully orchestrated to resolve the problem successfully.

I had met Ken many years ago and when the need arose recalled that he was a contractor. Having never worked firsthand with a contractor I had only the nightmare stories from friends, i.e. poor communication, contractor not returning calls, uncertainty as to the order of events, limited daily supervision of the project once underway, multiple delays obtaining the estimate for the repair, insufficient estimates leading to much higher actual costs once the project was underway, subcontractors who don?t show when they are scheduled, subcontractors who leave the work site messy on a daily basis and on and on.

Our project consisted of halting the forward movement of a La Jolla home which was built on expandable soil causing several concrete slab cracks and a corner where the living room and office met to be 1 1/2 inches lower than the surrounding rooms. The project initially involved a soil engineer and a civil engineer who calculated how to stop the forward movement of the home and then repair the foundation. 

Despite my level of anxiety facing so many unknowns, little by little, I was able to de-stress upon learning my experience with Ken and Sterling Design and Remodeling was shaping up to be a light years improvement from that of my friends. The reason being - Ken communicated with me on a regular basis. He called back when he said he would. He followed up on my questions, gathered more information when I requested it., etc. He was ?on-the scene? almost daily and when not there was in daily contact with his crew to direct their actions, answer their questions. Most importantly Ken kept me continually ?in the loop? regarding the sequencing of events, i.e. the date and time of various aspects of this workers? arrival, and the anticipated day of completion of various aspects of the overall project. Ken was able to make mid course corrections when he discovered several unexpected ?surprises? once the concrete was dug up which, had they not been addressed, would have impacted the positive outcome of the overall project. 

Based on the positive interactions with Ken and Sterling Design and Remodeling I will be using him and his architectural and design team on a deck rebuild and interior remodeling of a South Mission Beach home. His Company and team will also be working with me to complete the exterior and interior upgrades of the La Jolla home.

I cannot say enough about the positive experiences I have had with all members of his Company. Ken has demonstrated to be a man of integrity, resourcefulness and persistence. I would highly recommend the entire  Sterling Design and Remodeling team and look forward to working with them as we move forward with our upcoming projects.

It was a good experience. The guy who came out was really nice, honest and personable.

I was referred to Sterling design and Remodeling by some friends and they did not disappoint. The project was a small bathroom remodel which they were systematic in the way they completed it on time.
Ken, the owner, was very professional,efficient and creative in my small remodel. He also was very direct and honest with the requirements for the reconstruction and the costs.
I believe and trust in Sterling Design and Remodeling and would not hesitate to use them again for any further remodeling in my house.

Ken and all the tradespeople were kind and thoughtful as well as professional.  They cleaned up after themselves and made quick-work of the task at hand.  The whole process went smooth and the job finished faster than we had imagined.  Our daily lives weren't affected by the project; even our neighbors commented about how quickly work progressed.