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Marrokal Construction Marrokal DESIGN & REMODELING is committed to delivering the utmost in quality, service and integrity in full-service home remodeling in the San Diego area since 1981. Our design-build services include complete exterior and interior renovations, kitchen remodels, bathroom and master bedroom remodels, family room and 2nd story additions, and all-season outdoor rooms.
Reviews (28)
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Arne Claassen
Dec 07, 2021
We've used Marrokal for two remodeling jobs on our house. We originally had our entrance and front patio re-done back in 2007 and were so pleased with Steve Walton design and the quality of the work, that we wanted to work with them again to remodel the rest of house this past year. Again, Steve's and John Paratore's design exceeded our expectations.

Our Project Manager, Pete Saridakis, kept us in the loop throughout the construction making the whole process painless. We've been back in our house for almost 6 months and couldn't be happier with the results.
June Perez
Jun 27, 2021
Critical: Professionalism, Punctuality, Responsiveness We reached out to Marrokal three times. Third time they finally set an appointment to come at 12:15. No show. No call. If they can't keep an appointment or call to cancel, I definitely would not use them for a home remodel.
Stephanie K.
Dec 16, 2020
Below is a review from my mom, since she doesn't use Yelp, but I also really appreciate how helpful Marrokal was! "Marrokal has exemplary customer service, even years after working with them! I'd highly recommend them to anyone who wants to work with a design and remodeling company that truly cares, not only about the quality of work that they do, but also the customer relationships that they develop and maintain.

Three years ago, Marrokal did a whole house remodel for me, which I absolutely love. During the remodel, I also purchased all new appliances. I wanted to write this review because recently, I started having a problem with my washer and no matter what I tried to do to fix it, it just wasn't working. I tried calling around to different places nearly every day, but I became more frustrated after spending hours on the phone, only to find out that no one I was calling would provide service east of Alpine.

I figured I'd try to call Mike at Marrokal (who I had worked with during my house remodel years ago) and he said he'd find a technician to help me. Soon after, Mike had coordinated for a company in East County to send a repair technician to come out for my washer that week! Thank you, Mike and Marrokal."
Shane B.
Jun 27, 2020
We chose Marrokal D and R over others because of price and we liked the design they come up with the best. I feel we were very fortunate to get the Project Manager that we did in Ryan. Ryan is very knowledgeable and made us feel like he was there for all of our needs. He saved us some money here and there and 95% of the project was finished within a couple weeks of the projected finish date.

When you go with an all in one design and remodel, your project goes only as well as the Project Manager runs it. I would definitely ask for Ryan Firestine to do your project, if you choose to go with Marrokal. Also, Jensen was great for us as she was able to pickup on our style and what looked good. Jensen was invaluable to the project to make everything look wonderful.
Mario Caballero
Jun 06, 2020
We got amazing plans from architect Steve and we were do impressed with the ideas and suggestions that he presented. Complete redo of the kitchen area and after 3 months we were amazed by the finished product. John, Jensen snd of course Petr were all amazing!
Mark Ramirez
Jun 01, 2020
Our 2012 renovation would have been a disaster had it not been for Marrokal. While not entirely perfect, they were clear and supportive, with both good and bad news so we could decide with consideration. They stood by us during one of the worst recessions and worked with our financers to bring the renovation to a very happy conclusion. Post build - when we encountered problems, they were always ready to assist and help. Just recently there was a leak on our roof (the portion redone after the renovation) and they were there 6 YEARS after the project to fix it without issue.
Stephanie C.
Mar 07, 2020
We had our kitchen remodel done by Marrokal and I cannot say enough about them! The kitchen is amazing and Steve Walton and John Paratore walked us through every step of the way. Jensen was a breeze to work with on the design end and Pete was awesome as our project manager.
Robert Greenes
Dec 03, 2019
Very competent at project planning and execution. Has a panel of quality contractors/tradesmen but is open to using others suggested by client, and also flexible in that it will adjust pricing if separate arrangements are made by client directly. Tended to follow the projected timeline largely, although there were inevitable delays at various points, not unexpected with a moderately large project and the need to coordinate multiple tradesmen. Expensive, but needed by us since the project was largely conducted while we were only available remotely.
L. D.
Oct 13, 2019
Yelpers, here's a key point to consider in choosing your home remodel company. California law requires contractors to guarantee their work for 1-year. Marrokal guarantees their work for life! Case and point. Wife & I have been in our remodeled home 14 months. The farmhouse style kitchen sink had slightly settled leaving a small gap between top of sink and granite countertop.

I simply Emailed a service request to Marrokal POC. Within 24 hours I received phone call from Marrokal project manager to organize date & time for service. Marrokal coordinated to have manufacturer of kitchen cabinets, Imperial Custom Cabinets (separate review) onsite. Imperial technician Dave arrived at appointed time. Dave took care and time to diagnose issue. Dave stated they've installed countless sinks of this type and never had one settle.

After much inspection Dave found the cause. Our sink was not flat underneath all sides. For whatever reason sink had two small feet underneath front edge of sink. This causes majority of sink weight to rest on these pressure points instead of weight being distributed equally. Dave arrived onsite with all required power tools and supplies for repair.

He manufactured from maple wood matching interior of cabinet a brace to support middle of sink. Wah-law, problem solved with still great appearance. Marrokal project manager Kevin was onsite to apply new grout filling space between sink and granite countertop. Everything looks good as new! Before and after photos attached. It's tough to put into words how reassuring it is to know Marrokal is in our corner, not just for a year but for our life in this home. Thank you, Marrokal Design & Remodeling for this exceptional guarantee!
Ronald S.
Sep 23, 2019
I have written about my displeasure with their workmanship and posted several pictures. Three years later but two weeks after posting my post with Yelp I was called by Marrokal who sent someone out to repair the 45 cut. However the concrete problem is not repairable. I increase my rating from 3 to 4
Robert G.
Aug 31, 2019
Very professional firm, reliable, adaptable to changes. They are expensive, but we considered them essential for managing a project while we were away most of the time. Slight time overruns, but no serious issues. Followed through on small problems after the project was completed
Akshon
Jan 17, 2019
Recently purchased a home that had been remodeled by Marrokal 6 months prior to the sale. Many corners cut. About 40 nailheads have popped in the kitchen ceiling and wall, Tape lines visible. Hood vent pipe was never connected and was dumping its exhaust into the attic. French doors installed without manufactuer required stucco molding or drip cap and now separating from the stucco. Unlevel and out of square cabinet boxes and Sub-Zero refer enclosure.

Cabinet door mortises coming apart. Sagging pantry shelving with inadequate support. The particle board trash enclosure lasted 1 week before the track tore out of the base, they had used 1/4" sheet metal screws to hold the whole thing in. Tile grouted in over scribe molding. The list goes on. Not to mention a horrible layout. A cookie cutter kitchen plan that does not work in the space it was applied to.

Their design, Yes. Funny thing is this same layout is shown time and again on their website. So custom? Absolutely not. At the price the PO was contracted at, this should be damn near perfect. I would be embarrassed to stamp my company logo inside every drawer as they did. Time to put away the rubber rulers and put some pride in your work. Its sad that a 2 year old kitchen will have to be gutted. What a waste. Being in the construction field I get that "things happen". But this is just pure laziness plain and simple.
Michele Z.
Jan 03, 2019
This review is regarding Steve Walton and the remodel job he did for us 3 years ago while working with a different company. He worked with Marrokal Design and Remodeling for about 14 years, then went to work with a different company and now he is back with Marrokal as the director of the custom home division. Steve is the utmost professional and very easy to work with.

He helped us achieve an amazing outdoor space that we use daily and is enjoyed by the many guests we entertain. The project won several awards; including the Gold Award with Qualified Remodeler and Remodeling Magazine for best out door living space. Before the project began, we met with Steve several times to fine tune what we were looking for. Once our needs were determined, he and his team measured the property and presented us with three different designs.

We melded the 3 designs into what we have today which consists of: out door living, dining, kitchen and bathroom along with 2 fireplaces and an extended balcony. He is a perfectionist and it shows in everything he does. This was more than a remodel or a simple addition to the backyard. It truly was a transformation, which enabled us to extend our living space so we can enjoy the outdoors comfortably with music, lights, heaters and fans. There's not a thing we would have changed or wished we would have done differently. We attribute that to the fact that Steve knows what he's doing and works extremely hard to make his customers happy!
Joe M.
Dec 20, 2018
I wanna thank this company and recommend employee Brian Freer. VERY HONEST! He was very straightforward and and gave me the best advise. I would refer him to you if you're looking for a contractor!
Adam A.
Nov 12, 2018
I would give them a zero if I could. I just got off the phone with this so called remolder. First question out of their mouth is what is your budget, I said 50000. She replies oh, our kitchen start at 100000. Wow, did not even look at my kitchen or even know what we would need. Never go with a company that talks money first. I will never use this company in the future or recommend a company like this. Good luck to all you who decide to use this BS so called design remolder.
Corine S.
Oct 02, 2018
We have been working with Marrokal Construction for over 35 years! There is a reason they have been in business this long. They are professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. If something doesn't go as planned, they remedy the problem. As anyone knows, remodeling doesn't always go according to plan. Marrokal is quick to find a solution and positive results. We feel comfortable recommending Marrokal Construction. The quality of this company is second to none!
Eric Gutierrez
Jun 10, 2018
The fit and finish isn't what it should be at this price point. Lots of stuff was left not fully completed and not done to a high standard. Ie. Scratched cabinets, grout smears on cabinets, unstained ends on trim from cuts, sloppy grout lines etc.
Susan T.
May 29, 2018
We are getting bids for our kitchen remodel. We recently met with Steve from Marrokal and while we did not choose Marrokal Design, it was only because of the negative reviews here. I think I might regret it. First the word of mouth in my neighborhood of Scripps Ranch is extremely positive on both Marrokal's work and Steve as a designer and architect. Steve came to our hose, exactly on time and prepared. Steve is a true professional! He's someone who just comes across as honest and trustworthy and his designs have a very good reputation.

I spoke to Steve about the reviews and he answered all my questions. Then I looked deeper into the people who wrote the reviews and saw this was not their first negative review. Currently we have been struggling with the designer we selected to get beyond a basic kitchen design. The total bids are about the same. Marrokal seemed slightly higher but they included all appliances. We will have one more meeting with The other company and if they can't design a nice kitchen we will be going back to Marrokal!
B. Q.
Mar 17, 2018
Well! I stopped by Marrokal Design Center. Yes, a walk in or impromptu visit. The show rooms were nice and clean. I talked with Allister (Design Consultant) to give hime an ideal of what I was preparing to do: kitchen remodeling. We talked briefly about my project budget how much appliance costs, countertops, cabinets, etc. It appears to me that after I mentioned my project budget, he "conveniently" had a meeting to go attend, but he would call me to get more details. I left my contact information and I am still waiting for that phone call. I don't like to pester
Greg P.
Dec 08, 2017
Get ready to shell out a lot of money if you sign up with Marrokal Design. The initial verbal estimates for my remodel projects did not seem too pricey. Then they get you to pay them $5000.00 just to get crappy preliminary designs showing you a range of prices depending on the number of projects you would like to do and the materials that you want to use.

They claim that the more you spend with them the less expensive it will cost due to "economy of scale." After getting an estimate for a variety of projects including hardwood floors, built in entertainment center, bath to shower conversion, etc., the cost was unreasonable based on other estimates from smaller shops. A shower conversion was estimated at over $30000.00.

I eventually went with a local contractor (MOST Construction) that did a beautiful bath to shower custom conversion for $13000.00. My hardwood floors were installed by a local flooring company (Unique Flooring) for about 2/3 of Marrokal's quote. I had a cabinet designer and maker build and install a custom entertainment center for 1/3 of the cost for a Marrokal designed entertainment center.

If you want to pay high prices stick with Marrokal. If you want to save money, do your homework and keep looking (which is what I should have done in the first place). There are plenty of contractors, builders and designers out there that do quality work for less. I'm out $5000. But overall, I'm ahead after deciding not to go with Marrokal.
Ron S.
Oct 18, 2017
Marrikal Design Several months ago we completed a project with Marrikal Design, we had some problems. Initially we met with a designer, Chris to design a pergola and a small front patio at a cost of $3500 which I paid failing to realize that the design and drawings did not belong to me unless I signed on to the project. But I signed on for $55,000.

When I wanted to see the detail on the line items I was refused stating it was proprietary. I was given the detailed drawings and computer renderings that were indeed impressive. Chris detailed how the work was going to be done and who was going to be in charge as a project manager, Jeff. A six page contract in small font was given and signed by me.

The work started and I was initially very impressed. After I paid the time table draws and the bulk of the funds were paid the project went to a standstill and the quality of the materials deteriorated. The pergola had beam 6 X 10 that had multiple holes where knots had been as well as multiple gouges. When I complained I was told that he could patch it up with Bondo, knowing that the patchwork would eventually fall out I insisted that the beam be replaced. Jeff dragged it out but by then it was painted.

Eventually the beam was replaced but they wanted me to pay the painter again. Unknown to me Jeff said that the wood to be used on my project was construction grade as buried in the contract. When I looked further into it I was dismayed by the content buried in the small print. Nothing seen in the impressive design center, the computer printouts, the drawings or verbiage matters unless it is specified in the contract. BEWARE Chris specifically told me that they would never come back for more money if a subcontractor ran into trouble but that was exactly what he did.

He handed me a bill for $480 because a tree removal had bigger roots than expected. I wanted to see the line item but he refused and didn't pursue the bill that is when I learned that the items that have an allowance means the sky is the limit. He explained to me that an estimate is different than an allowance. BEWARE The project dragged out for several months with a workman showing up about every two weeks spending about 90 minutes doing something.

I I have never dealt with other high end contractors but I would expect some pride in workmanship since they are very expensive. I would advise any prospective customer to spend more time on the contract than with the design people because it doesn't matter what they draw, or computerize or say if it isn't in the contract you're not getting it.

Educate yourselves to know the difference between construction grade lumber and higher grades. I didn't know. You can be sure that the samples in their design center are not construction grade.
Salomon B.
Sep 16, 2017
I would not recommend this company We had a full kitchen remodel over $100K by this company and all work is below standard we have had more issues dealing with bad craftsmanship examples cabinet doors continue to have a need for adjustment due to poor quality of wood selection, drawers the slider brackets installed with only 2 screws and I had to remove all and add more our led lighting connectors continue to fail. We gave them our trust and they abused it their subcontractors are not quality performers
Shirey Watkins
May 22, 2017
Took my nearly 90 year old mother to the cleaners with several hundreds of dollars (more than she paid for the house) on a remodel then used an incompetent sub that incorrectly installed her security bars which ultimately lead to her being robbed of everything precious in her lifetime. Sent insurance company to check it out and then told them to cancel when their premiums were to go up.

The entire event cost her close to half million dollars. They will not stand by their work or promises. When I sent Mr. Marakol a nasty letter he forwarded it to my mother because it had a cuss word in it. Really! She didn't pursue further legally because of her age sand not wanting the stress at her age to make them do right. BEWARE!
Samer Khoury
Mar 09, 2017
I had a really good experience with Marrokal. It all started with Jason and Chris, they listened and did everything we asked for. I also meet Mr Capizzi the president and he is also very welcoming and a professional. After talking to multiple construction companies my wife and I decided to move forward with Marrokal, they came to our house multiple times and walked us through the process, we changed the design multiple times and they worked with us to make it work. I highly recommend them for any construction job.
Chay M.
Nov 09, 2016
My review is limited from the seminar I attended up until our consultation with Alicia Readler (Design Consultant) and my brief conversation with John Ryan (Director of Design). I highly recommend anyone to discuss their projects with Alicia or John! I met them during the Total Home Remodel seminar at the Marrokal Design Center and they were really great.

Over the course of several weeks, we interviewed 4 different Design/Build firms of similar caliber but ultimately we did not select Marrokal. I am highly confident that Marrokal would have been fine to work with but we selected a company that had a better overall fit for our family.
Toni Miller
Feb 02, 2015
We had a second story added to our residence. We were less than satisfied. It's been about 8 years now and we have had numerous electrical issues, cracking drywall seams and roof issues. I would not rate their work as quality and would suggest you get other estimates.
Jeffrey N.
Jun 11, 2014
Marrokal has been remodeling my next door neighbors house for over a year. Recently my neighbors house was re-stuccoed and the works were sloppy and splashed stucco on to my house and property which has since dried. The stucco has also logged its way into the air intake vents on my new air conditioner. They also were chunks of concrete / chicken wire scattered on my property.

I called Marrokal and they gave me the name of the Construction Manager on a Friday. I called "John" and he promised me he would come by on Monday to take a look and take care of it. It's been a week I've heard nothing. I realize that the stucco company was a sub contractor, but still if you promise to take care of this, I expect you to deliver on your promised. If you want to hire a company that breaks promises and hires sloppy subcontractors, Marrokal is the company for you! Next stop the BBB / my attorney.
Tania R.
Jan 21, 2014
I was told they would call me back. I had a design consultant come out and give me an estimate for a room addition. When I said I would rather do my yard he never called me back. The main office called to follow-up and I told them I was disappointed, never got another call. Very bad. I was disappointed. I did get my backyard, front yard and driveway paved and landscaped.by someone else.