Expert Design & Installation • 30+ Years Experience • Licensed & Insured
First Choice Home Builders has been creating stunning kitchen islands for San Diego homeowners for over 30 years. Whether you need extra prep space, seating for family gatherings, or a complete custom island installation, we design and build islands that become the centerpiece of your home.
Every island designed specifically for your space, cooking style, and family needs with 3D renderings to visualize your project before construction begins.
Licensed contractors handle every detail from electrical and plumbing to cabinet installation and countertop mounting. Built to last decades.
Already have an island? We upgrade existing islands with new countertops, added features, improved storage, or complete transformations.
We handle permits, coordinate trades, and ensure your project stays on schedule and on budget with zero surprise costs.
With over 30 years serving San Diego County, we understand the unique needs of local homeowners. From La Jolla coastal homes to Mission Hills craftsman properties, we’ve designed islands for every style and space.
Our licensed contractors bring expertise in electrical, plumbing, and cabinetry to ensure your island is not only beautiful but built to California building codes and designed to last for generations.
First Choice Home Builders has been creating stunning kitchen islands for San Diego homeowners for over 30 years. Whether you need extra prep space, seating for family gatherings, or a complete custom island installation, we design and build islands that become the centerpiece of your home.
Perfect for Entertaining
L-shaped islands work beautifully in medium to large kitchens where you want to create distinct zones. One leg provides prep space while the other offers bar-style seating for 3-4 people.
For Multiple Cooks
U-shaped islands are ideal for serious cooks and large families where multiple people work in the kitchen simultaneously. Maximum storage and counter space.
For Narrow Spaces
Galley-style islands are rectangular and work well in narrower kitchens. These streamlined islands typically measure 24-36 inches wide and provide efficient workspace.
For Unique Designs
Circular or curved islands make dramatic design statements in homes with unique architectural features. The rounded shape softens the kitchen’s look and improves traffic flow.
| Island Shape | Best For | Recommended Kitchen Size | Popular Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-Shaped | Entertaining, open floor plans | 14' x 16' or larger | Seating, sink/cooktop, storage |
| U-Shaped | Multiple cooks, large families | Minimum 16' x 18' | Wraparound workspace, max storage |
| Galley | Narrow kitchens, condos | As small as 10' x 14' | Streamlined, efficient |
| Circular | Unique designs, modern homes | Custom—based on layout | Dramatic look, better flow |
A kitchen island is more than extra counter space—it’s where families gather for breakfast, where you prep meals while helping with homework, where friends naturally congregate during parties, and where your kitchen transforms from a workspace into the true heart of your home.
From sleek modern condos Downtown to traditional Craftsman homes in Mission Hills, we create islands that complement your kitchen’s architecture and aesthetic.
Waterfall edge islands feature countertop material that flows down the sides to the floor, creating a sleek, contemporary look. Dramatic design element perfect for modern San Diego homes with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics.
Popular in Downtown condos, Hillcrest, contemporary designs
Traditional islands feature classic design elements like furniture-style legs, decorative corbels, beadboard panels, and ornate moldings. Includes comfortable seating for 3-4 people and creates a warm, inviting focal point.
Perfect for Mission Hills Craftsman homes, La Jolla estates, historic neighborhoods
Two-tier islands feature two different height levels—typically 36 inches for food prep and 42 inches for bar seating. This configuration hides kitchen mess from guests while providing ergonomic workspace for cooking.
Advantages: Hides prep work, creates distinct zones, comfortable bar-height seating
Modern kitchen islands pack incredible functionality into a single fixture. The right features transform your island from simple counter space into a hardworking, multifunctional centerpiece.
The most requested island feature for San Diego families. Seating transforms your island into a casual dining spot, homework station, and social hub where family and friends naturally gather.
Strategic storage makes islands essential kitchen workhorses. Well-designed storage keeps counters clear and everything within arm’s reach.
Adding a sink to your island creates a second work zone and allows the cook to face family/guests while washing vegetables.
Island cooktops create dramatic focal points and allow cooks to face guests while preparing meals. Popular in gourmet San Diego kitchens.
Smart storage design transforms your island from simple counter space into a hardworking kitchen command center. We incorporate pull-out drawers, hidden compartments, and custom organizers that keep everything accessible yet out of sight.
From dedicated wine racks to pull-out trash bins, appliance garages to spice pull-outs—every inch is optimized for your specific cooking style and storage needs.
We guide San Diego homeowners from vision to completion with a seamless process tailored to your needs.
We visit your San Diego home for a free, no-obligation consultation, measuring your kitchen, discussing your needs, style, and frustrations with the current layout. We assess electrical and plumbing requirements and offer initial design concepts with a budget estimate.
Our team creates photorealistic 3D renderings to visualize your island, including materials, dimensions, and hardware. We mark utility locations and offer unlimited revisions until you're satisfied with the design.
We optimize island placement for functionality, analyzing the work triangle, traffic patterns, sight lines, and door clearances. Masking tape outlines the island's footprint for you to test before finalization.
Our licensed contractors protect floors, rough-in utilities, and install cabinets, countertops, and hardware. We secure the island, connect utilities, and clean thoroughly with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Avoid costly errors that can lead to thousands in fixes or years of frustration with a dysfunctional island.
Placing an island too close to cabinets or appliances creates cramped walkways and blocked access. One client's 8-foot island in a 13-foot kitchen blocked refrigerator and dishwasher access entirely.
Maintain 42-48 inches clearance on all sides. Use masking tape to test placement before finalizing your design.
An oversized island overwhelms a kitchen, while a tiny one lacks function. Choosing based on showroom appeal rather than your kitchen's proportions causes this common error.
For a 150-square-foot kitchen, target a 15-square-foot island (approximately 3'x5'). Proper sizing ensures visual balance and usability.
Poor storage design like deep cabinets or fixed shelves wastes space. Standard configurations often ignore actual needs and lifestyle requirements.
Design storage for your specific items—deep drawers for pots, pull-outs for trash, dedicated appliance spaces with outlets. Include roll-out shelves and spice storage near cooking areas.
Insufficient or poorly placed outlets and late plumbing planning cause major issues and expensive fixes down the line.
Plan outlets every 4 feet with 20-amp circuits for appliances. For plumbing, confirm drain and venting early. San Diego codes require permits—use licensed contractors for compliance.
Transparent pricing for every budget level. All projects include design, materials, professional installation, permits, and cleanup.
$4K - $8K
$8K - $15K
$15K - $30K+
With over 30 years of experience, First Choice Home Builders crafts custom kitchen islands that blend beauty, functionality, and durability for San Diego homeowners.
CA License #987654, fully bonded and insured. We handle all permits and ensure San Diego building code compliance.
Fixed-price contracts with detailed breakdowns. No surprise costs or hidden fees—ever.
Photorealistic renderings with unlimited revisions ensure you love your island before construction begins.
Licensed contractors complete projects on schedule with minimal disruption to your daily life.
We've installed islands throughout San Diego County—from La Jolla to Coronado—understanding every neighborhood's unique style.
Professional workmanship warranty and commitment to excellence on every project, large or small.
At least 100–150 square feet of kitchen space with 36–48 inches of clearance on all sides. Work aisles need 42-48 inches minimum, while traffic aisles require 36 inches for comfortable movement.
Most islands are 60–96 inches long and 30–42 inches wide. A common, functional size is 72″ x 36″. The ideal size depends on your kitchen dimensions and how you plan to use the island.
Yes, with proper plumbing and electrical work. Adding a sink creates a second work zone and typically costs an additional $2,000–$4,000. It requires plumbing lines under the floor, proper venting, and GFCI electrical outlets.
Typically $8,000–$30,000+ based on size, materials, features, and customization level. Basic islands start around $4,000, mid-range islands run $8,000-$15,000, and high-end custom islands with premium features can exceed $30,000.
Yes, a well-designed kitchen island can increase kitchen value by up to 15% with 70–85% ROI. Beyond financial returns, islands dramatically improve kitchen usability and are highly desirable to potential buyers.
Quartz is the most popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance. Granite, marble, and butcher block are also excellent options depending on your style preferences and how you’ll use the island.
Both approaches work beautifully. Matching cabinets offers a classic, cohesive look, while contrasting colors or finishes create a stylish focal point. The choice depends on your design vision and kitchen style.
Join hundreds of satisfied San Diego homeowners who have transformed their kitchens with custom islands from First Choice Home Builders. From concept to completion, we’re with you every step of the way.
