Since its humble beginnings in 1987, Kitchens Plus in La Mesa stands as one of the premier kitchen and bathroom remodeling contractors serving San Diego and its surrounding communities. Operating for more than 30 years, they have proven time and time again their work consists of delivering quality designs and construction implemented with unparalleled professionalism.
Matt Barns, President of Kitchens Plus, started as a designer in 1994 with a background in architectural design. From there, he quickly rose through the ranks as the store manager to general manager then shortly after to Vice President. In 2000, Barns began to take control of most of the company’s operations and in 2007 he took ownership of the company. Since then, Kitchens Plus has grown and refined their art into what it is today. Named one of the top 500 remodeling businesses in the United States by Qualified Remodeler Magazine, they have gained huge traction and respect in the county for their exceptional and uncompromised work. They stand behind their mission of “making your remodeling experience an enjoyable one, the way it should be.”
Barns, a native of La Mesa and a graduate of Helix High School in the Class of 1992, grew up in the community his entire life. When asked about having his business based so close to home he said, “It’s awesome, and I never thought that would happen. I went to school in Santa Barbara and thought I’d end up in Montana or Idaho or somewhere in the Northwest. My roots and my family were here so back to San Diego I came. It’s neat to think that I work down the street from where I grew up. I used to walk by this empty lot to go to school every morning. This used to be a hair salon, and in high school and college I used to get my haircut here.”
Since 1987, Kitchens Plus has completed more than 1,500 unique remodels throughout San Diego. A big factor that makes Barns’ company so special is the number of customers that either come back for more remodels or refer more clients to the business.
“It’s funny,” says Barns. “We just had two clients that 30 years ago we remodeled their kitchens during the first year we were in business and 30 years later, we went back and did remodeled second kitchens in the same houses.”
Consistency is a great word to describe Barns’ company; through 30-plus years not only have they consistently gained admiration and recognition for the jobs they have done around the city, but they have also found much consistency in their workforce. Some of the original designers and employees from the first years of the company are still working at Kitchens Plus. Especially in an industry that sees its employees move around every 3-5 years or so, Barns’ group has mostly stayed intact with only more talent and experience coming in.
“We’ve been around long enough; our stronghold and footing are deep so we can stay in the industry. I think what appeals to people is that we have that long reputation, thousands of references to give our clients, as well as the fact that I can say we have designers and crews on staff.”
Those thinking about a remodel can visit the Kitchens Plus website at kitchensplussd.com or visit either of their showrooms at 7943 University Ave in La Mesa or at 7160 Miramar Road in Miramar. You can contact them at (619) 466-5100 to learn more about their services as well as schedule a free consultation.