You have reached the right page on where to find information about:
- Permits
- Tools
- Supplies
Do I Need A Permit?
Small Repairs? Cosmetic Work? No. Everything Else? Yes
Check with your local building department listed below.
Where do you live?
County of san diego
General County Information
(858) 694-3900
County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
city of san diego
City Administration Building
202 C St.
San Diego, CA 92101
City Information Center: (619) 236-5555
city of chula vista
Development Services
276 Fourth Avenue Building B
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619)691-5272
city of Escondido
City Hall, First Floor
201 North Broadway
Escondido, CA 92025
(760)839-4646
city imperial beach
City Hall
825 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 423-8300
city of La mesa
Building Division
8130 Allison Avenue
La Mesa, CA 91942
Ph: 619-667-1176 (Main)
national city
city of poway
city of santee
Department of Development Services
10601 Magnolia Avenue,
Santee, CA 92071
(619) 258-4100, extension 167
where do i get tools?
Of course the big box stores will have all of the standard tools you will need. We have the links to the the big box stores in the next section "Where Do I Get My Supplies?".
Some specialty tools can only be purchased at specialty stores. If you are having trouble locating a certain tool, click the contact button below, and we will help you find the tool.
harbor freight
Check their website for a location near you. We recommend you sign up for the email discount list. They have good sales on most major Holidays.
If you are a professional, some of their tools will not stand up to everyday use. They also carry some supplies, such as coil nails for their roofing nailer. If you purchase these items on any sale, their prices can’t be beat!
Dixieline Lumber & home center
Sometimes they go by “Pro-Build”. Check their website for a location near you.
They have some of the harder to find tools, or can also order them. We find most of our door tools here, such as the Porter Cable jig for hinges.
hd supply - whitecap
Known as WhiteCap, this will be one of the best places for high quality tools. They have a large selection of bigger tools, such as jack hammers, miter saws and drills.
This store is mostly shopped by contractors, but they do sell to the general public. Check their website for a location near you.
Grainger
Check their website for a location near you. If you can think of it, they can probably get it!
Not a store for browsing. The lobby is usually small and almost everything must be ordered. But, ordered items come in quickly and you usually do not have to pay until the item comes in!
amazon
We have been amazed at what we have found on Amazon. This will be the last place we look, that way we order exactly what we want.
Some other stores may price match Amazon, in case you do not want to wait for shipping.
where do i get supplies?
The toughest part of buying supplies, is getting them to your home. Most supply stores will deliver, for a fee. Some will waive the fee if you buy the materials from them. Don't be afraid to ask for free delivery and be sure to allow the extra time delay for delivery.
Some specialty supplies can be difficult to locate. If you are having trouble locating certain supplies, click the contact button below, and we will help you find what you need.
Dixieline Lumber & home center
Sometimes they go by “Pro-Build”. Check their website for a location near you.
The great aspect of this store…drive-in lumber yard!. Plus, they always have plenty of yard men that will help you load up.
harbor freight
Check their website for a location near you. We recommend you sign up for the email discount list. They have good sales on most major Holidays.
If ever we buy tools that needs supplies, buy those here too. Welding wire, nails, and gloves are regular purchases for us. If you purchase these items on any sale, their prices can’t be beat!
hd supply - whitecap
Known as WhiteCap, this will be one of the best places for herder to get supplies. They have a large selection Simpson connectors for additions, decking and fencing.
This store is mostly shopped by contractors, but they do sell to the general public. Check their website for a location near you.
e. b. bradley co.
Check website for locations. This company specializes in hardware and surfacing materials.
Hardware would include inside cabinet devices, drawer slides, hinges etc. We purchase all of our Formica products from them when we build a hard surface counter top.
Fashion Cabinets
Fashion Cabinets has a very wide selection of cabinets including wood species and finishes.
We do not yet have a showroom for Fashion Cabinets in San Diego. Contact us at (619)443-3725 and we will bring you any door sample.
Grainger
Check their website for a location near you. If you can think of it, they can probably get it!
We usually locate electronics supplies here. Latest purchase was a new igniter for a gas fireplace. Usually everything must be ordered. But, ordered items come in quickly and you usually do not have to pay until the item comes in!
J & B materials
A company mostly for contractors. They sell drywall, insulation, steel stud framing and drop ceiling materials.
If the order is large enough, they will deliver. The prices are usually lower then the big box stores. Check their website for locations.
Home Depot
Of course, we all probably have been in a Home Depot store. They will usually have home remodel supplies in stock.
Tip – If you are getting a lot of heavy stuff, grab the sku number, pay at the register, and they will bring it out to you.
Lowe's
Not as many locations as Home Depot, so check there website for information.
Lowe’s will usually have a larger selection and displays of cabinets, lighting and appliances. You will still need to push that large cart around the store.