Today we’d like to introduce you to Igor Kozak.
Hi Igor, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in the home improvement world, working as a salesperson and a managing crews for a large remodelling company. Over time, I worked my way up to managing the San Diego branch and others, leading a full team of salespeople, production, managing projects and training, building strategies, and helping scale the business. That experience taught me a lot — not just about home improvement, but about relationships, about processes, how to lead, and how to truly understand what clients are looking for and deliver only the best!
As I gained more experience, I realized I had my own vision for how things could be done. I wanted to bring my personal touch, my approach to service, and my ability to really connect with clients into a business that felt more like a partnership than a process. That’s how First Choice Home Builders came to life.
I started this company to show that the construction and remodeling process doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. We focus on being clear, responsive, and truly present for our clients. I’m hands-on from the start — meeting in person, walking through ideas, and making sure the client feels confident and informed every step of the way. We’re not just building homes — we’re building trust.
Today we handle everything from kitchens and bathrooms to ADUs, additions, and full remodels. But what really sets us apart is the way we treat people — with care, respect, and full transparency. That’s what I believe makes the difference.
First Choice Home Builders is a truly one stop shop for the customer and a project A-Z without any hustling, unnecessary frustration and with a clear path.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road — but that’s part of building something real. Starting First Choice Home Builders was one of the best decisions I’ve made, but it came with plenty of challenges.
A lot of people think they work hard at their jobs — and they probably do — but when you start your own company, it’s a whole different level. You don’t clock out. You’re working early mornings, late nights, weekends — not because you have to, but because you care that much. You’re the one holding it all together, making sure every detail is right — from the sales and site visits to managing crews, scheduling jobs, pulling permits, running payroll, and making sure the office and field are operating smoothly.
We manage multiple jobs, oversee employees, handle customer relationships, and make sure every client still gets a personal, professional experience. The most important thing for us is earning the trust of clients, but I can assure you, that once we work with a customer, this customer will be our customer for many years.
We are growing, and the challenges are also growing and shifting — it’s about maintaining quality, keeping things organized, and continuing to deliver at a high level no matter how busy we get.
But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve learned more in the last few years than I ever expected — and I’m still learning every day. It’s tough, but it’s also exciting, rewarding, and constantly pushing me to grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of First Choice Home Builders. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At First Choice Home Builders, we specialize in residential remodeling and construction throughout San Diego. We handle a wide range of projects — full kitchen and bathroom remodels, ADUs, garage conversions, additions, patio covers, siding, decking, and more. From smaller upgrades to full-scale renovations, we take pride in delivering high-quality work with a personal touch.
What sets us apart is the way we approach the customer experience. We’re not just here to build or remodel — we’re here to guide, educate, and support the homeowner every step of the way. From the first phone call to the final walk-through, we stay hands-on, responsive, and focused on making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Clients meet directly with me and their personal projects manager — not a pushy sales rep or a call center. We walk the property together, discuss the vision, and come up with the best solution for the client’s needs, budget, and timeline. I believe communication and trust are just as important as the actual construction work — and our clients feel that.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the reputation we’re building. People know us for being dependable, honest, and easy to work with — and in this industry, that goes a long way. Most of our work comes from referrals, repeat clients, and word-of-mouth — which to me says everything.
We’re not trying to be the biggest, we are local for a reason — we’re focused on being the most trusted. If someone is looking for a contractor who actually shows up, listens, delivers on promises, and truly cares about the final result — that’s who we are.
What’s next?
We have big plans for the future of First Choice Home Builders. The goal is to continue expanding — not just in size, but in the quality and range of services we offer. We’re working on growing our team, taking on larger projects, and building out systems that allow us to take care of more clients while still keeping that personal touch we’re known for.
I’m also investing in better tools and technology — from 3D design visuals to digital project tracking — so that we can make the remodeling process even smoother and more transparent for homeowners. The plan is to provide more in-house solutions, so our clients don’t have to coordinate between multiple companies. We want to be their one-stop-shop for everything from design and permitting to construction and final finishes.
I’m looking forward to building a brand that not only delivers great work, but also sets a new standard for what people expect from a contractor — clear communication, real accountability, and a client-first approach.
Long term, a design studio and a bigger showroom is something we plan, to grow our presence throughout Southern California, and keep building a team of professionals who are passionate, skilled, and take pride in their craft.
We’re just getting started — and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1homebuilders.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchoicehomebuilders_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/First-Choice-Home-Builders/61577765343195/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstChoiceHomeBuilders
