About Us

Three decades on San Diego job sites — now building homes for the families who live in them.

Photo of Ernesto — coming soon
Meet the Founder

Ernesto Moreno

For more than 26 years, Ernesto Moreno has made his living building San Diego. He started in 1998 as a laborer with DA Whitacre Construction, learned carpentry on the job, and steadily earned his way up — leadman by 2001, and foreman by 2004, running materials, equipment, and crews on some of the region's largest projects.

In 2024, Ernesto founded 21M Construction Co. to build directly for homeowners. For him the reward is personal — there's nothing better than handing a family the place where they'll put down roots and grow.

  • 26+ years in construction across San Diego County.
  • Learned on the tools — laborer, carpenter, leadman, foreman, and now owner.
  • Residential focus — custom homes, framing, and ADUs.
The Journey

A career built from the ground up

Ernesto didn't start in an office — he started with a hammer. Here's the path that shaped how 21M builds.

1998

On the tools

Joined DA Whitacre Construction as a laborer and trained up as a carpenter.

2001

Leadman

Took the lead on crews, coordinating the day-to-day work in the field.

2004

Foreman

Managed materials, equipment, and crews on large-scale commercial projects.

2024

Founded 21M

Started 21M Construction Co. to build custom homes, framing, and ADUs for local families.

Proven Experience

Landmark projects San Diego knows

Over his career, Ernesto helped build and renovate some of the region's most recognizable destinations.

SeaWorld San Diego

Large-scale attraction and facility construction.

Safari Park

Facilities for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Manta at SeaWorld

Construction on the signature Manta coaster.

Hotel del Coronado

Remodel work at the historic Coronado landmark.

Our Promise

How we work with you

21M is built on the reputation Ernesto earned over 26 years — and every project carries the same standard.

Fair to work with

Honest, straightforward pricing and clear communication from the first estimate to the final walkthrough.

Responsible

Licensed, bonded, and insured — with an owner who's accountable for the quality on every job.

On-time delivery

Realistic schedules and the crew to hit them — your project finishes when we say it will.

Team photo — coming soon
The Crew

A core team that stays together

21M isn't a rotating cast of subcontractors. A dedicated crew of 8–10 skilled craftsmen works every project together — so the people on your job already know how to build to Ernesto's standard.

That consistency is what keeps our quality high from the first framing nail to the final finish.

Build with a team that's earned it

From a single ADU to a ground-up custom home, let's talk about your project. Free estimates, no pressure.