Straight answers to the questions we hear most often from Bay Area homeowners.
Every project is different, and cost depends on the scope of work, materials, condition of your home, and your city's permit fees. Whole-home remodels in the Bay Area typically range from $250 to $500+ per square foot. Kitchen remodels can range widely depending on layout changes, cabinetry, and finishes. We provide detailed, transparent estimates after a free consultation so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees, no surprises.
New construction in the Bay Area typically costs between $400 and $800+ per square foot for the build itself, depending on design complexity, site conditions, and finish level. That does not include land, architectural fees, permits, or site work. Total project costs for a 2,500 sq ft custom home can range from $1.2 million to $2 million+. We walk you through a detailed budget during the planning phase.
Most construction work beyond cosmetic updates requires a building permit. This includes structural changes, electrical work, plumbing modifications, HVAC installation, additions, ADUs, and new construction. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring replacement, and cabinet refacing typically does not require permits. We handle the entire permit process for every project we take on.
Timelines vary by scope. Kitchen remodels usually take 8 to 16 weeks. Bathroom remodels run 4 to 10 weeks. Whole-home remodels take 3 to 8 months of active construction. Add 1 to 3 months for design and permitting. We provide a detailed project schedule before work begins, and we keep you updated if anything changes.
ADU construction in the Bay Area typically takes 6 to 12 months total, including the permitting phase. Permit processing usually takes 2 to 4 months depending on the city, and construction runs 4 to 8 months depending on size and complexity. Garage conversions are typically faster since the shell already exists.
New home construction typically takes 10 to 18 months from design through completion. The design and permitting phase usually accounts for 3 to 6 months, and active construction runs 8 to 14 months. Timelines depend on home size, site complexity, permit processing times, and weather conditions.
An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a self-contained living space on your existing property. It can be a detached structure, an attached addition, or a garage conversion. Under current California law, most single-family residential properties are eligible for an ADU. Recent legislation has removed many barriers including parking requirements, lot size minimums, and excessive setback rules. We can assess your specific property during a free consultation.
Yes. We hold an active California Contractors State License (CSLB License ##1097793) which you can verify anytime on the CSLB website at cslb.ca.gov. We carry full general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage. We're happy to provide proof of insurance before any contract is signed.
Yes, completely. We prepare all permit applications, coordinate with architects and engineers for required plans, submit everything to the city, manage the plan check and revision process, schedule all inspections during construction, and handle any issues that come up. You don't have to deal with the building department at all.
We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Hayward, Concord, Berkeley, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Livermore, Milpitas, Daly City, Union City, and surrounding communities. See our service areas page for a full list.
It starts with a free consultation where we visit your property, listen to your goals, and discuss what's realistic. From there, we develop a scope of work and provide a detailed written estimate. Once you approve, we move into design and permitting. After permits are issued, construction begins with a clear schedule and regular updates. We finish with a thorough final walkthrough where we go through every detail together. Nothing gets signed off until you're satisfied.
It depends on the scope of work. For kitchen and bathroom remodels, you can usually stay in the home with some inconvenience. For whole-home remodels, it depends on whether the work can be phased to maintain livable conditions. For projects that involve major structural work, foundation repairs, or full system replacements, it's often more practical (and sometimes required by code) to live elsewhere during certain phases. We discuss this during the planning stage so you can prepare.
