Cost Guides & Permits
What building actually costs here
Real numbers and straight answers for building in San Jose and the surrounding cities — written by the people doing the work, not by a marketing agency. If a number looks high, it's because Bay Area construction is high, and we'd rather you know now.
How to Build an ADU in San Jose: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything from feasibility and permits to utilities and final inspection — what building an accessory dwelling unit in San Jose actually involves.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in San Jose? (2026)
Ground-up new construction in San Jose starts around $500 per square foot, plus site work and soft costs. What sits inside that number and what does not.
Home Addition Cost in San Jose: 2026 Price Guide
What a room addition or second story actually costs in San Jose, and which structural factors move the number most.
ADU vs. Home Addition: Which Adds More Value in the Bay Area?
A detached ADU and an addition solve different problems. Which one pencils depends on your lot, your utilities and what you're trying to get out of it.
How Long Does New Construction Take in San Jose? (Permits + Timeline)
Permitting alone can run months before a shovel moves. A realistic timeline for a ground-up build in San Jose, phase by phase.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in San Jose? (2026)
San Jose kitchen remodels run roughly $30K–$45K, $45K–$65K, and $65K–$120K+ for a full gut. See the 2026 cost factors.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in San Jose? (2026)
What a San Jose bathroom remodel actually costs, why we hold a $20K floor, and the waterproofing question to ask any bid that comes in under it.
Cost to Build an ADU in San Jose: Prices + Fee Waivers (2026)
What an ADU actually costs in San Jose, why the per-square-foot math misleads on small units, and how the state impact-fee waiver under 750 sq ft works.
Do I Need a Permit to Remodel My Kitchen or Bathroom in San Jose?
In San Jose, cosmetic like-for-like kitchen and bath work is often permit-exempt, but plumbing, electrical, structural or layout changes require a permit.
Got a project in mind?
Book a 30-minute discovery call and we'll tell you what's realistic — scope, budget and timeline — whether or not we're the right builder for it.