Situated 27 miles south of San Francisco and the jewel of Northern California’s Bay Area, Redwood City, CA, is a beautiful area to raise a family, seek adventure, or find a place to slow down and relax after retirement.
With a median home price of around $1.8 million, adding square footage onto your existing place makes financial sense, rather than competing for overpriced homes in a tricky market.
The team at Clever Design & Remodeling is here to Enhance Your Space and guide you through the whole process, from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough with your contracting team.
From a minor primary bathroom remodel to a whole home addition, our professional team will pay extra attention to all project details!
Maximizing Space: Home Renovations That Add Square Footage
Your once spacious home is starting to feel claustrophobic, and you are left with the age-old question: Should I take advantage of the skills and knowledge of local contractors or sell my current home and look for a property that meets my growing family’s needs?
When you weigh the pros and cons of each decision, you will quickly realize that a home renovation makes a lot more financial and logistical sense.
Here are a few of the many reasons why you should stay put rather than house hunting:
- Customization: If you love the idea of making a space your own but can’t afford the cost of custom homes, a custom home addition is a great alternative.
- Avoid the hassle: Skip house hunting and worrying about rising interest rates. Instead, make your current space work for you with Luxurious Bathroom Remodeling.
- A great return on investment: Several renovation projects have a fantastic ROI, from a simple kitchen remodel to adding a guest room!
Elevate Your Home: Home Improvements That Add Square Footage
Home remodeling in Redwood City is a major financial decision, and the addition of square footage will also alter your home’s exterior and interior appearance.
Your general contractor will work closely with you to determine the best way to thoughtfully add square footage to your Redwood City home.
We guarantee your home will look amazing, and the addition will increase its value!
If extra room is secondary to raising the value of your home, consider these home construction projects to get the most bang for your renovation dollars:
- New bathroom addition: Keep costs down while still maintaining a great return on investment by adding a half-bathroom or powder room rather than a full bathroom.
- Deck addition: Elevate Your Outdoor Living with a new wood deck with one of the highest ROIs of any exterior project.
- Kitchen remodels/additions: A minor kitchen remodel or addition has a return on investment of over 85%, making it one of the smartest renovations to your Redwood City property.
- Extra bedroom addition: An extra room can be anything from another bedroom for your growing family to your dream home office.
Navigating the Remodeling Process: Insider Tips and Tricks
Depending on the size and scale of your remodeling project, the entire process might take several weeks or even several months.
Starting your project off on the right foot and ensuring you are working with a quality team is critical, but there are other ways you can get through the remodeling process without pulling out your hair, including:
- Find the right contractors in Redwood City: Start looking for a great contractor at least six to eight weeks before your intended construction start date. This will give you enough time to vet contractors and create a design plan.
- Establish realistic goals: Define your goals and determine your priorities. For example, if you are having another baby, you would benefit more from a nursery or another bathroom.
- Create a budget: Work with your project manager and contractors to create a budget you can live with. As a rule, do not spend more than 10%-15% of your home’s value on a single addition or renovation project.
- Manage the timeline: Your contractor will provide you with a projected timeline. Making definitive design choices and remaining in constant contact will help your crew maintain this timeline.
- Prepare for unexpected delays: Material availability, budget constraints, unforeseen weather events, and personal issues can all alter your timeline.
From Blueprint to Reality: Unveiling the Remodeling Process
No two remodeling projects or families are alike, but there is a timeline you can expect to follow during your Redwood City home addition journey:
- Formulate a budget
- Hire contractors
- Design and planning
- Demolition
- Framing/building
- Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical
- Walls/Flooring/Cabinets/Appliances
- Finishing touches
Cracking the Code: Understanding Building Codes in Redwood City
Redwood City, CA, follows the 2019 California Residential Codes, which covers various design, construction, and safety standards.
Any resident who wants to enlarge, significantly alter, demolish, or perform any renovations that change the home’s occupancy must obtain the proper building permits, including separate permits for demolition and mechanical upgrades.
Your contractors will help you obtain the permits to ensure that any upgrades you are making to the structure and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC changes are legal.
Unveiling the Details: Home Remodeling Project Breakdown
Are you ready to turn your dreams of a home remodeling project into a reality?
The Best General Contractors in Redwood City, we will start the process by providing you with a free quote on all renovation projects, including the cost of labor and materials.
We will also discuss the estimated project timeline and provide a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
The process starts with the initial consultation, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
We will discuss the reason for the remodel and your project goals to gain a better understanding of your expectations.
Next, we will assign you a project manager and help you create a budget, depending on the type and number of projects.
During the project development phase, your team will help you choose materials, from cabinets and floors to fixtures and door handles.
Once all decisions are made, a projected start date to begin construction will be determined, and your vision will be realized with the help of your fantastic design and construction team!
Building Beyond Boundaries: Exploring New Construction (ADU)
Between 2016 and 2022, a whopping 83,865 accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, were permitted throughout California!
An accessory dwelling unit is a legally separate living space attached or detached from your property.
There are four main types of ADUs:
- Attached: An ADU that shares at least one wall with the main property. In Redwood City, an attached ADU cannot exceed 50% of the main home’s square footage.
- Detached: Also known as a backyard cottage or granny pod, a detached unit is a completely separate unit that doesn’t share any walls with the main house.
- Conversion: Converting a basement, attic, or garage into a separate living space is a great way to construct a legally recognized ADU if you are on a budget.
- Junior ADU: An attached or detached ADU less than 500 square feet.
Every city and county in California, including Redwood City, has rules and regulations regarding the construction of ADUs.
For example, the city provides pre-reviewed and approved building plans, speeding up the process and helping you save money on design costs.
One-bedroom ADUs can be up to 850 square feet, and a two-bedroom can be up to 1,000 square feet.
Let us help you Unlock Extra Space with ADUs by assisting you through every step of the design and construction process!
Revitalize Your Retreat: Bathroom Remodeling Insights
The average bathroom remodeling project has a high return on investment, making it one of the wisest uses of your renovation dollars.
Ensure your bathroom looks fantastic and is a successful financial venture by knowing where to splurge and where to save:
- Splurge on the vanity: Purchase a high-quality vanity complete with a natural stone countertop. Granite, marble, and quartz are great options for the bathroom.
- Save on fixtures: Polished chrome, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze are great modern options that will make your bathroom look high-end without ever breaking the bank.
- Splurge on the flooring: Natural stone is perfect for bathrooms. If you want to splurge but don’t have a massive budget, high-end porcelain tiles can mimic the look of stone for a fraction of the cost.
- Save on the toilet: Modern toilets can last decades and easily be cleaned and repurposed.
Cooking Up Innovation: Kitchen Remodel Bump Out
Otherwise known as micro-additions, a bump out is a smaller addition that saves you money while expanding the space.
Depending on your needs, the bump out can be as tiny as two to three feet or as much as 15 feet and is the perfect way to increase the size of your kitchen without breaking the bank.
We can help you find fun and creative ways to Revitalize Your Kitchen!
For example, additional storage, a breakfast nook, or a kitchen island are all great ways to maximize your square footage and will be attractive to potential buyers.
Unlocking Extra Space: Adding a Bedroom to Your Home
A bedroom addition is another wise investment, especially if you plan on expanding your family or an older family member is moving into your home.
In addition to constructing a new bedroom or guest room from scratch, you have other options to convert the existing space in your home.
For example, consider converting another room in your home, such as the garage, attic, or basement, into a legal bedroom.
In Redwood City, for a space to be classified legally as a bedroom, the ceiling must be at least seven feet high, and the room must be at least 50 square feet and have an escape route, such as a window.
Instead of making your kids share a single large bedroom, add a wall, a separate entrance, and a closet, which essentially splits one ample space into two separate legal bedrooms.
Choosing Wisely: Comparing Contractor Quotes
Finding the right contractor is the first step in any successful addition or renovation project.
There are hundreds of contracting and design firms throughout the Bay Area, so how do you find a reputable team that will understand your vision while keeping the project’s total cost under control?
Compare quotes to ensure you get a great price, but the free estimate can also help you find a good contractor while weeding out unscrupulous charlatans.
Budget-Friendly Planning: Leveraging Free Estimates
Free estimates are the hallmark of great contractors, and you can take advantage of those no-cost quotes to help you save cash on your remodeling project.
Your designer and contractor will work tirelessly to ensure you do not break your budget and will offer you several tips and tricks for getting more out of your renovation.
For example, one of the most common mistakes homeowners make is changing the room’s layout.
This involves rerouting plumbing and adding new electrical, which are unnecessary costs that will significantly impact your bottom line.
You can also haggle with your contractors in Redwood City, saving you money on labor costs!
Experience Matters: Opting for Professional Service
Whether you are having your home completely remodeled or updating a single space, the key to your success is working closely with an experienced team of designers, artisans, and contractors.
Asking the right questions is always paramount to finding a great local firm.
Here are a handful of questions to ask during your initial interview or consultation:
- How long have you been serving the Redwood City area?
- What is the payment schedule?
- How do you handle accidents or complaints?
- Do you provide a warranty?
- Are you properly licensed and insured?
Simplify Your Search: Finding the Right General Contractors
Narrowing your options is a great starting point and a lot easier than you might think!
Follow these simple tips to start your search for the perfect Redwood City, CA, general contractors:
- Ask trusted friends and family for recommendations: Talk to loved ones who recently worked with a design firm and ask about their experience.
- Check online reviews: Look for negative and positive reviews on trusted sites, including Trustpilot, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau.
- Inquire about references: Ask for references from past satisfied customers.
Locating the Best: How to Find Local Contractors in Redwood City
Receive free estimates from your top three to five candidates.
Here is what should be included in the estimate:
- Project details and description
- Total cost
- Cost breakdown of labor and materials
- Contact information
- Payment terms
Finding the right contractors can be an exhaustive experience.
Instead of scouring the internet or scheduling interviews, save yourself precious time and work with an experienced crew who can offer you Complete Home Remodeling Solutions, Clever Design & Remodeling!
Questions About Room Additions
Is a home addition worth it?
The answer is “yes,” but several factors must be considered to ensure a wise investment.
For example, Research the potential ROI vs the average cost of a project, specifically in the San Francisco area, to ensure you don’t overpay.
There is such a thing as “over-improving” your house and spending far too much on renovations, which can actually increase your home’s value far higher than comparable neighborhood properties.
This can make it challenging to sell your home in the future.
Is it cheaper to build a house or add additions in Redwood City?
Even if you have your entire home remodeled, it is typically more cost-effective to plan an addition rather than build a new home from scratch.
Consider these reasons why it is better to expand your existing home rather than buy a different property or build a custom home:
- You love your current neighborhood.
- You have enough property space to build out.
- Your home is structurally sound enough to build up.
- You don’t have the budget to build a custom property.
How much does it cost to add 1,000 square feet to a house in Redwood City?
There are several different types of home addition projects, and the addition size is only one factor to consider.
For example, your local zoning requirements, the type of addition, and the cost of materials will also influence how much you will spend to add 1,000 square feet onto your Redwood City, CA, property.
If you are concerned about your budget, contact a professional for a free estimate, including the anticipated costs of your addition.
How much does an addition cost per square foot in Redwood City?
From gasoline to groceries and even real estate, living costs in the San Francisco Bay Area are consistently higher than most other cities in the United States.
The same holds true for adding square footage to your home.
A room addition costs anywhere from $450 to $750 per square foot.
Of course, there are ways to keep your costs down.
Adhere to your original design and do not change your vision during your renovation, including purchasing different materials or painting the walls a different color.
This will slow down the renovation and take a large chunk out of your materials budget.
Think smaller, and instead of a new addition, consider a bump out, which adds square footage for far less money.
Not sure which project will benefit your family and home’s value?
Check out our Home Additions Guide.
How do I design an addition to my house in Redwood City?
Attention to detail is the key to planning a successful home addition project.
Unlike other design firms in Redwood City, CA, we provide our customers with access to 3D design technology.
A two-dimensional blueprint can be complicated for a homeowner to conceptualize.
A 3D model makes the renovation or addition project come to life.
Three-dimensional renderings also help prevent minor mistakes from becoming severe issues during construction and allow you to communicate more effectively with the team.
Recent Reviews of Our Home Remodeling Projects in Redwood City
The best remodeling contractors in Redwood City!
“Clever are the best remodeling contractors in Redwood City!
I’ve worked with other companies, including Icon Home Builders, but none compared to the teamwork and collaborative spirit I experienced.
My main bathroom is fantastic, and I cannot wait to start on my next home remodeling job!”
I am in love with my full home remodel!
“From the contractors to the project manager, the guys at Clever helped me through every step of remodeling my kitchen and master bath.
The team was responsive and professional, and the whole experience was stress-free.
When you work closely with such a fantastic group, you feel like part of the process.”
The entire process was seamless!
“I had my kitchen remodeled last year, and the entire experience was terrific!
The home remodeling contractors listened to all my concerns, and I cannot wait to work with them again.
If you live in Redwood City, do yourself a favor and hire this fantastic firm.”
My bathroom is the envy of my family!
“I love my new space and feel like all my stress melts away whenever I enter my master bathroom.
Home renovations can be stressful, but the team at Clever made the entire process fun!
The contractors were available to answer all my questions, and the job was finished within budget.”
Clever Design did a fantastic job on my kitchen remodel!
“The team was incredibly responsive, and I couldn’t believe the experience was stress-free!
My general contractor was terrific, and the project was seamless.
My kitchen is finally functional, and my kids love the new breakfast nook.”
Bathroom remodeling doesn’t have to be expensive!
“A friend in San Jose recommended Clever, and I am so happy I listened!
The contractors were professional, and the whole experience was very positive.
My new guest bathroom is so warm and inviting, and I am already planning to add a third bedroom next year.”
Good service at a great price!
“As a former Silicon Valley resident who had a bad experience with contractors in the past, I was worried about finding a new team to add a second bathroom to my Redwood City home.
I am impressed with the high-quality work Clever did and I would recommend this fantastic design and construction firm to all my friends and family.”
The team at Clever Design goes the extra mile!
“Clever is a first-rate business that helped me through every stage of my kitchen renovation, from the original design to the final walkthrough.
I was considering building a custom home, but now that my kitchen is so inviting, I will stay put for many years!”
My Redwood City, CA, kitchen and bathroom are unique!
“After months of looking for the perfect design and construction firm, my Aunt recommended Clever! The remodeling project was stress-free, and I love my fantastic bathroom.
Clever should be your first and only call if you are planning a master or guest bathroom remodeling project!”
The best remodeling contractors in the Bay Area!
“From the first phone call to the demolition and finishing touches, Clever did everything in a timely manner.
Working with this fantastic team helped me realize that home remodeling in Redwood City, CA, doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive.”
