San Jose Homeowner’s Guide to Remodeling in 2023-2024

Did you know that in 2022, 77% of homeowners surveyed planned at least one home remodeling project?

Home remodeling is not only a great way to refresh your interior and point of view; it is a must if you are planning on selling your home in this competitive housing market.

Want an insider view of remodeling your San Jose, CA, home?

At Clever Design & Remodeling, we don’t mean to brag, but we are arguably the best general contractors in San Jose who just happen to offer some of the most competitive prices in the Bay Area.

San Jose Remodeling 101: Where to Start Your Remodeling Journey

Any journey, whether several thousand steps or seeking high-quality remodeling services from top San Jose general contractors, starts with a hesitant first step.

Before you become too overwhelmed, realize that most home renovation services in San Jose are incredibly straightforward and follow a very familiar and reliable timeline.

Start With Formulating a Budget

If you have grandiose dreams on a shoestring budget, it can be difficult to create realistic final results without emptying your bank account.

Instead, create a realistic budget based on not only how much you can afford to spend on your remodeling projects but also how the estimated return on investment, or ROI, will impact your home’s value.

For example, if you live in a modest neighborhood, you do not want to over-improve your home.

What this means is basically, you can invest too much money in your home, resulting in a home value that is heads above the value of your neighbor’s home.

Instead, invest a modest amount that will positively impact your home’s value without causing the value to skyrocket way above similar listings in your neighborhood.

Aren’t sure how to create a realistic budget? Request a virtual consultation today to start crunching the numbers with a licensed home remodeling contractor.

Request A Consultation: It’s Free

Speaking of consultations, the next step is to speak with a professional about your remodeling or new construction project.

What can you expect during this initial free consultation?

A free estimate on all aspects of the renovation – including labor and materials.

A dedicated team that wants to know how to make your dream home a reality.

Discuss the finer points of the project, including preliminary timelines, your goals, and design priorities.

Remember, always seek out at least three to four price estimates from local contractors.

Comparison shopping is not only a great way to find the best prices on your remodel project, but it can also help you flesh out your design and see the entire project from different design perspectives.

However, remember, when you search the term “home remodel San Jose” on your laptop or phone, look for the name Clever Design & Remodeling.

Our years in business, coupled with our fantastic team of designers, means we have the experience and skills to complete even the most extensive, complicated remodeling project.

Do I Need a Home Assessment?

Many homeowners overlook one crucial aspect of their home renovation project: A home assessment.

During the structural assessment, a professional will examine your roof, siding, plumbing, electrical, and foundation to determine whether upgrades or repairs are required.

No successful renovation can occur if your home has any major structural issues.

Locals Recently Requested These Hot Interior Renovation Trends

You are ready to start transforming your Bay Area home – but you lack one essential aspect of planning a successful home renovation: Inspiration.

Whether you are planning modest kitchen and bathroom remodels or want to completely gut and renovate your entire home, following the latest trends is the perfect way to create a modern space that will also appeal to potential buyers.

Sustainable Materials Throughout the Home

Opt for sustainable materials throughout your entire space – from your new bathroom to your child’s bedroom, basement remodel, or kitchen remodel.

What makes a material “sustainable?”

For a material to be labeled as “sustainable,” the harvesting and use of the material must have a minimal environmental impact.

Some of the hottest sustainable materials for your San Jose, California, home include bamboo, adobe, bio-plastics, stainless steel, and even coconut!

Distinctive Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen islands and shades of creamy white still dominate the kitchen remodel trends for 2023 – and have been for many years.

What has changed is the use of color in kitchens, including more natural earth tones, such as terra cotta.

Instead of using marble as the natural stone for your countertops or floors, consider a marble backsplash and butcher block or stainless countertops.

Many Bay Area homeowners are ditching upper cabinets in favor of bare walls or floating shelves.

Splurge on handmade details, including custom cabinetry, and save on faucets, light fixtures, and other minor finishing touches.

At Clever Design & Remodeling, we stay ahead of all the latest design trends and can help you craft an unforgettable kitchen remodel in San Jose, CA.

Follow the Curve

Stay off the straight and narrow, and instead, adopt a few curves throughout your home.

Curves, whether it be curved furniture, framed curved walls, curved edging, rounded beams, or a curved entryway, steering clear of sharp lines can create a calm and positive flow throughout your home.

Break Down the Barriers Between Your Home’s Interior and Exterior

One of the benefits of calling San Jose, CA, and the Bay Area home is that you enjoy the sunshine, clear signs, and beautiful weather throughout most of the year.

Home builders and remodeling contractors are seeing more requests for clever ways to link the interior and exterior of a house.

Creating a cohesive, integrated indoor and outdoor space is the perfect way to enjoy the impeccable San Jose climate.

For example, installing large sliding doors and utilizing the same flooring indoors and outdoors will trick the eye into believing the spaces are one.

Open up the existing space by knocking down a wall and adding design elements and furniture that provide flow between the indoor and outdoor space.

This could include extending your indoor seating into the outdoor space or countertops into a backyard courtyard.

Want to create a room addition that perfectly blends the indoors and outdoors?

When you look up “room addition San Jose,” keep an eye out for the amazing team at Clever Design & Remodeling!

Custom Multifunctional Spaces

Are you in desperate need of square footage, but your lot size is too small, or you simply don’t have the budget to include a room addition to your renovation budget?

Utilize the space you have by creating multifunctional rooms.

For example, create multifunctional zones in each space, using color, pattern, or texture to create a clear delineation between each zone.

This allows you to stretch your design budget while using simple design tricks to increase your property value.

How Much Will the Remodel Impact My Home’s Value?

Whether you upgrade your kitchen, add a bathroom, or opt for extensive exterior renovations, even a small project will impact your home’s value.

The return on investment, or ROI, is dependent on several factors.

For example, some remodeling projects traditionally have a higher ROI than others – including kitchen renovations, adding bathrooms or bedrooms, siding replacement, deck additions, or even something as simple as a new front door.

Use caution when choosing projects with a traditionally lower investment return, such as adding a backyard pool.

Are you feeling overwhelmed – the pros at Clever Design & Remodeling can help you understand how remodeling affects home value.

Local San Jose, CA, Home Remodeling Regulations

No matter the size and scope of your home remodeling project, you must follow the local San Jose, CA, building laws and regulations.

Luckily, when you work with Clever Design & Remodeling, you will have the privilege of working with a locally owned/operated business that is very familiar with the local building regulations.

Obtain the Necessary Building Permits

Did you know that in San Jose, CA, you will require a building permit for almost every home improvement project involving structural changes, or is it not simply “cosmetic?”

Even installing new appliances you may require a building permit in San Jose.

The rules and regulations regarding permits are constantly changing, so instead of making a mistake and accidentally improving your space without the necessary permits, let Clever Design & Remodeling help!

Your project manager will help you obtain the necessary permits to ensure your renovation or construction project is legally completed.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Remodel on Track

You’ve obtained multiple free price estimates from local contractors and are ready to start your home renovation project.

Unfortunately, unexpected hiccups and accidents can quickly derail your project.

Want to ensure your project remains on time and budget? Follow these simple tips:

Start the Process With a Clear Vision

Want to not only stay on task but also receive a more accurate estimate of the overall cost of your home renovation – Start with a clear vision.

Do your homework and work with our design team to create a top-notch, definite plan for your project.

Unlike other design and construction firms in the San Jose area, we are proud to utilize 3D technology, which can help you, as the homeowner, better understand the finished product.

Need some inspiration – check out our remodeling gallery and see the unique finished products from past customers!

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Are you working with the best kitchen remodeling contractors in San Jose?

If you hire the pros at Clever Design & Remodeling, you will – and you will be thankful when your questions are answered promptly.

Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need throughout the design and construction process to ensure you understand how your money is being spent.

Stick to Your Original Ideas and Budget

The quickest way to derail your home improvement or renovation project is to make last-minute changes to the design plan or your budget.

Instead, stick to that clear vision you created at the project’s onset to ensure it is completed as quickly as possible for as little money as possible.

Surviving Your Whole Home Renovations: How to Get Through Your Remodel Without Losing Your Mind!

Even a simple remodel can be very disruptive to your everyday life.

However, with the proper preparation, our interior designing team can do their thing without ultimately putting your life in upheaval!

For instance, if a significant renovation, such as a complete kitchen remodel, consider creating a temporary kitchen in another room – complete with a hot plate, air fryer, and your trusty coffee maker.

In the case of a whole-home remodel, you may want to consider spending time with friends and family or even enjoying an impromptu “staycation” at your favorite local hotel!

Accessory Dwelling Units: An Inexpensive Way to Generate Extra Income

You’ve heard of accessory dwelling units, or ADUS, but aren’t sure what they are or if you would benefit from them.

An ADU is an attached (converted garage or shed) or detached structure occupying the same lot as a primary residence.

There are several different types of ADUs, including detached ADUs, attached ADUs, junior ADUs, and even granny flats – which are ADUs constructed for the primary purpose of housing an elderly loved one.

There are several excellent benefits of ADUs, including as a simple, passive source of extra rental income.

Want the answer to the question “What is an accessory dwelling unit?” or do you want to learn about an ADU ROI – we can help!

ADU Vs. Home Remodel: Which is the Better Options for My Needs and Budget?

Although the distinction can be confusing – there are several differences between a San Jose-area home addition and an ADU.

The most significant distinction is that an ADU is legally considered an independent dwelling, even if attached to your main house.

You will require different permits for an ADU and a home addition, and each can legally be utilized for various purposes.

Yes, this isn’t very clear, which is why, to make a decision, you need the assistance of a renovation company familiar with ADU construction and the construction of a home addition.

At Clever Design & Remodeling, we will work to understand your needs and help you determine if you would benefit from a traditional addition or a San Jose ADU.

Common Questions Our Customers Ask

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom in the Bay Area?

The overall budget of a bathroom can vary greatly depending on where you live, the bathroom’s size, the project’s scope, and the materials and finishes.

For example, remodeling a small guest bathroom will cost less than completely reimagining and renovating a massive guest bathroom.

On average, you typically spend between $15,000 to $50,000 for your San Jose bathroom renovation.

Want to learn more – contact the five-star bathroom remodel San Jose contractors at Clever Design & Remodeling!

How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?

Once again, the time it takes to renovate your bathroom can vary wildly depending on several factors.

For instance, if you add new flooring and upgrade the vanity, the project will be completed in days.

For a complete bathroom renovation, including altering the layout and gutting the space, you can expect to wait weeks for the entire project to be finished.

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen in San Jose?

Your kitchen is drab, dull, ugly, outdated, and does not have enough cabinets or counter space to accommodate your growing family.

It’s time for a change, but you want to know if you can afford the upgrades you want or need to scale back your expectations.

The average San Jose-area kitchen remodel will cost between $25,000 to $165,000.

Pardon us for sounding like a badly broken record, but once again, the cost of your renovation will depend on the kitchen’s size, the finishes and materials, and the price of design services.

Want to save money on your kitchen remodel? We can help!

Is it cheaper to add on or build up?

Most homeowners face a tough decision: Do I add onto the first floor or build upwards and create a second floor to my home?

In addition to cost, you must consider your lot’s size, your family’s needs, and even your climate.

For example, because land costs are so high in San Jose, it is often less expensive to construct a second floor rather than purchase additional land to add to your first floor.

However, if your lot is large enough, it is typically better to extend your first floor, as you will not need to worry as much about the house’s structural integrity.

Can I build an ADU in San Jose?

The answer is “Yes,” but there are restrictions.

ADU legislation is constantly changing, and the rules and regulations regarding the construction of ADUs in San Jose, CA, can be downright confusing.

This is why, instead of trying to weed through the bureaucratic muck of ADU construction on your own, you should work with a design and construction company with years of experience building all varieties of ADUs.

What is the size limit for an ADU in San Jose?

In San Jose, an attached ADU maximum square footage is 1,200, or at most 50% of the main dwelling’s living area. Detached ADUs legally cannot be larger than 1,200 square feet.

Contact Clever Remodeling & Design for All Your Remodeling Needs

Congratulations! If you live near San Jose, California, and want to renovate your bathroom and kitchen or add some square footage to your house, you have come to the right place!

The home improvement contractors at Clever Design & Remodeling have years of experience helping the fantastic residents of the San Jose area make their remodeling dreams a reality.

Our award-winning staff of designers, contractors, and builders are among the best in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Unmatched Services in San Jose

Whether you want to build an accessory dwelling unit or need help creating a fantasy kitchen and bathroom, we can help!

Unlike other construction companies near San Jose, we specialize in home additions.

If you want to add space and square footage to your home, check out our home addition guide for more information.

Recent Customer Reviews

I recently requested a consultation for new construction in San Jose, CA

“After several searches for the best general contractors in San Jose, I found Clever Design on Yelp guaranteed. The new construction of my house was flawless! I had a good feeling about hiring them because they are family-owned-operated. I knew I could trust them!”

The team did an excellent job!

“I wanted a Yelp-guaranteed construction company in San Jose to remodel my kitchen. I came across Clever Design, and they did a great job. I would recommend this team for your future projects.”

Outstanding general contractors in San Jose, California!

“Five-star remodeling services and a great team. The project manager and crew were able to renovate my guest bathroom in a few days. Would highly recommend these general contractors!”

A great company with exceptional service!

“As a roofer in San Jose, I know quality. When it came time to renovate my home, I contacted the best team in the San Jose area: Clever Design. This company knows quality.”

I love my new San Jose accessory dwelling unit!

“I cannot say enough amazing things about Clever Desing and Remodeling! They built our San Jose ADU from scratch, and it is stunning! It was also effortless to request a consultation, plus it was free.”

The best San Jose General Contractors!

“I was considering selling my home, that is, until the team from Clever Design remodeled all my bathrooms. I am now planning an extensive kitchen remodel with them, too. I am excited to enjoy my first Thanksgiving in my new kitchen!”