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Home Remodeling & Construction in San Jose
As the largest city in the Bay Area and the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose offers incredible diversity in homes.
Why Choose Oria Builders in San Jose
- Expertise across diverse home styles — Victorian to contemporary
- ADU specialists in California's ADU-friendly market
- Luxury kitchen and master suite transformations
- Experience with San Jose's SB 9 lot split opportunities
San Jose Case Studies
- Luxurious Bathroom Transformation in Willow Glen, San Jose
Bathroom Remodel · San Jose – Willow Glen · $30,000 - $60,000 · 10 weeks · completed 2023-09-15 - Modern ADU in San Jose
ADU · San Jose – Willow Glen · Contact for pricing · 10 weeks · completed 2023-08-15
Services in San Jose
Answers for San Jose Homeowners
- How much does a 400-square-foot ADU cost?
A 400-square-foot ADU in Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area typically costs roughly $150,000 to $300,000 in 2026, which works out to about $375 to $750 per square foot depending on whether it is a garage conversion or a new detached build, how far the utilities have to run, and the finish level. Small units cost more per square foot than large ones because the kitchen, bathroom and utility connections are fixed costs no matter the size. - Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in California?
Usually yes. In California a bathroom remodel needs a building permit whenever you move or add plumbing, change electrical wiring, alter walls, or replace a tub with a shower, which covers most real remodels. Purely cosmetic work such as painting, swapping a faucet or vanity in the same spot, or replacing a toilet typically does not require a permit, though cities differ, so confirm with your local building department. - Can I live in my home during a remodel?
Often yes. Most homeowners stay in the house during a kitchen or single-bathroom remodel, a room addition or an ADU build, because the work can be sealed off from the living areas with dust barriers and a temporary kitchen. A whole-home remodel, a second-story addition that opens the roof, or any project that cuts power, water or the only bathroom for weeks usually means moving out for part or all of the job. - Do I need an architect for a remodel in California?
Not always. California law allows plans for most single-family homes of wood-frame construction up to two stories, and for non-structural alterations, to be prepared by a licensed contractor or an unlicensed designer, with a California-licensed engineer stamping the structural calculations. You need a licensed architect when the project goes beyond those limits, such as larger multifamily buildings, non-wood structural systems or designs a city's planning process specifically requires an architect to sign. - How do I verify a contractor's license in California?
Go to the Contractors State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov, choose Check a License, and search by license number, business name or personal name. The record shows whether the license is active, its classification (a B license is a general building contractor), the contractor's bond and workers' compensation status, and any complaints or disciplinary actions. Oria Builders is CSLB #1029255 and can be looked up the same way. - How much deposit can a contractor ask for in California?
For home improvement contracts in California, a contractor may not collect a down payment larger than $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less, under Business and Professions Code section 7159. After that, payments must track work actually completed or materials actually delivered to the site. A contractor asking for 30 or 50 percent up front on a residential remodel is asking for something the law does not allow.
What San Jose Clients Say
It has been an excellent and stress-free experience. They are trustworthy, knowledgeable and customer focused. Oria Builders stands as the pinnacle of construction excellence — we couldn't be happier with the results.
— Presida M., San Jose, California (review on HomeAdvisor)
Articles About San Jose
- Home Additions in San Jose: Expert Guide for California Homeowners
- Commercial Remodeling in San Jose: Expert Guide for California Business Owners
Neighborhoods We Serve in San Jose
Willow Glen • Almaden Valley • Rose Garden • Cambrian • Naglee Park