Free written scope consultation - allowances, timeline, and change-order rules on paper before a single trade is scheduled
Construction in San Jose, CA
Roofing, window replacement, fence installation, and driveway work in San Jose run into conditions you won’t find in most California markets - seismic Design Category D requirements, 1950s-1970s tract housing with original materials at end-of-life, and a competitive labor pool split between residential jobs and commercial mega-projects near Diridon Station. We dispatch crews from our Bay Area office to San Jose daily, and every project starts with a written flat price before any work begins. Call (650) 405-3637 to schedule your free estimate.
Why San Jose Homes Are Different
San Jose’s housing stock is dominated by post-WWII ranch-style tract homes built from the 1950s through the 1970s across Berryessa, Cambrian, Alum Rock, and East San Jose. Many sit on generous lots that accommodate rear ADUs, but the original roofs, single-pane windows, and unbolted pier-and-beam foundations are now seventy years old. In Willow Glen, a surviving pocket of 1920s-1940s Craftsman bungalows introduces balloon framing, knob-and-tube wiring rough-ins, and foundations needing seismic bolting - conditions that change how we approach even a standard window replacement.
The Calaveras Fault runs directly through Alum Rock and the east foothills, while the southern Hayward Fault reaches into the Milpitas and North San Jose corridor. This places most of the city in Seismic Design Category D, meaning virtually every permitted addition requires special inspections, hold-downs, and shear wall calculations. Bay-fringe areas in North San Jose and Alviso sit on liquefiable bay mud, so any deep foundation work demands geotechnical reports. These are not abstract code requirements - they add direct cost and timeline steps that a contractor unfamiliar with San Jose’s specific conditions will miss until mid-project.
Our Main San Jose Services
San Jose homeowners call us most often for kitchen and bathroom remodels and for ADU construction, where land values above $1.2M median make every square foot of added living space a high-ROI investment.
Kitchen Remodeling in San Jose
Kitchen remodels in San Jose’s 1950s-1970s tracts often start with galley layouts and load-bearing walls that limit sightlines until we engineer the opening. We work with KraftMaid and Wellborn cabinets, Cambria and Caesarstone countertops, and we pull permits through San Jose’s Planning Department with the same documentation discipline we apply to every trade. Kitchen Remodeling in San Jose covers our full process, from the written price through the 365-Day Done Right Promise.

Bathroom Remodeling in San Jose
Bathroom work in Willow Glen’s older stock means we regularly encounter original cast-iron drains, non-standard rough-ins, and subfloors compromised by decades of slow leaks. We quote Kohler and Toto fixtures at honest numbers from our vetted supplier list, and we document the substrate condition with photos before any demolition starts. Bathroom Remodeling in San Jose details how we handle these specific conditions.

Home Additions & ADU in San Jose
San Jose’s ADU permit volume is among the highest in California, and the city’s Pre-Approved Plans program lets contractors who know the checklist pull permits in days rather than months. A rear ADU or garage conversion here routinely adds $300K-$500K in appraised value, but the same tight labor pool serving Google’s Downtown West development means scheduling discipline matters. Home Additions & ADU in San Jose explains our approach to the ministerial approval track.

What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Before
AfterRoofing in San Jose

San Jose’s 1950s-1970s ranch tracts are hitting their third roof cycle, with many homes still carrying original wood shake or early composite shingles that are now brittle, cupped, or failing at the fasteners. The combination of hot, dry summers and occasional heavy winter rains creates thermal-shock damage - expansion and contraction that cracks shingles and opens flashing seams, particularly on south-facing slopes in Alum Rock and the east foothills where afternoon sun exposure is most intense. Roofing is our most-called trade in San Jose, and we’ve delivered over 4,000 projects with a written price before work starts and a documented photo record when the crew leaves.
Roof Repair
Signs you need it
Granules collecting in gutters, visible cracks or curling at shingle edges, or water stains on ceiling drywall after winter rains indicate localized failure that can be addressed without full replacement.
What it costs in San Jose
Roof repair in San Jose typically runs $470-$2,125, with tile roof repair specifically at $710-$2,950 depending on whether we’re matching existing clay or concrete profiles and addressing underlayment damage.
How we do it
We photograph the full roof surface from a ladder or drone, mark each repair zone on the image, remove damaged shingles or tiles to inspect the deck and underlayment, replace with matching materials, and provide the photo record with the invoice.
Roof Replacement & Installation
Signs you need it
Multiple leak points, widespread granule loss exposing fiberglass mat, or shingles past their rated lifespan - typically 20-25 years for standard composites in San Jose’s UV exposure - mean repair is no longer economical.
What it costs in San Jose
Standard roof replacement in San Jose ranges from $9,440-$23,600, while metal roof installation runs $17,700-$47,200 depending on gauge, profile, and whether we’re working over existing decking or replacing it.
How we do it
We strip to deck, inspect and replace compromised plywood, install synthetic underlayment and ice-and-water shield at valleys and penetrations, apply Owens Corning or CertainTeed shingles to manufacturer spec, and schedule the city inspection before final payment.
What Roofing Costs in San Jose
| Item | Typical range in San Jose |
|---|---|
| Roof Repair | $470 - $2,125 |
| Roof Replacement | $9,440 - $23,600 |
| Metal Roof Installation | $17,700 - $47,200 |
How long does a roof replacement take in San Jose?
Most residential roof replacements in San Jose take 2-4 days, with an additional 1-2 days for permit approval and inspection scheduling through the city’s Development Services department. Call (650) 405-3637 for a written timeline with your estimate.
Do you handle the permit for roofing work?
Yes, we pull all roofing permits, schedule inspections, and verify that San Jose’s Seismic Design Category D requirements are met on any structural deck replacement - the documentation is included in your flat price. Call (650) 405-3637 to schedule your free estimate.
Windows & Doors in San Jose

Original single-pane aluminum windows in San Jose’s 1950s-1970s tract homes conduct heat and cold at rates that make HVAC systems work harder than necessary, while older wood windows in Willow Glen’s Craftsman stock have often rotted at the sill or lost their weatherstripping to decades of seasonal swelling. The combination of hot summers, occasional freeze cycles in winter, and strict Title 24 energy codes for replacement work means window and door upgrades here are as much about compliance and operating cost as comfort. Windows & Doors is a trade where material selection and installation detail determine whether the permit passes inspection.
Window Replacement
Signs you need it
Condensation between double-pane glass indicating seal failure, difficulty opening or closing due to frame warping, or visible daylight around the sash when closed mean the window is no longer performing its basic functions.
What it costs in San Jose
Window replacement in San Jose typically runs $5,310-$17,700 for standard vinyl or fiberglass units, with impact window installation at $9,440-$29,500 for laminated glass meeting wind-borne debris requirements.
How we do it
We measure each opening for square and level, remove the old unit without damaging stucco or siding, install the new window with proper flashing integration, foam-seal the gap, and verify operation and lock function before the city inspector arrives.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Signs you need it
Rooms that overheat in afternoon sun, faded flooring or furniture near south-facing glass, or energy bills that spike in summer cooling season indicate the existing windows lack low-E coating and proper solar heat gain coefficient ratings.
What it costs in San Jose
Energy-efficient window packages in San Jose fall within the standard replacement range of $5,310-$17,700, with the incremental cost for low-E, argon-filled, and warm-edge spacer technology typically adding 15-25% over base vinyl units.
How we do it
We specify NFRC-rated units with U-factor and SHGC values appropriate for San Jose’s climate zone, verify Title 24 compliance before ordering, and document the performance ratings on the invoice for your records and any rebate applications.
What Windows & Doors Costs in San Jose
| Item | Typical range in San Jose |
|---|---|
| Window Replacement | $5,310 - $17,700 |
| Impact Window Installation | $9,440 - $29,500 |
Do replacement windows need a permit in San Jose?
Yes, San Jose requires permits for window replacements that change the opening size or involve structural modification; like-for-like replacements in the same opening may qualify for an over-the-counter permit. We handle the determination and filing - call (650) 405-3637 for specifics on your job.
How do I know if my old windows are worth repairing versus replacing?
Original wood windows in Willow Glen’s pre-war homes can be repaired if the frame is sound and only sashes or hardware need attention, but single-pane aluminum units in 1960s tracts almost never justify repair cost given energy performance. Call (650) 405-3637 and we’ll assess condition against replacement numbers.
Fence Installation in San Jose

San Jose’s large lots and rear-yard ADU conversions have made fence work unusually active - homeowners need privacy screening for new accessory units, pool enclosures for added value, and perimeter security on corner lots in neighborhoods like Cambrian and Berryessa where property lines back to commercial corridors. The city’s fence height ordinances vary by zoning district, and corner lots have additional sight-line restrictions that a permit pulled without checking the specific parcel can violate. Fence Installation requires the same written-price discipline as our larger trades, with material orders that can’t be returned once cut.
Vinyl Fence
Signs you need it
Wood fences that have rotted at ground contact after three-five years in San Jose’s clay-heavy soils, or the need for a low-maintenance perimeter that doesn’t require staining or sealing, point to vinyl as the practical replacement.
What it costs in San Jose
Vinyl fence installation in San Jose runs $4,130-$10,620 depending on height, panel style, and whether we’re installing on level grade or addressing slope with stepped or racked configurations.
How we do it
We lay out the line with stakes and string, set posts in concrete at 8-foot centers with post caps specified, hang panels with expansion gaps for thermal movement, and verify height and setback against the approved permit before backfilling.
Aluminum Fence
Signs you need it
Pool enclosures requiring code-compliant climb-resistant barriers, or ornamental perimeter fencing on visible frontages where wrought iron maintenance is undesirable, make aluminum the specified material.
What it costs in San Jose
Aluminum fence installation in San Jose typically costs $4,720-$11,800, with pool-grade configurations at the higher end due to self-closing gates, magna-latch hardware, and closer picket spacing.
How we do it
We verify the survey or set back from property pins, core-drill or concrete-set posts depending on substrate, rack panels to follow grade within code limits, and install gate hardware with adjustable hinges for seasonal alignment.
What Fence Installation Costs in San Jose
| Item | Typical range in San Jose |
|---|---|
| Vinyl Fence Installation | $4,130 - $10,620 |
| Aluminum Fence Installation | $4,720 - $11,800 |
How tall can a fence be in San Jose?
Front yard fences in San Jose are generally limited to 3-4 feet depending on zoning, while side and rear yard fences can reach 6-7 feet; corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions at intersections. We verify your parcel’s specific limits before quoting - call (650) 405-3637.
Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence in San Jose?
Replacement in kind at the same height and location typically does not require a new permit, but any height increase, material change affecting wind load, or relocation of the fence line triggers a permit application. We check your property records and handle the filing - call (650) 405-3637 for a free assessment.
Driveway & Pavers in San Jose

San Jose’s 1950s-1970s tracts were built with thin concrete driveways - often 3-4 inches without adequate reinforcement - that have cracked under decades of thermal cycling, root intrusion from mature street trees, and the weight of modern vehicles. In the east foothills and Alum Rock, expansive clay soils heave in winter wet seasons and shrink in summer drought, creating the differential settlement that breaks slabs and tilts pavers out of plane. Driveway & Pavers work here requires understanding substrate conditions that change block by block, not just by neighborhood.
Paver Driveways
Signs you need it
Concrete driveways with multiple intersecting cracks, settled areas that pool water, or spalling surface degradation indicate the slab has reached end of service life and will continue to deteriorate under traffic and weather.
What it costs in San Jose
Paver driveway installation in San Jose ranges from $8,260-$21,240 depending on base excavation depth, paver species - Belgard and Techo-Bloc are our standard lines - and whether we’re integrating permeable systems for stormwater management.
How we do it
We remove the existing slab, excavate to 8-12 inches for base rock in expansive soil zones, compact in lifts with a plate compactor, screed bedding sand, lay pavers to pattern with edge restraint, sweep in polymeric sand, and compact again to lock the joints.
Concrete Driveways & Concrete Work
Signs you need it
Surface scaling that exposes aggregate, cracks wider than 1/4 inch that admit water to the subgrade, or driveway sections that have settled more than 2 inches from the garage threshold mean repair is no longer sufficient.
What it costs in San Jose
Concrete driveway installation in San Jose runs $5,310-$14,160 for standard 4-6 inch slabs with rebar or fiber reinforcement; driveway replacement when full removal is required falls in the $5,900-$16,520 range depending on disposal and access.
How we do it
We saw-cut or break out the existing slab, haul to certified recycling, grade and compact the subgrade, place vapor barrier and reinforcement, pour to specified slump with control joints at calculated spacing, and cure with wet blankets or curing compound per the mix design.
What Driveway & Pavers Costs in San Jose
| Item | Typical range in San Jose |
|---|---|
| Paver Driveway Installation | $8,260 - $21,240 |
| Concrete Driveway Installation | $5,310 - $14,160 |
| Driveway Replacement | $5,900 - $16,520 |
How long does a paver driveway last compared to concrete in San Jose?
Properly installed pavers on a compacted base last 30-50 years in San Jose’s climate, with individual units replaceable if damaged; standard concrete typically serves 20-30 years before replacement is more economical than repair. Call (650) 405-3637 for a written comparison on your specific job.
Can you fix a cracked driveway or does it need full replacement?
Isolated cracks under 1/4 inch can be sealed to prevent water intrusion, but widespread cracking with settlement or spalling indicates subgrade failure that patching won’t address - we photograph the damage and quote both repair and replacement options. Call (650) 405-3637 for the assessment.
Brands We Service in San Jose
We stock and source from fifty-plus vetted brands including CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and IKO roofing; KraftMaid and Wellborn cabinets; Cambria and Caesarstone countertops; Kohler and Toto fixtures; and Belgard and Techo-Bloc pavers. Parts are ordered through established supplier relationships with Bay Area distribution, and most standard items arrive within 2-3 business days. See our brands for the full list.
Pricing for Construction in San Jose, CA

| Service | Typical range in San Jose |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | $16,520 - $53,100 |
| Bathroom Remodel | $10,620 - $33,040 |
| Roof Replacement | $9,440 - $23,600 |
| Roof Repair | $470 - $2,125 |
| Metal Roof Installation | $17,700 - $47,200 |
| Window Replacement | $5,310 - $17,700 |
| Impact Window Installation | $9,440 - $29,500 |
| Vinyl Fence Installation | $4,130 - $10,620 |
| Aluminum Fence Installation | $4,720 - $11,800 |
| Paver Driveway Installation | $8,260 - $21,240 |
| Concrete Driveway Installation | $5,310 - $14,160 |
| ADU Construction | $106,200 - $259,600 |
Prices in San Jose push toward the higher end of these ranges when seismic Design Category D requirements trigger special inspections, when bay mud conditions demand geotechnical intervention, or when the tight labor pool competing with commercial projects extends timelines. Under Clause 1 of the Haven Standard, your written price is delivered before any work starts and includes all permit, inspection, and documentation costs - no change proceeds without a signed change order.
Neighborhoods We Serve in San Jose
We work across San Jose’s full geography, from the east foothills and Alum Rock through the central tracts of Berryessa and Cambrian to Willow Glen’s older stock and the bay-fringe areas of North San Jose and Alviso. Crews are dispatched from our Bay Area office with material staged for the specific conditions of each zone.
- Willow Glen
- Berryessa
- Cambrian
- Alum Rock
- North San Jose / Alviso
Service Area - Cities Near San Jose

Our crews serve the full South Bay corridor, with regular work in Milpitas, CA along the I-680 corridor, Santa Clara, CA to the west, Sunnyvale, CA on the peninsula flank, and Campbell, CA adjacent to San Jose’s southwestern edge. Scheduling and dispatch are coordinated from our Bay Area office with routes optimized for the day’s job sequence.
Serving San Jose, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the San Jose area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Construction in San Jose

Permit-dependent trades like roofing, windows, and additions typically start 2-4 weeks after estimate approval once San Jose’s Development Services clears the application; fence and driveway work often moves faster with same-day or next-day permitting. Call (650) 405-3637 for current lead times on your specific project.
We prepare the material samples, dimensioned drawings, and manufacturer specification sheets that San Jose HOAs typically require, but the homeowner submits to their architectural review committee - we then build to the approved plans and document compliance with the photo record included on every visit.
San Jose’s ADU Pre-Approved Plans program and ministerial approval track for qualifying projects are faster than many neighboring jurisdictions, but the city’s Seismic Design Category D requirements and bay mud geotechnical triggers add inspection steps that contractors unfamiliar with San Jose’s specific checklist often miss - we’ve built that knowledge into our standard scope templates.
Call (650) 405-3637 to schedule your free estimate. Every project starts with a written flat price, a documented photo record, and the 365-Day Done Right Promise backed by The Haven Standard - if it’s not done right, Rowan makes it right.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees - talk to a local construction pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you - the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What San Jose Customers Say
"Fence and retaining wall along a sloped boundary. They photographed the footing depth at each post, which mattered when the county inspector came."
- Iona F."Talked us out of the larger scope we came in asking for, because it would not have added the value we thought."
- Emil R."Final invoice was within two percent of the contract. Every change was priced and signed before anyone picked up a tool."
- Malcolm T.







Before
After
Before
After
Before
After