- (669) 609-0069
- truebuildersca@gmail.com
- Lic # 1110631
Service area · San Jose, CA
San Jose’s ADU & Remodeling Contractor.
From Willow Glen bungalows to Almaden Valley ranch homes, True Builders designs, permits and builds ADUs, additions and remodels across San José. Licensed (CSLB #1110631) and insured, with one team from first sketch to final inspection.
Local Knowledge, Local Results
Why San Jose HomeownersChoose True Builders.
San José’s housing stock is largely post-war ranch homes on generous lots, which makes it one of the best cities in the Bay Area for backyard ADUs and garage conversions. We plan around what the city’s Planning, Building and Code Enforcement department actually checks: sewer lateral capacity, setbacks, ordinance-size trees and, in older neighborhoods like Naglee Park and Hanchett & Hester Park, conservation-area design review.
Every project includes a fixed construction price and one project manager who stays with you from design through final sign-off.
Recent Work
Projects Like Yours.
San Jose Permits & Rules
What to Know Before You Build in San Jose.
We handle every permit. Here's the short version of what San Jose typically requires for common projects:
- ADUs — Reviewed ministerially under California ADU law, with no public hearing. San José also offers pre-approved ADU plans that can shorten plan check when a standard design fits your lot.
- Kitchen & bath remodels — Building, plumbing and electrical permits are needed when walls move or plumbing and circuits change. Many smaller residential permits can be issued quickly.
- Additions & second stories — Must meet single-family zoning setbacks and height limits; larger additions can need planning review, especially in conservation areas.
- Trees — Removing an ordinance-size tree on private property requires a tree removal permit, so we map trees before placing an ADU or addition.
- Hillside lots — Homes in the Almaden and Evergreen foothills can require geotechnical reports and added grading review.
SERVICES IN SAN JOSE
Everything Your San Jose Home Needs.
From ADUs and garage conversions to kitchens, bathrooms and additions, one licensed team handles design, permits and construction for San Jose homeowners.
ADU Builder
Detached, attached and garage ADUs for rental income or extended family.
Garage Conversion
Turn an existing garage into a legal ADU, in-law suite or home office.
Junior ADU (JADU)
Add a private suite of up to 500 sq ft inside the home you already own.
Kitchen Remodeling
From refreshes to estate kitchens, typically $60K to $250K+.
Bathroom Remodeling
Walk-in showers, primary suites and accessible bathrooms.
Room Additions
Bedrooms, primary suites and guest houses that match your home.
Full Home Remodeling
Whole-house renovations planned from 4–5 months to 12+ months.
Permits & Design-Build
One team for design, city approvals and construction.
Typical San Jose Project Costs & Timelines
- Kitchen remodel: about $60K–$95K for a refresh, $95K–$150K for a signature remodel, $150K–$250K+ for an estate kitchen
- Bathroom remodel: about $35K–$60K for a refresh up to $100K–$175K+ for a primary suite
- Garage conversion to an ADU: about $120K–$275K
- Detached ADU: about $275K–$600K+, typically finished in 6–9 months
- Room addition: 3–4 months of construction for one room, 4–6 months for a primary suite
- Whole-home remodel: 4–5 months for select spaces up to 8–12+ months for a full redesign
2026 ranges for planning purposes. Your fixed price follows a site visit.
How a San Jose Project Works
- Free consultation & site visitWe review your goals, your lot and San Jose zoning rules before anything is designed.
- Design & fixed pricePlans, engineering and a clear, fixed construction price before work begins.
- PermitsWe submit to the City of San Jose and handle every plan-check comment for you.
- Build & final inspectionOne project manager from the first day on site through final sign-off.
Also Serving Homeowners Near San Jose
SAN JOSE FAQS
Local Questions, Answered.
Most San José ADUs we price in 2026 run about $150,000–$250,000 for a garage conversion and $275,000–$600,000 for a new detached unit, depending on size, utility trenching and finishes.
Simple remodel permits can be issued within days to a few weeks. ADUs and additions typically take 2–4 months including plan-check revisions, and state law requires a decision on a complete ADU application within 60 days.
Yes. State law allows a single-family lot to have both an ADU and a Junior ADU, so many San José owners pair a backyard unit with a JADU inside the main house.
We work citywide, including Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Cambrian, Almaden Valley, Evergreen, Berryessa, West San José and Blossom Valley.
Most San José kitchen remodels fall into three levels: about $60,000–$95,000 for a refresh, $95,000–$150,000 for a signature remodel with semi-custom cabinetry and layout changes, and $150,000–$250,000 or more for an estate-level custom kitchen, plus city permit fees.
Plans and permits typically take 8–14 weeks, and construction of a detached ADU usually takes 16–22 weeks once permits are issued, so most detached ADUs are finished in about 6–9 months. Garage conversions and JADUs are usually faster.
It depends on scope: remodeling select spaces such as the kitchen and bathrooms takes about 4–5 months, a comprehensive remodel with structural changes 6–8 months, and a complete home redesign 8–12 months or more.
Ready to Start?
Get Your San JoseProject Quote.
Tell us about your San Jose home and what you’d like to build. We’ll reach out within one business day.
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Let's Discuss
Your Project Goals.
Planning a project in San Jose? Tell us about your property and choose your project type. We’ll review your ideas and follow up within one business day to schedule a free consultation.
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