Service area · Los Gatos, CA
Los Gatos Remodels, Hillside to Historic, Done Right.
Los Gatos homes range from Victorian cottages in Almond Grove to contemporary homes in the foothills — and each comes with its own rules. True Builders designs, permits and builds remodels, additions and ADUs throughout the Town. Licensed (CSLB #1110631) and insured.
Local Knowledge, Local Results
Why Los Gatos HomeownersChoose True Builders.
Building in Los Gatos means working with the Town’s architecture and site review for many exterior changes, its Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines on sloped lots, and historic district review in neighborhoods like Almond Grove and Broadway. Hillside projects can also involve geotechnical reports, drainage plans and fire-resistant construction. We factor those steps into design and schedule from day one, so there are no surprises after you’ve committed.
Every project includes a fixed construction price and one project manager.
Recent Work
Projects Like Yours.
Los Gatos Permits & Rules
What to Know Before You Build in Los Gatos.
We handle every permit. Here's the short version of what Los Gatos typically requires for common projects:
- Hillside properties — Projects are reviewed under the Town's Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines for grading, height, visibility and natural-looking design.
- Historic districts — Exterior changes in districts such as Almond Grove and Broadway typically require historic preservation review.
- Fire-resistant construction — Homes in wildfire hazard areas must use ignition-resistant materials and vents under California's building code.
- ADUs — Reviewed ministerially under state ADU law; hillside and wildfire-area lots can still require added engineering and access planning.
- Trees — The Town protects many trees by size and species, so we plan around them early.
SERVICES IN LOS GATOS
Everything Your Los Gatos Home Needs.
From ADUs and garage conversions to kitchens, bathrooms and additions, one licensed team handles design, permits and construction for Los Gatos 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 quick refreshes to fully custom estate kitchens.
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 Los Gatos Project Timelines
- Detached ADU: 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
Every project gets a fixed construction price after a free site visit.
How a Los Gatos Project Works
- Free consultation & site visitWe review your goals, your lot and Los Gatos zoning rules before anything is designed.
- Design & fixed pricePlans, engineering and a clear, fixed construction price before work begins.
- PermitsWe submit to the Town of Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos
LOS GATOS FAQS
Local Questions, Answered.
Interior remodels usually need only building permits. Many exterior changes, additions and new homes go through the Town's architecture and site review, and historic properties get additional review.
It takes more planning. Expect a geotechnical report, grading and drainage plans, and fire-resistant construction in many areas, which adds time and cost we include in our estimate.
Scope matters most: a same-layout refresh, a full remodel with plumbing changes and a primary suite are very different projects. Moving fixtures, tile and stone selections, and any hidden water damage behind the walls also affect the price. We give you a fixed price after a free site visit.
Yes. State law allows ADUs on single-family lots in Los Gatos, including hillside properties, though slope, fire access and utilities can affect design and cost.
Scope is the biggest factor. A same-layout refresh, a signature remodel with semi-custom cabinetry and layout changes, and an estate-level custom kitchen are very different projects. Moving plumbing, gas lines or walls, cabinetry and countertop selections, appliances and city permit fees also play a role. We give you a fixed price after a free site visit.
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.
Ready to Start?
Get Your Los GatosProject Quote.
Tell us about your Los Gatos home and what you’d like to build. We’ll reach out within one business day.
GET FREE ESTIMATE
Let's Discuss
Your Project Goals.
Planning a project in Los Gatos? 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.
