- (669) 609-0069
- truebuildersca@gmail.com
- Lic # 1110631
Service area · Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto’s Trusted Design-Build General Contractor.
From Eichlers in Greenmeadow to modern remodels in Crescent Park — True Builders has been remodeling Palo Alto homes for 25+ years. Licensed (CSLB #1110631), insured, and locally referenced.
Local Knowledge, Local Results
Why Palo Alto Homeowners Choose True Builders.
We’ve remodeled kitchens off Embarcadero, added ADUs in Ventura, and reconfigured College Terrace bungalows. That means we know what permits the City of Palo Alto Building Department actually asks for, the Historic Resources Inventory implications around Professorville, and how to navigate Palo Alto‘s strict ADU and tree-protection rules without timeline surprises.
Every project includes a fixed price, one project manager, and a 1-year workmanship warranty.
INVESTMENT LEVELS
Recent Projects in Palo Alto.
Get the kitchen you want at the budget that works for you. From fresh refreshes to full luxury renovations.
Palo Alto Permits & Rules
What You Need to Know Before You Build in Palo Alto.
We handle every permit — but here's the short version of what Palo Alto requires for the most common projects:
- Kitchen & bath remodels — Building, plumbing, and electrical permits if any wall is moved or any rough-in changes. Typical review 2–4 weeks.
- ADUs — Palo Alto follows California's statewide ADU law. Up to 1,200 sq ft detached. Ministerial approval — no public hearing required. Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear; 0 ft for garage conversions.
- Additions & 2nd stories — May trigger design review depending on floor area ratio (FAR) and zoning district. We pre-screen before quoting.
- Tree protection — Palo Alto has one of the strictest tree ordinances in California. Permits required for any work within 5 ft of a protected tree.
- Historic districts — Professorville and Crescent Park sections require Historic Resources Board sign-off.
PALO ALTO FAQS
Local Questions, Answered.
For 2026: refresh-level $60–95K, signature $95–150K, estate $150–250K+. Palo Alto permit fees add roughly $2–5K.
Plans + permits typically 8–14 weeks; construction 16–22 weeks for a detached ADU.
Yes — we regularly partner with local architects and designers. We can also recommend ones we trust based on your project type.
Yes — we've completed multiple Eichler remodels. We understand post-and-beam structure, radiant slab, and the design vocabulary that keeps an Eichler an Eichler.
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