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.
Recent Work
Projects Like Yours.
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.
SERVICES IN PALO ALTO
Everything Your Palo Alto Home Needs.
From ADUs and garage conversions to kitchens, bathrooms and additions, one licensed team handles design, permits and construction for Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto Project Works
- Free consultation & site visitWe review your goals, your lot and Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
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.
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.
Construction for a single-room addition typically takes 3–4 months, and a primary suite addition 4–6 months, plus time up front for design, engineering and permits.
Ready to Start?
Get Your Palo Alto Project Quote.
Tell us about your Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto? 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.
