Service area · San Carlos, CA
San Carlos Homes, Hillside to Flatland, Remodeled with Care.
San Carlos has everything from flat-lot homes in Howard Park and Burton Park to view homes in the hills around White Oaks. True Builders designs, permits and builds remodels, additions and ADUs for both. Licensed (CSLB #1110631) and insured.
Local Knowledge, Local Results
Why San Carlos HomeownersChoose True Builders.
Sloped San Carlos lots offer great views but add engineering: retaining walls, drainage, stepped foundations and careful access for crews and materials. The city also reviews many additions and exterior changes for design compatibility, and protected trees are common on hillside parcels. On flatter lots, garage conversions and backyard ADUs are straightforward. We plan the engineering and approvals for your specific site so your budget holds.
You’ll get a fixed construction price and one project manager.
Recent Work
Projects Like Yours.
San Carlos Permits & Rules
What to Know Before You Build in San Carlos.
We handle every permit. Here's the short version of what San Carlos typically requires for common projects:
- Hillside construction — Sloped lots often require geotechnical reports, engineered foundations, retaining walls and drainage plans.
- Design review — Many additions, second stories and exterior changes are reviewed for neighborhood compatibility.
- Protected trees — Removing protected trees requires a permit, and hillside projects often need tree protection plans.
- ADUs — Approved ministerially under California ADU law; slope and access can affect design and cost.
- Remodels — Permits are required for structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical changes.
SERVICES IN SAN CARLOS
Everything Your San Carlos Home Needs.
From ADUs and garage conversions to kitchens, bathrooms and additions, one licensed team handles design, permits and construction for San Carlos 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 San Carlos 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 San Carlos Project Works
- Free consultation & site visitWe review your goals, your lot and San Carlos 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 Carlos 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 Carlos
SAN CARLOS FAQS
Local Questions, Answered.
Hillside work commonly adds 10–25% or more to a project because of engineering, foundations, retaining walls, drainage and access. We scope site conditions before pricing so it's in the budget.
Usually, with engineering. Elevated decks and additions on slopes need structural design based on soil conditions, and some require design review.
The type of ADU matters most: converting a garage usually costs far less than building a new detached unit. After that, size, utility trenching and the sewer connection, foundation and soil conditions, and finish level drive the price. Hillside sites typically sit toward the higher end because of foundation, drainage and access work. We give you a fixed price after a free site visit.
We work throughout San Carlos, including White Oaks, Howard Park, Burton Park, Devonshire and the hillside neighborhoods west of Alameda de las Pulgas.
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.
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 CarlosProject Quote.
Tell us about your San Carlos 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 San Carlos? 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.
