Free written scope consultation - allowances, timeline, and change-order rules on paper before a single trade is scheduled
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterConstruction in Los Altos, CA
Roofing in Los Altos runs $400-$20,000 depending on scope, with most repairs and replacements scheduled around the concentrated November-April rainy season that compresses the workable calendar for any exterior trade. The city’s post-war ranch housing stock, built largely between 1952 and 1972, is now cycling through second or third roofs as teardowns and luxury rebuilds reshape entire blocks. We’re Rowan Construction Group, and our Roofing crews serve Los Altos from our Bay Area office, carrying the same discipline we apply across seven trades: a written price before any work starts, a signed change order for every adjustment, and a documented photo record on every visit. Call (669) 202-9618 to schedule your free estimate.
Why Los Altos Homes Are Different
Los Altos carries some of the highest residential land values in the United States, which has produced a construction economy almost entirely defined by demolishing 1950s-1970s ranch homes and replacing them with large custom luxury builds engineered to maximize every allowable square foot under the city’s FAR and height limits. Unlike neighboring Mountain View or Sunnyvale, virtually no light-industrial or commercial construction exists here - every general contractor in this market lives or dies on high-end custom residential new construction and gut-renovations.
The dominant housing stock is single-story post-and-beam ranch homes on 8,000-14,000 sq ft lots with concrete slab foundations; these homes are torn down far more often than renovated because the land alone commands $2.5M-$4M+. Contractors doing the rare renovation regularly encounter knob-and-tube-era electrical panels, original cast-iron drain lines, and undersized subpanels that require full upgrades under permit. Los Altos sits far enough inland from the Bay to experience warmer, drier summers than coastal Santa Clara County cities, but the concentrated November-April rainy season creates a hard scheduling crunch - excavation, grading, and foundation pours for new custom homes are routinely compressed into September-October to beat the rains, and a late or heavy season can stall multiple projects simultaneously across a small city with limited contractor capacity.
The City of Los Altos’s Architectural and Site Review (ASR) process applies to new construction and substantial alterations, meaning design approval can add two to four months before a permit is even submitted. Contractors accustomed to nearby Sunnyvale or Santa Clara’s more streamlined commercial-oriented permitting are regularly caught off-guard by this residential design-review layer, which scrutinizes massing, rooflines, and neighborhood compatibility on every custom build.
Our Main Los Altos Services
Los Altos homeowners call us most often for interior renovations and expanding living space on high-value lots where every square foot matters.
Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos
Kitchen remodeling in Los Altos typically means gutting the original galley or L-shaped layout of a 1960s ranch and reconfiguring for open-plan living with island seating and walk-in pantry storage. We regularly find asbestos-containing floor tile and outdated venting that must be brought to current Title 24 energy standards before cabinetry goes in. Our written quote specifies KraftMaid or Wellborn cabinet lines, Cambria or Silestone surfaces, and the exact electrical and plumbing upgrade scope. Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos includes a flat price with signed change-order discipline on every adjustment.
Bathroom Remodeling in Los Altos
Bathroom remodeling in Los Altos often involves converting the original 5-by-8-foot hall bath into a spa-style wet room or expanding into adjacent closet space on slab foundations where moving drains requires concrete cutting. We document the existing cast-iron or galvanized drain condition with photos before quoting, so the price accounts for full replacement rather than discovering rot mid-project. Bathroom Remodeling in Los Altos delivers a written scope and warranty under our 365-Day Done Right Promise.
Home Additions & ADU in Los Altos
Home additions and ADU construction in Los Altos operate under strict FAR and height limits that make precise square-footage calculations essential before design begins. The ASR review process means we coordinate architectural drawings with structural engineering early, so the permit submission is complete the first time and avoids the two-to-four-month redesign loop we see catch less prepared contractors. Home Additions & ADU in Los Altos includes line-item pricing for foundation, framing, and finish-out with no work proceeding on changes until the change order is signed.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Before
AfterRoofing in Los Altos
Roofing in Los Altos means working on low-slope ranch roofs originally built with 20-year three-tab asphalt shingles that are now well past their service life, often on homes where the owner is deciding between a quality re-roof and a full teardown. The inland-warm summer temperatures accelerate thermal cycling and granule loss, while the compressed rainy season leaves little margin for delay once moisture intrusion appears. Our Roofing crews in Los Altos carry GAF and Owens Corning systems, and every project starts with a written price and photo documentation of decking condition.
Roof Repair
Signs you need it
Water stains on ceiling drywall, granules collecting in gutters, or lifted shingles along the rake edges after winter wind events.
What it costs in Los Altos
Roof repair in Los Altos typically runs $400-$1,800 depending on whether we’re replacing a few shingles, resealing valley flashing, or patching decking rot.
How we do it
We photograph the full roof surface from a ladder, mark each repair location on the image, remove damaged material to inspect decking, install matching shingles or membrane patches, and deliver the photo record with the invoice.
Roof Replacement & Installation
Signs you need it
Multiple leak points, visible sagging between rafters, or shingles that have lost most surface granules and crack when handled.
What it costs in Los Altos
Roof replacement in Los Altos ranges from $8,000-$20,000 for standard architectural shingle systems on the typical 1,800-2,400 sq ft ranch footprint.
How we do it
We strip to decking, replace compromised plywood, install synthetic underlayment and ice-and-water shield at valleys and penetrations, then apply the new shingle system with proper ridge venting and a final inspection photo set.
What Roofing Costs in Los Altos
| Item | Typical range in Los Altos |
|---|---|
| Roof Repair | $400 - $1,800 |
| Roof Replacement | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Metal Roof Installation | $15,000 - $40,000 |
How long does a roof replacement take in Los Altos?
A standard ranch re-roof in Los Altos takes two to four days depending on decking condition and whether we encounter original skip-sheathing that needs full plywood overlay. We schedule around the rainy season, and if weather threatens, we tarp and resume rather than rush the seal. Call (669) 202-9618 for a written estimate with your specific timeline.
Will you match my HOA’s roofing material requirements?
Yes, we specify the exact shingle color, profile, and warranty term in the written quote and submit manufacturer documentation with permit applications for any HOA or ASR review. In Los Altos, this attention to documentation prevents the redesign delays that stall less prepared projects. Call (669) 202-9618 to review your association’s requirements.
Windows & Doors in Los Altos
Windows and doors in Los Altos are being replaced in two distinct waves: original 1950s-1970s aluminum single-pane units that conduct heat and rattle in wind, and newer but failed vinyl installations from the 1990s with fogged IGUs and rotted sill flashing. The warm inland summers and winter storm exposure create expansion-contraction cycles that separate weatherstripping and warp frames, while the ASR process means any change to window size or exterior trim profile triggers design review. Our Windows & Doors team measures every opening individually, since ranch-era framing in Los Altos is rarely square and standard sizes often don’t fit without jamb modification.
Window Replacement
Signs you need it
Condensation between double-pane glass, drafts that move curtains even when closed, or frames that stick seasonally as the house settles on its slab foundation.
What it costs in Los Altos
Window replacement in Los Altos runs $4,500-$15,000 for a full-home project on the typical ranch, depending on unit count and whether we upgrade to tempered glass for larger openings.
How we do it
We measure each rough opening to 1/8-inch tolerance, order custom-sized units, remove the old frame without damaging stucco or siding, install new construction windows with proper flashing tape and foam sealant, then trim and caulk to match.
Impact Windows & Doors
Signs you need it
Large south-facing glass walls that overheat rooms in summer, or hillside homes where falling branch impact is a recurring risk during winter storms.
What it costs in Los Altos
Impact window installation in Los Altos ranges from $8,000-$25,000, reflecting the laminated glass construction and reinforced frame hardware required for large custom openings.
How we do it
We engineer the structural load for each oversized opening, install reinforced frames anchored to king studs, set laminated impact-rated glass with setting blocks and structural silicone, then test operation and seal before photo documentation.
What Windows & Doors Costs in Los Altos
| Item | Typical range in Los Altos |
|---|---|
| Window Replacement | $4,500 - $15,000 |
| Impact Window Installation | $8,000 - $25,000 |
Do I need ASR approval to replace windows in Los Altos?
If you’re changing the size, style, or exterior trim profile, yes - the Architectural and Site Review process applies, and we include the documentation package in our project scope. Same-size replacement in kind typically does not trigger review. Call (669) 202-9618 and we’ll verify your specific situation against city records.
How do I know if my original windows are worth repairing?
Original aluminum single-pane windows in Los Altos ranch homes are rarely worth repair: they conduct heat, don’t seal, and replacement delivers measurable energy savings. We assess the frame condition and quote repair versus replacement so you can compare the numbers. Call (669) 202-9618 for a free evaluation.
Fence Installation in Los Altos
Fence installation in Los Altos operates in a market where property lines on 8,000-14,000 sq ft parcels are often established by mature oak and redwood root systems rather than clean surveys, and where the ASR process can extend to front-yard fencing visibility. The warm dry summers allow year-round installation, but the root-dense soil from decades of established landscaping means post holes frequently require pneumatic augers and careful utility locating. Our Fence Installation crews in Los Altos pull permits when required, verify property lines against available surveys, and document post depth and concrete pour in the photo record delivered with every project.
Vinyl Fence
Signs you need it
Rotting wood fence posts that lean after winter rains, or a desire for zero-maintenance perimeter fencing that doesn’t require staining every two years.
What it costs in Los Altos
Vinyl fence installation in Los Altos typically runs $3,500-$9,000 for a standard 150-200 linear foot backyard perimeter with galvanized steel posts set in concrete.
How we do it
We locate utilities, auger post holes to 30-inch depth below the frost line, set galvanized posts in concrete with a slight batter for tension, then hang vinyl panels and caps with expansion gaps for thermal movement in Los Altos’s warm summers.
Aluminum Fence
Signs you need it
Pool enclosure requirements, a need for visibility through the fence line, or corrosion resistance on properties with sprinkler overspray against metal.
What it costs in Los Altos
Aluminum fence installation in Los Altos ranges from $4,000-$10,000 depending on height, picket style, and whether we integrate self-closing gates with pool-latch hardware.
How we do it
We lay out the run with string lines accounting for grade changes, core-drill or set posts in concrete depending on substrate, then rack aluminum panels to follow slope and install gates with adjustable hinges for seasonal alignment.
What Fence Installation Costs in Los Altos
| Item | Typical range in Los Altos |
|---|---|
| Vinyl Fence Installation | $3,500 - $9,000 |
| Aluminum Fence Installation | $4,000 - $10,000 |
Does Los Altos require a permit for fence replacement?
Front-yard and corner-lot fences typically require ASR review for height and visibility; backyard replacement in kind on the same line usually does not. We verify your parcel’s zoning and permit history before quoting so the price includes any application fees. Call (669) 202-9618 to check your specific property.
How do you handle tree roots when setting fence posts?
We map visible root systems before augering and adjust post spacing or use surface-mounted brackets on concrete footings where roots make deep holes impossible. The photo record shows every post location and root encounter so there’s no dispute later. Call (669) 202-9618 for a site evaluation.
Driveway & Pavers in Los Altos
Driveway and paver work in Los Altos means replacing original 1950s-1970s concrete slabs that have settled, cracked across the control joints, or spalled from decades of Bay Area freeze-thaw cycling and magnesium chloride exposure. The warm inland summers allow extended curing and sealing windows, but the compressed rainy season means any excavation for drainage correction or base repair must be scheduled with weather contingency. Our Driveway & Pavers team in Los Altos specifies Belgard and Techo-Bloc paver systems with proper open-graded base and geotextile separation, because the clay-heavy soils on many ranch-era lots will pump and settle without it.
Paver Driveways
Signs you need it
Spiderweb cracking across the entire concrete surface, pooling water that doesn’t drain toward the street, or a desire to match the aesthetic of newer luxury builds in the neighborhood.
What it costs in Los Altos
Paver driveway installation in Los Altos runs $7,000-$18,000 for a typical two-car apron and approach, reflecting the excavation, base preparation, and hand-laid pattern work.
How we do it
We saw-cut and remove the existing slab, excavate to 8-10 inches for open-graded aggregate base with geotextile, compact in lifts, screed bedding sand, lay Belgard or Techo-Bloc pavers to pattern, cut border pieces, install edge restraints, and sweep polymeric sand before plate compaction and sealing.
Concrete Driveways & Concrete Work
Signs you need it
Wide cracks with vertical displacement, surface spalling that exposes aggregate, or a slab that has settled toward the garage creating a water trap against the foundation.
What it costs in Los Altos
Concrete driveway installation in Los Altos ranges from $4,500-$12,000 depending on square footage, whether we add steel reinforcement, and if the approach requires curb cut modification.
How we do it
We remove the failed slab, verify and regrade for positive drainage, form with expansion joints aligned to the new pour, place rebar or fiber mesh, pour 4,000 PSI concrete with air entrainment, bull-float and broom finish, then saw-cut control joints within 24 hours and cure for seven days before vehicle loading.
What Driveway & Pavers Costs in Los Altos
| Item | Typical range in Los Altos |
|---|---|
| Paver Driveway Installation | $7,000 - $18,000 |
| Concrete Driveway Installation | $4,500 - $12,000 |
| Asphalt Driveway Paving | $3,500 - $9,000 |
How long before I can drive on a new paver driveway?
We recommend waiting 48-72 hours after the final plate compaction and polymeric sand activation before passenger vehicle traffic; heavy delivery trucks should wait seven days. The seal coat, applied two weeks later, needs 24 hours cure. Call (669) 202-9618 to schedule around your move-in or delivery needs.
Will pavers settle in Los Altos’s clay soil?
Without proper base preparation they will, which is why we excavate to 8-10 inches and install open-graded aggregate with geotextile separation rather than relying on native soil. Our written quote specifies the base depth and compaction method so you know what you’re paying for. Call (669) 202-9618 for a site-specific assessment.
Brands We Service in Los Altos
We stock and source across fifty-plus vetted brands for Los Altos projects, including KraftMaid and Wellborn cabinetry, Cambria and Silestone surfaces, GAF and Owens Corning roofing, Kohler and Toto fixtures, and Belgard and Techo-Bloc paver systems. Parts ordered for Los Altos jobs typically arrive within five to seven business days, with rush coordination available for time-sensitive repairs. See our brands for the full catalog.
Pricing for Construction in Los Altos, CA
| Service | Typical range in Los Altos |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | $14,000 - $45,000 |
| Bathroom Remodel | $9,000 - $28,000 |
| Home Addition | $45,000 - $130,000 |
| ADU Construction | $90,000 - $220,000 |
| Roof Repair | $400 - $1,800 |
| Roof Replacement | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Metal Roof Installation | $15,000 - $40,000 |
| Window Replacement | $4,500 - $15,000 |
| Impact Window Installation | $8,000 - $25,000 |
| Vinyl Fence Installation | $3,500 - $9,000 |
| Aluminum Fence Installation | $4,000 - $10,000 |
| Paver Driveway Installation | $7,000 - $18,000 |
Prices in Los Altos push toward the higher end when projects require ASR-compliant design documentation, structural upgrades for seismic or wind load, or extensive utility relocation on slab-foundation homes. Under Clause 1 of the Haven Standard, every project receives a written flat price before any work starts, with no change proceeding without a signed change order.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Los Altos
Our crews work across Los Altos’s full residential footprint, from the original ranch neighborhoods near downtown to the hillside estates above Interstate 280. Scheduling and dispatch are coordinated from our Bay Area office, with typical response for estimates within two business days anywhere in the city limits.
- Los Altos Country Club area
- Loyola Corners
- Rancho neighborhood
- South Los Altos
- North Los Altos
Service Area - Cities Near Los Altos
We serve Los Altos homeowners and also travel to neighboring communities for projects requiring our specific trade expertise. Our crews regularly work in Mountain View, CA, Palo Alto, CA, Menlo Park, CA, and Sunnyvale, CA, bringing the same written-price discipline and documented photo record to every job.
Serving Los Altos, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Los Altos area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Construction in Los Altos
The Architectural and Site Review process in Los Altos typically adds two to four months before permit submission, depending on design complexity and revision rounds. We front-load this coordination by preparing complete drawing packages with structural engineering, which reduces the revision cycle compared to incomplete submissions. Factor this into any construction start date you’re targeting.
Yes, we pull all required building permits and schedule inspections as part of our standard scope; the permit fees are listed as a line item in the written quote, not hidden. For projects triggering ASR review, we also coordinate the design approval package submission and respond to city comments until approval is issued.
We regularly partner with architects on luxury custom homes and major renovations in Los Altos, providing pre-construction budgeting, constructability review, and phased scheduling that accounts for the city’s compressed fair-weather construction window. Our change-order discipline protects the architect’s design intent by documenting every deviation in writing before it occurs.
Call (669) 202-9618 to schedule your free estimate. Every project starts with a written price, a written scope, and a written warranty under the 365-Day Done Right Promise.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees - talk to a local construction pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you - the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What Los Altos Customers Say
"Talked us out of the larger scope we came in asking for, because it would not have added the value we thought."
- Emil R."Solid work, decent crew, and the site was left tidy every evening."
- Pearl A."Fence and retaining wall along a sloped boundary. They photographed the footing depth at each post, which mattered when the county inspector came."
- Iona F.