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, window replacement, and hardscaping in Los Altos run into a specific set of conditions: original 1950s-70s ranch homes with aging building envelopes, clay and alluvial soils that shift with seasonal moisture, and a municipal building department with its own Protected Tree Ordinance that adds weeks to permitting. We’re Rowan Construction Group, and we quote every project with a flat written price before work starts. Call (650) 446-9092 to schedule your free estimate.
Why Los Altos Homes Are Different
Los Altos sits at the edge where the Santa Clara Valley floor meets the foothills, and that geology matters for every trade we practice here. The alluvial and expansive clay soils, especially near Foothill Expressway, mean foundations require site-specific geotechnical reports more often than in flat valley cities like Sunnyvale. The long dry season helps keep exterior work on schedule, but late-season El Niño rains can expose excavation and framing phases if timing isn’t planned around historical weather patterns.
The housing stock tells its own story. Most homes are single-story California ranches built between the mid-1950s and early 1970s, many still on post-and-pier foundations with original 100-amp electrical panels. With lot values routinely exceeding $2-3 million, these properties are increasingly teardown-rebuilds or whole-home gut renovations rather than single-room updates. The Los Altos School District and Silicon Valley proximity drive buyer expectations to luxury specifications, which changes material selections and engineering requirements across every trade.
Then there’s the regulatory layer. Los Altos operates its own municipal building department, not Santa Clara County, and enforces a Protected Tree Ordinance requiring certified arborist reports and protective fencing plans before grading or demo permits issue. On heavily landscaped lots with heritage oaks inside construction envelopes, this routinely adds 6-10 weeks to project timelines. Out-of-area contractors often miss this requirement entirely. We build it into our schedules from the first site visit.
Our Main Los Altos Services
Los Altos homeowners call us most often for whole-home transformations and expanded living space. Here is what those projects involve locally.
Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos
Kitchen remodels in Los Altos are rarely cosmetic updates. Given lot values and buyer expectations, we’re typically gutting original galley kitchens to the studs, reconfiguring load-bearing walls to open plans, and specifying brands like KraftMaid and Wellborn cabinets with Cambria or Caesarstone countertops. Seismic retrofit of post-and-pier foundations often runs concurrent with kitchen work in these ranch homes. Kitchen Remodeling in Los Altos covers our full process, from the written price through the 365-Day Done Right Promise.
Bathroom Remodeling in Los Altos
Bathroom projects here range from secondary bath refreshes to primary suite expansions that borrow space from adjacent bedrooms. Original 1960s cast-iron tubs and galvanized supply lines are common finds. We specify Kohler and Toto fixtures, and we always inspect subfloor condition given the age of these homes. A documented photo record accompanies every visit, so you see what we found before any work proceeds. Bathroom Remodeling in Los Altos details our flat-price quoting process.
Home Additions & ADU in Los Altos
Additions and ADUs in Los Altos press against strict FAR limits, setback rules, and a 28-foot height cap. The city’s tree protection requirements often dictate where and how we can expand. We engineer foundations to local soil reports and coordinate arborist reports with grading permits to keep timelines predictable. Under Clause 1 of the Haven Standard, the price is written before anyone starts. Home Additions & ADU in Los Altos explains how we manage permitting and construction together.
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 original 1950s-70s ranch homes with layered shingle histories and, increasingly, on teardown-rebuilds where the roofline is being re-engineered entirely. The Mediterranean dry season allows reliable scheduling for tear-offs and re-sheathing, but El Niño rain events in late fall through winter can catch open decks if phases aren’t sequenced carefully. We inspect substrate condition, shingle layer count, and ventilation as standard practice on every Los Altos roof. Our Roofing hub covers material specifications and warranty terms in detail.
Roof Repair
Signs you need it
Water staining on ceiling drywall, granule loss visible in gutters, or lifted shingles along the rake edges after wind events.
What it costs in Los Altos
Most roof repairs in Los Altos fall between $400 and $1,800, depending on whether we’re replacing a few shingles or addressing localized deck rot.
How we do it
We photograph the full roof surface, remove damaged material to inspect substrate condition, replace compromised decking, install matching shingles, and document the repair with a written warranty.
Roof Replacement & Installation
Signs you need it
Two or more layers of existing shingles, widespread curling or cracking, or active leaks at multiple points indicating systemic failure.
What it costs in Los Altos
A full roof replacement on a typical Los Altos ranch runs $8,000 to $20,000, with GAF and Owens Corning systems quoted to spec.
How we do it
We strip to bare deck, replace damaged sheathing, install synthetic underlayment and proper ventilation, then apply the specified shingle system with a documented photo record at each phase.
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 takes 3-5 working days, but the Los Altos building department’s permit review and the Protected Tree Ordinance can add 4-8 weeks before we set a start date. Call (650) 446-9092 and we’ll check current permit timelines for your specific lot.
Will you match my existing shingles on a repair?
We source from GAF and Owens Corning product lines to get the closest available match; exact color matches on roofs over 15 years old are rarely possible, and we note any variance in writing before work starts. Call (650) 446-9092 for a free inspection and sample comparison.
Windows & Doors in Los Altos
Windows and doors in Los Altos face a dual challenge: original single-pane aluminum frames from the 1960s and 70s that leak conditioned air, and new construction projects where buyers expect European-style thermal performance and sightlines engineered to maximize natural light within the city’s 28-foot height cap. We measure rough openings to the eighth of an inch, specify for local energy code compliance, and quote replacement or new installation with a flat written price before ordering. Our Windows & Doors hub details frame materials, glass packages, and installation methods.
Window Replacement
Signs you need it
Condensation between double-pane glass, visible frame rot or corrosion, or difficulty operating sashes due to settled openings in post-and-pier homes.
What it costs in Los Altos
Full window replacement for a typical Los Altos ranch runs $4,500 to $15,000, with vinyl, fiberglass, and clad-wood options quoted to spec.
How we do it
We measure each opening individually, remove the existing unit, inspect and repair rough framing as needed, install the replacement with proper flashing and insulation, then seal and trim to match interior and exterior finishes.
Impact Windows & Doors
Signs you need it
Large glazed areas facing Foothill Expressway or exposed hillside lots where wind-borne debris risk meets strict building code requirements for new construction.
What it costs in Los Altos
Impact-rated window and door systems for Los Altos homes range from $8,000 to $25,000 installed, depending on opening count and structural reinforcement needs.
How we do it
We engineer for the specific wind load and missile-impact ratings required, reinforce or replace rough openings to accept the heavier frames, install with structural fastening patterns, and provide documentation for building department final inspection.
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 |
| Window Replacement (per opening, typical) | $450 - $1,500 |
Do I need permits to replace windows in Los Altos?
Replacement in existing openings typically does not require permits, but enlarging openings, structural changes, or impact-rated installations in new construction do; we verify requirements with the Los Altos building department before quoting. Call (650) 446-9092 and we’ll confirm for your specific scope.
How do I know if my frames are too rotted to save?
We probe with an awl during inspection; if the wood crumbles or the moisture meter reads above 20 percent in multiple spots, replacement is more cost-effective than repair, and we show you the photos before recommending a course of action. Call (650) 446-9092 to schedule your free inspection.
Fence Installation in Los Altos
Fence installation in Los Altos operates within strict parameters: the Protected Tree Ordinance often dictates post placement, setback rules vary by zone, and the aesthetic standard is high given property values. Original ranch homes may have cedar privacy fences from the 1970s now failing at grade, while new construction demands modern horizontal designs or wrought-iron estate fencing. We pull permits when required, coordinate arborist clearances for any excavation near protected oaks, and quote every fence with a flat written price before post holes are dug. Our Fence Installation hub covers styles, gates, and warranty terms.
Vinyl Fence
Signs you need it
Existing wood privacy fence is rotting at the base, requiring annual staining, or failing to block sightlines from neighboring two-story rebuilds.
What it costs in Los Altos
Vinyl fence installation in Los Altos typically runs $3,500 to $9,000, depending on linear footage, height, and whether we’re working around protected root zones.
How we do it
We locate utilities and protected trees, set posts in concrete at engineered depths for local soil conditions, hang panels with concealed fasteners, and cap for clean sightlines with a documented photo record of post placement.
Aluminum Fence
Signs you need it
Pool enclosure required by code, property line demarcation on sloped lots, or ornamental perimeter fencing for estate-style homes where wrought iron maintenance is undesirable.
What it costs in Los Altos
Aluminum fence installation ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 in Los Altos, with powder-coated systems and custom gate options quoted to spec.
How we do it
We rack or step panels to follow grade, set posts with concrete footings engineered for expansive clay soils, install gates with self-closing hinges and latches to code, and provide a written warranty against finish failure.
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 |
| Wood Fence Installation (comparable) | $3,500 - $9,500 |
Will fence installation damage my protected trees?
Not if planned correctly; we obtain arborist reports and protective fencing plans as required by the Los Altos Protected Tree Ordinance, and we hand-dig or air-excavate within critical root zones rather than using mechanical augers. Call (650) 446-9092 and we’ll walk your property with the tree protection requirements in hand.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Los Altos?
Fences over 6 feet, masonry fences, or any fence on a corner lot affecting sight triangles require permits; we verify with the Los Altos building department and include permit costs in the written quote. Call (650) 446-9092 for a free site assessment and permit check.
Driveway & Pavers in Los Altos
Driveway and paver work in Los Altos must account for expansive clay soils that heave with seasonal moisture, particularly near Foothill Expressway, and for the aesthetic standard set by $2-3 million lot values. Original ranch homes often have cracked concrete driveways poured in the 1960s with no reinforcement or expansion joints, while new construction demands permeable pavers, heated surfaces, or estate-scale motor courts. We engineer base courses to local geotechnical reports, specify Belgard and Techo-Bloc systems for durability, and quote every project with a flat written price before excavation. Our Driveway & Pavers hub covers material specifications and installation methods.
Paver Driveways
Signs you need it
Existing concrete driveway is spider-cracked, settled at the garage threshold, or staining repeatedly due to surface porosity and oil absorption.
What it costs in Los Altos
Paver driveway installation in Los Altos ranges from $7,000 to $18,000, with Belgard and Techo-Bloc systems quoted to spec including engineered base preparation.
How we do it
We excavate to engineered depth, install geotextile and compacted aggregate base in lifts, set edge restraints, lay pavers in the specified pattern with joint sand, and compact with a plate vibrator before final sanding and sealing.
Concrete Driveways & Concrete Work
Signs you need it
Driveway surface is scaled and spalling, drainage is pooling toward the foundation, or the original pour lacks control joints and has cracked in large irregular patterns.
What it costs in Los Altos
Concrete driveway installation in Los Altos typically runs $4,500 to $12,000, with reinforcement, expansion joints, and finish options specified in the written quote.
How we do it
We grade for positive drainage away from structures, form and reinforce with steel or fiber as specified, pour at the engineered slump, cut control joints within 24 hours, and cure with wet blankets or curing compound before final inspection.
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 do pavers handle Los Altos clay soils?
Properly engineered, they handle it better than monolithic concrete; the flexible base and joint sand allow minor heave to dissipate without cracking, though we specify deeper base courses and geogrid reinforcement in known expansive soil zones. Call (650) 446-9092 and we’ll review your soil conditions with the written quote.
Can you match my existing patio pavers on an extension?
We source from Belgard, Techo-Bloc, and Cambridge Pavers product lines for the closest available match; discontinued or proprietary colors may require full replacement for visual consistency, and we note this in writing before you commit. Call (650) 446-9092 for a sample comparison and free estimate.
Brands We Service in Los Altos
We stock and source from fifty-plus vetted brands including Tremron, Techo-Bloc, Cambridge Pavers, and Oldcastle for hardscape projects, with KraftMaid, Wellborn, Cambria, Caesarstone, GAF, Owens Corning, Kohler, and Toto for interior trades. Parts are sourced through Bay Area distribution, and most specialty orders arrive within 5-10 business days. See our brands for the full list and warranty terms by manufacturer.
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 |
| Roof Replacement | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Roof Repair | $400 - $1,800 |
| 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 |
| Concrete Driveway Installation | $4,500 - $12,000 |
| Home Addition | $45,000 - $130,000 |
Prices in Los Altos trend toward the upper end of these ranges when projects involve teardown-rebuild complexity, protected tree coordination, or engineered foundations for hillside lots. Under Clause 1 of the Haven Standard, the written price you receive before work starts is the price you pay, with no change order processed until you sign it.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Los Altos
We work across Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, from the original ranch neighborhoods near downtown to the estate properties along the foothill corridor. Crews are dispatched from our San Francisco Bay Area office, and most Los Altos properties are within 20 minutes of our current job rotation.
- Old Los Altos
- Loyola Corners
- South Los Altos
- North Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills (unincorporated)
Service Area - Cities Near Los Altos
Our crews serve the full Peninsula and South Bay corridor, with regular work in Mountain View, CA, Palo Alto, CA, Sunnyvale, CA, and Cupertino, CA. Scheduling and dispatch are coordinated from our Bay Area office to keep response times predictable across the service area.
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 Los Altos building department typically reviews residential permits in 4-6 weeks, but the Protected Tree Ordinance can add 6-10 weeks if arborist reports and protective fencing plans are required; we coordinate these reports as part of our pre-construction process to prevent delays.
Yes, we submit full documentation packages including material samples, color boards, and scaled drawings for HOA review; our written quotes include time for committee feedback cycles, and no work proceeds until both HOA and city approvals are in hand.
We document everything with photographs, explain the finding in plain terms, and provide a written change order with a fixed price before any additional work proceeds; under the Haven Standard, no change is executed without your signature, which is how our projects finish within a few percent of the agreed cost.
Call (650) 446-9092 to schedule your free estimate. We’ll review your project, walk the site, and deliver a written price with a flat scope before any work starts.
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
"Driveway replaced properly with a base that will actually last. They explained why the cheaper quote was cheaper."
- Reggie O."Final invoice was within two percent of the contract. Every change was priced and signed before anyone picked up a tool."
- Malcolm T."Talked us out of the larger scope we came in asking for, because it would not have added the value we thought."
- Emil R.