How Much Does a Whole-Home Remodel Cost in Los Altos? (2026)
Whole-home remodels in Los Altos cost $190 to $425+ per square foot in 2026, running 10-20% above broader South Bay averages. A typical 2,200 sqft ranch costs $418,000-$935,000+ depending on scope. Large lots, mid-century ranch housing stock, and the expectation for modern, open floor plans drive renovation demand and costs in this premier Silicon Valley community.
How much does a whole-home remodel cost in Los Altos?
A whole-home remodel in Los Altos costs $190-$425+ per square foot in 2026. For a 2,200 sqft home, that means $418,000-$935,000+ depending on scope. Cosmetic refreshes run $95-$160/sqft, mid-range remodels cost $190-$325/sqft, and gut renovations reach $325-$425+/sqft. Los Altos trends 10-20% above South Bay averages.
What Does a Whole-Home Remodel Cost in Los Altos?
Los Altos is one of the Bay Area’s most desirable residential communities, known for its tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and generous lot sizes that set it apart from more densely developed neighbors. With median home prices near $4 million, the city attracts families who want space, privacy, and the quality of life that comes with a quieter suburban setting while remaining minutes from the heart of Silicon Valley.
Much of the housing stock in Los Altos dates to the 1950s through 1970s. Single-story ranches on large lots define the character of most neighborhoods. While these homes offer terrific locations and usable outdoor space, their interiors, floor plans, and building systems rarely meet today’s expectations. That gap between location value and home condition makes Los Altos one of the most active whole-home remodel markets in the Bay Area.
Whole-home remodels in Los Altos cost $190 to $425+ per square foot in 2026, placing the city 10-20% above the broader South Bay average.
All pricing is approximate, reflects 2026 Bay Area market conditions, and is subject to change. Every project is unique. Final costs are determined on a project-by-project basis during our design phase.
For Bay Area-wide pricing and scope comparisons, see our whole-home remodel cost guide.
Cost by Renovation Scope
| Scope | Cost Per Sqft | 1,800 Sqft Home | 2,200 Sqft Home | 3,000 Sqft Home | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $95-$160/sqft | $171K-$288K | $209K-$352K | $285K-$480K | 3-5 months |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $190-$325/sqft | $342K-$585K | $418K-$715K | $570K-$975K | 6-9 months |
| Gut Renovation | $325-$425+/sqft | $585K-$765K+ | $715K-$935K+ | $975K-$1.27M+ | 9-14 months |
A cosmetic refresh addresses surfaces throughout the home: new flooring, paint, cabinet refacing, updated countertops, modernized bathrooms, and new light fixtures. The layout stays the same, and major systems remain untouched.
A mid-range remodel adds layout modifications such as wall removals to create open floor plans, new custom cabinetry, reconfigured bathrooms, and partial system upgrades. This is the most popular scope for Los Altos homeowners converting closed-off ranch floor plans into open, modern living spaces.
A gut renovation takes the home to the studs and rebuilds everything: framing, insulation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, and finishes. This makes sense when the home’s systems are too outdated for selective upgrades.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Component
Kitchen ($70,000-$200,000)
Los Altos ranch homes often have galley-style or U-shaped kitchens that feel closed off from the rest of the home. Converting these into open-concept kitchens with islands is one of the most common and impactful changes.
| Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Custom cabinetry | $25,000-$65,000 | Semi-custom to fully custom is the norm in this market |
| Countertops | $6,000-$20,000 | Quartz, quartzite, and marble most common |
| Appliances | $8,000-$30,000 | Professional-grade brands expected in higher-end remodels |
| Layout changes | $8,000-$25,000 | Wall removal, island addition, plumbing relocation |
| Backsplash | $2,500-$8,000 | Full-height installations are standard in premium kitchens |
| Lighting and electrical | $3,000-$10,000 | Layered lighting with dimmers and smart controls |
Bathrooms ($35,000-$85,000 per bathroom)
Most Los Altos ranches have 2-3 bathrooms. The primary bathroom in a mid-range to high-end remodel typically costs $50,000-$85,000 and includes a walk-in shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, heated floors, and quality tile work. Hall bathrooms run $35,000-$55,000 each.
Flooring ($12,000-$45,000)
| Material | Cost Per Sqft (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered hardwood | $12-$24/sqft | Wide-plank white oak is the dominant choice |
| Solid hardwood | $14-$28/sqft | Sand and refinish existing or install new |
| Large-format porcelain tile | $14-$24/sqft | Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $8-$14/sqft | Budget-friendly option for cosmetic refreshes |
Electrical ($12,000-$35,000)
1950s and 1960s Los Altos homes commonly have 100-amp panels, limited outlet capacity, and sometimes aluminum wiring. Standard upgrades include:
- Panel upgrade to 200 amps: $4,000-$10,000
- Full or partial rewiring: $10,000-$28,000
- EV charger circuit: $1,500-$3,000
- Smart home wiring (networking, lighting controls): $3,000-$8,000
Plumbing ($10,000-$25,000)
Many older Los Altos homes still have galvanized steel drain lines and cast iron waste pipes. A full repipe with copper or PEX runs $10,000-$22,000 for a typical ranch. Adding a water softener or whole-house filtration system adds $2,000-$5,000.
HVAC ($12,000-$35,000)
Replacing an aging forced-air system with a modern, high-efficiency unit costs $12,000-$25,000. Upgrading to a multi-zone system or adding air conditioning where none exists runs $18,000-$35,000. Heat pump systems are increasingly popular for their energy efficiency and compatibility with California’s electrification goals.
Structural and Framing ($15,000-$50,000)
Layout changes require structural work. Opening a load-bearing wall for an open floor plan costs $8,000-$18,000 including the steel beam and engineering. Seismic retrofitting (foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing) adds $10,000-$30,000.
What Drives Costs Higher in Los Altos
Mid-Century Ranch Conversion Complexity
Converting a compartmentalized 1960s ranch into a modern open floor plan involves more than removing a wall. It typically requires:
- Structural engineering for new beams and headers
- Rerouting HVAC ductwork that runs through walls being removed
- Relocating plumbing and electrical that follow the old layout
- Matching ceiling heights when combining rooms built at different levels
Large Lot and Outdoor Considerations
Los Altos lots range from 10,000 to 15,000+ sqft, significantly larger than homes in Palo Alto or Mountain View. During a whole-home remodel, outdoor areas often get addressed as well:
- Landscaping restoration after construction: $5,000-$20,000
- Driveway and walkway updates: $5,000-$15,000
- Outdoor living spaces (patio, deck): $15,000-$50,000+
Heritage Tree Protection
Los Altos has strong heritage tree protections. Any construction activity within the drip line of a protected tree requires an arborist report and a tree protection plan. In some cases, foundation work or additions must be redesigned to avoid root zones, adding engineering costs and potential delays.
Older Home Discovery Costs
When walls come down in a 60-year-old ranch, expect to find some of the following:
- Asbestos in floor tiles, insulation, or textured ceilings: Abatement costs $4,000-$15,000
- Termite damage: Repairs range from $3,000-$20,000
- Inadequate insulation: Bringing walls and attic to current code adds $5,000-$15,000
- Foundation cracks or settlement: Repairs cost $5,000-$25,000
A 15-20% contingency is strongly recommended for any whole-home remodel in a pre-1980 Los Altos home.
Permits and Regulations
City of Los Altos Permit Requirements
| Permit/Fee | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | $5,000-$20,000 | Based on project valuation |
| Plan check fees | $3,500-$14,000 | Typically 65-75% of permit fee |
| Design Review | Required for exterior changes | Applies to visible alterations to the streetscape |
| Heritage tree assessment | $1,000-$3,000 | If construction is near protected trees |
| Design and engineering | $18,000-$50,000 | Architectural plans, structural engineering, Title 24 |
Plan review for residential remodels in Los Altos typically takes 4-8 weeks. Projects requiring Design Review may take longer depending on the scope of exterior changes.
How Los Altos Compares to Nearby Cities
| City | Whole-Home Remodel Cost/Sqft | Market Position | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Altos | $190-$425+/sqft | High tier | Large lots, ranch stock, premium finishes |
| Los Altos Hills | $225-$475+/sqft | Highest tier | Estate properties, hillside lots, very large homes |
| Palo Alto | $200-$475+/sqft | High tier | Small lots, Eichler stock, strict permits |
| Saratoga | $200-$500+/sqft | Highest tier | Hillside lots, large estates |
| Mountain View | $175-$375+/sqft | Mid-high tier | Smaller homes, tech corridor |
| Sunnyvale | $165-$350+/sqft | Mid tier | Diverse housing, more straightforward permitting |
Sample Budgets for Los Altos Whole-Home Remodels
Budget Example 1: 1,800 Sqft Ranch, Mid-Range Remodel
A 1965 single-story ranch getting an open floor plan, updated kitchen and bathrooms, and new finishes throughout:
| Category | Budget |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel (open to living) | $105,000 |
| 2 bathroom remodels | $110,000 |
| Flooring (whole home) | $30,000 |
| Electrical upgrade | $18,000 |
| Plumbing updates | $14,000 |
| HVAC replacement | $20,000 |
| Wall removal/structural | $14,000 |
| Paint, trim, finishes | $18,000 |
| Design and permits | $30,000 |
| Contingency (15%) | $53,000 |
| Total | $412,000 |
Budget Example 2: 2,800 Sqft Ranch, Gut Renovation
A 1958 ranch getting a full gut renovation with all-new systems, open floor plan, and premium finishes:
| Category | Budget |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $165,000 |
| 3 bathroom remodels | $195,000 |
| Flooring (whole home) | $50,000 |
| Full electrical rewire | $30,000 |
| Full replumb | $22,000 |
| HVAC (multi-zone) | $32,000 |
| Structural modifications | $35,000 |
| Seismic retrofit | $18,000 |
| Windows and doors | $38,000 |
| Insulation upgrade | $12,000 |
| Paint, trim, finishes | $30,000 |
| Asbestos/hazmat abatement | $10,000 |
| Design, engineering, permits | $48,000 |
| Contingency (17%) | $117,000 |
| Total | $802,000 |
Tips for Managing Your Los Altos Remodel Budget
1. Invest in a thorough pre-construction assessment. Before setting your budget, have your contractor evaluate the condition of plumbing, electrical, foundation, and insulation. This $2,000-$5,000 investment can prevent $50,000+ in surprises during construction.
2. Prioritize the open floor plan conversion. Removing walls between the kitchen, dining, and living areas is the single most transformative change for a Los Altos ranch. It changes how the home feels and functions more than any other single investment.
3. Plan for temporary housing. Budget $3,500-$6,500 per month for temporary housing during mid-range and gut renovations. A 6-9 month relocation is typical for most Los Altos whole-home projects.
4. Address trees early in the design process. If your property has heritage oaks or other protected trees, get an arborist assessment before finalizing plans. Redesigning around tree protection zones late in the process is far more expensive than planning for them upfront.
5. Lock in scope and pricing before construction. The most common source of budget overruns is scope changes during construction. A design-build firm that finalizes every detail before demolition day eliminates this risk.
Why Los Altos Homeowners Choose Custom Home Design and Build
Custom Home Design and Build has completed whole-home remodels throughout Los Altos and the surrounding South Bay. We understand the specific challenges of renovating mid-century ranches: the structural considerations of opening floor plans, the system upgrades older homes need, and the finish quality this market demands.
Phase 1 (Design): We create full architectural plans, 3D renderings, material selections, and a line-item budget. You approve every detail before construction begins.
Phase 2 (Build): Our in-house team handles every trade, permit, and inspection. No subcontractor surprises, no scope creep, no budget inflation.
Start Planning Your Los Altos Whole-Home Remodel
Ready to transform your Los Altos ranch into a modern home? Contact our team for a free consultation. We will visit your property, discuss your goals, and give you an honest assessment of what your project will cost before you commit to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a whole-home remodel cost in Los Altos in 2026?
A whole-home remodel in Los Altos costs $190-$425+ per square foot in 2026. For a 2,200 sqft home, cosmetic refreshes cost $209,000-$352,000, mid-range remodels with layout changes cost $418,000-$715,000, and gut renovations reach $715,000-$935,000+. Los Altos costs trend 10-20% above broader South Bay averages due to large lots, premium finish expectations, and mid-century homes that need significant system updates.
How long does a whole-home remodel take in Los Altos?
Cosmetic refreshes in Los Altos take 3-5 months. Mid-range remodels with layout changes run 6-9 months. Full gut renovations take 9-14 months. Add 2-4 months for design, material selection, and permitting before construction begins. Los Altos plan review typically takes 4-8 weeks for straightforward residential projects.
Does Los Altos require permits for whole-home remodels?
Yes. The City of Los Altos requires building permits for any work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical modifications. Permits are processed through the Community Development Department. Exterior changes trigger Design Review. Plan review takes 4-8 weeks for standard residential remodels. Projects affecting heritage trees or lot coverage require additional review.
What is the ROI of a whole-home remodel in Los Altos?
Whole-home remodels in Los Altos return 55-70% of investment at resale. With median home prices near $4 million, a well-executed $600K remodel on a $3.5M home can add $330K-$420K in resale value. Updated homes in Los Altos sell significantly faster than dated properties, and buyers in this market are willing to pay a premium for move-in-ready condition.