How Much Does a Whole-Home Remodel Cost in San Jose? (2026)
Whole-home remodels in San Jose cost $150 to $400+ per square foot in 2026, with significant variation by neighborhood. A 1,600 sqft home ranges from $240,000 for a mid-range renovation to $640,000+ for a full gut remodel. As the largest city in the Bay Area, San Jose offers a wider range of pricing than smaller, uniformly affluent communities. Neighborhoods like Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, and Rose Garden command higher costs, while East San Jose and Berryessa trend closer to regional averages.
How much does a whole-home remodel cost in San Jose?
A whole-home remodel in San Jose costs $150-$400+ per square foot in 2026. For a 1,600 sqft home, that means $240,000-$640,000+ depending on scope and neighborhood. Cosmetic refreshes run $80-$140/sqft, mid-range remodels cost $150-$300/sqft, and gut renovations reach $300-$400+/sqft. Premium neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Almaden Valley add 10-15% over citywide averages.
What Does a Whole-Home Remodel Cost in San Jose?
San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area, with over one million residents and a housing stock that spans nearly every era of California residential construction. From Craftsman bungalows in Naglee Park to 1960s ranches in Cambrian to 1990s tract homes in Silver Creek, the diversity of housing types means remodeling costs vary more widely here than in smaller, more uniform communities like Saratoga or Los Altos.
Whole-home remodels in San Jose cost $150 to $400+ per square foot in 2026. That range reflects both the diversity of neighborhoods and the wide spectrum of project scopes. A cosmetic refresh across a 1,600 sqft home might cost $128,000, while a gut renovation of a 2,500 sqft home in Willow Glen can exceed $750,000.
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 | 1,400 Sqft Home | 1,800 Sqft Home | 2,500 Sqft Home | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $80-$140/sqft | $112K-$196K | $144K-$252K | $200K-$350K | 3-5 months |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $150-$300/sqft | $210K-$420K | $270K-$540K | $375K-$750K | 5-8 months |
| Gut Renovation | $300-$400+/sqft | $420K-$560K+ | $540K-$720K+ | $750K-$1M+ | 8-13 months |
A cosmetic refresh updates every room with new flooring, paint, countertops, cabinet refacing, updated fixtures, and modernized bathrooms. The floor plan stays the same, and major systems remain in place.
A mid-range remodel adds layout changes: wall removals to open up the kitchen and living areas, new custom cabinetry, reconfigured bathrooms, and targeted system upgrades. This is the most common scope for San Jose homeowners looking to modernize their 1960s or 1970s ranch.
A gut renovation strips the home to the studs and rebuilds with new framing, insulation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finishes. This scope is most common in homes with severely outdated systems or in premium neighborhoods where the investment is justified by high property values.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Component
Kitchen ($55,000-$175,000)
| Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | $15,000-$55,000 | Stock to fully custom, depending on budget and neighborhood market |
| Countertops | $5,000-$18,000 | Quartz is the most popular; granite and quartzite for higher budgets |
| Appliances | $5,000-$25,000 | Standard to professional-grade |
| Layout changes | $6,000-$20,000 | Wall removal, island addition, plumbing relocation |
| Backsplash | $2,000-$6,000 | Subway tile to natural stone slab |
| Lighting and electrical | $3,000-$8,000 | Recessed, pendant, and under-cabinet lighting |
| Flooring | $3,000-$8,000 | Kitchen-specific flooring (tile, LVP, or hardwood) |
Bathrooms ($25,000-$70,000 per bathroom)
San Jose homes typically have 2-3 bathrooms. A primary bathroom remodel runs $40,000-$70,000 for a mid-range to high-end finish. Hall and guest bathrooms cost $25,000-$45,000 each. Key upgrades include walk-in showers, double vanities, heated floors, and improved ventilation.
Flooring ($10,000-$40,000)
| Material | Cost Per Sqft (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered hardwood | $10-$22/sqft | Most popular for main living areas |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $6-$12/sqft | Cost-effective alternative gaining popularity |
| Porcelain tile | $12-$22/sqft | Kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways |
| Solid hardwood | $13-$26/sqft | Premium option for living and dining areas |
Electrical ($10,000-$30,000)
- Panel upgrade to 200 amps: $3,500-$8,000
- Full or partial rewiring: $8,000-$25,000
- EV charger circuit: $1,200-$2,500
- Smart home wiring: $2,000-$6,000
Plumbing ($8,000-$22,000)
- Full repipe (copper or PEX): $8,000-$18,000
- Water heater replacement: $2,000-$5,000
- Water softener/filtration: $1,500-$4,000
HVAC ($10,000-$30,000)
San Jose’s warmer inland climate makes air conditioning more of a priority than in coastal Bay Area communities. Replacing an aging system with a modern high-efficiency unit costs $10,000-$20,000. Upgrading to a multi-zone or ducted mini-split system runs $15,000-$30,000.
What Drives Costs in San Jose
Neighborhood-Level Pricing Variation
San Jose’s size means costs differ significantly by neighborhood. Here is how the city’s major areas compare:
| Neighborhood | Cost Premium | Median Home Price | Typical Home Size | Common Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willow Glen | +10-15% | $1.8-$2.5M | 1,400-2,200 sqft | 1920s-1950s |
| Almaden Valley | +10-15% | $1.8-$2.3M | 1,800-2,800 sqft | 1970s-1990s |
| Rose Garden | +10-15% | $1.5-$2.0M | 1,200-1,800 sqft | 1920s-1940s |
| Naglee Park | +5-10% | $1.3-$1.8M | 1,400-2,000 sqft | 1900s-1930s |
| Cambrian | Baseline | $1.3-$1.7M | 1,200-1,600 sqft | 1950s-1970s |
| Berryessa | Baseline | $1.1-$1.5M | 1,100-1,500 sqft | 1960s-1980s |
| Evergreen | Baseline | $1.2-$1.6M | 1,400-2,000 sqft | 1970s-1990s |
Older Home Challenges
San Jose’s housing stock spans over a century. Older homes present specific cost drivers:
- Pre-1940 homes (Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Naglee Park): Knob-and-tube wiring, lath-and-plaster walls, pier-and-post foundations, and lead paint are common. Full system replacement is often necessary.
- 1950s-1970s ranches (Cambrian, Berryessa): Galvanized pipes, aluminum wiring, single-pane windows, and asbestos-containing materials are frequent findings.
- 1980s-1990s tract homes (Almaden, Evergreen): Generally in better condition but may have polybutylene plumbing, builder-grade finishes, and undersized electrical panels.
Climate Considerations
San Jose’s warmer microclimate, with summer temperatures regularly reaching the 80s and 90s, makes HVAC upgrades more consequential than in foggy San Francisco or coastal communities. Adequate air conditioning and insulation are standard expectations for any updated home.
Permits and Regulations
City of San Jose Permit Requirements
| Permit/Fee | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | $4,000-$18,000 | Based on project valuation |
| Plan check fees | $3,000-$13,000 | Typically 65-75% of permit fee |
| Express plan review | Available | For simpler projects; faster turnaround |
| Utility connection fees | $1,500-$6,000 | If upgrading electrical service |
| Design and engineering | $15,000-$45,000 | Architectural plans, structural engineering, Title 24 |
San Jose’s Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department handles residential permits. Standard plan review takes 4-6 weeks. The city offers express and over-the-counter review for simpler modifications, which can speed up the process significantly.
Historic Preservation
San Jose has several designated historic districts and individually landmarked properties. If your home falls within a historic area (parts of Naglee Park, Hensley, and the downtown core), additional review is required for exterior modifications. Interior remodels are generally not subject to historic review.
How San Jose Compares to Nearby Cities
| City | Whole-Home Remodel Cost/Sqft | Market Position | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $150-$400+/sqft | Mid tier | Diverse housing, neighborhood variation |
| Saratoga | $200-$500+/sqft | Highest tier | Hillside lots, large estates |
| Los Gatos | $200-$450+/sqft | High tier | Downtown charm, premium market |
| Campbell | $150-$325+/sqft | Mid tier | Smaller homes, straightforward permitting |
| Santa Clara | $150-$325+/sqft | Mid tier | Compact lots, tech corridor |
| Milpitas | $140-$300+/sqft | Mid tier | Newer housing stock, accessible pricing |
San Jose offers a broader pricing range than most Bay Area cities because it contains both premium neighborhoods that rival Los Gatos and more modestly priced areas that offer strong value for renovation investment.
Sample Budgets for San Jose Whole-Home Remodels
Budget Example 1: 1,500 Sqft Willow Glen Bungalow, Mid-Range Remodel
A 1940s bungalow getting a full interior update with modern kitchen, updated bathrooms, and new systems:
| Category | Budget |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $85,000 |
| 2 bathroom remodels | $85,000 |
| Flooring (whole home) | $22,000 |
| Electrical upgrade (partial rewire) | $15,000 |
| Plumbing updates | $12,000 |
| HVAC replacement | $16,000 |
| Structural/wall removal | $10,000 |
| Paint, trim, finishes | $15,000 |
| Design and permits | $25,000 |
| Contingency (15%) | $42,000 |
| Total | $327,000 |
Budget Example 2: 2,200 Sqft Almaden Valley Home, Gut Renovation
A 1980s two-story getting a complete interior renovation with upgraded systems and premium finishes:
| Category | Budget |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $140,000 |
| 3 bathroom remodels | $160,000 |
| Flooring (whole home) | $38,000 |
| Full electrical update | $22,000 |
| Full replumb | $16,000 |
| HVAC (new multi-zone) | $28,000 |
| Structural modifications | $18,000 |
| Windows and doors | $30,000 |
| Insulation upgrade | $10,000 |
| Paint, trim, finishes | $25,000 |
| Design, engineering, permits | $40,000 |
| Contingency (15%) | $80,000 |
| Total | $607,000 |
Tips for Managing Your San Jose Remodel Budget
1. Match your investment to your neighborhood. A $500,000 renovation in a neighborhood with $1.2M median home values has a very different ROI than the same investment in a $2M neighborhood. Work with a builder who understands San Jose’s neighborhood dynamics.
2. Address deferred maintenance during the remodel. If your home is 40+ years old and you are already opening walls, replacing plumbing, wiring, and insulation during the remodel saves tens of thousands compared to addressing these systems separately later.
3. Prioritize kitchen and bathroom quality. These rooms have the highest impact on daily enjoyment and resale value. Allocate 35-45% of your total budget to these spaces.
4. Budget for climate comfort. San Jose’s warm summers make air conditioning a near-requirement in updated homes. A modern HVAC system with proper insulation is not optional in this market.
5. Get a locked-in price before construction starts. Change orders during construction are the number one budget killer in home remodeling. A design-build firm that finalizes scope, specifications, and pricing before demolition day protects you from this risk.
Why San Jose Homeowners Choose Custom Home Design and Build
Custom Home Design and Build serves homeowners across San Jose’s diverse neighborhoods, from Willow Glen bungalows to Almaden Valley estates. Our two-phase design-build process gives you clarity and cost control from the very first meeting.
Phase 1 (Design): We develop full plans, 3D renderings, material selections, and a detailed budget. You see your renovation visualized and priced before any work begins.
Phase 2 (Build): Construction starts only after you approve the final design and locked-in pricing. Our team manages every trade, inspection, and timeline milestone.
Start Planning Your San Jose Whole-Home Remodel
Ready to discuss your San Jose renovation? Contact our team for a free consultation. We will visit your home, talk through your goals, and provide a straightforward assessment of scope and budget before you commit to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a whole-home remodel cost in San Jose in 2026?
A whole-home remodel in San Jose costs $150-$400+ per square foot in 2026. For a 1,600 sqft home, cosmetic refreshes cost $128,000-$224,000, mid-range remodels run $240,000-$480,000, and gut renovations reach $480,000-$640,000+. Costs vary by neighborhood, with Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, and Rose Garden trending 10-15% above citywide averages.
How long does a whole-home remodel take in San Jose?
Cosmetic refreshes in San Jose take 3-5 months. Mid-range remodels with layout changes run 5-8 months. Full gut renovations take 8-13 months. Add 2-3 months for design and permitting before construction begins. San Jose's building department processes residential plan reviews in 4-6 weeks for standard projects.
Does San Jose require permits for whole-home remodels?
Yes. The City of San Jose requires building permits for any work that involves structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical changes. Permits are filed through the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department. Plan review takes 4-6 weeks for standard residential remodels. Express plan review is available for simpler projects.
Which San Jose neighborhoods have the highest remodel costs?
Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, Rose Garden, Naglee Park, and Silver Creek run 10-15% above citywide averages due to higher home values, larger homes, and premium finish expectations. These neighborhoods have median home prices of $1.5-$2.5 million, and homeowners invest accordingly in renovation quality.