Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a building permit for a kitchen or bathroom remodel in San Jose?

Yes, you generally need a permit for kitchen or bathroom remodels that involve structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes. A permit is required for moving walls, altering the floor plan, adding or relocating plumbing fixtures, upgrading electrical circuits, or modifying ventilation. Cosmetic updates like painting, cabinet refacing, or swapping fixtures in the same location do not require a permit. The City of San José requires compliance with the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for all permits filed after January 1, 2026. You can start your application at SJPermits.org. The city offers an Over‑the‑Counter Service for qualifying single‑family residential projects, though remodel‑only projects must first obtain clearance from the Planning Division.

• San José Permit Center: 200 E. Santa Clara St., 1st Floor; Phone: 408-535-3555

• Permit applications are submitted through SJPermits.org

• Over-the-Counter Service is available for qualifying single-family or duplex remodels (clearance from Planning Division required for remodel-only projects)

• Reference: City of San José Over-the-Counter Service criteria; PermitFlow San Jose Building Permit Guide

How much does a typical home remodel cost in the San Jose area?

Costs vary significantly based on scope, materials, and conditions, but mid‑range kitchen remodels in San Jose often range from $40,000to$90,000, while bathroom remodels range from $20,000to$60,000. Whole‑home renovations can range from $150,000to$400,000 or more. These ranges reflect typical Bay Area labor and material rates. The “30% rule” suggests spending no more than 30% of your home’s market value on any single renovation to avoid over‑improvement. A detailed quote should itemize labor, materials, permit fees, and contingency (add 10–20%). LeCut Construction provides itemized estimates after an on‑site consultation.

• Cost depends on: square footage, material grade, structural changes, system upgrades, permit fees

• Permit issuance fees: $211/hour; plan review: $308/hour; inspection: $315/hour (City of San José fee schedule)

• Reference: PermitFlow San Jose fee schedule

What is LeCut Construction’s California contractor license number and how can I verify it?

LeCut Construction holds California General Building Contractor license #1080990, issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You can verify the license status, classification, bond, and any complaint history at the CSLB license lookup page: https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx. The license is a Class B – General Building Contractor classification, allowing the company to perform general construction and remodeling on residential projects.

• License Holder: Michael Abovich

• License Type: B – General Building Contractor

• Original license date: approximately 2020; status can be checked live.

• Also verify insurance and bonding directly with the contractor.

How long does it take to get a building permit in San Jose for a major remodel?

Plan review timelines vary from 4 to 12 weeks for most residential remodels, though complex additions or ADUs may take 8–16 weeks or longer. The City of San José processes plans in the order received. As of early 2026, the city reports longer-than-usual review times due to high application volume and limited staff. Simple electrical or plumbing permits may be issued in 1–2 weeks. Expedited services are available for a higher fee through the Residential Express Service.

• Factors: project scope, completeness of plans, type of construction, square footage

• Start at SJPermits.org; upload plans through SJePlans.

• Reference: City of San José Plan Review Timeframes notice; PermitFlow estimates

What services does LeCut Construction offer in San Jose and surrounding areas?

LeCut Construction provides full‑service residential remodeling, including whole‑home renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, room additions, ADU design and construction, garage conversions, outdoor kitchens, and exterior home renovations. The company also offers design‑build services, architectural planning, project management, and permit coordination. Service areas include San Jose, Morgan Hill, Newark, Fremont, Union City, and other Santa Clara County communities.

• Whole‑home remodeling

• Kitchen & bath renovation

• Room additions & extensions

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Garage conversions

• Outdoor kitchens & hardscape

• Design‑build project delivery

• See project examples at lecut.co

What are the ADU permit requirements and rules in San Jose for 2026?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in San Jose require a building permit, must comply with the 2025 California Building Code (Title 24), and meet local zoning standards. Key requirements include:

• Detached new‑construction ADUs must include solar panels and meet Title 24 energy standards.

• Owner‑occupancy requirements have been permanently eliminated statewide under AB 976, effective January 1, 2026.

• Garage conversions must meet current building, fire, and energy codes.

• The San José ADU Ally program offers a dedicated contact to guide you through the permitting process: adu.ally@sanjoseca.gov or 408-793-5302.

• Permit fees depend on project scope and square footage; standard plan review timelines are 8–16 weeks.

Reference: City of San José ADU Services; CA AB 976

How do the 2025 California Title 24 energy codes affect my remodeling project?

Any remodel requiring a building permit filed after January 1, 2026 must meet the 2025 update of Title 24, Part 6 (California Energy Code). Key changes include:

• Mandatory heat‑pump readiness for space and water heating in certain alterations.

• Enhanced indoor air quality standards requiring balanced ventilation systems (HRV/ERV).

• Photovoltaic (solar) and battery‑storage requirements for certain additions and new detached structures.

• Stricter window and insulation performance requirements.

A Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) may be required for larger or complex projects. Your contractor should incorporate these requirements into the design phase to avoid costly plan‑check revisions.

Reference: California Energy Commission 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards

What payment terms and contract structure does LeCut Construction use?

LeCut Construction uses a phased payment schedule tied to completed milestones, not a large upfront deposit. A typical structure is: 10% at contract signing, followed by payments at demolition/rough‑in, drywall, cabinet installation, and final walkthrough. All terms are spelled out in a California Home Improvement Contract, which includes a detailed scope of work, materials list, permit responsibilities, timeline, and a 10–20% contingency allowance. California law limits the initial down payment to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less (Business and Professions Code § 7159). Change orders are documented and signed before work proceeds.

• Payment methods: check, wire transfer, credit card (subject to processing fee).

• All work is backed by a minimum one‑year workmanship warranty.