Project resources
Direct answers to what clients ask most: permits, cost, schedule, and how to choose a contractor. City rules are checked against official sources.
Permits & planningCosmetic work needs no permit. New plumbing, electrical, or vent work does, and moving fixtures makes it a major remodel.
Read more
BudgetingScope, moved plumbing and walls, hidden conditions, and finishes drive the price. Here is how each one played out on real Landford projects.
Read more
The remodeling processIt depends on the plans, your materials, and the inspections. Here are San José’s published review times and what else sets the schedule.
Read more
Bathroom project lessonsA curbless shower that replaced a tub in San Jose and an enlarged shower in Campbell: what each project changed and how to choose for your bathroom.
Read more
Bathroom remodelingA curbless shower keeps water in with slope, not a curb. Here are the pros and cons, and how it worked in a real San Jose bathroom.
Read more
Bathroom remodelingSettle the layout, shower, waterproofing, fan, and clearances before demolition, using the City of San José’s key bathroom requirements.
Read more
Kitchen remodelingSettle the layout, appliances, cabinets, hood, and lighting before demolition, using the City of San José’s key kitchen requirements.
Read more
Permits & planningYes, with a permit and plans. Here is how San José treats wall removal, how a load-bearing wall changes the review, and what else has to move.
Read more
Kitchen project lessonsPick the focal point, make templates, and lay the pattern out dry before any tile is set. Here is how that worked in a real Los Gatos kitchen.
Read more
Garage remodelingYes, with permits and plans. Here is what San José requires, what California code asks of the finished room, and what happens with parking.
Read more
Garage project lessonsAn epoxy-floored storage garage in Cupertino and a home gym in Palo Alto: what each remodel involved and how to plan floors, storage, and power.
Read more
Hiring a contractorCheck the license yourself, compare written scopes, and know California’s payment rules before you sign with a remodeling contractor.
Read more
BudgetingStart with the scope and finish level, add permit fees and a reserve for hidden conditions, then compare bids line by line.
Read more
Contracts & communicationCalifornia requires a signed, written change order before changed work starts. Here is what one should include and how to handle hidden conditions.
Read more
The remodeling processNine steps from the first photos to the final walkthrough, including permits, inspections, and how changes are handled.
Read more
Living through constructionDecide whether staying home is realistic, then set up access, a temporary kitchen or bathroom, and protection before the first day of work.
Read more
Permits & planningThe same remodel can take different paths from one city to the next. Compare when a permit is needed, which faster paths exist, and who can apply.
Read more
Permits & planningOften not, if nothing structural changes. Here is when San José requires plans, when a licensed signature is needed, and who does what.
Read more
Commercial permitsSan José requires plans for every tenant improvement. Eligible office projects can use the one-meeting STAR review; the rest go through Standard Plan Review.
Read more
Commercial project lessonsA warehouse and an arched commercial building in Los Gatos: what each renovation involved and how the Town handles permits and its 20% accessibility rule.
Read more
Commercial planningWrite down the goal, the approvals, the existing conditions, the permit path, and what has to keep running before you ask anyone for a price.
Read more
Commercial budgetingTwo proposals with different totals may not describe the same project. Use this checklist to find the differences before signing.
Read more
Occupied renovationSometimes, but it shouldn’t be assumed. Here is how to decide, how to phase the work, and what to settle before anyone prices the job.
Read more
Office remodelingStart with how people use the office, settle the layout, power, and lighting, and check the permit path before you choose finishes.
Read moreReady to discuss your project?
Request a consultation with Landford Construction. We’ll respond within one business day.
Veterans, active military, and seniors 65+ save 5%. See details