Bay Area kitchen remodel prices range from $75,000 to $175,000 and more, depending on the dimensions of the space, selection of materials, and individual customization preferences. Front Street Builders offers customized solutions to suit various financial budgets while maintaining high-quality standards. All projects are estimated upfront, so there are no surprises.

  1. San Mateo County residents typically spend between $15,000 and $50,000 on a bathroom remodel, depending on the project’s complexity and materials selected. Our team creates precise estimates to help you organize your plan effectively. We work with our clients to tailor projects to meet their budgets and design style.

A typical kitchen renovation requires 8 to 12 weeks to complete. This does not include the design, drawings, and permitting process.

Permits help cities track infrastructure and ensure safety through building codes—the same codes that prevent your neighbor from building unsafe structures. Kitchen remodels typically require substantial electrical upgrades to meet current code, and we follow these specifications whether inspectors are present or not since they’re designed for safety and best practices.

I recommend permits for kitchen remodels because they help with resale value. For bathrooms, the law requires permits for any structural, electrical, or plumbing changes. We handle all permitting procedures to ensure compliance with local authorities.

Yes, in most instances, you can stay in your home. The construction schedule may require specific areas to be closed off during stages of work. We provide preliminary planning to ensure your requirements are met before we begin work. We strive to make it as easy as possible.

Homeowners renovating their kitchens now choose open-concept spaces, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and smart appliances. Our design team stays updated to offer contemporary solutions that suit your style. We offer a wide selection of materials at the Kitchen and Bath Design Showroom in Burlingame.

In the Bay Area, labor makes up most of your remodeling costs, so I advise clients to choose materials based on what they truly want rather than trying to save money on finishes. We can guide you based on our experience and industry standards, and we also recommend designers to help with these decisions.

Material choices should reflect your budget, lifestyle, and design preferences. Our team presents options considering durability, maintenance needs, and aesthetics to help you make informed decisions. Working with a designer early in the process helps you craft a budget that aligns your material choices with your overall financial plan.

The remodeling process begins with an initial consultation, followed by design development, material selection, and permitting, before proceeding to construction and finishing with a final walkthrough. We provide constant communication to create a positive experience for you.

Our company provides comprehensive design solutions and material selection, enabling customers to visualize their projects before commencing construction.

You can use your preferred materials and fixtures since we maintain relationships with trusted suppliers. Our team will handle compatibility verification and assess quality standards.

The Bay Area has many reliable contractors, but the challenge often comes down to communication rather than honesty. Every remodeling project involves extensive problem-solving beyond basic construction—addressing safety, structural issues, and project longevity that require years of experience.

However, being skilled at problem-solving doesn’t automatically make someone a strong communicator. When contractors struggle to explain complex issues or unexpected challenges, it can create mistrust. Clients may interpret poor communication as dishonesty when it’s really a gap in understanding.

Before assuming a contractor is being dishonest, I’d recommend asking more questions and requesting clearer explanations. Often, what seems like deception is actually a communication breakdown.

Everyone wants the highest quality work for the lowest possible price—and that’s natural. However, focusing solely on price isn’t a good way to evaluate what you’re actually getting. Clear communication and a mutual understanding of your project goals should be the first priority between you and your potential contractor.

Start by asking if they understand what you want from your project. People remodel for many different reasons, and you should be able to clearly communicate why you’re willing to invest this money and what you expect in return. Your contractor should be able to reflect those goals back to you and explain exactly what you’re providing for that price.

Contractors are expensive due to a combination of factors, including labor costs, material costs, overhead, and project complexity. Skilled labor, particularly for tasks such as carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing, commands competitive wages, and these costs can significantly increase project expenses. Additionally, contractors must cover overhead costs, such as insurance, licenses, and business expenses, which are then passed on to the client. The complexity of a project and the quality of materials also contribute to higher prices.

  1. Pricing structure is usually based on a percentage of the overall job costs. If you enter into a time and materials contract, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75/hour to $200/hour, depending on how someone values their time.

Schedule a consultation at our Burlingame Kitchen & Bath Design Showroom to start your remodeling project. You can reach us at (650) 219-7671 or email maria@frontstreetbuilders.com to arrange your appointment.

You’re entering a business relationship with someone you don’t know, so start with the basics: work history, professional licenses, insurance coverage, and project timeline. Discuss payment schedules, communication methods, and warranty information upfront.

Ask for references and inquire about their experience with projects like yours. Find out how they handle subcontractors, permits, and unexpected issues. Most importantly, make sure they understand your project goals and can clearly explain what you’ll get for your investment.

Experience and Qualifications: 

  • What is your work experience?
  • Do you possess a current contractor license to perform this specific type of work?
  • Are you licensed and do you have workers’ comp insurance on your employees?
  • What types of projects do you specialize in—what are your favorite projects?
  • Can you provide examples of similar projects you’ve completed?
  • Can you provide references from previous clients?

Project Details and Scope: 

  • How long will the project take to finish according to your estimate?
  • What will the payment schedule look like?
  • Will you be responsible for obtaining all required permits and conducting inspections?
  • Will there be a project manager or site supervisor?
  • How will you handle communication during the project?
  • You work with subcontractors—what qualifications do these workers possess?
  • What is your warranty policy?
  • What are your job site priorities?
  • How will you minimize disruptions to my home or business during the project?

Insurance and Liability: 

  • What type of insurance do you carry?
  • Does your project insurance coverage extend to accidents and damages which may occur throughout the construction process?
  • What safety protocols do you have to safeguard client properties?

Payment and Contract: 

  • What is your payment schedule?
  • Do you require a down payment to get started?
  • What actions do you take when clients encounter problems or need to modify the project?

Remodeling is far more complex than new construction—it requires extensive knowledge, experience, and constant problem-solving. We need strong communication and people management skills, plus an artistic eye to bring your vision to life. We must understand building codes, safety protocols, and risk management while navigating the unexpected challenges that come with every existing home.

Most importantly, we do this work because we love it—the process, the people, and creating something beautiful from your living space.