Complete Guide to Whole-Home Remodeling in Los Altos
Los Altos is one of the most active whole-home remodeling markets in the Bay Area, with a housing stock dominated by 1950s-1970s ranches on large lots. Whole-home remodeling in Los Altos costs $200-$400+ per square foot in 2026, with total projects typically ranging from $450,000 to $1.2 million or more. The city's design review process is one of the most thorough in the South Bay, requiring Planning Commission or staff-level approval for projects that change the exterior. This guide covers Los Altos housing stock, what whole-home remodeling includes, costs, the permit and design review process, timelines, and how to compare your options.
What should I know about whole-home remodeling in Los Altos?
Los Altos whole-home remodels cost $200-$400+/sqft in 2026, with most projects ranging from $450K to $1.2M+. The city requires design review for nearly all projects that change exterior appearance, add square footage, or alter the roofline. Expect 8-16 months total from design through completion. Most homes are 1950s-1970s ranches that need seismic, electrical, and plumbing upgrades.
Why Los Altos Is One of the Bay Area’s Top Remodeling Markets
Los Altos is a residential community of approximately 31,000 people located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Known for its excellent schools, walkable downtown village, and large residential lots, Los Altos consistently ranks among the most desirable cities in the Bay Area. Median home prices exceed $4 million, and demand for well-maintained homes on large lots remains strong.
The city’s housing stock tells a clear story. Most homes were built between 1950 and 1975, during the post-war suburban expansion that shaped much of the South Bay. While these homes sit on generous lots in established neighborhoods, many have floor plans, systems, and finishes that no longer meet modern standards. Homeowners who love their neighborhood but want a home that matches their lifestyle turn to whole-home remodeling as the most practical solution.
This guide covers what whole-home remodeling looks like in Los Altos, what it costs, how the city’s design review process works, and how to plan a project from start to finish.
Understanding Los Altos Housing Stock
Post-War Ranches (1950s-1960s)
Single-story ranch homes are the backbone of Los Altos residential neighborhoods. These homes typically range from 1,400 to 2,500 square feet on lots of 10,000 to 15,000+ square feet. Construction is typically slab-on-grade or raised foundation with conventional wood framing. The lot-to-home size ratio makes these properties ideal for both whole-home remodeling and potential additions.
Eichler and Mid-Century Modern Homes
Los Altos has a significant inventory of Eichler homes, particularly in the Woodland Acres and other mid-century subdivisions. These post-and-beam homes feature flat or low-slope roofs, floor-to-ceiling glass, radiant slab heating, and open floor plans. Eichler remodels require specialized knowledge because the structural system, roof design, and heating approach differ from conventional construction.
Split-Levels and Two-Story Homes (1960s-1980s)
Split-level and two-story homes from the 1960s through 1980s make up a portion of the Los Altos inventory. These homes often have 2,000 to 3,500 square feet and feature compartmentalized floor plans with multiple levels. Whole-home remodeling can unify the flow, improve natural light, and modernize the layout while keeping the existing structure.
Newer Custom Homes (1990s-2010s)
Custom homes built in the last 30 years may still be candidates for whole-home remodeling after two or three decades. Common drivers include outdated kitchen and bathroom finishes, dated technology infrastructure, and changing family needs. The structural and mechanical systems are typically in better condition, which reduces overall remodeling costs.
What Whole-Home Remodeling Includes in Los Altos
A whole-home remodel in Los Altos addresses the entire home as a single, coordinated project. Rather than renovating one room at a time over several years, the whole-home approach handles everything in a planned sequence. The typical scope includes:
Systems replacement: Electrical rewiring (upgrading to 200-amp or 400-amp service), plumbing repipe, HVAC replacement, and insulation upgrades. Most pre-1975 Los Altos homes need all four.
Structural modifications: Removing or relocating walls to open up the floor plan, reinforcing the foundation for seismic performance, and addressing any structural issues revealed during demolition.
Kitchen renovation: Full gut and rebuild with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and layout. The kitchen is the centerpiece of most Los Altos whole-home remodels.
Bathroom renovations: Updating all bathrooms with modern fixtures, new tile, improved ventilation, and reconfigured layouts. Primary suite bathrooms often expand significantly during a whole-home project.
Interior finishes: New flooring throughout, fresh drywall or plaster repair, paint, trim, doors, and hardware. The goal is a cohesive design language across the entire home.
Exterior upgrades: Window and door replacement, siding or stucco repair, roofing, exterior lighting, and landscape restoration. Los Altos design review pays close attention to how the home looks from the street.
Whole-Home Remodeling Costs in Los Altos
Whole-home remodels in Los Altos cost $200 to $400+ per square foot in 2026, placing the city in the upper tier of Bay Area markets.
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.
Cost by Scope
| Scope Level | Cost per Sqft | 2,000 Sqft Home |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (finishes, fixtures, paint) | $100-$175/sqft | $200,000-$350,000 |
| Mid-range (layout changes, systems upgrades) | $200-$350/sqft | $400,000-$700,000 |
| Gut renovation (structural, full systems) | $350-$450+/sqft | $700,000-$900,000+ |
Cost Factors Specific to Los Altos
- Design review costs: Architectural documentation for design review adds $5,000-$15,000 in professional fees. Story pole installation runs $3,000-$8,000.
- Eichler-specific work: Radiant floor heating repair or replacement, flat roof replacement, and post-and-beam structural modifications add specialty costs.
- Lot size and access: Larger lots may require longer utility runs. Narrow side yards or mature trees can complicate material staging and equipment access.
- Market expectations: Los Altos buyers expect high-end finishes. Homeowners who plan to stay long-term still benefit from finish selections that align with neighborhood standards.
Sample Budget: 2,000 Sqft Mid-Range Remodel
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Design and engineering | $35,000-$60,000 |
| Permits and fees | $12,000-$30,000 |
| Demolition and site prep | $12,000-$25,000 |
| Structural and framing | $45,000-$80,000 |
| Electrical (full rewire) | $30,000-$50,000 |
| Plumbing (full repipe) | $20,000-$38,000 |
| HVAC | $22,000-$45,000 |
| Insulation and drywall | $18,000-$30,000 |
| Kitchen (high-end) | $75,000-$140,000 |
| Bathrooms (2-3, mid to high-end) | $50,000-$100,000 |
| Flooring | $20,000-$40,000 |
| Windows and doors | $25,000-$50,000 |
| Exterior and roofing | $25,000-$50,000 |
| Fixtures, hardware, paint | $15,000-$35,000 |
| Landscaping restoration | $10,000-$25,000 |
| Contingency (10-15%) | $40,000-$110,000 |
| Total | $454,000-$908,000 |
For detailed per-square-foot breakdowns, see our Los Altos whole-home remodel cost guide.
The Los Altos Design Review Process
Design review is one of the defining features of remodeling in Los Altos. The city takes neighborhood compatibility seriously, and the review process reflects that priority.
When Design Review Is Required
Design review applies to residential projects that:
- Add floor area beyond certain thresholds
- Increase building height
- Change the roofline or building profile
- Significantly alter the exterior appearance
Interior-only remodels that do not change the building envelope typically do not require design review.
Staff-Level vs. Planning Commission Review
Smaller projects that meet specific criteria may qualify for staff-level design review, which is faster and does not require a public hearing. Larger projects, second-story additions, and homes that approach maximum lot coverage go before the Planning Commission for a public hearing.
Story Pole Requirements
When a project adds height or changes the building profile, the city requires story poles to be erected on the property. These poles outline the proposed building envelope, showing the height, width, and shape of the addition or modification. Neighbors receive notice and can attend the Planning Commission hearing to comment.
Timeline Impact
Staff-level review adds 2-4 weeks to the pre-construction timeline. Planning Commission review, including story pole installation and public notice, adds 2-4 months. Factor this time into your project schedule from the beginning.
Permits and Regulations
Beyond design review, Los Altos requires standard building permits for all work involving structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes. The city’s Building Division handles plan review, which typically takes 4-8 weeks for residential projects.
Key regulations to be aware of:
- Protected trees: Los Altos has a heritage tree ordinance that protects certain species and sizes. Work near protected trees requires an arborist assessment.
- Setback requirements: Residential setbacks vary by zone. Additions must comply with front, side, and rear setback requirements.
- Floor area ratio (FAR): The maximum buildable area relative to lot size is governed by FAR limits. This affects whether you can add square footage during your remodel.
- Height limits: Residential height limits apply, and projects near the maximum trigger additional review.
Timeline: Whole-Home Remodel in Los Altos
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and site assessment | 1-2 weeks |
| Design development | 6-10 weeks |
| Engineering and permit documents | 4-6 weeks |
| Design review (if required) | 2-16 weeks |
| Building permit review | 4-8 weeks |
| Material procurement | Concurrent with permitting |
| Demolition and site prep | 1-2 weeks |
| Structural and framing | 3-6 weeks |
| Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) | 4-8 weeks |
| Insulation, drywall, finishes | 4-8 weeks |
| Kitchen and bathroom installation | 4-8 weeks |
| Final finishes and punch list | 2-4 weeks |
| Total | 8-16 months |
How Los Altos Compares
| City | Cost/Sqft | Design Review | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Altos | $200-$400+ | Required for exterior changes | Story poles, Planning Commission hearings |
| Saratoga | $200-$400+ | For additions and exterior changes | Heritage trees, hillside standards |
| Cupertino | $175-$350+ | Limited | Faster permitting, fewer review layers |
| Mountain View | $175-$350+ | For larger projects | More mixed housing stock |
| Palo Alto | $225-$400+ | Extensive | Most detailed review in the Bay Area |
Los Altos falls in line with Saratoga and just below Palo Alto in terms of cost and regulatory complexity. The design review process is thorough but fair, and homeowners who plan for it upfront avoid delays.
Why Design-Build Makes Sense for Los Altos Remodels
The Los Altos design review process rewards projects that are well-designed, well-documented, and clearly aligned with neighborhood character. A design-build firm brings architecture, engineering, and construction expertise together from day one. This means your design review submittal reflects both design intent and construction feasibility, reducing the likelihood of conditions or revisions from the Planning Commission.
Custom Home Design and Build has extensive experience with Los Altos remodeling projects. Our two-phase process produces complete architectural plans, 3D renderings, and a fixed-price construction proposal before any work begins. You know exactly what your home will look like and what it will cost before demolition starts.
Ready to Remodel Your Los Altos Home?
A whole-home remodel in Los Altos is a major investment in your home, your family, and your quality of life. With the right planning, the right team, and realistic expectations for timeline and budget, the result is a home that works the way you live today while fitting seamlessly into the neighborhood you chose.
Contact Custom Home Design and Build to schedule a consultation and start planning your Los Altos whole-home remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a whole-home remodel cost in Los Altos?
Whole-home remodels in Los Altos cost $200-$400+ per square foot in 2026. For a 2,000 sqft home, that translates to $400,000-$800,000+. Gut renovations with structural changes, new systems, and high-end finishes can exceed $1 million for larger homes. Los Altos costs run 10-20% above the broader Bay Area average due to design review requirements and high-end market expectations.
What is the Los Altos design review process for remodeling?
Los Altos requires design review for projects that add floor area, increase building height, or change the exterior appearance of the home. Smaller projects may qualify for staff-level review, which takes 2-4 weeks. Larger projects go before the Planning Commission, which meets twice monthly and can add 2-4 months to your pre-construction timeline. Story pole placement is required for projects that add height so neighbors can assess visual impact.
How long does it take to remodel a home in Los Altos?
A typical whole-home remodel in Los Altos takes 8-16 months from initial design through construction completion. Design development takes 6-10 weeks, permitting and design review take 6-14 weeks, and construction runs 6-12 months depending on scope. The design review step is what sets Los Altos timelines apart from cities with more streamlined approval processes.
Do I need story poles for my Los Altos remodel?
Story poles are required when a project adds height or significantly changes the building profile as viewed from neighboring properties. The poles outline the proposed building envelope so neighbors and the Planning Commission can evaluate the visual impact. Your builder typically installs the story poles and coordinates the required public notice period. Interior-only remodels and projects that do not change the roofline generally do not require story poles.