Frequently Asked Questions
San Mateo Construction is a licensed general contractor in San Mateo, CA handling whole-home projects from roofing and windows to kitchens, baths, and ADU construction under a single contract. Below are the questions homeowners ask us most about pricing, scheduling, licensing, and the specific work we do. If your question isn’t here, call us at (855) 901-7266 and we’ll give you a straight answer.
Key Takeaways
- We’re a licensed general contractor serving San Mateo and the surrounding Peninsula, handling exterior and interior scope under one contract.
- Every project gets a free, itemized estimate with material options at multiple price tiers from brands you recognize.
- Kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, roofing, windows, siding, hardscaping, fencing, and ADU construction are all in-house capabilities.
- One team manages scheduling, subcontractors, and material procurement, so you’re not chasing five separate vendors.
- Emergencies like active roof leaks or storm damage get priority scheduling; we don’t leave a home exposed.
Pricing & Estimates
How much does construction service cost in San Mateo?
Construction costs in San Mateo vary widely by scope, but a whole-room kitchen remodel typically lands in the $45,000 to $110,000 range, a full bathroom remodel runs $22,000 to $55,000, and an asphalt shingle re-roof on a typical Peninsula ranch home starts around $18,000. These San Mateo numbers run higher than inland markets because of tight lots, older housing stock from the 1940s through 1960s, and Bay Area labor rates. Your actual cost depends on material tier, existing conditions, and structural work. Call (855) 901-7266 for a free estimate built around your specific project.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, every estimate is free and itemized, with no obligation to proceed. We walk the property, measure, and talk through material options at different price tiers before we put anything in writing. You’ll see line items for labor and materials so you can compare apples to apples. Call (855) 901-7266 to schedule your estimate. Expect a written scope within a few business days for most residential projects.
Why do material choices change my price so much?
Material tier is often the single largest cost lever in a remodel, and it’s where our brand portfolio helps most. You can choose Cambria quartz or Caesarstone for countertops, Grohe or Toto plumbing fixtures alongside proven Delta and American Standard options, and GAF or Owens Corning roofing, all within the same project. We help you choose based on how you use the space and how long you plan to stay. That means honest recommendations across budget tiers, not a push toward the highest bid. Call (855) 901-7266 and we’ll walk you through the options.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a roof?
A localized repair is almost always cheaper short-term, usually $600 to $2,500 for a spot fix, while a full replacement on a typical San Mateo home runs $18,000 and up. The honest answer depends on roof age, the number of problem areas, and whether the decking underneath is sound. On homes over 20 years old with recurring leaks, patching often costs more over five years than replacing once. We’ll inspect and tell you which path makes sense. Call (855) 901-7266 for a free roof assessment.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept check, bank transfer, and major credit cards, with a standard deposit-then-progress-payments schedule tied to project milestones. You’ll see the payment schedule spelled out in your contract before any work begins, so there are no surprises mid-project. For larger renovations, we structure draws around completed phases. Call (855) 901-7266 if you have questions about financing or payment timing.
Service & Scheduling
Do you offer emergency construction service?
Yes, we prioritize emergency calls for active roof leaks, storm damage, broken windows, and similar issues that leave a home exposed. We don’t advertise round-the-clock hours we can’t staff, but we do move fast on true emergencies and will tarp or secure a roof to prevent further water intrusion while we schedule permanent repairs. Call (855) 901-7266 and describe the problem; if it’s urgent, we’ll tell you what we can do today. San Mateo’s winter rain makes roof leaks the most common emergency we handle.
How fast can you respond?
For non-emergency estimates we typically schedule within a few business days, and most homeowners have a written estimate within a week of the site visit. Emergency calls get same-day or next-day attention whenever possible. Scheduling speed on the actual project depends on scope, permitting, and material lead times, which we map out for you upfront. Call (855) 901-7266 to get on the schedule. We’ll give you a realistic timeline, not an optimistic one.
What areas do you serve?
We serve San Mateo and the surrounding Peninsula, including nearby cities like Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, and Redwood City. Our work spans everything from single-room remodels to full exterior-to-interior renovations and new ADU construction. If you’re not sure whether your address is in our service area, just call and ask. Call (855) 901-7266 to confirm coverage and schedule a visit.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes, we stand behind our workmanship, and our written contract spells out the warranty terms for labor and materials. Manufacturer warranties on products like GAF roofing, James Hardie siding, and PGT windows also apply and we register them for you where required. If something isn’t right, we come back and fix it. Call (855) 901-7266 to review warranty details for your specific project.
How does a whole-home project stay organized under one contractor?
A single licensed general contractor manages the entire sequence so trades don’t collide and materials arrive when they’re needed. Here’s how a typical multi-system project runs:
- Site visit and scope: we measure, photograph existing conditions, and identify structural or code issues before pricing.
- Written estimate and material selection: you choose from curated brand tiers for roofing, windows, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing so the budget is locked early.
- Permitting: we pull the required San Mateo permits and coordinate inspections, which keeps the project legal and insurable.
- Scheduling and procurement: we order long-lead items like windows and cabinetry first and sequence exterior work (roofing, siding) ahead of interior finishes.
- Construction and quality control: our team manages subcontractors and checks work at each phase, from Schluter waterproofing in wet areas to final trim.
- Walkthrough and closeout: we do a final inspection with you, hand over warranties, and address any punch-list items.
That continuity is the whole point: the same contractor who re-roofs your house also handles the kitchen, windows, and driveway. Call (855) 901-7266 to talk through a multi-scope project.
Licensing & Trust
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, San Mateo Construction is a licensed general contractor and carries the insurance required for residential construction work in California. We can provide license and insurance documentation on request before work begins. Hiring a licensed, insured contractor protects you if something goes wrong on the job and is generally required for permitted work. Call (855) 901-7266 with any questions about our credentials.
Do you pull permits for your projects?
Yes, we pull the required permits for structural, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and ADU work, and we coordinate inspections with the local building department. Unpermitted work can complicate a future home sale and void insurance claims, so we don’t skip this step. San Mateo’s older housing stock often means older wiring and framing that inspectors will flag, and we plan for that upfront. Call (855) 901-7266 to discuss permitting for your project.
Can one contractor really handle roofing, remodeling, and an ADU?
Yes, and that breadth is exactly what sets us apart from remodelers who only do interiors. We handle exterior systems (roofing, siding, windows, fencing, hardscaping) and interior work (kitchens, baths, cabinetry, countertops) plus new structure through ADU construction using vetted prefab manufacturers like Abodu, Dvele, Mighty Buildings, Plant Prefab, and Boxabl. You get one accountable team instead of a patchwork of separate trades. Call (855) 901-7266 to discuss a project that crosses multiple systems.
Specific Services
Do you handle kitchen remodeling?
Yes, we do full kitchen remodeling, from layout and cabinetry to countertops, plumbing, and finish work. You’ll choose from name-brand cabinetry like KraftMaid and Wellborn and countertops like Cambria, Silestone, or Caesarstone, with plumbing fixtures from Kohler, Grohe, Toto, or Moen. Because we manage the whole scope, the cabinet installer, countertop fabricator, and plumber are all on one schedule. Call (855) 901-7266 to plan your kitchen remodel.
Do you handle bathroom remodeling?
Yes, we remodel bathrooms including tile showers, vanities, and fixtures, and we use professional-grade waterproofing like the Schluter system behind tile in wet areas. That detail matters in San Mateo’s older homes where moisture and settling can undermine a shower if the substrate isn’t done right. You’ll pick fixtures from premium and value tiers in the same project. Call (855) 901-7266 to talk through your bathroom project.
Do you handle roofing?
Yes, we install and replace roofing using GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning systems, and we handle the decking, underlayment, and ventilation that make a roof last. San Mateo’s coastal fog and winter rain put real stress on roofs, so proper flashing and ventilation matter as much as the shingles. We inspect first and recommend repair versus replacement honestly. Call (855) 901-7266 for a free roof assessment.
Do you handle windows and doors?
Yes, we install windows and doors from PGT and Therma-Tru, handling the rough opening, flashing, and trim so the installation is weather-tight. On Peninsula homes, window replacement often improves both comfort and energy performance, especially on older single-pane units. We’ll help you choose the right window type and glazing for your exposure. Call (855) 901-7266 to schedule a window and door consultation.
Do you install siding, hardscaping, and fencing?
Yes, we install James Hardie siding, hardscaping from Belgard, Unilock, and Techo-Bloc, and fencing from Master Halco and Ameristar. These exterior systems are where a lot of San Mateo homes show wear first, from fog-driven siding rot to driveways cracked by tree roots and settling. We treat them as part of the whole-home picture rather than one-off jobs. Call (855) 901-7266 to plan an exterior project.
Do you build ADUs and prefab structures?
Yes, we build ADUs and prefab structures through partnerships with modern manufacturers like Abodu, Dvele, Mighty Buildings, Plant Prefab, and Boxabl. Prefab construction can shorten timelines and control costs compared to traditional stick-built, though site work and permitting still take time. We handle the foundation, utility connections, and site coordination. Call (855) 901-7266 to explore an ADU for your property.
How do I get started with a project?
Start by calling (855) 901-7266 or requesting a free estimate, and we’ll set up a site visit. From there you get a written, itemized scope and material options at multiple price tiers. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just an honest plan. If you want to understand our full range of whole-home work first, our home page and our General Contractor in San Mateo page cover the full scope.
Have a question we didn’t cover? Call San Mateo Construction at (855) 901-7266.
Written by the team at San Mateo Construction, serving San Mateo homeowners with whole-home construction under a single contract.