If you're searching for a general contracting company in Burlingame that treats a 1920s Easton Addition bungalow differently than a 1990s remodel near the Bayfront, you've found it. We're a CSLB-licensed, Peninsula-based contractor that builds additions, ADUs, and full remodels with one in-house crew from the first permit submittal to the final inspection. No rotating subcontractors, no mystery change orders, just one accountable team managing your project from start to finish.
General Contracting Services We Provide in Burlingame
Most Burlingame projects fall into a handful of categories, and knowing which one yours fits helps set realistic expectations before you request a quote.
- ADU construction for backyard units and garage conversions
- Home addition construction, including second-story additions
- Full home remodeling for whole-house renovations
- Kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling
- Seismic retrofit and structural reinforcement for older foundations
You can browse our full general contractor services lineup or see completed work in our project gallery.
What Burlingame's Building Department Actually Requires
This is where a lot of Burlingame remodel timelines go sideways, and it's worth understanding before you sign anything. The Building Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for plan checking construction documents, permit issuance, and field inspections of most buildings and structures built within the City.
Two details homeowners rarely hear from a generic contractor bid:
All new houses built in Burlingame, most second-story additions and some single-story additions require an application to the Planning Commission for Design Review. That review happens before the Building Division ever touches your plans, and it adds weeks if you don't scope for it upfront.
ADUs may be submitted under the Residential Alteration or Residential Addition permit types, depending on the scope of work. Which category your ADU falls into changes the paperwork and, often, the review timeline.
Once your plans are in the queue, the city asks for a minimum of 15 business days for the review , and that's before any requested revisions. We've pulled permits through the city's eTRAKiT portal on multiple Burlingame Park and Easton Addition projects, so we build these review windows into the schedule instead of promising a timeline we can't control. For the department's own submittal checklist, see the City of Burlingame Building Division.
What It Costs to Hire a General Contractor in Burlingame
Pricing depends heavily on scope, finish level, and how much structural or permit work is involved, so treat any flat number you see online as a starting point, not a quote. A few things that move the number the most:
- Whether the project needs Planning Commission Design Review (adds time and sometimes design fees)
- Structural changes like removing load-bearing walls or raising a roofline
- Material selections (standard tile versus imported stone, stock cabinets versus custom)
- Site access and whether utilities need to be relocated
For a detailed cost breakdown by category, our full kitchen remodel cost guide walks through real pricing ranges by scope level. The most reliable way to get a number specific to your Burlingame home is a walkthrough, not a web estimate. Request a free estimate and we'll give you a fixed proposal before any work starts.
Why Burlingame Homeowners Choose Our In-House Crew
Burlingame's housing stock includes a meaningful share of early-to-mid-20th-century homes, and that history means a contractor needs more than a license and a crew truck. Before hiring anyone, check how a company actually delivers work, not just how it markets itself.
A strong local general contractor respects a home's existing character, keeps work in-house, and documents every step in writing. As a licensed general contractor homeowners can verify directly, we pair period-appropriate renovation knowledge with an in-house crew instead of a rotating cast of subcontractors.
That distinction matters practically.
- A subcontracted crew often means different workers each week, scheduling gaps between trades, and no single point of accountability if something goes wrong.
- An in-house crew means the same licensed team carries your project from demolition to final walkthrough, which typically keeps timelines tighter and communication clearer.
The Contractors State License Board protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the state's construction industry , and you can verify any contractor's license status directly through the CSLB's consumer verification tools before signing anything. We'd encourage it, every time.
Our Build Process, Step by Step
- Free consultation. We walk your space and talk through goals, budget, and rough scope.
- Design and fixed cost proposal. You get a firm number before demolition starts, not a moving target.
- Permitting and prep. We submit drawings to Burlingame's Building Division (and Planning Commission, if Design Review applies) and handle revisions.
- Build phase. Our crew manages the job on-site from framing through final inspection.
| Project Type | Typical Timeline After Permit Approval | Permit Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen or bathroom remodel | 4-8 weeks | Low to moderate |
| Whole-home remodel | 3-6 months | Moderate to high |
| Room or second-story addition | 4-8 months | High, Design Review likely |
| ADU or garage conversion | 4-7 months | High, Design Review plus Planning |
These ranges are general guidance, not a quote. Your actual timeline depends on design complexity, Burlingame's review queue, and how quickly selections get finalized.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Burlingame
We serve Burlingame Park, Easton Addition, Lyon-Hoag, Hillside, Burlingame Village, Mills Estates, and Burlingame Hills, among other pockets of this Burlingame service area. Many homes in these neighborhoods need period-matched materials and moisture-resistant detailing suited to the Peninsula's coastal fog and salt air.
Homes built before 1978 also carry a federal compliance requirement worth knowing about. The EPA rule covers only residential dwellings (including multi-unit and public housing) or child-occupied facilities built before 1978.
EPA's 2008 Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, as amended in 2010 and 2011, aims to protect the public from lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities. We follow the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting work practices whenever older materials are disturbed on these projects.
Start Your Project
Whether you're planning a kitchen refresh, a second-story addition, or a full ADU build, the fastest way to get a real number is a walkthrough with our team. Get a free estimate or visit our homepage to see our full range of remodeling and construction services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What general contracting services do you offer in Burlingame?
We offer kitchen and bathroom remodeling, residential additions, ADU construction, full home renovations, and tenant improvements, with one in-house crew managing each project start to finish.
Do you handle permits for projects in Burlingame?
Yes. We manage the entire permit process in-house, from application through final inspection, and we track Burlingame's Building Division and Planning Commission requirements, including Design Review for qualifying additions, so projects move without avoidable delays.
How long does a typical kitchen, bathroom, or addition project take in Burlingame?
A kitchen remodel typically runs four to eight weeks once permits are approved, with bathroom remodels often landing in a similar range. Additions and ADUs take longer, usually four to eight months, because of structural work, Design Review, and multiple inspections.
How much does it cost to hire a general contractor in Burlingame?
It depends on scope, finishes, and whether structural or Design Review work is involved, so there's no honest flat rate online. We provide a fixed cost proposal after a free walkthrough so you're not guessing from a national average.
How do I verify a contractor's license before hiring in Burlingame?
Use the CSLB's free online "Check a License" tool at cslb.ca.gov. Search by license number or business name, and confirm the status reads active, the bond is current, and there's no open disciplinary action before you sign anything.
