Santa Clara County · Bay Area
Remodeling and additions in Cupertino
Cupertino families often want more bedrooms and a better-functioning kitchen in a 1950s–70s home.
Most of our reviews come from Los Angeles clients; we're earning more in the Bay Area now.
Illustration- Licensed, bonded & insured · CSLB #1059213 (opens in new tab)
- 20+ years of team experience
- Permits handled
- Supervisor on site daily
- 3D design included
Local know-how
Remodeling in Cupertino
Homes we see
1950s–70s ranch and tract homes, Eichlers in Rancho Rinconada.
Permits and approvals
City of Cupertino Building Division, with planning review under the R1 ordinance: a second story needs Residential Design Review when it is more than 66% of the first floor's area or sits closer than 15 feet to a side property line. Single-story overlay ("i") areas are limited to one story.
Sources: City of Cupertino — R1 Single-Family Residential Ordinance (Municipal Code Ch. 19.28) (opens in new tab) · City of Cupertino — Two-story homes (opens in new tab)
Neighborhoods
ZIPs served
Second stories under Cupertino's R1 rules
In Cupertino's single-family (R1) zones, floor area is capped at 45% of the net lot area, lot coverage at 45% plus 5% for roof overhangs, patios and porches, and homes at 28 feet and two stories. One-story projects that need no exception can go straight to the Building Division for permits.
Second stories. A two-story project needs Residential Design Review, with notice to adjacent neighbors and a notice board on the property, when the second floor is more than 66% of the first floor's area or a second-story side setback is under 15 feet. New two-story homes and additions also need privacy planting, trees or shrubs that screen neighbors' side and rear yards within three years, unless the affected neighbors sign waivers. A second-story deck that looks into a neighbor's yard needs a Minor Residential Permit, and areas zoned with an "i" suffix are single-story overlays limited to one story and 18 feet.
Eichlers and major remodels. Cupertino's Eichler district (R1-6e) is the Fairgrove neighborhood, where roofs are limited to a 3:12 slope, street-facing siding needs vertical grooves and side walls are capped at 9 feet. Anywhere in the city, removing more than 75% of the exterior walls turns a remodel into new construction.
Our part: we run the floor-area and second-floor numbers for your lot before design, plan the privacy planting with you, prepare the drawings and review application, and take the project through plan check and inspections.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Sources: City of Cupertino — R1 Single-Family Residential Ordinance (Municipal Code Ch. 19.28) (opens in new tab) · City of Cupertino — Two-story homes (opens in new tab) · City of Cupertino — One-story homes (opens in new tab) · City of Cupertino — Eichler Design Handbook (Fairgrove) (opens in new tab) · City of Cupertino — Existing vs. new construction matrix (opens in new tab)
IllustrationPopular projects here
What Cupertino homeowners ask us to build
Design concept
Work near you
Recent work from across the Bay Area and Los Angeles
Projects are labeled with where they were built: in the Bay Area or by our Los Angeles team.
How it works
Five steps. One team.
- 1
Free consultation
We visit your home, walk the space and listen to how you live. We talk honestly about scope, budget and timing — and whether we're the right fit.
What you getNotes, next steps and a written price-and-timeline summary
- 2
Design & 3D renderings
Our designers turn ideas into a plan you can see in 3D. We walk showrooms with you and pass along our trade pricing on selections.
What you getRenderings and selections list
- 3
Price & contract
Once the design is set, we confirm the final price and timeline in a contract, with payments tied to completed work.
What you getFinal price and contract
- 4
Permits & construction
We handle engineering, permits and inspections. A Tulip supervisor runs the site every working day, and you get regular updates.
What you getPermit set, schedule, weekly updates
- 5
Final walkthrough
A thorough inspection and punch list before we call it done — and we stand behind the work after we leave.
What you getPunch list and warranty documents
FAQ
Remodeling in Cupertino: questions
How long does a second-story addition take?
Design, engineering and review usually take 5–10 months, then construction takes 6–10 months. Plan-check time depends on the building department, so we confirm current timing for your address when we apply and put both phases on a written schedule.
Does a second story in Cupertino need design review?
It depends on the design. Residential Design Review, with notice to adjacent neighbors, applies when the second floor is more than 66% of the first floor's area or a second-story side setback is under 15 feet. New two-story homes and additions also need privacy planting unless the affected neighbors waive it.
Is my Cupertino street limited to one story?
It may be. Areas zoned with an "i" suffix are single-story overlays limited to one story and 18 feet, so we check your parcel's zoning before design.
What kinds of projects do you take on in Cupertino?
Kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodels, additions, second stories, ADUs and garage conversions, with exterior work as part of larger projects. Most projects fall in the $30K–$325K range; second stories and whole-home remodels usually cost more, as the project cards above show. We don't take on repairs or paint- or flooring-only jobs.
Nearby
Nearby areas we serve
Book a consultation
Planning a project in Cupertino?
We reply within one business day.
Prefer to talk? Call (669) 600-6422