Santa Clara County · Bay Area
Remodeling and additions in Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale's Eichler neighborhoods and classic 1950s ranches each call for a remodel that respects how they were built.
Most of our reviews come from Los Angeles clients; we're earning more in the Bay Area now.
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- 20+ years of team experience
- Permits handled
- Supervisor on site daily
- 3D design included
Local know-how
Remodeling in Sunnyvale
Homes we see
Eichlers and 1950s–70s ranch homes.
Permits and approvals
City of Sunnyvale One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall. Second-story additions get staff design review with public notice. Some Eichler tracts are in single-story combining districts, and changes in Eichler neighborhoods are reviewed against the city's Eichler Design Guidelines.
Sources: City of Sunnyvale — Single-family and duplex zoning and design review handout (rev. 8/2026) (opens in new tab) · City of Sunnyvale — Eichler Design Guidelines (2009) (opens in new tab)
Neighborhoods
ZIPs served
Adding on in Sunnyvale
What needs review. Since August 27, 2026, a single-story addition of up to 50% of the existing floor area usually needs only a building permit. New two-story homes and second-story additions get staff design review with public notice, which for a second story means a solar access and shadow study, a streetscape drawing, a notice board on the site and a 14-day notice period. Homes and additions above a 60% floor area ratio go to a Planning Commission hearing.
Eichler neighborhoods. Sunnyvale has more than 1,000 Eichler homes, built between 1949 and 1972. Exterior changes to an Eichler, and to any home inside the mapped Eichler neighborhoods, are reviewed against the city's Eichler Design Guidelines, which ask owners to explore ground-floor additions first and give every second-floor addition extra scrutiny. In single-story combining districts, created at neighbors' request, homes are limited to one story and 17 feet.
When a remodel becomes a new house. Removing 50% or more of the exterior walls above the foundation triggers the requirements for a new building, and a new house or an addition larger than 50% of the existing living area needs fire sprinklers throughout.
Our part: we check the parcel's zoning and Eichler status first, keep the design clear of those thresholds where we can, prepare the drawings and review materials, and take the project through plan check and inspections.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Sources: City of Sunnyvale — Single-family and duplex zoning and design review handout (rev. 8/2026) (opens in new tab) · City of Sunnyvale — Design standards and permitting updates (effective Aug. 27, 2026) (opens in new tab) · City of Sunnyvale — Eichler Design Guidelines (2009) (opens in new tab) · City of Sunnyvale — Major residential remodels and new construction (opens in new tab)
IllustrationPopular projects here
What Sunnyvale homeowners ask us to build
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 Sunnyvale: questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Typically 3–6 months from the first design meeting: about 6–12 weeks for design, permits and ordering, then 6–10 weeks of construction. Moving walls or plumbing stretches that to 5–9 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.
Can I add a second story to my Sunnyvale Eichler?
Usually, unless the home is in a single-story combining district, which limits homes to one story and 17 feet. Elsewhere, the city's Eichler Design Guidelines ask owners to explore ground-floor additions first, and every second-floor addition gets extra scrutiny.
Does a single-story addition in Sunnyvale need design review?
Often not. Since August 27, 2026, a single-story addition of up to 50% of the existing floor area usually needs only a building permit. Second-story additions get staff design review with public notice, and homes above a 60% floor area ratio go to a Planning Commission hearing.
What kinds of projects do you take on in Sunnyvale?
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 Sunnyvale?
We reply within one business day.
Prefer to talk? Call (669) 600-6422