Premier Remodeling & Construction Services
Backsplash Installation in San Jose, CA
At Brother and Brother Builders, we specialize in expert backsplash installation in San Jose, CA, bringing high-end finishes to kitchens and bathrooms across the South Bay. Whether you’re adding a decorative glass backsplash to a modern kitchen or refreshing a classic tile layout, we help you transform your space with durable, beautiful materials. For planning help, see our guides on the best backsplash materials and kitchen backsplash ideas.
- 20+ Years of Experience
- 1000+ Successful Projects
- Integrity and Craftsmanship on Every Project
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Meeting All Your Needs
Expert General Contractors in San Jose, CA
Our team includes licensed general contractors, certified designers, and experienced project managers. We take pride in:
- Meeting deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
- Following OSHA-compliant safety procedures.
- Maintaining constant communication throughout your project.
We don’t just build structures—we build relationships based on trust and results.
“B&B remodeled my guest and master bathrooms after a bad experience with another contractor. We were pleased with the superior standard of workmanship. The good communication with all members of the team. we were assigned Daniel, as our project manager who went above and beyond to assist us when we ran into issues of materials procurement. We were also assigned an assistant project manager and a designer who assisted with all material purchases and questions and helped get them ready before our project started. The project was delayed a bit but still completed within the promised time frame. The price was reasonable, and we are happy with the end results.”
X. Madri
“We worked with Zion and his team for remodeling 3 bathrooms, some improvements in the kitchen and remodel a fireplace wall. BnB handled all the permits and inspections smoothly. Miguel was our foreman and his crew including Angel & Giovani were all really skilled and good at their job! Miguel himself is very hands-on and aims for perfection in his work. Even after the project. Zion has been very responsive for any fixes and tweaks to have a better finish to the work. We would recommend them for your next home improvement project! Special mention for Brenda for going above and beyond her role! The team put in extra hours to get our home ready for move-in and we are very grateful. Thank you BnB Team.”
Sanyukta Kabra
“Brother and Brother Builders can be trusted and relied on. I took my permitted plans for a one-bedroom apartment above existing garage to them and they made it a reality! Daniel, Nick and Zion kept me updated on all aspects of the project including timing, budget, finish materials and delays(yes PGE…). The communication with the brother and brother team is top notch as well as the build quality. You simply cannot find this from every company. If you are lucky enough to work with Brother and Brother, you cannot go wrong.”
Nathan Isla
“I’ve never really had a bad contractor, but I have now experienced a great one. My project was completed on time, and everything went smoothly. Reem was very available and responded timely to my questions. Elinor did a fantastic job of helping me find the right porcelain, tile, cabinetry and fixtures AND she provided an awesome 3D rendition of both my bathroom and kitchen. Excellent communication. Julio and team did an exceptional job, everything they did was done with attention to detail. I’m so glad I found Brother and Brother Building, I couldn’t be any happier. Professional, top notch and definitely competitively priced. You will not regret hiring them for your next project.”
Yvette Bonnet
“My wife recently contacted Brother and Brother Builders to renovate our house, and we have nothing but praise for these builders. Reem and his staff provided committed management and went above and beyond to make sure that everything was completed to our satisfaction throughout the process. Reem kept me updated about every step of the project. The job did take a little longer than anticipated, but the outcome was worthwhile. The team is of the highest caliber, and I am delighted with the result.”
Ethan Mason
Our San Jose Backsplash Installation Services
- Ceramic Tile Backsplashes: A budget-friendly and versatile option, available in endless shapes, colors, and patterns.
- Porcelain Tile Backsplashes: Durable, moisture-resistant, and ideal for both kitchens and bathrooms.
- Glass Tile Backsplashes: Reflective and modern, perfect for adding depth and brightness to smaller or darker spaces.
- Natural Stone Backsplashes: Granite, travertine, or marble backsplash tiles bring texture and luxury to any wall.
- Mosaic Backsplashes: Custom tile mosaics for feature walls, stove areas, or shower niches.
- Full-Height Slab Backsplashes: A seamless look using marble, quartz, or porcelain slabs that stretch from counter to cabinet.
Celebrate Your Space
Solutions Tailored to Your Home
We understand that every home tells a different story. That’s why we:
- Customize every project to fit your space and needs.
- Offer flexible design options, material choices, and scheduling.
- Ensure alignment with your goals from consultation to completion.
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality
From the initial consultation to the final reveal, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your project reflects your unique style and personality.
Brother & Brother Builders can help you create the home of your dreams.
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Why Choose
Brother and Brother Builders
- Licensed Contractor in San Jose, CA: We’re a trusted, fully licensed local contractor with extensive experience serving homeowners across the South Bay with precision and professionalism.
- Full Design-Build Capabilities: From planning and permitting to material sourcing and finish work, our in-house team manages your entire project, eliminating delays and miscommunication.
- Premium Installation Materials: We use top-grade tile adhesives, waterproofing membranes, and grout products that ensure long-term durability and easy maintenance.
- In-House Installers, Not Subcontracted: Our tile work is performed by skilled employees who uphold our high standards for quality, cleanliness, and attention to detail.
- Proven Local Reputation: With 5-star reviews from homeowners throughout the Bay Area, we’re known for finishing on time, staying within budget, and exceeding expectations.
Why Install a Backsplash?
- Protects Your Walls: A backsplash acts as a shield between your wall and daily kitchen or bathroom messes like water splashes, steam, grease, and food. Especially in areas behind sinks and stovetops, tile backsplashes prevent long-term water damage and staining to drywall.
- Easy to Clean: Tile surfaces, whether ceramic, glass, or porcelain, are non-porous and smooth, making them quick to wipe down. This makes daily maintenance simple and keeps your kitchen or bath looking fresh.
- Adds Value: Even small upgrades like a backsplash can boost your home’s appeal during resale. It shows attention to detail and helps potential buyers see the space as modern, finished, and move-in ready.
- Customize Your Kitchen or Bath: With so many colors, patterns, and materials to choose from, a backsplash allows you to express your personal style. It can act as a bold design feature or a subtle enhancement, tailored to your home’s aesthetic. In a competitive real estate market like San Jose, small details like a backsplash can help your property stand out.
The Installation Process
We follow a streamlined process that ensures clean, efficient results:
- On-Site Design Consultation
- Material Selection & Layout Planning
- Wall Prep & Surface Cleaning
- Tile Setting with Precision Alignment
- Grouting, Sealing, and Final Finish
Our team is punctual, respectful, and trained in California tile code and waterproofing standards.
Popular Backsplash Designs in San Jose Homes
San Jose homeowners are drawn to sleek, low-maintenance backsplash options that pair well with modern appliances and open-concept layouts. Top design choices include:
- Subway Tile Layouts: Classic and timeless, available in glazed ceramic or matte porcelain.
- Chevron and Herringbone Patterns: Stylish and eye-catching designs perfect for modern kitchens.
- Textured Stone or Brick Looks: Adds warmth and a rustic feel to transitional or farmhouse kitchens.
- Metallic and Mirrored Finishes: Popular in tech-forward homes for a futuristic, reflective look.
We can also coordinate your backsplash with new countertops, custom cabinets, or a full kitchen design.
Backsplash Permits in San Jose: What the City Says
For most San Jose homeowners, a new backsplash is a surface improvement. The City of San José lists "tile installations entailing no structural change" among the cosmetic improvements that do not require a building permit. Source: City of San José, When Is a Building Permit Required?
The electrical side is where the answer can change. Tiling a wall often means working around outlets and switches, and the City draws a clear line:
- No electrical permit: replacing outlets or switches in their existing boxes.
- Permit required unless exempted: other electrical work, which a project may need if outlets or lighting are added or moved.
- Permit required: any alteration of walls or structural change.
If the backsplash is part of a larger kitchen update, the City treats replacing fixtures and appliances that involve new electrical, plumbing or mechanical work as a "minor remodel" that may qualify for an online permit. Relocating or adding fixtures or appliances, or changing walls, makes it a major remodel. Source: City of San José, Kitchen & Bathroom Minor Remodels. If you are planning more than a backsplash, see our kitchen remodeling page.
The City also notes that state law requires you to disclose unpermitted work when you sell, so it is worth settling the permit question before tile goes up.
Removing an Old Backsplash in a Pre-1978 San Jose Home
If your San Jose home was built before 1978, the cutoff year in federal lead-based paint rules, plan the tear-out with lead in mind. Tearing out an old backsplash or cutting into painted drywall behind it can disturb paint, and EPA warns that renovation in a pre-1978 home with lead-based paint can easily create dangerous lead dust.
- Under EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, firms doing renovation work that disturbs lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 must be EPA- or state-certified and use certified renovators who follow lead-safe work practices.
- The rule exempts minor repair and maintenance that disturbs six square feet or less of painted surface per room inside the home. Demolition of painted surfaces is always covered, regardless of size.
- If you are not sure how old your home is, EPA says it is safest to assume the area has lead-based paint.
Sources: EPA, RRP Program for Contractors; EPA, Lead RRP Program Rules; EPA, RRP for Do-It-Yourselfers.
Ask any installer about lead-safe practices before demolition starts, especially if the backsplash removal will also mean drywall repair.
What Drives Backsplash Cost in San Jose
Our current range for backsplash installation in San Jose is $900 to $2,500, depending on the material, square footage, and tile complexity. Custom mosaics and natural stone fall on the higher end. The questions below are the ones that move a quote up or down, so it helps to have answers ready at your estimate.
| Factor | What to decide |
|---|---|
| Area | Counter-to-cabinet only, or full height behind the range or on a feature wall |
| Material | Ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone, mosaic, or a full-height slab |
| Pattern | Straight-set subway versus herringbone, chevron or custom mosaic |
| Existing wall | Whether old tile comes off first and what condition the wall is in underneath |
| Outlets and edges | How many outlets and switches the tile wraps around, and where the tile should end: at the counter edge or in line with the cabinets |
If you are also replacing counters, doing both together lets the backsplash be planned around the new surface. See countertop replacement.
Areas We Serve
Brother & Brother Builders
3109 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117
Phone: (888) 412-2632
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM – 5PM
On average, backsplash installation in San Jose costs between $900 and $2,500, depending on the material, square footage, and tile complexity. Custom mosaics and natural stone will fall on the higher end. We offer free estimates with detailed breakdowns.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular due to their moisture resistance and ease of maintenance. Glass and quartz slab backsplashes are trending in modern homes throughout neighborhoods like Santana Row and Willow Glen.
Yes, in many cases we can install over properly prepared drywall or existing tile if it’s in stable condition. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate the surface and recommend the best installation method for your home.
Most kitchen backsplash installations in San Jose are completed in 1 to 2 days, depending on the size and complexity of the tile layout. We minimize disruption to your home and clean up thoroughly after the job.
No, backsplash installation typically does not require a permit if you’re not altering plumbing or electrical. As a licensed contractor in San Jose, we ensure all work is code-compliant and handled professionally.
Bay Area homeowners love subway tile, herringbone patterns, and slab backsplashes for a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Reflective glass and metallic tiles are also popular in tech-savvy homes throughout Silicon Valley.
Replacing outlets or switches in their existing boxes does not need an electrical permit in San Jose. Other electrical work requires a permit unless the City specifically exempts it, so moving or adding outlets or lighting as part of a backsplash project may need one. Check the City of San José’s permit guidance or ask your contractor before the wall is tiled.
It can be in homes built before 1978. EPA says renovation in a pre-1978 home with lead-based paint can create dangerous lead dust, and contractors who disturb that paint must be certified and follow lead-safe work practices. Demolition of painted surfaces is always covered by the rule. If you don’t know your home’s age, EPA advises assuming lead paint is present.
It can. San José treats tile with no structural change as permit-exempt, but replacing fixtures or appliances with new electrical, plumbing or mechanical work is a minor remodel that needs a permit and may qualify for an online one. Relocating or adding fixtures, or changing walls, is a major remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
All Your Remodeling Questions Answered
Have questions about remodeling your home? We’ve got answers. From budgeting and timelines to permits and design choices, our FAQs cover the most common concerns. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how we make your remodel smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
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