Premier Remodeling & Construction Services

Open-Concept Remodeling in San Jose, CA

At Brother and Brother Builders, we specialize in transforming traditional, segmented homes into seamless, modern spaces that elevate how you live, gather, and entertain. As a leading remodeling contractor in San Jose, CA, we bring both design vision and structural know-how to every open-concept remodeling project. For planning help, see our guides on broken-plan layouts and open-concept kitchen ideas.

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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 Proven Open-Concept Remodeling Process

Design Consultation – Share your ideas and inspirations with our design team.
3D Visualization – See your new open space before we build.
Permit Submission – We handle all paperwork and approvals with the City of San Jose.
Construction & Structural Work – Our licensed builders and engineers execute the remodel to exact specifications.
Final Reveal – We walk you through your updated home and ensure every detail meets expectations.

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.

Recent Projects

Check Out Our Latest Projects

From kitchen remodels to new home construction, we take pride in every detail. Explore our latest projects and see how we’ve transformed homes across the Bay Area with expert craftsmanship and personalized design.

Expert Remodeling Services

Why Choose
Brother and Brother Builders

Proven Experience – Over 20 years of hands-on remodeling success across San Jose and surrounding areas.
Expert Design-Build Integration – We offer complete services from concept to construction, minimizing delays and miscommunication.
Permitting and Code Knowledge – We handle all local building codes and regulations, including structural updates and Title 24 compliance.
Custom 3D Design Services – Visualize your new space before construction begins with our advanced 3D Home Design Tools.
Client-Focused Communication – Our team maintains clear, consistent updates throughout the project.
High Satisfaction Across the South Bay – Hundreds of successful remodels in Saratoga, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and beyond.

Planning and Permits for Open-Concept Projects in Santa Clara County

Before any walls come down, we start with a feasibility assessment:

Permits and Code Compliance

We ensure your remodel complies with the latest city building codes and California’s Title 24 energy efficiency requirements. Our team stays updated on code changes affecting open-concept designs, such as minimum insulation values, lighting regulations, and mechanical ventilation standards, ensuring your remodel is not only modern but also fully compliant and energy-efficient.

3D Design Previews

Experience your future layout before construction begins with our advanced 3D Home Design Tools. These tools allow you to explore lighting, finishes, and space planning in real-time, helping you make informed decisions that align with your style and budget.

Ideal Layouts for Open-Concept Renovations

Looking to combine design simplicity with modern comfort? Our team can help you explore ideas inspired by modern home design and floor plan development that maximize openness while maintaining utility. Open-concept remodeling can dramatically improve the usability and appeal of your home:

Kitchen and Dining Room Combinations

Removing walls between the kitchen and dining area creates a unified space that’s perfect for entertaining or multitasking with family. According to the National Association of Home Builders, open kitchen layouts are among the most requested remodeling features in California homes due to their functionality and visual appeal.

Main Floor Reconfigurations

Reworking the main floor plan of your home can significantly enhance light flow, traffic circulation, and spatial flexibility. We use 3D modeling tools to show how walls can be removed or relocated to maximize space without requiring an addition, often saving homeowners tens of thousands in construction costs.

Load-Bearing vs. Non-Load-Bearing Walls: What San Jose Requires

Homeowners often assume that only load-bearing walls need city approval. The City of San José is broader than that. Its permit guidance says a building permit is legally required for projects involving “new construction, additions, alteration of walls, or any structural change.” Source: City of San José, When Is a Building Permit Required?

The City also separates a minor remodel from a major one. A minor kitchen or bathroom remodel that qualifies for an online permit allows no structural changes, meaning “no changes to walls, windows, or framing.” Changing the configuration of walls or modifying the framing of ceilings, walls or floors is defined as a major remodel, which goes through the City’s Additions & Remodels process instead. Source: City of San José, Kitchen & Bathroom Minor Remodels

Type of work	How the City of San José treats it
Painting, new flooring, countertop replacement, cabinet refacing	Cosmetic, no building permit
Replacing fixtures in the same locations (kitchen or bath)	Minor remodel, may qualify for an online permit
Removing or moving a wall, load-bearing or not	Alteration of walls, building permit required
Changing ceiling, wall or floor framing	Major remodel, goes through Additions & Remodels

Whether a wall carries load changes how much design work the opening needs, not whether a permit applies. For a kitchen that opens into the dining or family room, see our kitchen remodeling page.

When a Wall Removal Needs a Stamped Engineer or Architect

California’s Architects Practice Act lets people other than licensed architects prepare plans for single-family wood-frame homes of not more than two stories and basement. That exemption has a limit. If any portion of the work deviates from substantial compliance with conventional wood-frame requirements in Title 24 or the local code’s tables of limitation, the building official shall require plans, drawings, specifications or calculations for that portion by, or under the responsible control of, a licensed architect or registered engineer, bearing that licensee’s stamp and signature. Source: California Business and Professions Code Section 5537

A related section allows interior alterations and nonstructural or nonseismic work without an architect, provided the alterations “do not change or affect the structural system or safety of the building.” Source: California Business and Professions Code Section 5538

In practice for a San Jose open-concept project, this means:

Nonstructural partition removal falls within the Section 5538 exemption for work that does not affect the structural system, but it still needs a City building permit because it alters a wall.
Removing a load-bearing wall changes the structural system. If the new beam, posts or supports fall outside conventional framing rules, the building official will require stamped plans or calculations for that portion.
Homes over two stories fall outside the single-family plan exemption in Section 5537(a)(1).

Our architectural services and floor plan development pages explain how the plan set comes together before submittal.

Hidden Wiring, Plumbing and Ducts Inside the Walls

An interior wall can carry more than framing: electrical circuits, plumbing drains and vents, or heating and cooling ducts may run through it. Once a wall comes out, those systems have to go somewhere, and the City of San José treats most of that rerouting as permitted work.

The City states that a building permit and/or a subtrade permit (plumbing, electrical or mechanical) is required for electrical, plumbing and mechanical work unless exempted. The exemptions are narrow. Removing electrical wiring and swapping outlets or switches in existing boxes are exempt, but new or relocated circuits are not. On the plumbing side, the City says that if a concealed trap, drainpipe or vent pipe needs to be replaced, it “shall be treated as new work and a plumbing permit is required.” Source: City of San José, When Is a Building Permit Required?

Before demolition, a good plan answers these questions:

Which circuits, pipes, vents and ducts run through the wall, and where will each one be rerouted?
Does rerouting require an electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit in addition to the building permit?
Does relocating a sink, range or other fixture turn the job into a major remodel under the City’s definition (“relocating or increasing the number of fixtures or appliances”)? Source: City of San José

The City also notes that state law requires sellers to disclose unpermitted work, and that insurance generally will not cover damage related to unpermitted work. Source: City of San José

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve homeowners throughout San Jose, from established neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Naglee Park to the foothill communities of Almaden Valley, Cambrian Park, and Evergreen, as well as Berryessa and Alum Rock. Our reach extends beyond San Jose to Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Milpitas, Cupertino, Campbell, Palo Alto, and Los Altos. Based on Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose, we’re centrally positioned to serve the entire South Bay with the same response time and craftsmanship on every project.

Brother & Brother Builders
3109 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117

Phone: (888) 412-2632
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM – 5PM

What is an open-concept floor plan, and why is it popular in San Jose homes?

An open-concept floor plan removes barriers like walls between the kitchen, living, and dining areas to create one continuous space. In San Jose, this layout is popular for maximizing limited square footage and allowing natural light to flow freely through homes, ideal for both family life and entertaining.

How much does it cost to do an open-concept remodel in San Jose?

Costs can vary depending on the home’s structure, materials chosen, and whether load-bearing walls are involved. On average, open-concept remodeling in the Bay Area ranges from $40,000 to $90,000. We provide a detailed quote after your free consultation.

Do I need a permit to remove walls for an open-concept layout in Santa Clara County?

Yes, most structural changes, including removing load-bearing wall,s require permits. Brother and Brother Builders manages all permitting with the City of San Jose and ensures your remodel meets California Building Code and Title 24 requirements.

Can you remove any wall in my home to create an open layout?

Not all walls can be removed without structural reinforcement. We conduct a structural assessment to identify load-bearing walls and design appropriate supports like engineered beams or flush headers to ensure safety and stability.

How long does an open-concept remodel typically take in San Jose?

Project timelines depend on the complexity of the remodel. A typical open-concept renovation takes between 6 to 12 weeks from design to completion. This includes planning, permitting, structural work, and final finishes.

Will an open-concept design increase my home’s value in San Jose?

Absolutely. According to Zillow, open floor plans can add 4–6% more resale value to homes in California. Buyers in San Jose often seek homes with modern layouts that offer flexibility and spaciousness.

Do I need a permit to remove a non-load-bearing wall in San Jose?

Yes. The City of San José requires a building permit for projects involving alteration of walls or any structural change, so the permit requirement is not limited to load-bearing walls. A wall change also rules out the City’s simpler online minor-remodel permit, which allows no changes to walls, windows or framing.

When does removing a wall need a stamped engineer or architect in California?

Under Business and Professions Code Section 5537, if any portion of a single-family wood-frame project deviates from conventional framing requirements, the building official shall require plans or calculations for that portion prepared by or under a licensed architect or registered engineer, with their stamp and signature. Nonstructural interior work that does not affect the structural system is exempt under Section 5538.

What happens to pipes and wires inside a wall I want to remove?

They have to be rerouted, and San José usually requires a subtrade permit for that. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work needs a permit unless exempted. Removing wiring is exempt, but if a concealed trap, drainpipe or vent pipe must be replaced, the City treats it as new work requiring a plumbing permit.

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.