Premier Remodeling & Construction Services

Second-Story Addition in San Jose, CA

As a trusted general contractor in San Jose, CA, we bring years of local expertise and building code knowledge to every project. From architectural planning to final inspection, our second-story additions in San Jose are tailored to your needs and designed to maximize both style and function.

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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

Popular Room Ideas for Second-Story Additions

Master Suite with Balcony: Includes a walk-in closet, spa-style bath, and private outdoor space—perfect for relaxation.
Children’s Bedrooms & Playroom: Ideal for growing families seeking separation of space and more flexibility.
Home Office & Library: A quiet upstairs retreat, designed with built-in shelving, ergonomic lighting, and workstations.
Entertainment or Media Room: Outfitted with surround sound, theater seating, and dimmable lighting for the ultimate family experience.

Each design includes energy-efficient windows, lighting, and ventilation, complying with California’s Title 24 energy requirements. You can also incorporate smart home upgrades for added comfort and convenience.

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

Established Local Reputation: For over 20 years, we’ve proudly served homeowners throughout San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and nearby communities. Our extensive portfolio and client referrals speak to our consistent quality.
Comprehensive Design-Build Expertise: Our design-build process keeps everything in-house, from 3D home design and architectural planning to new home construction. This reduces delays, enhances communication, and ensures accountability.
Proper Licensing & Full Insurance: We’re a CSLB-licensed contractor with general liability and workers’ comp insurance, giving homeowners peace of mind on every project.
Dedicated In-House Team: Our designers, builders, and project managers work under one roof—no outsourcing means full control and seamless execution.
Deep Knowledge of Local Codes: As a trusted contractor in San Jose, CA, we stay up to date on the city’s evolving building regulations, including second-story height limits and energy efficiency mandates.

Our Process for Second-Story Additions

At Brother and Brother Builders, we follow a detailed step-by-step process to ensure the success of every second-story addition project:

1. Design & Feasibility

We begin with a detailed evaluation of your existing structure, followed by custom design work. Our architects assess the feasibility of vertical expansion and draft personalized plans tailored to your lifestyle.

2. Permit Planning & Engineering

We manage zoning compliance and permitting with the City of San Jose’s Building Division, while our engineers develop plans that meet safety and seismic codes.

3. Demolition & Structural Reinforcement

Selective demolition is done with care to protect your home. We reinforce the foundation and load-bearing walls to support the new structure above.

4. Framing & Utilities

Our team constructs the new level using high-quality materials and integrates plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems seamlessly with your existing infrastructure.

5. Interior Finishing & Exterior Matching

From drywall and flooring to roofing and siding, we ensure your new space feels cohesive inside and out, with finishes that match your original design. Consider modern home design trends to make your second story stand out.

San Jose Permit Rules for Second-Story Additions

Every second-story addition in San Jose needs a building permit with structural engineering. Many projects also need a Single-Family House Permit from the City’s Planning Division before the building permit can be issued. It is required if any of these apply:

The house will be taller than 30 feet or more than two stories.
The floor area ratio (FAR) will exceed 0.45, meaning total floor area above 45% of the lot size. Garages, basements and ADUs don’t count toward FAR.
The lot is half an acre or larger and within 100 feet of a creek.
The house is listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.

When that permit is needed, a second story can go through the faster administrative review, with no public hearing, if:

The new second floor is no more than 60% of the first floor area, attached garage included.
The second story is set back an extra 10 feet beyond the required front setback.
The roofline, materials and trim match the existing house.
No more than 50% of the exterior walls are removed.

Designs outside these criteria go to a public hearing, with notice sent to neighbors within 300 feet, which adds time and fees. We check your lot, FAR and setbacks during the feasibility stage and shape the design to qualify for administrative review wherever possible. Source: City of San José, Single-Family House Permit.

How Much Does a Second-Story Addition Cost in San Jose?

Most second-story additions we build in San Jose run $300 to $500+ per square foot. Every home is different, and the price depends on the size of the addition, the finishes you choose and how much structural work the existing house needs. As a guide:

Project	Typical size	Estimated range
Room or suite over the garage	400 sq ft	$120,000 to $200,000+
Partial second story (primary suite or office)	600 sq ft	$180,000 to $300,000+
Full second story	1,000 sq ft	$300,000 to $500,000+

What moves the price:

Structural work. Older San Jose homes often need foundation and framing reinforcement to carry a new floor.
The roof. Most second stories mean removing and rebuilding all or part of the existing roof.
The staircase and where it goes, since it takes space from the first floor.
Plumbing and electrical, such as an upstairs bathroom, a panel upgrade or a second HVAC zone.
Design, engineering and City permits, including the Single-Family House Permit where it applies.
Finish level: tile, windows, flooring and fixtures.

We give every homeowner a free estimate based on their property, plans and the City’s requirements.

Not sure whether to build up or out? Read room addition vs. second-story addition in San Jose.

Second Story or Ground-Floor Addition?

Building out at ground level is usually cheaper per square foot, because it avoids reinforcing the existing structure and rebuilding the roof. On many San Jose lots, though, setbacks, FAR limits and yard space leave little room to go out. Building up keeps your yard and can add a whole floor of bedrooms.

If you need separate living space rather than more bedrooms, an ADU or a garage conversion may do the job for less. For a single-level expansion, see our room additions. We’ll price the options side by side at the feasibility stage.

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

Is it worth adding a second story to my San Jose home?

Yes. In high-value areas like San Jose, where the median home price is over $1.4 million, adding a second story is often more cost-effective than buying a larger home. It increases livable space and property value without needing to move.

How much does a second-story addition cost in San Jose, CA?

Costs can range from $300 to $500+ per square foot, depending on scope, design, materials, and structural reinforcement. Brother and Brother Builders offers free estimates customized to your property and local permit requirements.

Do I need a permit to build a second story in San Jose?

Yes. San Jose’s Building Division requires permits for second-story additions, including structural, electrical, and energy compliance documentation. Our team handles the full permitting process for you.

How long does a second-story addition take to complete?

On average, a full second-story addition takes 4–6 months, depending on weather, scope, and permit approval. We maintain detailed project timelines and communicate clearly from start to finish.

Can I live in my home during construction?

Yes, in most cases. We use dust barriers, phased work schedules, and temporary access points to reduce disruption. We’ll advise during planning if temporary relocation is recommended.

Will my home’s foundation support a second story?

We conduct a structural engineering assessment before construction begins. If needed, we reinforce or retrofit the foundation to safely support the new level.

Is it cheaper to build a second story or add on at ground level?

Usually a ground-floor addition costs less per square foot, because it avoids reinforcing the existing structure and rebuilding the roof. But many San Jose lots have little room to build out once setbacks and floor area ratio (FAR) limits are applied, so a second story is often the only way to add significant space while keeping your yard.

Do I need a Single-Family House Permit for a second story in San Jose?

You need one if the house will exceed 30 feet or two stories, if its floor area ratio will exceed 0.45, if it is on the Historic Resources Inventory, or in a few other cases. When it is required, a second story qualifies for faster administrative review if the new floor is no more than 60% of the first floor area and is set back an extra 10 feet from the front setback. We check this during the feasibility stage.

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.