Hamilton Exteriors is an architect-led design-build general contractor serving Novato and all of Marin County. We handle roofing, siding, windows, ADUs, home additions, and custom homes — every project led by Alex Hamilton Li, a licensed architect and general contractor (CSLB #1078806). Get your free quote today.
Why Novato Homeowners Choose Hamilton Exteriors
Novato sits in the inland part of Marin County, where the climate is drier and warmer than coastal towns like Mill Valley or Larkspur. That means different material considerations — your roof, siding, and windows need to handle more direct sun and less marine moisture. We have completed projects across Marin and understand how Novato's specific conditions affect material selection and installation.
Our Services in Novato
Roofing in Novato
Novato is in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone designated as High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) by CAL FIRE. This means any roof replacement must use Class A fire-rated materials and ember-resistant vents. We install GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning asphalt shingles, standing seam metal, and tile — all compliant with California Chapter 7A standards. A typical asphalt shingle replacement on a 2,000 sq ft Novato home runs $18,000 to $26,000, including tear-off, synthetic underlayment, and permit fees. See our roofing services page for details.
Siding in Novato
Novato's warmer inland climate means siding materials face less moisture stress than coastal Marin, but UV exposure is higher. We are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor and install fiber cement siding that resists cracking, warping, and fire. HardiePlank lap siding runs $8 to $14 per square foot installed, including trim and flashing. We also install wood, stucco, and metal siding.
Windows in Novato
Energy-efficient window replacements in Novato typically cost $800 to $1,500 per window installed, depending on frame material (vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood) and glass package (dual-pane, Low-E, argon fill). Novato follows California's Title 24 energy code, which requires windows to meet specific U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings. We handle all permitting and inspections. Browse our window replacement services.
ADU Construction in Novato
Novato allows ADUs (accessory dwelling units) up to 1,200 sq ft on single-family lots per California state law, with local zoning overlays. Permit fees in Novato typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on size and complexity. A typical 600 sq ft one-bedroom ADU costs $180,000 to $280,000, including design, permits, construction, and utility connections. Learn more about ADU construction.
Home Additions in Novato
Adding square footage to a Novato home — whether a second story, bedroom, or family room — requires structural engineering for seismic compliance. Marin County is in Seismic Design Category D (moderate to high), per the California Building Code. A 400 sq ft first-floor addition typically costs $150,000 to $250,000. See our home addition services.
Custom Homes in Novato
We build custom homes from the ground up, handling everything from site planning and architectural design through final inspection. Novato's building department requires detailed plans, geotechnical reports for hillside lots, and fire-hardened construction in WUI zones. We have built custom homes in Novato and across Marin. Explore our custom home building.
Novato Permits and Building Department
All exterior work in Novato requires a building permit. The Novato Building Division handles plan review and inspections. Permit fees vary by project type — roofing permits run $300 to $800, ADU permits $2,000 to $5,000. We pull all permits on your behalf and schedule all required inspections.
Why Work with an Architect-Led Contractor?
Most general contractors in Novato are tradesmen-only. Hamilton Exteriors is different: Alex Hamilton Li is both a licensed architect and a licensed general contractor. That means your project gets design thinking from day one — not just construction execution. We evaluate how materials, structure, energy performance, and aesthetics work together, and we catch issues before they become change orders.
Get Your Free Quote for Your Novato Project
Ready to start your Novato home exterior project? Call us at (650) 977-3351 or request your free quote online. We provide on-site inspections and itemized estimates for every project. Hamilton Exteriors — architect-led, locally trusted, CSLB #1078806.