Looking for a reliable general contractor in Palo Alto? Hamilton Exteriors brings an architect's eye to every project. We are a full-service design-build contractor serving Palo Alto homeowners with roofing, siding, window replacement, ADU construction, home additions, and custom homes. Our founder, Alex Hamilton Li, is a licensed architect and general contractor (CSLB #1078806) who has been building in the Bay Area since 2018.
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Why Palo Alto Homeowners Choose Hamilton Exteriors
Palo Alto homes present unique challenges that a generic contractor might miss. From Eichler mid-century moderns in the Crescent Park and Greenmeadow neighborhoods to sprawling custom estates in the hills above Page Mill Road, every project demands a tailored approach.
Architect-led from day one. Unlike most general contractors in Palo Alto, Hamilton Exteriors is led by a licensed architect. This means your project is evaluated as a complete building system, not just a list of trades. We consider how materials, design, and structural performance work together before we break ground.
Transparent, itemized pricing. Every estimate we write breaks out materials, labor, permits, and cleanup as separate line items. You see exactly where your investment goes. No lump-sum surprises.
Local code expertise. Palo Alto's Planning and Development Services department has specific requirements for everything from historic district overlays to energy code compliance. We handle all permit applications and know the inspection process inside out.
Our Services in Palo Alto
Roofing
Palo Alto's hot summers, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit, demand roofing materials that perform under thermal stress. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, we install asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile systems that meet California's Title 24 energy standards and Class A fire ratings. A typical asphalt shingle roof replacement on a 2,000-square-foot Palo Alto home costs $22,000 to $28,000 including tear-off, synthetic underlayment, flashing, and permit fees. See our Bay Area roof replacement cost guide for detailed pricing.
Siding and Exterior Cladding
We are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, certified to install fiber cement siding that resists Palo Alto's coastal moisture and fire risk. Our siding services include HardiePlank lap siding, HardiePanel vertical siding, and HardieTrim boards. We also install wood siding, stucco repair, and stone veneer.
Window Replacement
Energy-efficient window replacement reduces cooling costs during Palo Alto's hot summers and heating costs during chilly winter nights. We install vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad wood windows from leading manufacturers. All installations meet or exceed California's Title 24 energy code requirements.
ADU Construction
Palo Alto's zoning allows for accessory dwelling units on most single-family lots. We handle the entire process from design through permit approval and construction. A typical 500-square-foot one-bedroom ADU in Palo Alto costs $180,000 to $280,000 including design, permits, and all finishes. Read our Bay Area ADU cost guide for a full breakdown.
Home Additions
Whether you need a second-story addition, a family room expansion, or a kitchen bump-out, our architect-led process ensures the addition integrates seamlessly with your existing home. We handle structural engineering, foundation work, and all finish trades.
Custom Homes
From ground-up custom residences in the Palo Alto foothills to complete gut remodels of mid-century Eichlers, we bring the same architect-led approach to every custom home project.
Palo Alto Building Permits and Code Requirements
Every exterior project in Palo Alto requires a building permit. The Palo Alto Building and Inspection Division oversees plan review, permit issuance, and final inspections. Permit fees for a typical roof replacement run $500 to $1,100 depending on project scope. For ADUs and additions, permit fees scale with valuation and can range from $2,000 to $8,000.
Key code considerations for Palo Alto projects include:
- Title 24 energy compliance. Palo Alto enforces California's strict energy code. Cool roof requirements may apply to certain re-roof projects, and all window replacements must meet U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) targets.
- Fire zone compliance. While Palo Alto's flatland neighborhoods are outside designated Wildland-Urban Interface zones, properties in the hills above Page Mill Road and near Foothills Park fall within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. These properties require Class A fire-rated roofing materials and Chapter 7A compliant construction methods.
- Seismic considerations. Palo Alto sits near the San Andreas Fault. All structural work, including additions and ADUs, must comply with California's seismic design standards. We work with structural engineers to ensure every project meets current code.
What Sets Hamilton Exteriors Apart
First-person Palo Alto experience. We have completed dozens of projects in Palo Alto, from roof replacements on College Terrace bungalows to custom homes in the Los Altos Hills border area. We know the city's permit process, inspection quirks, and the specific challenges of Palo Alto's housing stock.
Certified craftsmanship. Beyond our CSLB license, we hold certifications from GAF (Master Elite), Owens Corning (Platinum Preferred), CertainTeed (ShingleMaster), and James Hardie (Elite Preferred). These certifications mean factory-trained installation and enhanced manufacturer warranties for our clients.
50-year system warranties. When you choose a GAF roofing system installed by a Master Elite contractor, you get a 50-year non-prorated material warranty plus a 25-year workmanship warranty. This is the strongest warranty available in residential roofing.
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Ready to discuss your Palo Alto home exterior project? Call us at (650) 977-3351 or request your free quote online. We will schedule an on-site inspection and provide a fully itemized estimate within 48 hours.
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Hamilton Exteriors | CSLB #1078806 | 21634 Redwood Rd Unit F, Castro Valley, CA 94546 | Serving Palo Alto and the entire Bay Area
