Looking for a general contractor in San Jose who brings an architect's eye to every project? Hamilton Exteriors is a full-service design-build firm serving San Jose and all of Santa Clara County. We handle roofing, siding, windows, ADUs, home additions, and custom homes — all led by a licensed architect and general contractor.
Get Your Free Quote — call (650) 977-3351 or request an estimate online.
Why San Jose Homeowners Choose Hamilton Exteriors
San Jose homes face a unique set of conditions that demand more than a standard contractor. The city sits near the San Andreas, Calaveras, and Hayward faults, with liquefaction zones across the alluvial plains. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F in neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Almaden Valley. And foothill communities in the Santa Cruz Mountains — including parts of Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Cupertino — fall within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) as designated by CAL FIRE.
Our approach addresses all of these conditions. We specify materials and methods that meet San Jose's seismic codes, cool-roof requirements, and fire-safe construction standards. Every project is overseen by Alex Hamilton Li, a licensed architect and general contractor (CSLB #1078806).
Our Services in San Jose
Roofing
San Jose's hot summers accelerate asphalt shingle aging. Tile roofs are common in Almaden Valley and Willow Glen, but their weight (9-12 lbs per sq ft) requires structural verification on older homes. We install:
- Asphalt shingles (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning): $940-$1,125 per square installed. Class A fire rated. 25-50 year lifespan.
- Metal roofing (standing seam, stone-coated steel): $1,200-$1,800 per square. 40-70 year lifespan. Reflects up to 70% of solar energy per Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
- Tile roofing (clay, concrete): $1,500-$2,500 per square. 50-100 year lifespan. Requires structural assessment.
San Jose's Building Division requires permits for all roof replacements. Permit fees run $400-$800. Foothill properties in WUI zones must use Class A fire-rated materials per California Chapter 7A. See our roofing services page for details.
Siding
We are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, certified to install fiber cement siding. James Hardie products resist San Jose's temperature swings, seismic movement, and termite pressure better than wood or vinyl. We also install:
- Fiber cement: $8-$14 per sq ft installed (Hamilton Exteriors 2024-2026 project data). 30-50 year lifespan. Fire resistant.
- Stucco: $6-$12 per sq ft. Common on San Jose's ranch and Spanish-style homes.
- Wood siding: $10-$18 per sq ft. Requires more maintenance in Santa Clara County's dry climate.
Windows
Energy-efficient window replacement reduces cooling costs in San Jose's hot summers. We install double-pane, Low-E, argon-filled windows that meet California's Title 24 energy code. Typical costs range from $800-$1,500 per window installed, depending on size and material (vinyl, fiberglass, or wood-clad). See our window replacement services.
ADU Construction
San Jose's ADU ordinance allows up to one ADU and one junior ADU per single-family lot. Typical costs range from $150,000-$350,000 for a detached 1-bedroom unit, including permits, site work, and utility connections. We handle design, permitting, and construction. See our ADU construction services and ADU cost guide.
Home Additions
Adding square footage to a San Jose home requires careful structural planning, especially on the alluvial plains where soil conditions vary. Costs typically run $250-$500 per sq ft depending on complexity, finishes, and whether the addition includes a bathroom or kitchen. See our home addition services and second-story addition cost guide.
Custom Homes
We build custom homes from the ground up, handling everything from site selection and design through final inspection. San Jose's planning department requires detailed architectural plans, structural calculations, and energy compliance documentation. Our architect-led process streamlines this. See our custom home building services.
San Jose Building Permits and Codes
Every exterior project in San Jose requires a building permit. The San Jose Building Division handles plan review and inspections. Key requirements:
- Roofing: Permit required. Cool-roof materials (minimum solar reflectance per Title 24) may be required depending on project scope.
- Siding: Permit required for full replacements. Structural connections must meet seismic bracing requirements.
- Windows: Permit required. Energy code compliance (U-factor ≤ 0.30, SHGC ≤ 0.23 per California Energy Commission).
- ADUs: Permit required. Ministerial approval (no discretionary review) for qualifying ADUs per SB 9.
- Additions: Permit required. Structural calculations for seismic loads per California Building Code.
We pull all permits on your behalf and schedule all required inspections.
San Jose Climate and Fire Risk Considerations
San Jose's Mediterranean climate creates specific demands for exterior materials:
- Heat: Summer highs above 95°F accelerate asphalt degradation. Cool-roof materials reduce cooling costs by 10-25% per DOE.
- Seismic: Proximity to three major fault lines means all structural work must meet California's seismic bracing requirements. We use engineered hold-downs and shear panels where needed.
- Fire: Foothill properties in WUI zones (Saratoga, Los Gatos hills, Cupertino) require Class A fire-rated roofing, non-combustible siding within 5 feet of grade, and ember-resistant vents per Chapter 7A.
How We Price Projects
We provide fully itemized estimates that break out every cost component. every line itemized. No vague ranges. You see exactly where your investment goes:
- Materials: Brand, model, quantity, and per-unit price
- Labor: Hours and hourly rate
- Permits: Exact city fee
- Disposal: Dumpster and hauling
- Contingency: 10-15% for hidden conditions (rotted decking, outdated wiring)
Pricing is communicated as a range with clear inclusions and exclusions. For example, a roof replacement includes tear-off, underlayment, flashing, and cleanup. It excludes structural decking repair (quoted per sheet if needed) and gutter replacement.
Get Started on Your San Jose Project
Ready to discuss your San Jose home exterior project? Call us at (650) 977-3351 or Get Your Free Quote online. We serve all of Santa Clara County including San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, and Milpitas.
Hamilton Exteriors | Alex Hamilton Li, Architect & General Contractor | CSLB #1078806 | 21634 Redwood Rd Unit F, Castro Valley, CA 94546
