Waves Remodeling
Remodeling Contractor · Redwood City, CA

Remodeling Contractor in Redwood City, CA

We’re a family-owned design-build firm and licensed general contractor working in Redwood City and the wider Peninsula. Kitchens, baths, additions, ADUs, decks, and full-house renovations, drawn and built by one design-build team. Nothing gets demolished until you’ve approved the room in 3D.

Family-owned since 2012 · Class B general building contractor, CSLB #1068557 · Bonded and insured

Your Design-Build Remodeling Team in Redwood City

Redwood City’s permit rules tend to surface late, after the drawings are done. Adding a second story means collecting your neighbors’ signatures before the city will accept your application. We design inside those rules from the first sketch.

Before a single material order goes out, you get a 3D build of the room to sit with. Push the island over, test a deeper stain on the floor, take the wall out and look again. Reworking it there costs an afternoon.

Free, Itemized Estimates Renderings Before Demolition Design and Construction Under One Contract

Why Waves Remodeling

Why Redwood City Homeowners Work With Us

A design-build team that brings Bay Area craftsmanship, clear communication, and full-service remodeling to homeowners across San Jose.

We Know the Rules Before We Draw

Neighbor notification, the floor-area referral threshold, One-Stop eligibility, hillside standards up toward Farm Hill. Each one shapes what your project should be, and we plan around them instead of meeting them at the counter.

You Approve It in 3D First

A model of your room, built to real dimensions, delivered before anything gets torn out. Most people move something once they can see it.

Design and Build Answer to the Same Company

Drawings and construction come out of one office under one agreement. No architect blaming the builder, no builder blaming the drawings, nothing for you to referee.

Kitchens Are Our Forte

Cabinetry, layout, lighting, and the wiring behind all three. It’s the work we do more of than anything else.

One Manager Owns Your Job

The same person runs it from the first visit through the last correction. Call, and they already know why the tile shipped late.

Licensed, Bonded, Easy to Verify

CSLB #1068557, Class B. California requires a licensed contractor once labor and materials pass $500 on a job. Look ours up, then ask the same of every bid on your table.

What We Do

Remodeling Services We Offer in Redwood City

Indoors, outdoors, one room or all of them.

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling

Galley, U-shape, or a wall coming down to open the room to the rest of the house. Cabinets, counters, lighting, and electrical sized for the appliances you picked.

Kitchen remodeling →
Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling

Curbless showers, tub-to-shower conversions, floating vanities, and tile set to outlast the trend that sold you on it. Small hall baths get the same crew as primary suites.

Bathroom remodeling →
Room Additions

Room Additions

More bedrooms, a working office, a wider living room, or a whole second floor. Ground-floor square footage moves through Redwood City’s planning process faster than a second story, and we’ll say so when that trade favors you.

Room additions →
Home Remodeling

Home Remodeling

Full renovations, demolition through final coat, including the unglamorous half: rewiring, repiping, framing changes, sewer lateral repairs, and the permits riding on each.

Whole-home renovations →
Deck Builders

Deck Builders

Backyard decks, patios, and roofed outdoor rooms, built from materials that survive weather instead of just looking good on install day.

Decks and patios →
ADU Construction

ADU Construction

Detached units, garage conversions, and junior ADUs carved from the existing footprint, whether it ends up housing a tenant, a parent, or your office. Drawings and city paperwork are ours.

ADUs and JADUs →

Service Area

Where We Build on the Peninsula

Our office is fifteen miles down the Peninsula in Sunnyvale, and San Mateo County is regular ground for our crews: Redwood City, San Mateo, San Bruno, Burlingame, Menlo Park.

Areas served

Redwood City Redwood Shores San Carlos Belmont Menlo Park Atherton Woodside Portola Valley San Mateo Foster City Palo Alto Mountain View Los Altos

Headquartered at 710 Lakeway Drive in Sunnyvale, building across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

What Redwood City Requires Before You Build

Your neighbors get more say here than in most Bay Area cities. Second-story additions, new two-story houses, and two-story ADUs all require notice to adjacent owners and tenants before the city will accept the application, with signed acknowledgments and certified-mail receipts filed alongside the Architectural Permit. They matter again once work starts: crews are held to weekdays, 7am to 8pm, and weekend work needs the Building Official’s written approval 30 days ahead.

Size sets the rest. Past 3,000 square feet or 45% of the lot, whichever is larger, the Planning Commission decides your project. Detached structures stay out of that math, ADUs included, which often makes a backyard unit the cleaner path to more room. Interior kitchen and bath work moves fastest of anything, sometimes reviewed over the counter.

The housing splits by neighborhood. Mt. Carmel and Edgewood Park hold 1920s and ’30s Craftsman, Tudor, and Spanish Revival, some inside historic districts where the permit routes through Planning first. Woodside Plaza, Palm, and Redwood Village are postwar ranch, usually with the kitchen walled off from everything else. Farm Hill and Canyon climb into the hills, where slope carries its own requirements. Redwood Shores sits on 1960s fill over bay mud, master-planned and mostly HOA-governed.

Mt. Carmel Woodside Plaza Edgewood Park Farm Hill Redwood Shores Friendly Acres Roosevelt Palm Centennial Redwood Village Stambaugh-Heller Canyon

How It Works

How the Work Runs, Start to Finish

1

First visit

We measure, ask a lot of questions, and give you an honest read on what your number buys and where it falls short. Free, and nobody pitches you.

2

Drawings and scope

Floor plans, finishes, fixtures, and a written scope specific enough to settle arguments before they start.

3

The model

The finished space, rendered and handed to you to pick apart. Changing something here is the cheapest hour in the whole project, so use it hard.

4

Filings and build

Neighbor notices, Architectural Permit where the project calls for one, then the building permit, then licensed crews on a schedule you can hold us to.

5

Corrections

The two of us go through the completed work and log anything that misses. Your project isn’t finished until that log is.

Three Peninsula Kitchens, Before and After

All three are in San Mateo County.

Redwood City Kitchen Remodel

Redwood City Kitchen Remodel

A narrow galley with a skylight sunk in a boxed-in ceiling well, glass-front cabinets, and a black cooktop dropped into worn butcher block. The skylight stayed. We opened the well and ringed it in recessed light, then ran handleless cabinets down both walls under veined marble counters, carrying the same slab full height up the backsplash. Brass gooseneck faucet, apron-front sink, oak shelves floating beside it.

See the before and after →
San Bruno Kitchen Remodel

San Bruno Kitchen Remodel

Dark-stained oak, mottled brown granite, and a wall-hung hood over a U-shape with a peninsula. The layout worked, so it stayed. Everything else changed: forest-green shaker fronts with brass bar pulls, white quartz wrapping a squared-off peninsula, stainless range and fridge, and French doors cut in where a wall used to close off the backyard. The original red oak floors came back beautifully.

See the before and after →
San Mateo Kitchen Remodel

San Mateo Kitchen Remodel

Raised-panel doors, speckled dark granite, tumbled stone backsplash, and a stubby island with an open cubby punched in the end. Rebuilt as one open room: full-height white shaker cabinetry, a waterfall island in white and gray quartz, matching slab behind the cooktop, black fixtures, and pale wide-plank flooring in place of the red-toned oak.

See the before and after →

What Peninsula Clients Say

Posted on Google Google
Or Sapir profile picture
Or Sapir
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We did our kitchen remodel with Waves Remodeling, and Eli was our project manager. He was easy to work with, super approachable, and kept things simple the whole way through. He checked in often, made sure everything stayed on track, and handled any small issues quickly without making it a big deal. The team did solid work, and you can see it in the details. Our kitchen looks clean, modern, and feels much more functional now. The whole experience was smooth and not stressful, which we really appreciated. Overall, really happy we went with them and with Eli managing the project.
Posted on Google Google
Nathaniel Krispin profile picture
Nathaniel Krispin
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We worked with Ben from Waves Remodeling to turn our kitchen into an open concept space, and honestly it came out better than we expected. He helped us figure out what walls to remove and how to make everything feel connected without overcomplicating it. The whole process felt pretty straightforward, no stress, no confusion. His crew showed up on time, kept things clean, and just got it done right. The space now feels bigger, brighter, and way more usable for everyday life. You can tell they know what they’re doing. Super happy with how it turned out. Would definitely work with Ben again.
Posted on Google Google
Asaf Sadok profile picture
Asaf Sadok
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a great experience working with Ben, Tom, and the team at Waves Remodeling on building our ADU in Palo Alto. From start to finish, the process felt organized, professional, and well-managed. Tom, the project manager, was excellent to work with. He was always on top of things, responsive, and made sure everything kept moving forward smoothly. Any time we had questions or needed clarification, he was quick to respond and explain things in a clear, simple way. It made a big difference having someone reliable managing the day-to-day. Ben and the team helped guide us through the entire process—from planning and design to permits and construction. They were very knowledgeable about the city requirements in Palo Alto, which helped avoid delays and made the process much easier for us. The quality of work really shows. The ADU came out beautiful, clean, and well-built. Everything feels solid and thoughtfully done, from the layout to the finishes. You can tell they care about the details and don’t cut corners. Overall, it was a smooth and positive experience. We’re very happy with the result and would definitely recommend Ben, Tom, and Waves Remodeling to anyone looking to build an ADU or take on a serious home project.
Posted on Google Google
Liran Mezan profile picture
Liran Mezan
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We hired Waves Remodeling for a second story addition and worked directly with the Ben .overall really good experience. It’s the biggest project we ever did . Ben was involved the whole time and easy to communicate with any time we had questions or something came up. it was available explaining things in a simple way the call showed up kept the work moving. Of course, there were a few bumps along the way they can handle a construction job, but nothing crazy and everything got handled Would definitely recommend Waves Remodeling if you’re doing a big project like this
Posted on Google Google
טוהר profile picture
טוהר
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The full remodel completed by Ben and the Waves Remodeling team was handled with a level of organization and care that made a complex project feel manageable. From early planning through final details, every phase was approached thoughtfully and with clear intent. Structural work, systems, finishes, and layouts were all coordinated seamlessly, avoiding the common disconnects that often happen in large remodels. Communication remained consistent, expectations were set realistically, and decisions were made with both functionality and longevity in mind. The team maintained a clean, respectful job site and took pride in the quality of execution at every step. What stands out most is how cohesive the final result feels — nothing appears rushed or pieced together. The home now feels refined, balanced, and purposefully redesigned, reflecting a remodel done right from the inside out.
Posted on Google Google
Itai Zalcman profile picture
Itai Zalcman
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The planning and design process with Ben and the Waves Remodeling team was one of the strongest parts of the project. From the start, there was a clear effort to truly understand how we live and how the space needed to function, not just how it should look. Ideas were thoughtfully developed, refined, and translated into practical, buildable plans. Design decisions were guided by experience, budget awareness, and long-term value, which made the entire process feel grounded and intentional. Communication was clear, and every option was explained with pros, cons, and implications. Nothing felt rushed or pushed. By the time construction began, the vision was fully aligned, which avoided surprises and unnecessary changes. The result reflects careful planning, smart design choices, and a level of foresight that made the entire project smoother and more successful.
Posted on Google Google
Hodaya Nir profile picture
Hodaya Nir
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The landscape project completed by Ben and the Waves Remodeling team completely reshaped the way our property looks and feels. From the earliest conversations, it was clear that the approach was thoughtful and grounded in long-term performance, not just visual impact. Every element — grading, drainage, hardscape, planting, and lighting — was planned to work together as a single system rather than as separate features. Execution was methodical and well organized. The site remained clean, progress was clearly communicated, and decisions were discussed before work moved forward. What stood out most was the attention given to details that are often hidden, such as proper base preparation, water management, and transitions between materials. These choices make the space feel solid and intentional, not rushed or decorative. The finished landscape feels natural and balanced, with a strong sense of flow between the house and the outdoor areas. It’s a space that invites daily use, not just occasional enjoyment. Beyond aesthetics, the work added real functionality and long-term value to the property. The result reflects craftsmanship, experience, and a genuine respect for how outdoor spaces should be built to last.
Posted on Google Google
Asaf Shalem profile picture
Asaf Shalem
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The stucco, roof, and backyard work done by Ben and the Waves Remodeling team was handled with a high level of care and professionalism. The scope required coordination between multiple trades, and everything was executed cleanly and efficiently. The stucco finish is smooth and consistent, the roof work feels solid and well detailed, and the backyard now feels intentional rather than pieced together. Communication throughout the process was clear, and issues were addressed quickly without shortcuts. The end result feels durable, cohesive, and thoughtfully built, not rushed or cosmetic.
Posted on Google Google
Ray Ellersick profile picture
Ray Ellersick
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a wonderful experience with my kitchen remodeling job from start to finish. I usually find this kind of project to be especially daunting, but Tom was there at every step to help me understand the process, choose the right materials, and plan for the work. He has a great eye for design and I am very please with all of his suggestions for color, texture and layout. Tom and all the workers who did the construction were very efficient and professional. The quality of the work was excellent and it was done much more quickly than I expected.
Posted on Google Google
Lakshmi N profile picture
Lakshmi N
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had an initial call with Tom to discover the possibilities of building an ADU. They explained different scenarios, constraints and the approximate cost range. He went above and beyond explaining the different stages and if it makes sense to build an ADU. He is customer focused and thinks from their perspective.

FAQ

How Big Can an ADU Be in Redwood City?

Up to 850 square feet for a one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet with more bedrooms, set back at least four feet from the side and rear property lines. ADUs under 750 square feet pay no impact fees. Worth knowing before you budget around rent: new ADUs and JADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals here.

Will I Have to Move Out During the Remodel?

For a single kitchen or bath, almost never. Whole-house renovations are a different conversation, and we’ll give you a straight answer at the estimate rather than after demolition. One upside of the city’s weekday-only rule: the house is yours again every Saturday.

Can You Work on an Older Home in Mt. Carmel?

Yes, and plenty of that stock is worth keeping. If the house is a designated resource or sits inside a historic district, the building permit routes to Planning before it moves, though interior-only work usually clears at staff level. We design to the standards that apply and carry the review.

Does a Big Remodel Trigger Fire Sprinklers?

It can. Redwood City applies a 50% Rule policy that ties sprinkler requirements to how much of the house you’re touching, so a gut renovation lands differently than a kitchen. We confirm where a specific scope falls before design goes far.

What Does Building in Redwood Shores Involve?

Mostly it’s the ground. Homes there sit on 1960s bay fill, so foundations and structural work get engineered around soft soil. Most of the neighborhood also answers to an HOA, so those approvals run alongside the city’s.

What's the Quickest Way to Reach You?

Book a slot straight from the online calendar, or call (408) 637-6142. Email works too: info@wavesremodelingca.com. Bring photos of the space and a rough budget and you’ll get far more out of that first visit.

Thinking About a Redwood City Remodel?

Have us out to the house. We’ll walk the space, separate what’s realistic from what isn’t, and leave itemized numbers behind. The visit and the estimate are free, and the numbers stay yours whoever ends up doing the work.