Willow Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Questions Peninsula Homeowners Ask Before a Remodel

The 25 questions we hear most about kitchen and bathroom remodels on the Peninsula, from a licensed Palo Alto remodeler (CSLB #1127360). Each answer links to the page that goes deeper.

Call (650) 507-4525 Get an Estimate

Cost

How much does a bathroom remodel cost on the Peninsula?

It depends mostly on size and whether plumbing moves. Our three bathroom packages and every line item are published. Bathroom remodel cost.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

A refresh, a full kitchen and an open-concept kitchen are three different numbers; all three are published. Kitchen remodel cost.

How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?

Acrylic is the lowest, tile the middle, curbless the highest. Tub-to-shower conversion cost.

Why does Atherton cost more?

Town design review, restricted work hours and long material carries. We show it as a 10–15% adjustment rather than hiding it. Remodeling in Atherton.

How much deposit do you take?

California caps the down payment on a home improvement contract at $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less. After that, payments follow work completed. Pricing and payment schedule.

When is the final payment due?

At the final walk-through, once you have signed off on the work. Payment schedule.

Permits

Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in California?

If plumbing moves, a circuit is added or a wall is opened, yes. Swapping a vanity or toilet in place usually does not. Bathroom remodeling.

Who pulls the permit?

We do, under our license, and we attend every inspection. Our license.

What is SB 407?

A California law requiring homes built before 1994 to get water-conserving toilets, showerheads and faucets when they are remodeled under permit. Our packages already include them. What our packages include.

My street is unincorporated. Who issues the permit?

San Mateo County Planning & Building, not the nearby city. That includes West Menlo Park, Menlo Oaks and North Fair Oaks. Remodeling in Menlo Park.

Does Palo Alto’s historic review apply to my bathroom?

Interior remodels in Professorville follow the standard permit path. Historic and architectural review applies to exterior changes. Remodeling in Palo Alto.

Timeline

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Two weeks for a hall bath refresh, two to three for a full hall bath, four to six for a primary bath. Our process, week by week.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Two weeks for a refresh and four to six for a full kitchen, plus cabinet lead time before we start. Kitchen remodeling.

How fast is a tub-to-shower conversion?

One day for acrylic, about five for tile, seven to ten for curbless. Tub-to-shower conversion.

How soon can you start?

Once selections are made and materials are confirmed. We do not open your room while waiting on parts. How a remodel runs.

Materials

Can I choose my own tile and fixtures?

Yes. Each package has allowances; you can stay within them, go above, or supply your own. Package allowances.

Acrylic or tile for a new shower?

Acrylic is faster and has no grout. Tile looks better, lasts longer and allows any layout. Tub-to-shower options.

Should I refinish my bathtub or replace it?

Refinish if the tub is sound and you want to keep it; replace or convert if the shape or the surround is the problem. Refinish or replace.

Process

Can I live at home during the remodel?

Almost everyone does. We seal the work area, protect the floors and clean every day. Our process.

What happens if you find damage behind a wall?

We stop, show you, and write a change order with the price before we fix it. How the fixed price works.

How do I get an estimate?

Call, text or use the form. We visit the same week and send a written estimate within 48 hours. Free estimate.

Company

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, CSLB license #1127360, bonded and insured. License and insurance.

What does your warranty cover?

Our workmanship, in writing. Warranty.

Do you do additions or whole-house remodels?

Not yet. Until our general building (B) license issues, we take kitchens, bathrooms and tub-to-shower conversions only. About us.

When can I reach you?

Mon–Sat 7:00 AM–7:00 PM · Sunday closed. Calls and texts outside those hours are returned the next morning. Contact.

Get a written estimate in 48 hours

Tell us about the room. We visit the same week, measure, and send a written, itemized estimate within 48 hours.

Call (650) 507-4525 Get an Estimate

We answer within 10 minutes, Mon–Sat 7 AM–7 PM.