Insights & Guides for San Francisco Homeowners

Honest answers to the questions SF homeowners actually ask — costs, permits, timelines, and what to watch out for.

September 14, 202615 min read

Do You Need a Permit for a Composite Deck in the Bay Area? (SF, Marin, East Bay)

Most Bay Area cities require a permit for any deck over 30 inches above grade — but the rules and timelines differ by jurisdiction. Here's what's required in SF, Marin, Oakland, Berkeley, and the Peninsula.

August 31, 202614 min read

James Hardie Installation Cost in the Bay Area (2026): Real Numbers from 500+ Projects

James Hardie fiber cement installation costs $14–$22 per sq ft in the Bay Area — but the price varies by ~$8 depending on 6 factors most contractors don't itemize. Here's the real breakdown.

June 29, 202614 min read

The 5 Exterior Repairs Coastal Bay Area Homes Always Need (Sunset, Marin, Pacifica, Daly City)

Coastal Bay Area homes wear out differently than inland homes. Fog, salt air, and wind-driven rain guarantee these five exterior repairs — on a predictable cycle. Here's what to expect and when.

June 22, 202617 min read

Hillside & Multi-Level Deck Construction in SF and Marin: What Makes It Different (and More Expensive)

A deck on a steep SF or Marin hillside costs 30-60% more than a flat-lot deck — and for good reason. Here's what makes hillside deck construction different, what it actually costs, and what questions to ask your contractor.

June 15, 202614 min read

Siding Replacement Cost in San Francisco: Hardie, Wood, Cedar & Composite Compared

Full-house siding replacement in San Francisco typically costs $25,000 to $85,000+. Here's what each material actually costs per square foot — plus the hidden costs most contractors don't mention in the bid.

June 8, 202619 min read

Dry Rot in Bay Area Homes: How to Spot It Before It Eats Your Framing (and What Repair Actually Costs)

Dry rot isn't dry — it's active fungal decay, and it spreads. Here's how to spot it in your Bay Area home before it eats your framing, where to look first, and what repair actually costs.

June 1, 202615 min read

Cracked Stucco in San Francisco: When to Patch, When to Re-Coat, When to Tear Off

Hairline crack or emergency? The answer depends on what's happening behind the surface. Here's how to diagnose stucco damage on your SF home — and what each repair option actually costs.

May 25, 202617 min read

Stucco vs Hardie Board vs Wood Siding: What's Right for Bay Area Homes

Fog, salt air, and fire zones make the Bay Area uniquely hard on exterior siding. Here's how stucco, Hardie board, and wood siding actually compare — including failure patterns we see every week.

May 11, 20269 min read

Composite vs Wood Decking: Why Bay Area Homeowners Are Switching in 2026

Wood has a 30-year head start on composite. So why have most Bay Area homeowners we've worked with in 2026 chosen composite? Here's the honest breakdown — including when wood still wins.

May 4, 202612 min read

Trex vs TimberTech vs Fiberon: Which Composite Decking Wins in Bay Area Weather (2026)

All three are solid composite decking brands. But Bay Area fog, salt air, and UV exposure expose different strengths. Here's how they compare — from a contractor certified in all three.

April 27, 202610 min read

Composite Deck Cost in San Francisco: Real 2026 Numbers from 500+ Bay Area Projects

Composite decks in San Francisco typically run $15,000 to $60,000+. Here's what actually drives the range — with pricing from 500+ Bay Area projects, not national averages.

April 1, 202615 min read

How Much Does a Home Remodel Cost in San Francisco? (2026 Guide)

San Francisco is one of the most expensive remodeling markets in the country. Here's what projects actually cost — with real numbers, not national averages.

March 1, 202612 min read

5 Signs Your San Francisco Home Needs Foundation Repair

Cracks in the walls? Doors that won't close? Here are the warning signs that your foundation needs attention — and what to do about them.

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