Free written scope consultation - allowances, timeline, and change-order rules on paper before a single trade is scheduled
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterConstruction in San Marcos, TX
A full kitchen remodel in San Marcos typically runs $14,000-$45,000, and the final number depends heavily on what’s hiding behind 1990s-era stucco and drywall. Homes here were built fast during concentrated tract waves, so we regularly open walls to find framing that shifted with the expansive clay underneath, or plumbing routed in ways nobody would spec today. That’s why we put every San Marcos quote in writing before any tool comes off the truck. Call (470) 298-9650 to schedule a free estimate.
Why San Marcos Homes Are Different
San Marcos sits in an inland valley, and that location does something specific to houses. Summers run 10-20°F hotter than the coast, with stretches at 95-105°F that bake stucco until hairline cracks open and let moisture in. When the Santa Ana winds arrive in the fall, those same dry, gusty conditions turn a small roofing gap into a real problem. The housing stock compounds it: most of the residential build-out happened in the 1990s and 2000s as planned hillside communities on engineered graded pads, which means retaining walls, slope drainage, and compacted fill are part of nearly every property’s history. A large portion of the hillside neighborhoods east of downtown and around the CSUSM corridor fall within California-designated High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, so remodels and additions must meet ignition-resistant framing, Class A roofing, and ember-resistant vent standards that flat coastal cities rarely enforce. Contractors working in San Marcos need to know which side of the HFHSZ boundary your parcel is on, because it changes what materials are legal to specify and what the permit reviewer will accept.
Our Main San Marcos Services
Two trades come up most often when San Marcos homeowners call us: fences and hardscape. Both are tied directly to the terrain and the housing era, and both get their own dedicated pages.
Fence Installation in San Marcos
Winds off the hillsides hit fence panels hard, and posts set without enough depth in expansive clay start leaning within a few seasons. We see older tract homes with original 1990s wood fencing that has reached the end of its structural life, plus vinyl and aluminum jobs where the real challenge is keeping post bases stable on graded slopes. A written quote covers post depth, concrete mix, and panel spec before we start. See Fence Installation in San Marcos for the full breakdown.
Driveway & Pavers in San Marcos
Expansive clay is the quiet enemy of every flat surface in San Marcos. Concrete driveways crack when the soil heaves through wet winters and dry summers, and paver installations need a properly engineered base or they’ll settle unevenly within a few years. We specify base depth and drainage for the specific soil conditions on your lot, not a generic spec. See Driveway & Pavers in San Marcos for costs and options.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
BeforeAfterKitchen Remodeling in San Marcos
A kitchen remodel in San Marcos usually means opening up a 1990s or 2000s galley-style kitchen inside a stucco tract home, where the layout was designed for speed of construction, not how people actually cook. The biggest variable is what the walls reveal once demo starts: shifted framing from expansive clay, undersized plumbing that needs re-routing, or gravity-fed drainage that limits where an island sink can go. Our Kitchen Remodeling process starts with a written scope and flat price, so you know the number before the first cabinet comes out. In hillside homes, we also verify whether your project triggers HFHSZ requirements on any exterior wall or vent we touch.
Full Kitchen Remodeling
Signs you need it
Your layout no longer works for how you cook, you have dated finishes or failing cabinet hardware, and you’d rather remodel the space than move.
What it costs in San Marcos
A full kitchen remodel in San Marcos typically runs $14,000-$45,000 depending on layout changes, cabinet grade, and what’s found inside the walls.
How we do it
We document existing conditions, produce a written flat-price quote, pull permits, demo to framing, then rebuild with a signed scope and photo record at every stage.
Cabinets & Countertops
Signs you need it
Your cabinet boxes are delaminating or your counters are cracked, stained, or failing at the seams from years of heat and humidity cycles.
What it costs in San Marcos
Cabinet installation in San Marcos runs $4,000-$13,000 and countertop installation runs $2,000-$6,500, depending on material and linear footage.
How we do it
We measure to the wall, not just the existing box, then order from vetted brands like KraftMaid and Wellborn and install to a written tolerance spec.
Backsplash, Tile & Flooring
Signs you need it
Grout is failing, the tile is moving on the wall, or you simply want the kitchen to look like it belongs in this decade instead of the last one.
What it costs in San Marcos
Backsplash installation in San Marcos runs $800-$2,500 for typical kitchen walls, with material choice driving most of the spread.
How we do it
We check the substrate for movement, apply membrane where needed, and set tile with materials rated for the temperature swings these interiors see.
Kitchen Design & Layout
Signs you need it
You have the budget and the desire to remodel but the current footprint fights every layout idea you can think of.
What it costs in San Marcos
Design is included in the written quote for a full kitchen remodel in San Marcos, which runs $14,000-$45,000 depending on scope.
How we do it
We work from as-built measurements, produce plan options that respect existing structural walls and plumbing, and price each one in writing before you choose.
Small & Partial Kitchen Remodels
Signs you need it
Your main kitchen works but the counters, backsplash, or a section of cabinets don’t, and you want to improve the space without a full gut.
What it costs in San Marcos
A small kitchen remodel in San Marcos runs $9,000-$20,000; a kitchen island installation runs $3,000-$10,000 on its own.
How we do it
We keep the work scoped tightly in writing, protect the surrounding surfaces, and leave a documented photo record of what changed and why.
What Kitchen Remodeling Costs in San Marcos
| Item | Typical range in San Marcos |
|---|---|
| Full kitchen remodel | $14,000-$45,000 |
| Small / partial kitchen remodel | $9,000-$20,000 |
| Countertop installation | $2,000-$6,500 |
How long does a kitchen remodel take in San Marcos?
Most kitchen remodels in San Marcos take 6-12 weeks depending on layout changes, permitting, and what’s found behind the walls once demo starts. The HFHSZ review step can add a week or two on hillside parcels.
Will the price change once work starts?
Not without your signature. Under Clause 1 of the Haven Standard, the price is written before anyone starts. If we find a hidden condition, you get a written change order to approve before any extra work proceeds. Call (470) 298-9650 for an exact quote.
Bathroom Remodeling in San Marcos
Bathrooms in San Marcos tract homes were built fast, and the evidence shows up as failing grout, swollen baseboards, and shower pans that weren’t waterproofed to today’s standards. Summer heat dries and cycles the materials year after year, so leaks that started as hairline cracks become visible water damage over time. Our Bathroom Remodeling work starts with a written price that covers the waterproofing method, the fixtures, and the tile spec before demo begins.
Walk-In Showers & Shower Remodeling
Signs you need it
Tile is loose or cracked, the shower pan leaks into the wall cavity or ceiling below, or the stall was built with green board instead of a waterproof membrane.
What it costs in San Marcos
Walk-in shower installation in San Marcos runs $4,500-$12,000; a shower replacement runs $3,000-$8,500 depending on waterproofing scope.
How we do it
We remove to the studs, inspect for rot, rebuild with a bonded waterproofing system, and document every layer before tile goes on.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Signs you need it
Your tub is too low, too narrow, or too hard to get in and out of, and a shower with a built-in bench and proper grab blocking works better.
What it costs in San Marcos
A tub-to-shower conversion in San Marcos runs $3,500-$10,000, with drain relocation and waterproofing driving most of the spread.
How we do it
We cap or relocate the drain correctly, frame the new footprint, install blocking for grab bars, and waterproof the entire enclosure before tile.
What Bathroom Remodeling Costs in San Marcos
| Item | Typical range in San Marcos |
|---|---|
| Full bathroom remodel | $9,000-$28,000 |
| Small bathroom remodel | $5,000-$12,000 |
| Bathroom vanity installation | $800-$3,000 |
Do you pull permits for bathroom remodels in San Marcos?
Yes, any work that touches plumbing, electrical, or structural elements gets permitted through the city. We pull permits, schedule inspections, and keep the passed-inspection record in your project file.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in San Marcos?
Most bathroom remodels take 3-6 weeks depending on scope and whether hidden water damage needs repair. We’ll put the timeline in your written quote. Call (470) 298-9650 for a free estimate.
Roofing in San Marcos
Roofs in San Marcos age fast because the heat and Santa Ana winds work them harder than any coastal roof. If your home was built in the 1990s or 2000s, you’re likely on the original roof or a first replacement that’s already past its useful life. Our Roofing team writes the material spec and the installed price before any tear-off, and we confirm your HFHSZ status before recommending any assembly, because it changes whether you need Class A materials, ember-resistant vents, and specific underlayment.
Roof Repair
Signs you need it
You see water staining on ceilings, missing or cracked tiles after windstorms, or granules collecting in gutters from shingle edges that are letting go.
What it costs in San Marcos
Roof repair in San Marcos runs $400-$1,800 for typical leaks, torn flashing, and local tile or shingle replacement work.
How we do it
We locate the actual penetration point, replace the damaged material and underlayment, and photograph the repair before and after it closes up.
Roof Replacement & Installation
Signs you need it
Your roof has multiple failing areas, the decking is weakening, or the shingle or tile layer count means patching no longer makes financial sense.
What it costs in San Marcos
Roof replacement in San Marcos runs $8,000-$20,000 for a typical single-family home, depending on material, pitch, and HFHSZ requirements.
How we do it
We tear off to the deck, inspect and replace sheathing as needed, install the specified underlayment and covering, and document every layer with photos.
Tile Roofing
Signs you need it
Clay or concrete tiles are cracked or slipping, especially after Santa Ana events, and the underlayment below them is past its service window.
What it costs in San Marcos
Tile roof repair in San Marcos runs $600-$2,500; a full tile replacement falls inside the $8,000-$20,000 roof replacement range plus material premiums.
How we do it
We match the tile profile and color as closely as possible, reset or replace broken tiles, and replace the underlayment where the waterproofing has failed.
What Roofing Costs in San Marcos
| Item | Typical range in San Marcos |
|---|---|
| Roof replacement | $8,000-$20,000 |
| Roof repair | $400-$1,800 |
| Metal roof installation | $15,000-$40,000 |
Do I need Class A roofing in San Marcos?
If your home sits inside a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, yes. The city and state fire codes require Class A roof coverings, and in some cases ember-resistant vents. We verify your parcel’s designation before we spec anything.
How can I tell if my roof is nearing replacement?
If you’re seeing curling shingles, granule loss in gutters, or multiple tile cracks after each wind event, the envelope is failing in more than one place. Call (470) 298-9650 for a written assessment and price.
Windows & Doors in San Marcos
San Marcos summers push heat through every underperforming window, and the Santa Ana season finds every gap in aging door seals. Most 1990s and 2000s tract homes here still have original aluminum or builder-grade vinyl windows with worn weatherstripping and failing seals that fog between the panes. Our Windows & Doors process prices the full replacement in writing, including any HFHSZ glazing or ember-resistance requirements that apply to your hillside lot.
Window Replacement
Signs you need it
Windows are fogged between the panes, frames are warped, or you feel a draft in summer heat that tells you the seal has failed.
What it costs in San Marcos
Window replacement in San Marcos runs $4,500-$15,000 for a typical home, depending on the number of openings and the frame material.
How we do it
We measure each rough opening, order to that measurement, flash the opening correctly against stucco, and photograph the install before trim goes back.
Impact Windows & Doors
Signs you need it
You want protection against wind-driven debris, reduced solar heat gain, or compliance with fire-hardening requirements on a hillside lot.
What it costs in San Marcos
Impact window installation in San Marcos runs $8,000-$25,000 depending on the number of openings, glass rating, and frame material.
How we do it
We confirm the required impact and fire ratings for your parcel, order to spec, and flash the openings so wind-driven rain can’t find a seam.
What Windows & Doors Costs in San Marcos
| Item | Typical range in San Marcos |
|---|---|
| Window replacement | $4,500-$15,000 |
| Impact window installation | $8,000-$25,000 |
| Door installation | $800-$3,000 |
Will new windows lower my cooling bill in San Marcos?
Yes, low-E glazing and better seals reduce heat gain through the glass, which matters in an inland climate where summer temperatures regularly run 10-20°F above the coast. The savings depend on your existing window condition and glazing direction.
How long does window replacement take in San Marcos?
Most single-family window replacements wrap in 1-3 days after the units arrive, which can take 2-6 weeks from order. We’ll give you the schedule in writing. Call (470) 298-9650 to start the measurement process.
Home Additions & ADU in San Marcos
Adding square footage in San Marcos means navigating HFHSZ requirements, expansive clay soils, and grading that often needs retaining-wall and drainage work before any foundation goes in. A home addition in San Marcos typically runs $45,000-$130,000, while a full ADU runs $90,000-$220,000 depending on site conditions and utility runs. Our Home Additions & ADU team prices the whole job in writing, including the geotechnical work and fire-hardening materials the hillside lots actually require.
ADU Design & Permitting
Signs you need it
You want a permitted rental unit or family dwelling but the site has slope, fire-zone, or soil conditions that make a standard plan unusable.
What it costs in San Marcos
ADU design and permitting is included in the written quote for a $90,000-$220,000 ADU project; scope depends on site-specific engineering and city review.
How we do it
We start with a survey and soil observation, design to the actual conditions, submit plans, and track city and fire-zone review in writing until permits issue.
Garage Conversion ADU
Signs you need it
Your garage sits empty or underused, and converting it adds a legal dwelling unit without a full foundation pour on a difficult slope.
What it costs in San Marcos
A garage conversion ADU in San Marcos runs $30,000-$80,000 depending on insulation, utility extension, and whether the slab needs structural work.
How we do it
We verify the slab’s condition, frame interior walls, upgrade electrical and insulation to ADU code, and document every inspection in writing.
What Home Additions & ADU Costs in San Marcos
| Item | Typical range in San Marcos |
|---|---|
| Home addition | $45,000-$130,000 |
| ADU construction | $90,000-$220,000 |
| Garage conversion | $30,000-$80,000 |
Do I need a soils report for an ADU in San Marcos?
Most hillside projects do, because the expansive clay and engineered fill on graded pads need verification before a foundation is designed. We arrange the geotechnical work and include it in your written quote.
How long does an ADU take to build in San Marcos?
Design and permitting typically take 4-8 months, and construction runs 6-10 months depending on site conditions and utility work. We’ll give you a phased timeline in writing. Call (470) 298-9650 for a free estimate.
Brands We Service in San Marcos
We install and service materials from vetted brands like Sakrete for concrete and masonry work, Cambria and Caesarstone for countertops, and Kohler and Toto for bathroom fixtures. Parts are ordered directly from the manufacturer and staged locally before your install starts. See our brands for the full sourcing list.
Pricing for Construction in San Marcos, TX
| Service | Typical range in San Marcos |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $14,000-$45,000 |
| Cabinet installation | $4,000-$13,000 |
| Bathroom remodel | $9,000-$28,000 |
| Walk-in shower installation | $4,500-$12,000 |
| Roof replacement | $8,000-$20,000 |
| Metal roof installation | $15,000-$40,000 |
| Impact window installation | $8,000-$25,000 |
| Window replacement | $4,500-$15,000 |
| Home addition | $45,000-$130,000 |
| ADU construction | $90,000-$220,000 |
What pushes costs up in San Marcos is almost always below grade: expansive clay, retaining wall repair, or graded-pad drainage work that only shows up after the site is opened. That’s why our written price includes the site-specific scope, not just the pretty finishes. If you’re comparing quotes, bring us any written estimate and we’ll review it line by line at no charge.
Neighborhoods We Serve in San Marcos
We work across San Marcos, from the older 1950s and 60s core near downtown to the hillside planned communities built in the 1990s and 2000s. Each area has different soil and fire-zone conditions, and our quotes reflect the actual parcel, not a citywide average.
- CSUSM corridor and surrounding hillside tracts
- Neighborhoods east of downtown
- Planned hillside communities on engineered graded pads
- Older residential core near downtown
Response time for a written estimate across San Marcos is typically a few business days from your call.
Service Area - Cities Near San Marcos
Rowan Construction Group serves San Marcos and the surrounding communities with the same written-price standard. Homeowners in Kyle, TX, Cibolo, TX, Schertz, TX, and Austin, TX get the same flat written quote before any work starts, with scheduling coordinated from our metro office and crews working locally.
Serving San Marcos, TX - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the San Marcos area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Construction in San Marcos
We coordinate dispatch from our metro Austin office and schedule San Marcos estimates and service calls within a few business days. We’ll give you a firm date on the phone, not a window. Call (470) 298-9650 to set a time.
Many of the planned hillside communities in San Marcos have HOA design guidelines that run parallel to city permitting, especially for exterior changes, ADUs, and roof material choices. We coordinate with the HOA as part of the written scope so nothing gets built that needs to be undone.
If your parcel falls inside a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, yes. Any new construction or significant remodel must meet ignition-resistant framing, Class A roofing, and ember-resistant vent standards. We verify your parcel’s designation before we write the quote.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees - talk to a local construction pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you - the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What San Marcos Customers Say
"Driveway replaced properly with a base that will actually last. They explained why the cheaper quote was cheaper."
- Reggie O."Solid work, decent crew, and the site was left tidy every evening."
- Pearl A."Final invoice was within two percent of the contract. Every change was priced and signed before anyone picked up a tool."
- Malcolm T.