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 Novato, CA
Kitchen remodeling in Novato typically runs $14,000 to $45,000 depending on scope, and most of the homes we open up in Lynwood, Olive, and San Marin were framed between 1955 and 1975. That matters because the work behind the drywall is rarely simple: original slab-on-grade foundations, outdated electrical panels, and 60-year-old framing that needs reinforcement before new cabinets go in. Our crews plan for that reality from the first walkthrough, not halfway through demo. Call (470) 298-9650 for a written estimate backed by the 365-Day Done Right Promise.
Why Novato Homes Are Different
Novato’s housing stock splits into two broad camps. The first is the post-WWII tract development that covers much of the valley floor: ranch homes and split-levels built from the 1950s through the 1970s, most sitting on expansive clay soils that swell with winter rain and shrink in summer heat. That seasonal movement cracks slabs, shifts door frames, and separates roof flashing at the eaves. The second camp is the Hamilton Landing district, the former Hamilton Army Airfield, where 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival military housing comes with its own permitting layer. Those homes often contain original steel-sash windows, thick-wall masonry, and hazardous materials like asbestos wrap and lead paint from the military-era build. Any renovation there means historic preservation review before a single wall is touched.
The Petaluma Gap wind corridor pushes strong afternoon wind through Novato, especially on south- and west-facing elevations. We see accelerated paint failure, caulk deterioration, and roof shingle granule loss on those exposures compared to coastal Marin cities. Add the valley-floor drainage patterns near Novato Creek, where sections sit inside FEMA-mapped flood zones that trigger elevation certificates on substantial improvements, and you get a set of conditions that requires local knowledge rather than a generic Marin playbook.
We coordinate with the City of Novato’s building department on permit scope, handle the documentation, and keep a written record of every change so the final cost tracks the number you agreed to when the job started.
Our Main Novato Services
Fence installation and driveway work are two of the most common calls we get from Novato homeowners, and both jobs are shaped by the same valley-floor conditions: clay soil, wind exposure, and specific setback or drainage rules depending on the neighborhood.
Fence Installation in Novato
Post-WWII lots in Lynwood and Olive are often wider than modern subdivisions, which means longer runs of fencing and more post holes to dig. The clay soil swells in winter and can heave improperly set posts out of alignment within a couple of seasons. We set posts below the frost line with concrete and account for drainage so panels stay straight through the wet years. For full details on materials, pricing, and the Novato permitting picture, see Fence Installation in Novato.
Driveway & Pavers in Novato
Clay soil movement is the enemy of any slab driveway in Novato, and older ranch homes often have original concrete that has cracked and spalled past the point of repair. Paver driveways handle the ground movement better than monolithic concrete because the joints flex with the soil. We also deal with the Petaluma Gap wind when setting base rock, doing the compaction in lifts so material doesn’t blow out mid-install. For pricing and paver versus concrete comparisons, see Driveway & Pavers in Novato.
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 Novato
A full kitchen remodel in Novato ranges from $14,000 to $45,000, and the spread depends on whether you’re updating a 1970s San Marin split-level with modest cabinet refacing or gutting a Hamilton-era home down to the studs. The work often includes panel upgrades, subfloor repair over slab, and layout changes around original load-bearing walls. We document every layer before demo, so the written price covers what’s actually behind the drywall. Our Kitchen Remodeling team handles design, structural work, finishes, and permit paperwork in-house.
Full Kitchen Remodeling
Signs you need it
The layout doesn’t function for the way you cook, or the cabinets are delaminating and the floor is visibly out of level.
What it costs in Novato
Full kitchen remodeling in Novato typically runs $14,000 to $45,000 depending on cabinet grade, countertop material, and structural changes.
How we do it
We open walls to assess framing and electrical, produce a written scope with line-item pricing, then handle demo, rough-in, drywall, cabinetry, counters, flooring, and finish work in sequence.
Cabinets & Countertops
Signs you need it
Doors are sagging or won’t stay closed, drawer slides are failing, or the counters are cracked, stained, or heat-damaged.
What it costs in Novato
Cabinet installation runs $4,000 to $13,000, while countertop installation ranges from $2,000 to $6,500 in Novato.
How we do it
We template the counters after cabinets are set, check the slab for deflection, and install with a documented photo record at each stage.
What Kitchen Remodeling Costs in Novato
| Item | Typical range in Novato |
|---|---|
| Full Kitchen Remodel | $14,000 - $45,000 |
| Small Kitchen Remodel | $9,000 - $20,000 |
| Kitchen Island Installation | $3,000 - $10,000 |
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Novato?
Most full kitchen remodels in Novato take six to ten weeks from demo to final walkthrough. Structural changes, panel upgrades, or Hamilton historic review can add two to four weeks on top of that.
Will my kitchen remodel price change once work starts?
No work proceeds on a change until you sign a change order, which is the discipline under the Haven Standard that keeps final costs within a few percent of the agreed price. No signed change, no new charges. Call (470) 298-9650 for a written quote.
Bathroom Remodeling in Novato
Bathroom remodeling in Novato runs $9,000 to $28,000 for a full gut, with smaller bathrooms landing between $5,000 and $12,000. The houses we work in were built when bathrooms were secondary spaces: tight framing, cast-iron drain stacks, and original venting that doesn’t meet current code. Our crews strip to the studs once and redo the rough-in correctly the first time. See Bathroom Remodeling for the full scope.
Walk-In Showers & Shower Remodeling
Signs you need it
The shower pan leaks, grout is cracking at the curb, or the enclosure is corroded and the valve no longer holds temperature.
What it costs in Novato
Walk-in shower installation in Novato runs $4,500 to $12,000, and shower replacement is $3,000 to $8,500.
How we do it
We remove the old pan, inspect the subfloor, install a waterproof membrane and sloped bed, and tile with a flood test before finish work.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Signs you need it
The tub is rarely used, the surround is failing, or a household member needs a curbless entry with a bench.
What it costs in Novato
Tub-to-shower conversion in Novato typically runs $3,500 to $10,000 depending on valve replacement and glass enclosure options.
How we do it
We pull the tub, re-route the drain to 2-inch minimum, rebuild the wet wall, and install the shower base, waterproofing, tile, and glass.
What Bathroom Remodeling Costs in Novato
| Item | Typical range in Novato |
|---|---|
| Full Bathroom Remodel | $9,000 - $28,000 |
| Small Bathroom Remodel | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Bathroom Vanity Installation | $800 - $3,000 |
Do you handle the plumbing and electrical in a Novato bathroom remodel?
Yes, our teams handle all rough-in plumbing, drain reconfiguration, and electrical work under one roof, with permits pulled and inspections scheduled. You get a single written price in Novato rather than coordinating three trades.
How do you waterproof a shower in a Novato home?
We use a full membrane system behind the tile, not just cement board, with flood testing before the finish layer goes on. The Hamiltons’ older slab homes often need additional drain work, which we document before quoting. Call (470) 298-9650 for an exact price.
Roofing in Novato
Roof replacement in Novato runs $8,000 to $20,000 depending on roof complexity, shingle layer count, and exposure to the Petaluma Gap wind. South- and west-facing slopes age faster here, so a roof that reads fifteen years old from the street may be functionally worn out on the windward sides. We inspect by plane, not by average, and write the scope off what we actually find. Full details on Roofing.
Roof Replacement & Installation
Signs you need it
Granule loss at the eaves, cracked shingles on the windward slopes, or moisture staining in the attic.
What it costs in Novato
Full roof replacement in Novato runs $8,000 to $20,000, with metal roof installation at $15,000 to $40,000.
How we do it
We strip, inspect the deck, replace deteriorated sheathing, install underlayment, flash penetrations, and set GAF or Owens Corning shingles with documented photos after each layer.
Roof Repair
Signs you need it
A leak after wind-driven rain, missing shingles, failed flashing at a chimney or vent, or lifted ridge cap.
What it costs in Novato
Roof repair in Novato ranges $400 to $1,800; tile roof repair runs $600 to $2,500.
How we do it
We locate the failure point, replace the damaged material, reseal flashings, and document the repair with photos in a written follow-up.
What Roofing Costs in Novato
| Item | Typical range in Novato |
|---|---|
| Roof Replacement | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Metal Roof Installation | $15,000 - $40,000 |
| Tile Roof Repair | $600 - $2,500 |
Does the Petaluma Gap wind really affect Novato roofs?
Yes, the afternoon wind accelerates granule loss and flashing fatigue on south and west exposures, which we see unevenly across a single roof. Our Novato inspections break the roof into planes so pricing reflects the real wear pattern rather than a flat square-foot estimate.
Will I get a written roof price before work starts in Novato?
Every roof project begins with a written, line-item price and a written scope under the 365-Day Done Right Promise. No work proceeds until you’ve seen the number and signed the contract. Call (470) 298-9650 to schedule the inspection.
Windows & Doors in Novato
Window replacement in Novato runs $4,500 to $15,000 for a full house, with impact-rated packages starting around $8,000 and reaching $25,000 for larger homes. The original aluminum sliders and single-pane wood sashes common in 1960s and 1970s tract homes leak conditioned air all summer, and the wind makes drafts worse on west-facing walls. We measure, document, and price every opening individually. See Windows & Doors for specifics.
Window Replacement
Signs you need it
Drafts, fogged or failed seals, sash rot, or single-pane glass that radiates heat into the house during summer afternoons.
What it costs in Novato
Window replacement in Novato runs $4,500 to $15,000; impact window installation is $8,000 to $25,000.
How we do it
We measure each opening, order to spec, remove the old sash and frame as needed, install with new flashing and insulation, and document the finish work.
Door Installation
Signs you need it
The door binds in its frame, the threshold is rotted, or the entry feels uninsulated and leaks during winter wind events.
What it costs in Novato
Entry door replacement in Novato typically falls inside the $4,500 to $15,000 window replacement range when paired, with individual doors priced by opening size and material.
How we do it
We remove the old door and frame, check the rough opening for plumb, install the new unit with proper shimming and flashing, and air-seal around the jamb.
What Windows & Doors Costs in Novato
| Item | Typical range in Novato |
|---|---|
| Window Replacement | $4,500 - $15,000 |
| Impact Window Installation | $8,000 - $25,000 |
| Door Installation (paired with windows) | Included in window package range |
Do Hamilton homes need special window treatment in Novato?
Hamilton’s 1930s military housing often has original steel-sash windows that require specialized retrofit or replacement approaches under historic review. We document the existing condition and coordinate the permit path before any window work in Novato begins.
Can I get a written price before the windows are ordered?
We measure every opening, price each unit based on brand and spec, and deliver a written line-item quote before you commit. No deposits, no “allowance” games, no unsigned change orders. Call (470) 298-9650.
Home Additions & ADU in Novato
ADU construction in Novato runs $90,000 to $220,000 for a detached unit, while a garage conversion lands between $30,000 and $80,000. Homes near Novato Creek inside FEMA flood zones add elevation certificate requirements, and Hamilton parcels can trigger historic review and soil abatement obligations. We handle the full permit package, including the documentation the City of Novato actually asks for. Details on Home Additions & ADU.
ADU Design & Permitting
Signs you need it
You want a legal rental unit or family housing on your lot but don’t know whether your parcel will clear the City’s setback, flood, and building-code requirements.
What it costs in Novato
New detached ADU construction in Novato runs $90,000 to $220,000 based on size, foundation, and utility connection scope.
How we do it
We survey the lot, produce plans, submit the permit package, and walk it through plan review with the City of Novato before construction starts.
Garage Conversion ADU
Signs you need it
The garage is underused storage, and the existing structure has a sound slab and framing worth converting rather than building new.
What it costs in Novato
Garage conversion ADUs in Novato run $30,000 to $80,000, with final cost driven by insulation, plumbing, and electrical scope.
How we do it
We assess the slab and walls, add required insulation and shear, run new utilities, and finish the space to a permitted dwelling unit.
What Home Additions & ADU Costs in Novato
| Item | Typical range in Novato |
|---|---|
| Home Addition | $45,000 - $130,000 |
| ADU Construction | $90,000 - $220,000 |
| Garage Conversion | $30,000 - $80,000 |
Does Novato allow ADUs on most lots?
State law allows ADUs on most single-family lots, but Novato’s flood-zone parcels near the creek, historic overlays in the Hamilton district, and specific setback requirements determine the final buildable envelope. We start with a feasibility check before any design dollars get spent.
Will my ADU price hold through construction?
The written scope and signed change-order rule under the Haven Standard keep your Novato ADU or addition within a few percent of the agreed number. Any change gets its own written order and your signature before work proceeds. Call (470) 298-9650.
Brands We Service in Novato
We source from a flat catalog of over fifty vetted brands including Kohler and Toto fixtures, GAF and Owens Corning roofing, and KraftMaid and Wellborn cabinets. If you’re considering a Dvele or Abodu prefab ADU for a Novato parcel, we can review the site prep and utility work against local flood and historic requirements. The brand depth keeps written quotes honest. See our brands for the full list.
Pricing for Construction in Novato, CA
| Service | Typical range in Novato |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | $14,000 - $45,000 |
| Bathroom Remodel | $9,000 - $28,000 |
| Roof Replacement | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Window Replacement | $4,500 - $15,000 |
| Home Addition | $45,000 - $130,000 |
| ADU Construction | $90,000 - $220,000 |
| Paver Driveway Installation | $7,000 - $18,000 |
| Vinyl Fence Installation | $3,500 - $9,000 |
| Cabinet Installation | $4,000 - $13,000 |
| Tub-to-Shower Conversion | $3,500 - $10,000 |
| Roof Repair | $400 - $1,800 |
| Backsplash Installation | $800 - $2,500 |
Prices are pushed up in Novato by Hamilton historic review, flood-zone elevation requirements, and the clay-soil foundation work that older valley-floor homes often need before framing begins. The written quote you receive before work starts includes all documented scope, and every change order is signed before any added work proceeds.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Novato
We work across Novato’s flatlands and hills, from the 1950s ranches of Lynwood and Olive to the newer builds in San Marin and the military-era stock around Hamilton Landing. The flood-zone parcels near Novato Creek and downtown get the same code documentation as the wind-exposed west-facing hillsides.
- Lynwood
- Olive
- San Marin
- Hamilton Landing
- Downtown Novato
Most Novato homeowners get a response within one business day for estimates, with written quotes delivered after a site visit.
Service Area - Cities Near Novato
Rowan Construction Group serves Novato and the surrounding North Bay communities. For projects just over the county line, we also work in Petaluma, CA, across the bridge in San Rafael, CA, east into Vallejo, CA, and down the 80 corridor through San Pablo, CA. Dispatch and scheduling are coordinated from our San Francisco Bay Area office, with crews serving Novato locally.
Serving Novato, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Novato 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 Novato
Most projects move from signed contract to first day of work within two to four weeks, depending on permit review timelines at the City of Novato. Historic review in Hamilton or flood-zone documentation near Novato Creek can extend that window by a few additional weeks. We give you the timeline in writing with the quote, not after it.
Yes, we prepare and submit the permit package, track it through plan review, and coordinate HOA documentation when a neighborhood association like those in San Marin requires it. The written scope includes permit fees where the City of Novato sets them.
Our crews run on a published schedule, not an open-ended one, and the written scope includes a start window and milestone dates. A live person answers the phone at (470) 298-9650, and every visit includes a documented photo record so you can see what was done each day.
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 Novato Customers Say
"Talked us out of the larger scope we came in asking for, because it would not have added the value we thought."
- Emil R."They found an old septic line under the driveway run and stopped, documented it, and re-quoted before continuing."
- Xavier L."Good communication throughout. Weekly written update meant I never had to chase them."
- Nadine G.