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San Mateo Eichler Remodeling

San Mateo, CA | GMJ Construction

Kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home renovations and additions planned around your Eichler. See GMJ's San Mateo projects and start with the site, existing structure and the approval requirements for your address.

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  • Eleanor Drive kitchen

    Eleanor Drive kitchen in San Mateo with light wood cabinetry, an island and exposed beams

  • Ascension Dr bathroom

    Ascension Dr bathroom in San Mateo with a tiled tub-shower enclosure and overhead daylight

  • Eleanor Drive interior

    Eleanor Drive kitchen in San Mateo with light wood cabinetry and windows above the sink
Discuss your home, your priorities and a property-specific construction scope.
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Eichler siding and exterior renovation detail
Landscaped Eichler home exterior at dusk
Eichler kitchen with dark flat-panel cabinets and skylights
Eichler home interior remodel with updated flooring
Eichler flooring project with slab and finish details
Remodeled Eichler kitchen with exposed wood ceiling
Carlson Cir kitchen in Palo Alto with white cabinetry, a dark island and wood flooring
Eichler kitchen with flat-panel wood cabinets and glass wall

San Mateo Eichler Remodeling Starts With the Original Architecture

Post-and-beam framing, slab foundations, radiant heating, exposed ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass connect every design decision in an Eichler. GMJ plans renovations around those relationships so one upgrade does not create problems elsewhere in the home.

Built for Icons

Eichler Remodeling in San Mateo, From Planning Through Construction

GMJ Construction remodels Eichler homes in San Mateo with a scope built around the existing structure, the homeowner’s priorities, and the permits or professional coordination the project requires. Work may include kitchens, bathrooms, layout changes, additions, window walls, exterior upgrades, flooring, and whole-home renovation.

Our completed Eleanor Drive project in 19th Avenue Park shows how added space and updated interiors can be coordinated while retaining the home’s mid-century character.

The Eichler Standard

Remodeling for the way you use your San Mateo Eichler

A renovation should solve the practical issues in your home without overlooking its original architecture. GMJ Construction works with San Mateo Eichler homeowners on kitchen and bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, interior reconfiguration and additions. We begin with the existing house and your priorities, then identify the design, investigation and construction work needed to develop a clear scope.

That approach matters in both 19th Avenue Park and the San Mateo Highlands. Homes differ in site conditions, floor plans and previous alterations, and a San Mateo mailing address does not by itself identify the permitting authority.

Local projects: Eleanor Drive and New Brunswick Drive

Eleanor Drive, 19th Avenue Park

The Eleanor Drive remodel and addition combines added living space with floor-plan changes, a custom kitchen, bathroom renovations and floor-to-ceiling glazing. The published project record describes preserving the post-and-beam character while coordinating the new and existing parts of the home.

Eleanor Drive kitchen in San Mateo with light wood cabinetry, an island and exposed beams.
Eleanor Drive kitchen in San Mateo with light wood cabinetry, an island and exposed beams.

New Brunswick Drive

The New Brunswick Drive project documents a full remodel including kitchen and bathroom work, tile flooring and a roof upgrade. Together, these projects show different renovation scopes rather than a single package applied to every Eichler. Browse their photographs and use them to discuss your own priorities.

Plan one room or a coordinated whole-home scope

Kitchens and living areas

Layout, cabinetry, lighting and appliance placement need to support the flow between the kitchen and shared living spaces. Evaluate changes to walls, plumbing or glazing before finalizing finishes. Explore our San Mateo kitchen remodeling service.

Bathrooms and flooring

Bathroom planning brings together usable space, ventilation, plumbing and waterproofing. A flooring change also needs to account for slab condition, moisture evaluation and any radiant heating present. See San Mateo bathroom remodeling and Eichler flooring for the details behind those decisions.

Additions and broader renovation

If the existing footprint cannot meet your needs, discuss a San Mateo Eichler room addition alongside the renovation. An addition affects roof connections, structure, exterior openings and the relationship to the yard. Our broader Eichler remodeling service covers coordination across rooms and building systems.

19th Avenue Park and Highlands permit planning

For a property within the City, start with the City of San Mateo’s building permit information. The City identifies drawings and an application as part of the process for structural changes or added square footage.

The County identifies San Mateo Highlands as an unincorporated community. For a Highlands address, check jurisdiction and the current requirements with San Mateo County Planning and Building, rather than assuming the City’s process applies. Confirm any property-specific restrictions with the relevant authority and project team before design commitments.

Protect the details that make the home an Eichler

  • Structure: review posts, beams and connections before widening openings or changing room layouts.
  • Slab and heating: establish the condition and location of relevant systems before intrusive work.
  • Roof and ceilings: coordinate new lighting and ventilation with exposed decking and limited concealed space.
  • Glazing: consider daylight, privacy, weather protection and how new openings relate to the existing framing.
  • Materials to retain: identify original finishes worth protecting and investigate suspect materials before disturbance.

For an upcoming glazing scope, review our Eichler window and sliding-door planning guide. These are planning considerations, not a substitute for a property inspection or professional design review.

How we organize the remodeling work

  1. Initial consultation: review the address, priorities, photographs and any available plans.
  2. Existing-condition review: identify structural, system and access questions before locking in the scope.
  3. Design and permit coordination: work with the project consultants and confirm the correct reviewing authority.
  4. Scope and selections: document included work, allowances, exclusions and the decisions needed before ordering.
  5. Construction and inspections: coordinate trades, required inspections and changes to the agreed work.
  6. Walkthrough and turnover: review the finished spaces and remaining punch-list items.

What affects the estimate and schedule?

Structural changes, slab work, glazing systems, cabinetry, plumbing relocations and the amount of retained material all affect pricing. Permit review, product availability and concealed conditions can affect timing. Define those assumptions before comparing estimates, and discuss whether the household can remain in place during each phase. Our whole-home remodel sequence explains why early decisions matter.

San Mateo Eichler remodeling FAQs

Do you work on both full renovations and individual rooms?

Yes. We can discuss a kitchen or bathroom project as well as a broader renovation. The site review helps identify connections to other spaces or systems that should be included in the scope.

Does San Mateo City issue permits for every Highlands home?

No. San Mateo Highlands is an unincorporated community. Confirm the jurisdiction of the specific parcel and consult County Planning and Building for the applicable process rather than relying on the mailing address alone.

Can an addition retain the home’s original character?

That is a design objective, not an automatic outcome. Roof form, structural connections, glazing, proportions and finish transitions need to be resolved together. The Eleanor Drive project shows one approach to integrating added space with a renovation.

Can GMJ coordinate with my existing design team?

Yes. Bring your drawings and consultant details so construction questions can be reviewed with the architect, designer or engineer responsible for the project.

What information helps you prepare an estimate?

Share the address, rooms involved, known previous work, photographs, available drawings and your priorities for budget and timing. A defined design and site investigation may be needed before a detailed construction estimate is possible.

Start your San Mateo remodeling conversation

Request a San Mateo Eichler consultation or call (408) 780-0479. Share the features you want to retain as well as the changes you need. You can also contact us through the project enquiry page.

We Know Eichlers. Inside and Out.

Chosen by Eichler Homeowners

Our work focuses on preserving the details that make Eichler homes distinct while coordinating practical upgrades for how the home is used today. Every scope begins with the existing structure, systems, and design priorities.

New Eichler home construction project exterior
Open-plan Eichler living and kitchen renovation
Remodeled Eichler bathroom with walk-in shower

Eichler Home Projects We Specialize In

See Our Projects

From restoring mid-century icons to modernizing Eichler spaces in San Mateo with care, our portfolio highlights the precision and creativity that define GMJ Construction.

Built to Impress. Proven in Every Project.

Samson Way kitchen remodel in San Jose with wood cabinetry and a green-veined island

Samson Way – Home Remodel

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Eleanor Drive kitchen in San Mateo with light wood cabinetry, an island and exposed beams

Eleanor Dr, San Mateo, CA (19th Avenue Park)

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Eichler home remodel interior project photo

Thompson Ave, Mountain View – Eichler Remodeling

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El Cajon Way renovation in progress in Palo Alto, showing kitchen cabinetry and exposed beams

El Cajon Way – Eichler Home Remodel

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GMJ Construction remodel project finish detail

New Brunswick Drive – Eichler Home Remodel

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Modern Eichler-style backyard remodel concept

Rock Street – Mackay Home Remodel

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GMJ ConstructionExcellentGMJ Construction5.0★★★★★ Based on 38 reviews fromSee all reviews review us onJay HuhJay Huh ★★★★★ I'd like to start with a heartfelt thank you to Uriel, Joseph, Memo, Omar, Jaime, Lionel, and everyone on the team who worked on our home remodeling.After purchasing a 73-year-old Eichler home in Palo Alto, we chose GMJ to do the remodeling, and we are so happy with our decision.The house was very old, close to its original state when it was built in 1953, so we had to do a lot of work. As part of the kitchen and bathroom remodeling, we had to redo the wiring, plumbing, flooring, and painting everywhere. The GMJ team did everything right. We passed every single inspection with no correction comments from start to finish. We are so happy with the result. Everyone who has visited our house has asked who did the work, and I've already shared GMJ's contact info with many of my friends and neighbors.The project was done during the winter, when we expected some rainy days. Eichler homes don't have attic space, so running wires needs to be done over the roof, which requires at least two weeks without rain - otherwise we would have had to set up expensive scaffolding around the house. There was a tight window without rain in December. The team brought two full team of crews, finished everything on time, and the roofer (subcontracted) was able to close the roof before the next heavy rain.Memo and Uriel care deeply about the quality and final finishes of the whole house. They fixed or replaced some sub-optimal work that my subcontractor did. For example, Memo replaced the cheap wood frame that the garage door installer I hired had used with a proper high-quality frame. When the roof had a leak, Uriel came and covered it for us, which protected our house until the roofer came back two weeks later to fix it properly.When the project started, they provided four to six months as the estimated timeline, and it was finished in 5.5 months after the permit was issued. Delays are extremely common in construction, and given the scope of the work, it's quite amazing that they were able to meet the timeline they promised.We had a few communication gaps at the beginning of the project and once in the middle due to a scope change. Memo stepped up and proactively resolved the issues in a timely manner so that we could move on without further problems.I highly recommend the GMJ team for your project, especially if you have an Eichler home in the Bay Area. They know what they are doing. And they care.Jay H.Jay H. ★★★★★ I'd like to start with a heartfelt thank you to Uriel, Joseph, Memo, Omar, Jaime, Lionel, and everyone on the team who worked on our home remodeling.After...Gail OshimaGail Oshima ★★★★★ We hired GMJ Construction for a complete Eichler home renovation including the kitchen and bathrooms. Joseph was our project manager, and we worked closely with Memo and Uriel throughout the entire process. From day one, they handled everything from A to Z. Their knowledge of Eichler homes and mid century modern construction is outstanding. They understood the structure and the open layout that are unique to Eichler homes. The timeline was very well managed, and the workmanship was excellent. The crew was skilled, professional and respectful. We live in the San Mateo Highlands neighborhood which has many Eichler homes. We would absolutely recommend GMJ Construction to any neighbor looking to remodel an Eichler kitchen, bathroom or complete Eichler home renovation.Gail O.Gail O. ★★★★★ GMJ Construction completed a full Eichler home renovation for us, and we could not be happier with the results. Joseph, along with Memo and Uriel, guided us...Tejas BahulkarTejas Bahulkar ★★★★★ We recently worked with GMJ Construction on a complete Eichler home renovation, including a full remodel, a room addition, and a junior ADU, and we are beyond thrilled with the results. Joseph, Memo, and Uriel were amazing throughout the entire process professional, attentive, and committed to making sure everything came out exactly as planned.All of our bathrooms were fully renovated, the kitchen was transformed, and every detail followed the architectural plans and design perfectly. As owners of an Eichler home, it was important for us to find experienced Eichler general contractors, and GMJ Construction exceeded our expectations. They modernized our home while preserving the unique mid-century Eichler style.We highly recommend Joseph, Memo, Uriel, and the entire GMJ team to anyone in Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, San Mateo, or San Jose looking for trusted contractors for a kitchen remodel, room addition, complete home renovation, or ADU project.Thank you for turning our vision into a reality!Gaurav MalhotraGaurav Malhotra ★★★★★ We recently completed a full renovation of our Eichler home in Palo Alto with GMJ Construction, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From the very beginning, Memo and Uriel were incredibly professional, responsive, and clearly experienced with the unique details and challenges that come with remodeling an Eichler. Our project involved a complete reconfiguration of the layout, a full kitchen remodel, bathroom renovations, new flooring throughout the house, fresh interior and exterior paint, and even some major structural changes. What really stood out to us was how GMJ respected the original mid-century modern Eichler design while still helping us modernize the space for functionality and comfort. They understood the importance of preserving the post-and-beam architecture, the open floor plan, and the indoor-outdoor feel that Eichlers are known for. The kitchen transformation was stunning and truly brought the heart of the home back to life. The bathrooms now feel clean, bright, and thoughtfully designed, and the new floors were installed with care to preserve our radiant heating system. GMJ Construction made the process smooth, and we always felt informed and supported throughout the project. If you’re looking to remodel or renovate your Eichler home in the Bay Area, we highly recommend working with GMJ Construction they really are experts when it comes to Eichler homes and mid-century modern renovations.Fred SchwalbachFred Schwalbach ★★★★★ We had an amazing experience working with GMJ Construction on our Eichler home renovation in Sunnyvale. Joseph, Uriel, and Memo were incredibly knowledgeable about Eichler homes and helped us design and build a stunning new kitchen and bathroom that perfectly blends modern upgrades with the mid-century aesthetic. Their attention to detail and expertise in Eichler construction made all the difference. If you’re looking for a team that truly understands Eichler home design and renovation, GMJ Construction is the best choice!Stephen ScordelisStephen Scordelis ★★★★★ GMJ Construction did a fantastic job remodeling my entire home, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Joseph was instrumental in managing the project, keeping everything on schedule, and making sure all the details were handled properly. He even joined me in selecting materials for my kitchen and bathrooms, ensuring we made the right choices for both style and durability. Memo and the crew were hardworking and professional, always attentive to my requests. The remodel was completed on time and on budget, the final look of my home is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend GMJ Construction to anyone considering a remodel!Jessica L.Jessica L. ★★★★★ My experiences with GMJ Construction and more specifically my project manager, Joseph, were all great!! I had just bought my first home, a condo, and I was...Abby YAbby Y ★★★★★ When hiring a contractor for a job whether it is big or small is not easy specially when you want them to do the work properly with the right price to your satisfaction. We went through different contractors and decided to go with GMJ Construction.Joseph Malka was the project manager assigned to us. We are very happy to have him on board with our project together with Memo, Uriel, Ramin, Ofir, Omar, Sarah, Jaime, and the rest of the crews. They were very professional, easy to communicate, and Joseph always answer our concerns and questions every time he came to check on the work progress even on his busy schedule.The scope of the work includes replacing wood beams, wood sidings, front columns, new front stairs and landing, backyard cement patio and exterior paint.At one point the project was put on hold while waiting for the approval from the City. Joseph tries to keep the project going even with the delayed and the difficulties we encounter. GMJ crews understand and response to our concerns, issues that need to be address and they response in a timely manner until the project was completed. We are very satisfied with the work and its workmanship and the work crews keep the job site clean after they are done.Joseph even gave us recommendation for hvac and roofing company which we decide to work with. They were also very professional and the workmanships was very satisfactory. We greatly appreciate Joseph for the recommendation.So, in conclusion we are very happy with the results and will use them again in our future project and definitely recommend them.Abby Y.Abby Y. ★★★★★ When hiring a contractor for a job whether it is big or small is not easy specially when you want them to do the work properly with the right price to your...chiachinkuchiachinku ★★★★★ When we decided to remodel our whole house, we interviewed total 6 of contractors within 6 months. It was a time consuming and painful process because we didn’t want to make a wrong decision. From the sales presentation to physically visited their ongoing projects, Joseph from GMJ Construction impressed us the most. He explained to us the whole process and the owner, Memo, also provided the technical suggestions in details. We were convinced by their positive attitude and professional knowledge, we decided to hire them to be our contractor.The workers showed up on time, they always cleaned up the job site before they finished the day work. We met with Joseph, Uriel and Memo to review the progress and what to do next whenever we needed.GMJ Construction is very reasonable and flexible when working with us. They valued our feedback about their work, crews always asked me: “Are you happy with our work?” every time when I stopped by the job site. They took every comment we made seriously.Memo and Uriel perfectly managed the whole process, and they even finished the job ahead of the originally estimated time.We appreciate GMJ who kept their promise and provided us a wonderful “brand new” house. Many thanks to Memo, Uriel, Joseph and all crews involved in our project.Picking up a right and good contractor is not easy, sometimes you need some luck. We are happy to have GMJ as our contractor. We are highly recommended GMJ to our friends and whoever needs to do the remodel work.Sherro K.Sherro K. ★★★★★ When we decided to remodel our whole house, we interviewed total 6 of contractors within 6 months. It was a time consuming and painful process because we...Second Nature LimousineSecond Nature Limousine ★★★★★ We've been looking for a contractor from Palo Alto, CA for our bathrooms remodeling project for a while until we chose to go with GMJ Construction.We were very impressed with Joseph, our project manager, from the first meeting. He was very knowledgeable, professional and easy to talk to. We valued a lot the fact the hiring him meant he took care of all from A-Z, he referred us to the right showrooms and the right vendors and made sure we got the best price for the best materials so that we wouldn't have to spend time researching ourselves.We are very happy with how our bathrooms turned out (beautiful!) and couldn't have made a better decision than hiring GMJ Construction to do this project. The whole remodeling process went as smoothly as possible and we managed to stay within our budget. I highly recommend Joseph and will definitely hire him again for future work!Hr KawsarHr Kawsar ★★★★★ We contacted GMJ Construction to get an estimate on some considerable kitchen and bathroom remodeling we wanted to get done. Memo was able to check out the house on relatively short notice and spent a good amount of time walking through the project, giving me his thoughts, and taking measurements. He came off as super experienced and honest, even taking the time to give me his thoughts on other contractors' estimates. His estimate was very detailed and the pricing was fair compared to others in Saratoga.The experience with GMJ and Memo was a memorable and very positive one. We will most definitely be returning customers, as we have more home remodeling projects ahead.Sheyla M.Sheyla M. ★★★★★ I hired GMJ Construction to perform an almost total renovation of our kitchen and I couldn't be happier with the results and the timeline.I began the...Kenneth L.Kenneth L. ★★★★★ Memo and his huge team did a great job remodeling our house when we first bought it in 2020. We need to remodel the entire master bathroom including...js_loader

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Eichler courtyard garden beside floor-to-ceiling windows
Open Eichler bedroom and family space with exposed beams
Eichler bedroom with floor-to-ceiling glass
Eichler home remodeling service image