Remodels Trigger Code Compliance
When homeowners plan a remodeling project, they often focus on finishes, layout changes, and construction costs. But many are surprised to learn that remodeling can also trigger mandatory building code upgrades throughout portions of the home.
One of the most common requirements involves smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Under current California Residential Code requirements, smoke alarms must generally be installed inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
For cities in San Mateo County, the requirements are more stringent. In Burlingame for example, hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup are typically required when remodeling work removes wall or ceiling finishes or when attic access makes new circuits feasible. This means projects such as kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, room additions, garage conversions, ADUs, and major electrical upgrades (like replacing knob-and-tube wiring) can often trigger the requirement.
Another major code issue involves residential fire sprinklers. Many cities require a full fire sprinkler system in an existing home when additions or alterations exceed 750 square feet or 20% of the total completed home area—whichever is greater—and the home exceeds 2,000 square feet or two stories in height.
Before beginning a remodeling project, homeowners should consult with their city Building Division to better understand potential code upgrades when reviewing plans with contractors.
May Market Update
San Mateo County saw the Median Sold Price of a single family home rise 2% from $2,170,000 to $2,220,000 between April and May, up from $2,068,000 in May of 2025. Between April and May, Average Days to Sell expanded from 18 to 22 (18 last May), Sales Price to List Price ratio remained flat at 107% (105% last May), Months of Inventory increased 1.3 to 1.5 (1.8 last May), and Active Number of Homes slipped from 563 to 550 (689 last May).
According to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week ending 6/4, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.48% up from the YTD low of 6.0% in February. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.85%
About Peter Gum
Peter lives in Burlingame with his wife Judy. Children Nathan and Megan attend college in Santa Barbara. He has been active in the community receiving the PTA Honorary Service Award for fundraising and volunteerism in support of Burlingame schools, Boy Scouts, church, and youth sports. He served as Chair of the Planning Commission, Sub-Chair of the County Charter Review Committee and CMO of the United Flying Club. He also received the inaugural "Gumbo Award" for outstanding service to McKinley Elementary School and the City Beautification Award for the landscaping and hardscaping he created for his first house in Redwood City.
As a landlord, property investor, and REALTOR®, Peter offers a unique background enabling broad consultation on remodeling, local development, landlord/tenant relations, and referrals for contractors, architects, financial/tax/legal advisors, and home service vendors. Please fee free to call anytime 415-509-2326 or email pgum@kw.com