Residential carpentry costs in San Francisco vary based on the scope and complexity of your project, from minor finish work to major structural repairs. Our transparent pricing reflects the quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and San Francisco labor rates you can expect, and we're happy to explain exactly what goes into every estimate.
Pricing guide
These rates are indicative. Every job is unique: size, access, complexity. Request a free estimate for exact pricing tailored to your situation.
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Rot & Dry Rot Repair | From $650 | San Francisco's fog belt makes dry rot a fact of life for wood-frame homes. We cut out decayed framing, siding and trim, treat surrounding wood, and rebuild with rot-resistant lumber, a permanent repair, not a cosmetic patch. |
| Termite Damage Repair | From $1,200 | After the exterminator leaves, the damaged wood stays. We replace termite-eaten studs, sills, trim and subfloor sections across San Francisco homes, working from your pest inspection report and restoring full structural integrity. |
| Floor Joist & Subfloor Repair | From $1,800 | Sagging, bouncy or soft floors in older San Francisco homes usually trace to damaged joists or subfloor. We sister or replace compromised joists and rebuild subfloor sections, leveling floors before finishes go back down. |
| Beam Replacement & Load-Bearing Wall Removal | From $3,500 | Open-concept conversions and failing beams call for real structural carpentry. We install engineered beams, replace sagging headers and remove load-bearing walls, always built to the engineer's specs and city permit requirements. |
| Framing & Structural Carpentry | From $2,500 | Remodel framing done right: new interior walls, garage and basement build-outs, wall openings, and repairs to fire- or water-damaged framing. Straight, plumb and code-compliant, the bones your finish work deserves. |
| Finish & Trim Carpentry | From $550 | The details that separate a real finish carpenter from a handyman: tight miters, scribed fits, consistent reveals. Casing, paneling, wainscoting and custom trim work throughout San Francisco homes, old and new. |
| Crown Molding & Baseboard Installation | From $450 | Crown molding, baseboards, chair rail and window trim installed with the coped joints and clean caulk lines San Francisco's period homes demand, matched to existing Victorian profiles or kept crisp and modern. |
| Custom Built-Ins & Shelving | From $1,900 | Built-in bookshelves, window seats, media walls, closet systems and Murphy beds designed for San Francisco's compact floor plans, custom-fitted to bay windows, sloped ceilings and every awkward alcove. |
| Interior Door Installation & Repair | From $350 | Doors that stick, swing open on their own, or never latched right, a San Francisco classic as buildings settle. We hang, adjust and replace interior doors, repair jambs and frames, and install pocket and barn doors. |
| Exterior & Entry Door Installation | From $850 | Entry, back and French doors installed weather-tight against fog and wind-driven rain, properly flashed, insulated and secured. We repair rotted door frames and thresholds or replace the full unit. |
| Cabinet & Vanity Installation | From $1,100 | Precise installation of kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and laundry storage, leveled on San Francisco's rarely-level floors, scribed to out-of-square walls, with hardware aligned and doors adjusted. |
| Stair & Railing Repair | From $600 | Squeaky treads, loose banisters, worn stringers: we repair and rebuild the staircases San Francisco homes climb every day, restore period railings, and install code-compliant handrails and attic ladders. |
| Deck & Porch Repair | From $900 | Fog and salt air are hard on decks and porches. We replace rotted boards, posts and railings, repair stairs and structural framing, and get outdoor spaces safe and solid, repair-first, honest about when replacement wins. |
| Fascia, Soffit & Exterior Trim Repair | From $700 | Peeling paint and soft fascia boards are the first sign of rot moving in. We replace fascia, soffits and exterior trim with primed, rot-resistant material, closing the gaps that let moisture and pests into the roofline. |
What Affects the Price
- Scope of Damage or Project : Surface-level finish work costs significantly less than structural repairs involving load-bearing elements, rot damage, or foundation issues. The extent of damage discovered during inspection directly impacts labor and materials needed.
- Materials and Wood Quality : The type of wood, grade, and finish materials selected affect overall cost. Pressure-treated lumber, hardwoods, and specialty finishes command higher prices than standard softwoods, but offer better longevity.
- Accessibility and Site Conditions : Hard-to-reach areas, tight spaces, or projects requiring special equipment or scaffolding increase labor time and complexity, which is reflected in the final price.
- Permits and Inspections : Structural work, load-bearing wall removal, and some major repairs require permits and inspections in San Francisco. These costs are included in estimates where applicable and ensure code compliance.
What's included
- Travel included across the San Francisco area
- Professional labor & equipment
- Rotted wood, demo debris & offcut haul-away
- Job site cleanup
- Written estimate before work begins
To get an accurate estimate, describe your project in detail and note any visible damage, rot, or structural concerns. Our team will schedule a free on-site inspection where we assess the full scope of work, discuss material options, and provide a detailed written estimate. Call us at (628) 285-5429 to book your consultation, and we'll walk you through every cost component.
Pricing FAQ
Why do carpentry costs vary so much between projects?
Carpentry pricing depends on many factors: whether the work is structural or cosmetic, the extent of hidden damage (often only visible after opening walls), material choices, labor complexity, and site conditions. A small trim installation differs vastly from a floor joist replacement, which is why we always inspect before quoting.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We provide free on-site inspections and detailed written estimates for all projects. Call (628) 285-5429 to schedule your appointment at no obligation. We'll assess your project and explain the work needed before any commitment.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and digital payment methods. For larger projects, we can discuss payment schedules and financing options. Ask about payment plans when you receive your estimate.
Are permits and inspections included in your pricing?
Yes. When permits and inspections are required by San Francisco code for structural work or major repairs, those costs are included in your estimate. We handle the permit process and coordinate inspections so you don't have to.
What's included in your starting prices?
Our starting prices reflect basic labor and standard materials for each service. Your final cost depends on project specifics uncovered during inspection. We always provide a detailed breakdown so you know exactly what you're paying for.