West Edge currently has one showroom located at 710 Charcot Ave, San Jose, CA 95131. Our hours are Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, with Sunday and Wednesday available by appointment only.

Yes and no. While we don’t have architects on staff, we collaborate closely with top architects and architectural firms. Our in-house team includes interior designers, kitchen designers, project managers, and various trade professionals. An architect is typically needed for tasks like moving walls, relocating gas lines, altering a building’s exterior, or adding structural elements. Other situations may also require an architect, and we’re happy to discuss project-specific needs with you.

The design and building approval processes start immediately after contract signing. Each client establishes their own ‘flow’ with their interior designer; some clients make decisions quickly, completing the design process faster, while others may take more time to finalize choices. Often, building approvals are informed by the design process, and vice versa. Once the design is complete, all permits are obtained, and building approval is granted, we can begin construction.

Permitting requirements depend entirely on the project and scope of work. Alteration permits from the Department of Buildings (DOB) must be processed by an architect or engineer. West Edge can facilitate this process, though third-party professionals’ fees will be billed separately. Plumbing and electrical permits are more common and are obtained by the tradesperson, making these processes straightforward. These permits have set prices, and your project developer will inform you early on about which permits your project will require.

Absolutely! When working with a project developer, you’ll receive detailed information on labor and construction costs, along with a guide to help you understand finish costs. By establishing a clear budget for finishes early in the process, the designers at West Edge can work toward your budget goals, ensuring you stay within your financial plan.

Your designer, project manager, and project developer will provide guidance specific to your project. Generally, we advise clients to keep project areas free of clutter, debris, furniture, and electronics that could be accidentally damaged. Any valuables should be secured and kept away from the work zone. If the project area includes the entire home or unit, West Edge recommends storing these items in a separate location.

This decision depends on various factors specific to each project. Clients renovating small areas, like a single kitchen or one of multiple bathrooms, can often remain on-site without issue. However, if the work will render essential areas, such as all bathrooms, unusable, or if the project impacts the entire apartment, West Edge recommends finding alternative accommodations during the renovation. Additionally, clients with small children or pets are advised not to stay on-site due to reduced air quality and potential hazards, like sharp edges or tools, that are present on any job site.

Absolutely. West Edge follows all building guidelines for protecting common areas in accordance with building regulations and applies the same care to the client’s apartment. As work progresses, completed areas will also be protected. Protection methods include plastic sheeting, zip doors, masonite, paper, and cardboard, all used to maintain clean surfaces and prevent dust, dirt, debris, smudges, or other damage to existing and newly installed items.