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Who to Call for What: A Local's Guide to Home Services in Palo Alto
Published September 26, 2026 by Discover Palo Alto
Hiring for home projects in Palo Alto usually comes down to the same few questions: is this person licensed for the work, what will it actually cost, and can they show you something they've finished recently. Here's a rundown by project type, with a few local options for each.
Remodeling and custom construction
Bigger jobs — additions, ADUs, full remodels — are worth extra diligence. Ask for a written scope and payment schedule up front, request references from work finished in the past year, and confirm the contractor carries both a California contractor's license and current liability insurance before anything is signed. Cardinal Custom Construction is one local general contractor handling custom builds, additions, and remodels across the Peninsula.
Landscaping and yard care
For ongoing maintenance versus a one-time redesign, it's worth being upfront about which you need — some crews specialize in weekly upkeep, others in installation and hardscaping. Merlos Landscaping and Landscaping and Gardening Enrique both cover garden maintenance and installation work in Palo Alto.
House cleaning and organizing
Recurring cleaning, deep cleans, and move-in/move-out cleans are usually priced differently, so it's worth asking which rate applies before booking. L&L House Cleaning Services and Helping Hands Bay Area both offer home cleaning locally, and if the clutter is the bigger issue, More Time For You offers professional organizing for the home and office.
Electrical work
Electrical work is one area where licensing isn't optional — always confirm a C-10 electrical contractor's license before work begins, especially for panel upgrades or new circuits. Bay Lighting and Power is a licensed electrical company serving Palo Alto.
See the full, current list of Home Services listings in Palo Alto for more options, hours, and contact details.