Housing, Incomes, and Home Improvement Trends for Brentwood, CA

Quick Summary of this Article:

Brentwood, California, has transformed from a sleepy farming town into one of Contra Costa County’s fastest‑growing communities. In 2023, the median property value in Brentwood was $791,600, up 7.63 % from $735,500 in 2022, while the median household income rose only 3.62 %, from $134,689 to $139,567. Recent Redfin data shows that as of late 2025, the median sale price of a home in Brentwood is about $782,000—up 5.8 % year‑over‑year—with a median price per square foot of $345. With home values increasing faster than incomes, many residents focus on maintaining and improving their existing properties rather than trading up. This guide examines Brentwood’s development history, compares housing prices with household incomes, and details the costs of new construction and major home‑improvement projects—from gutters and roofing to HVAC, plumbing, painting, and landscaping. Sources:  DataUSA,  RedFin

Brentwood's History of New Home Development

For more than a century, Brentwood was a small agricultural town built on orchards and delta soil. In the late 1960s, its population was just around 2,500, but by 2000, it had grown to about 25,000 as commuters sought affordable housing outside the Bay Area. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the city processed thousands of permits annually for new single‑family homes, and by 2010, the population had climbed past 60,000. Miles of orchards were replaced with master‑planned subdivisions, turning Brentwood into a desirable bedroom community with parks, good schools, and a quaint downtown. Local officials have since slowed residential growth by preserving farmland and enforcing an urban‑limit line, but the boom has left the city with a modern housing stock and a high proportion of owner‑occupied homes. Sources: BeyondtheBay

Brentoowd's Housing Market vs. Household Income

The disparity between home prices and incomes is widening. According to Data USA, the median property value in Brentwood rose from $735,500 in 2022 to $791,600 in 2023—a 7.63 % increase. During the same period, median household income grew by only 3.62%, from $134,689 to $139,567. Redfin reports that as of November 2025, the median sale price of a Brentwood home is $782,000, up 5.8 % year‑over‑year, while the price per square foot is $345, down 4.2 %. These figures indicate that property values are climbing faster than wages. For a dual‑income household earning roughly $140,000, purchasing a median‑priced home requires a substantial down payment and long mortgage terms. As a result, homeowners are choosing to stay put and invest in upgrades—driving demand for contractors who specialize in gutters, roofs, HVAC systems, and other improvements.

Is Building a New Home Feasible in Alamo, CA?

With land scarce and construction costs high, building from scratch is an expensive proposition. Contra Costa County’s ICC Building Valuation Data lists square‑foot construction costs for one‑ and two‑family wood‑frame homes at $143.66 per square foot for Type VB construction and $152.67 per square foot for Type VA. That means a 2,000 sq ft house would cost about $287,000–$305,000 for basic construction, while a 3,000 sq ft home would run $431,000–$458,000—and these figures exclude land, permits, architectural design, utilities, and site work. Because open parcels in Brentwood are limited and often command high prices, the total budget for a custom home can easily exceed $1 million. This economic reality reinforces the appeal of renovating existing homes instead of building new ones.

Sources: ContraCosta GOV

Gutter Trends and Costs for Brentwood, CA

Gutters for New Home Builds

Modern Brentwood homes incorporate robust gutter systems to handle winter storms and protect foundations. HomeYou notes that the cost to install seamless gutters depends on material: aluminum gutters run $5–$8 per linear foot, vinyl gutters cost $3–$5 per foot, steel gutters are $8–$10 per foot, and copper gutters range from $15–$25 per foot. For a new 2,500‑sq‑ft house requiring about 200 linear feet of guttering, aluminum installation would total roughly $1,000–$1,600, while premium copper would run $3,000–$5,000. New builds typically include seamless gutters and gutter guards, reducing maintenance and preventing overflow during heavy rains.

Gutter Replacements for Existing Homes

Many older Brentwood houses have undersized or aging gutter systems. Replacing gutters on an existing home costs about $208–$259 for a 54‑foot section, with prices scaling to $1,000–$2,000 for a full 200‑foot system. Homeowners often upgrade to wider 6‑inch gutters and add gutter guards to prevent clogs. While vinyl and steel are options, aluminum remains the standard due to its balance of durability and cost. Investing in new gutters protects siding, foundations and landscaping—especially as heavier storms become more common.

Shingle Roofing Costs for Brentwood, CA

Asphalt shingles remain the most economical roofing choice in Brentwood. HomeYou estimates that replacing a typical 1,282‑sq‑ft roof costs $7,028–$7,976, with a broader range of $6,554–$8,450 depending on materials and complexity. The cost per square foot is $5–$7, so a larger 2,000‑sq‑ft roof could run $10,000–$14,000. Compared with the city’s median household income, a new shingle roof represents roughly 5 %–10 % of annual earnings—a significant but manageable expense. Quality shingles typically last 20–30 years, making timely replacement an important investment in the home’s value.

Metal Roofing Costs for Brentwood, CA

Homeowners seeking durability may opt for metal roofs, which can last 40–70 years but cost more upfront. A detailed guide from Cobex Construction Group notes that standing-seam metal roofs usually cost $10–$16 per square foot, while corrugated metal roofs cost $7–$12 per square foot; overall metal roofing prices range from $5–$16 per square foot. Using these figures, a 2,000‑sq‑ft metal roof could cost $14,000–$32,000, two to three times the price of an asphalt roof. Premium materials like copper can reach $28–$40 per square foot. Despite the higher cost, metal roofs offer superior fire resistance and low maintenance, which appeals to homeowners planning to stay in their homes for decades.

Sources: COBEXG

HVAC Costs for Brentwood, CA

Replacing an HVAC system is a major investment. HomeYou’s Brentwood cost guide reports that installing a new HVAC system typically costs $5,413–$7,426, although prices can range from $2,395 to $11,976 depending on home size, ductwork and efficiency levels (based on data valid through early 2026). For perspective, Modernize notes that the national average to replace a complete HVAC system in 2026 is $11,590–$14,100, with a typical 2,000–2,500‑sq‑ft home costing around $13,430 (these estimates include equipment and labor). In the Bay Area, where labor rates are higher, homeowners should budget on the higher end of the range. Upgrading to high‑efficiency or heat‑pump systems and replacing ductwork can push costs even higher, but rebates and lower utility bills offset some of the expense.

Plumbing Costs for Brentwood, CA

Routine plumbing repairs in Brentwood vary from minor fixes to major pipe replacements. HomeYou reports that the average plumbing repair costs $325–$467, with jobs ranging from $111 to $801. Licensed plumbers charge $40–$80 per hour for labor and often have call‑out fees of $70–$170. Small tasks such as unclogging a toilet cost $60–$250, drain clearing runs $50–$450, and water‑heater repairs average $70–$150. Larger projects like replacing a main line can exceed $1,000. Homeowners with older homes should budget for potential repiping, which can cost several thousand dollars, but proactive repairs prevent water damage and higher bills.

Exterior Painting Costs for Brentwood, CA

A fresh coat of paint protects siding and boosts curb appeal. HomeYou lists the typical cost to paint a Brentwood home exterior at $4,798–$6,369, with a possible range from $4,012 to $7,155. Painting a 1,709‑sq‑ft home costs about $4,013–$7,155, or $3–$4 per square foot. Two‑story houses generally run $3,000–$5,000, and three‑story homes may exceed $5,000. Costs depend on prep work, number of stories, paint quality, and surface material, but investing in professional painting extends the life of siding and prevents moisture damage.

Landscaping & Hardscaping Costs for Brentwood, CA

Landscaping adds beauty and value but can range widely in price. HomeYou estimates that basic landscaping services cost $1,609–$1,750, with a typical range of $1,538–$1,820. Installing landscape curbing costs around $8–$9 per linear foot. Experts suggest budgeting around 10 % of your home’s value for a complete landscaping project, meaning costs can run $5,000 to $100,000 depending on scope and materials. For backyard design projects, HomeYou reports a typical cost of $4,738–$6,926, but prices can vary from $1,455 to $12,316. Features like stone or brick pathways cost $3–$15 per square foot, patios range $800–$4,000, outdoor kitchens $2,000–$10,000, and fire pits $80–$7,000. Investing in landscaping and hardscaping not only improves outdoor living spaces but also increases property value.

Conclusion and Summary

Brentwood’s rapid transformation from farmland to flourishing suburb has driven home values to new heights. Median property values jumped 7.6 % in a single year, while incomes rose only 3.6 %, putting pressure on buyers and homeowners. With the median sale price around $780,000 and buildable land scarce, residents are focusing on maintaining and upgrading the homes they already own. Whether it’s installing new gutters, replacing roofs, modernizing HVAC systems, repairing plumbing, repainting exteriors, or reimagining landscaping, each project carries a real cost but also protects the home’s value. By understanding these trends and budgeting accordingly, Brentwood homeowners, HOAs and businesses can make informed decisions to preserve and enhance their properties in a competitive market.