Custom Home Builder in Atherton
Custom Home builds estate-quality custom homes in Atherton with our signature two-phase design-build process. We deliver complete 3D visualization and an itemized scope of work before breaking ground, so homeowners have total transparency on every detail. Our team has 20+ years of experience building luxury residences to the standards Atherton demands.
Who is the best custom home builder in Atherton?
Custom Home Design and Build is a top-rated Atherton custom home builder with 20+ years of experience. Custom Home's two-phase process includes full 3D visualization and itemized pricing before construction. Licensed (CSLB #986048).
Atherton's housing stock is unlike any other community on the Peninsula. The town's one-acre minimum lot size has shaped its character since incorporation in 1923, and the properties reflect nearly a century of estate-scale construction. Early homes include grand Colonial Revival and Tudor estates from the 1920s and 1930s, many of which have been expanded or replaced over the decades. Midcentury modern homes from the 1950s and 1960s sit on some of the town's most established parcels, while contemporary builds from the 2000s and 2010s introduce clean lines, walls of glass, and indoor-outdoor living on a grand scale.
Custom home construction is by far the most common project type in Atherton. Given land values that routinely exceed $10 million for an empty parcel, homeowners build to the highest specification, with floor plans of 6,000 to 12,000 square feet that include wine cellars, home theaters, fitness centers, and resort-style pool houses. Whole-home remodels are also popular, particularly for buyers who acquire an older estate and want to modernize interiors, upgrade mechanical systems, and reconfigure layouts while preserving mature landscaping. ADU construction is growing as homeowners add detached guest houses or staff quarters on their expansive lots.
Building in Atherton requires navigating the town's design review process, which evaluates projects for compatibility with the estate-scale residential character of each neighborhood. The heritage tree ordinance is among the strictest on the Peninsula, protecting oaks, redwoods, and other significant specimens, and requiring arborist reports, root-zone protection plans, and mitigation plantings when removal is approved. Setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions are enforced carefully, and the Building Division reviews every application with an eye toward preserving the town's privacy and openness.
Atherton's residents include some of the most prominent figures in technology, venture capital, and finance. The combination of ultra-high property values, discerning owners, and a building environment that demands precision makes Atherton one of the most challenging and rewarding markets for custom residential construction in the country. Every project here reflects not just an investment in real estate but a commitment to a specific vision of how a family wants to live.
Building Permits in Atherton
Atherton's Building Division reviews all residential construction applications with particular attention to tree preservation, setbacks, and neighborhood character. Plan review for custom homes typically takes 6-10 weeks. Heritage tree removal requires a separate permit and arborist report. The town's design review process applies to all new construction and significant exterior modifications.
Common Questions About Building in Atherton
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Atherton?
Estate-quality custom homes in Atherton typically cost $700-$1,000 per square foot for construction, with ultra-luxury specifications exceeding $1,200 per sqft. A 6,000 sqft custom estate generally ranges from $4.2M to $6M for construction costs alone. The premium reflects the caliber of finishes, structural complexity, and site preparation required for Atherton's large lots and exacting standards.
What makes building in Atherton different from other Bay Area cities?
Atherton's purely residential zoning, one-acre minimum lot sizes, and heritage tree ordinance create a unique building environment. There is no commercial or retail activity in the town, and the design review process focuses on preserving the estate character of each neighborhood. Custom Home's experience with Atherton's specific requirements ensures your project proceeds smoothly from design through completion.
Can I build an ADU on my Atherton property?
Yes. Under California state law, Atherton properties can accommodate ADUs. Given the town's large lot sizes, detached ADUs are a popular option for guest houses, home offices, or extended family quarters. Custom Home designs ADUs that complement the main residence and comply with Atherton's design guidelines.