Custom Home Builder in Forest Hill, San Francisco

Forest Hill was established in 1912 by the Newell-Murdoch Company as an exclusive residential park on the western slopes of Twin Peaks. The original homes, built primarily in the 1910s and 1920s, feature an eclectic mix of Arts and Crafts, Mediterranean Revival, Tudor, and Beaux-Arts styles. Many were designed by notable Bay Area architects of the era, and the neighborhood's curving, tree-lined streets and landscaped gatehouse entrance create a setting that feels remarkably removed from the urban grid just blocks away.

The most popular project types in Forest Hill are whole-home remodels, custom new construction on existing parcels, and additions that take advantage of the neighborhood's generous lot sizes. Lots here typically range from 5,000 to 8,000+ square feet, which is rare in San Francisco and allows for rear extensions, detached ADUs, and significant outdoor living areas. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are also common, particularly in homes that retain original 1920s layouts and systems.

Building in Forest Hill requires navigating two layers of review. The Forest Hill Association, which functions like a homeowners association, reviews all proposed exterior changes for consistency with the neighborhood's established architectural character. This review is separate from, and occurs before, the standard San Francisco DBI permitting process. Sloped lots throughout the neighborhood demand experienced grading, drainage design, and foundation engineering. Seismic retrofitting is a consideration for virtually all original-era homes, and updated structural framing and foundation bolting are common scope items.

Homeowners invest in Forest Hill construction because the neighborhood offers a distinctive lifestyle: large lots, mature landscaping, and a quiet residential atmosphere within San Francisco city limits. The Forest Hill Muni Metro station, connected to downtown by the Twin Peaks Tunnel, provides convenient transit access. The community is predominantly families and long-term residents who appreciate the neighborhood's sense of privacy and its proximity to West Portal's shops and restaurants, Stern Grove, and the open spaces of Mount Sutro. Significant renovation or new construction is often the most practical path to modern comfort on these legacy parcels.