Custom Home Building in San Mateo
San Mateo offers strong value for custom home construction in the Bay Area, with build costs of $400-$600 per square foot. Custom Home builds custom homes throughout San Mateo with our two-phase design-build process, delivering complete 3D visualization and itemized pricing before construction begins.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in San Mateo?
Custom home construction in San Mateo typically costs $400-$600 per square foot in 2026. A 2,500 sqft home ranges from $1M to $1.5M for construction. Custom Home's two-phase process provides 3D visualization and exact pricing before construction begins.
Why Build a Custom Home in San Mateo
San Mateo offers excellent opportunities for custom home construction, with Hillsdale and Baywood providing high-quality settings for new builds. Established neighborhoods and proximity to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley create consistent demand for quality construction.
Custom Home’s two-phase design-build process starts with complete 3D visualization and an itemized scope of work, so you see every detail and cost before construction begins. This approach is particularly valuable in San Mateo, where getting the design right the first time protects your investment.
Custom Home Styles Popular in San Mateo
Contemporary
Open layouts, energy-efficient systems, and modern materials. Popular with San Mateo families who want a functional, well-designed home.
Craftsman-Inspired
Covered porches, natural materials, and detailed woodwork. A style that fits well in San Mateo’s residential character.
San Mateo Permitting for Custom Homes
San Mateo’s Building Division processes residential construction permits with standard plan review taking 4-6 weeks. The city offers online permit tracking and accepts electronic plan submissions. Design review applies to new construction in certain zones. San Mateo’s ADU permitting process is streamlined, with typical review times of 3-4 weeks for standard designs.
Custom Home manages the entire permitting process with San Mateo’s building department, from initial plan submittal through final inspection. Our familiarity with local requirements helps plans pass review efficiently.
Top Neighborhoods for Custom Homes in San Mateo
- Hillsdale
- Baywood
- San Mateo Park
- Aragon
Each neighborhood has distinct characteristics that influence home design. Custom Home’s Phase 1 process evaluates your specific lot and neighborhood context to create a design that fits both your vision and the community.
Pricing for Custom Home Building in San Mateo
Custom home construction in San Mateo typically costs $400-$600 per square foot. Final pricing depends on design complexity, material selections, lot conditions, and permit requirements. Custom Home provides a complete itemized scope of work during Phase 1 so you see every cost before committing to construction.
San Mateo Permit Requirements
San Mateo's Building Division processes residential construction permits with standard plan review taking 4-6 weeks. The city offers online permit tracking and accepts electronic plan submissions. Design review applies to new construction in certain zones. San Mateo's ADU permitting process is streamlined, with typical review times of 3-4 weeks for standard designs. Custom Home manages the complete permitting process for custom homes, from initial plan submittal through final inspection.
Custom Home Building in San Mateo: FAQ
How much does a custom home cost to build in San Mateo?
Custom home construction in San Mateo typically costs $400-$600 per square foot. A 3,000 sqft home generally ranges from $1.2M to $1.8M for construction costs. Custom Home's Phase 1 design process delivers exact, itemized pricing before you commit to building.
How long does it take to build a custom home in San Mateo?
Most custom homes in San Mateo take 12-18 months from design to completion. Phase 1 (design) typically runs 2-4 months, and Phase 2 (construction) takes 10-14 months depending on size and complexity. Custom Home's thorough design phase prevents mid-construction delays.
Does Custom Home handle design and construction for San Mateo custom homes?
Yes. Custom Home's two-phase design-build process covers everything from initial 3D design through final construction. Phase 1 delivers complete visualization and itemized pricing. Phase 2 is the build, executed exactly as designed.