Custom Homes

Building a custom home allows you to design a space tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Unlike pre-built homes, a custom home gives you complete control over the layout, materials, and features, ensuring that your home is exactly how you want it from the start. It also provides an opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient designs, modern technologies, and sustainable materials.

Custom home construction in Los Angeles and Orange County is priced per project, not per catalog, because the lot drives the number as much as the house does. Our custom homes run from $400 to $1,000 or more per square foot for construction, before land, design, engineering and permit fees. The low end is a flat lot with clean access and standard finishes; the high end is a hillside or coastal site with caissons, retaining walls, large glass systems and fully custom millwork. Two 3,000 square foot homes on the same street can differ by hundreds of thousands of dollars once you account for the foundation, grading, utility connections, the city's permit path and the finish level. For reference, the national builder survey puts hard construction costs for a custom home in the Pacific region at a median of $167 per square foot, and Los Angeles builds run well above that because of labor rates, seismic and Title 24 requirements, and the sites we work on. Our custom homes are designed and built under one fixed-price contract after a full feasibility review of your lot, so the number you sign is the number you build to. Our guide to the cost to build a house in Los Angeles walks through what each published figure includes and how to vet an estimate. A free consultation is the first step, and we can also talk through a fire rebuild on your existing lot.

The timeline for building a custom home typically ranges from 6 months to over a year. The process involves several stages, including design, permits, construction, and finishing touches. Factors like project complexity, weather conditions, and material availability can influence the timeline, so it’s best to discuss a realistic schedule with your builder.

Building a custom home allows you to create a space that fits your exact needs and preferences, ensuring functionality and comfort. It also offers the opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient features, modern design elements, and sustainable materials. A custom home can significantly increase the value of your property and provide long-term satisfaction.

To start building a custom home, the first step is to work with an architect or designer to create a blueprint that aligns with your vision. Next, select a reputable custom home builder to bring the design to life. You’ll need to secure financing, obtain the necessary permits, and finalize your budget and timeline before construction begins.