How to build a custom home in Silicon Valley

We’re here to support you in navigating the process of building a custom home in Silicon Valley, by helping you set a course of action and understand what potential challenges lay ahead of you.

Take the long view

Deciding to build a custom home in Silicon Valley is an involved process. It’s important to start off on the right foot by:

• Understanding the progression of a construction project
• Choosing the right team of professionals; and
• Having a clear vision of what you need from a home

Be patient with the process

Throughout this process, keep in mind that it takes time. In an area that’s known for being on the cutting edge of technology, you may find this process outdated in many ways. You may be surprised at how much work has to happen before construction. Pre-construction components include budgeting, financing, property selection, topographical surveying, permitting, planning and design.

Well-designed, well-built, beautiful custom homes take time from start to finish, but are worth it when you have a home that meets your needs for comfort, lifestyle, and beauty.

Permitting – plan for the unpredictable

The process of designing and building a home begins with finding the right piece of land. In Silicon Valley, this can prove to be a challenging task. High demand and limited availability often limit an owner to purchasing a property with an existing home and then tearing it down or doing a major renovation. If a vacant lot can be found, you must bring in all the utilities.

Getting approval to build

The right neighborhood, school district and proximity to work are all considerations when searching for a lot. Once you find the right location, it will be subject to restrictions based on whichever municipality oversees it. These restrictions involve property line setbacks, floor-area ratio (FAR), height limitations and more.

Although getting a building permit can seem daunting, having a design professional and a contractor who are familiar with the local planning and building departments can make a big difference. Each Residential Building Permit is assigned a weighty 350-plus page residential Inspection Guidelines manual, which outlines inspection requirements that are unique to the City in which you are building.

Want to learn more about how Clarum can help you build the sustainable home of your dreams? Give us a call at 650.322.7069