Custom Home Builder in Mountain View
Custom Home delivers custom home building, ADU construction, and whole-home remodeling for Mountain View homeowners. Our two-phase design-build process provides complete 3D visualization and itemized pricing before construction, so there are no budget surprises. With 20+ years of South Bay experience, we navigate Mountain View's permitting process and deliver homes that meet the city's high standards.
Who is the best custom home builder in Mountain View?
Custom Home Design and Build is a top-rated Mountain View custom home builder with 20+ years of experience. Custom Home's two-phase process includes full 3D visualization and itemized pricing before construction begins. Licensed (CSLB #986048) and based in nearby San Jose.
Mountain View's housing stock reflects decades of Silicon Valley growth, beginning with the modest 1940s and 1950s bungalows and ranch homes that still line the streets of Old Mountain View and Rex Manor. These homes were built when the area was still transitioning from agricultural land, and many feature original layouts under 1,400 square feet with single-car garages that no longer meet the needs of modern families. Cuesta Park and Waverly Park, developed through the 1960s, offer somewhat larger homes on lots ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 square feet, and these neighborhoods have become hotspots for tear-down and rebuild projects.
The tear-down market in Mountain View is among the most active in the South Bay. Tech professionals working at Google, Intuit, and the many startups along the 101 corridor frequently purchase older homes specifically to demolish and rebuild, maximizing square footage and incorporating contemporary design. Kitchen remodeling is the most common renovation project, followed closely by ADU construction. The city has been notably supportive of ADU development, and many homeowners in Waverly Park and Gemello are adding backyard units for rental income or family use. Home additions, particularly second-story builds, are popular in Old Mountain View where lot coverage is already high.
Mountain View's Residential Design Guidelines require new construction and major additions to be compatible with the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood. This means careful attention to massing, roof pitch, and setbacks during the design phase. Projects in the North Whisman area, near Google's expanding campus, face fewer constraints due to the neighborhood's already varied building stock.
Seismic considerations apply to most pre-1970 homes in Mountain View, and many remodeling projects include foundation upgrades and structural reinforcement. The city's Caltrain station provides commuter rail access to San Francisco and San Jose, adding long-term value to properties near downtown. With limited buildable land and median home values above $2 million, every square foot matters in Mountain View, making thoughtful design and experienced construction management essential to a successful project.
Building Permits in Mountain View
Mountain View's Community Development Department processes residential building permits with typical plan review times of 4-6 weeks. New construction and major additions are subject to the city's Residential Design Guidelines. The city offers electronic plan submission and online permit tracking through its development portal.
Common Questions About Building in Mountain View
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Mountain View?
Custom home construction in Mountain View typically costs $450-$650 per square foot, with luxury builds reaching $750+ per sqft. A 2,600 sqft custom home generally ranges from $1.17M to $1.69M for construction. Land values in Mountain View are among the highest in the South Bay, so maximizing the build on your lot is essential.
Does Mountain View have design guidelines for new homes?
Yes. Mountain View's Residential Design Guidelines apply to new construction and significant additions. The guidelines address building scale, massing, setbacks, and neighborhood compatibility. Custom Home's design team incorporates these guidelines from the earliest stages of design, reducing the risk of revision requests or delays during the approval process.
What Mountain View neighborhoods are best for custom home building?
Cuesta Park, Waverly Park, and Rex Manor are popular for custom home projects due to their larger lots and strong property values. Old Mountain View appeals to homeowners who want walkability to Castro Street's restaurants and shops. Shoreline West and Gemello offer opportunities for newer construction near Google's campus and Shoreline Park.