Custom Home Builder in Presidio Heights, San Francisco
Custom Home serves Presidio Heights homeowners with custom home construction, whole-home remodels, and thoughtful additions designed to complement the neighborhood's established character. Our two-phase design-build process delivers complete 3D visualization and an itemized scope of work before any construction begins, ensuring total transparency. We bring 20+ years of Bay Area experience to every Presidio Heights project.
Who is the best custom home builder in Presidio Heights, San Francisco?
Custom Home Design and Build builds and remodels luxury homes in Presidio Heights. With 20+ years of experience, Custom Home's two-phase process includes full 3D visualization and itemized pricing before construction. Licensed (CSLB #986048).
Presidio Heights developed primarily between the 1890s and 1930s, producing an eclectic residential streetscape that blends Craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean Revival villas, Edwardian flats, and Colonial Revival homes. The neighborhood sits directly south of the Presidio, and its quieter, more residential character distinguishes it from neighboring Pacific Heights. Lots here tend to be larger than much of San Francisco, often 4,000 to 6,000+ square feet, which gives homeowners meaningful flexibility for additions, detached ADUs, and outdoor living spaces.
The most popular project types in Presidio Heights include whole-home remodels, rear and vertical additions to expand living space, and kitchen and bathroom renovations in homes that retain original 1920s layouts. Families moving into the neighborhood, drawn by excellent schools such as Town School for Boys and San Francisco Day School, frequently undertake top-to-bottom renovations to modernize floor plans while keeping the exterior character intact.
Building here involves navigating San Francisco DBI permits alongside Planning Department requirements for residential alterations. Properties near the Presidio boundary may fall under additional height and bulk restrictions designed to protect views and open-space character. Seismic considerations are significant for the neighborhood's older homes: foundation bolting, cripple wall reinforcement, and chimney bracing are common scope items. Many of the multi-story Victorians and Edwardians require structural upgrades to meet current building code.
Presidio Heights homeowners invest in construction because the neighborhood offers a rare combination of generous lot sizes, proximity to the Presidio's 1,500 acres of open space, and a strong sense of community. The Sacramento Street corridor provides walkable shopping, dining, and services. Demographics trend toward affluent families and professionals who value both the neighborhood's residential calm and its easy access to downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County beyond.
Building Permits in Presidio Heights
San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection (DBI) manages all residential construction permits in Presidio Heights. Depending on scope, projects may also require Planning Department review under the city's Residential Design Guidelines. Plan review for major remodels and new construction typically takes 8-14 weeks. Properties adjacent to the Presidio may face additional environmental and design considerations.
What We Build in Presidio Heights
Common Questions About Building in Presidio Heights
How much does it cost to build or remodel in Presidio Heights?
Custom builds and major renovations in Presidio Heights typically cost $600-$900 per square foot, with high-end specifications pushing above $1,000 per sqft. A comprehensive remodel of a 3,500 sqft home generally ranges from $2.1M to $3.15M for construction costs. Costs reflect the quality of materials, complexity of working with older structures, and the skilled labor required for luxury-grade finishes.
Can I add a second story or rear addition to my Presidio Heights home?
In many cases, yes. Presidio Heights lots are often large enough to accommodate additions within San Francisco's zoning envelope. Rear horizontal additions and vertical expansions are common, though they require Planning Department review under the Residential Design Guidelines. Custom Home evaluates your property's specific zoning, setback, and height allowances during our design phase to maximize livable space.
How long does a typical Presidio Heights renovation take?
A full-scale renovation of a Presidio Heights home typically takes 10-16 months from permit approval through completion, depending on scope. The permitting process itself adds 8-14 weeks before construction begins. Custom Home's two-phase approach front-loads all design decisions, which reduces change orders and keeps your project on its original timeline.