Building a Dream Home in Los Altos, California: A Realistic Timeline for a 3,500 sq ft Custom Home with Basement (Including Demolition of an Existing Structure)
If you’re dreaming of building a spacious 3,500 square foot custom home with a basement in Los Altos, CA, you’re in one of the most desirable parts of Silicon Valley. With top-rated schools, stunning neighborhoods, and proximity to tech hubs, Los Altos is a prime spot for luxury custom builds. However, the journey involves navigating strict local regulations, seismic standards, design guidelines, and a detailed permitting process.
The full timeline—from initial property search and design through to move-in—typically spans 12 to 24 months (or longer) for custom projects like this. This includes finding the right lot, pre-construction permitting (often the biggest variable), and phased construction.
As a licensed real estate broker with Intero Real Estate Services and a licensed general contractor with over 30 years of building experience, I (David Bergman) bring a unique dual perspective to help clients in Los Altos and surrounding areas. Together with Angela, we specialize in guiding buyers through the process of locating and evaluating properties ideal for building their dream home—whether it’s a teardown opportunity or a vacant lot that maximizes views, privacy, and buildable potential. Our combined expertise in real estate and construction means we can spot structural issues, zoning nuances, and value-add opportunities early, saving time and money while avoiding common pitfalls.
This blog post outlines a realistic step-by-step timeline based on typical Los Altos custom home projects. Timelines vary based on market conditions, plan quality, city workload, weather, and material availability. For personalized guidance, feel free to reach out—David Bergman Real Estate at davidbergman.com or (650) 948-1100.
Step 1: Finding the Right Property (1–6+ Months, Often Overlaps with Early Design)
Before any demolition or building begins, secure the ideal lot.
- Look for properties in desirable Los Altos neighborhoods (e.g., R-1 zones) with sufficient lot size for a 3,500 sq ft home plus basement (considering setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage).
- Evaluate teardown candidates: Assess existing home condition, utility locations, tree preservation rules, and potential for basement excavation (geotech/soils critical in Bay Area).
- Angela and I help clients identify off-market or upcoming listings, run comps on recent builds/teardowns, and provide construction feasibility analysis upfront. This phase can accelerate if you’re already pre-approved and ready to move quickly.
Phase 2: Pre-Construction – Design, Engineering, and Permitting (4–12+ Months)
This is frequently the longest phase in Los Altos due to rigorous reviews.
- Architectural/Engineering Design — 3–6 months
Develop detailed plans with a local architect: site plans, elevations, structural details (especially for basement), Title 24 energy compliance, geotechnical report, and more. Use the city’s Single-Family Residential Design Review Submittal Requirements and Neighborhood Compatibility Worksheet. - Permitting and Approvals — 2–6 months (or longer)
New single-family dwellings require Planning Department approval first (design review for compatibility, zoning, setbacks, height). Submit electronically to [email protected]. - Completeness check: Up to 5 business days.
- Plan routing/review: Building, Planning, possibly Public Works.
- Revisions common; basements add scrutiny (structural, waterproofing, drainage).
- Once cleared, pay fees and obtain building permit. Demolition permit (if needed) processed separately (2–4 weeks).
Contact the Building Division (650-947-2752) early for pre-submittal advice.
Phase 3: Demolition of Existing Home (5–10 Days)
With permits in hand: Tear down, remove debris, disconnect utilities, and clear the site. Follow noise/dust ordinances (construction hours typically 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. weekdays).
Phase 4: Site Preparation and Excavation (10–20 Days)
Grade, install erosion controls, and excavate deeply for basement. Geotech requirements may extend this.
Phase 5: Foundation and Basement Construction (20–35 Days)
Pour footings/walls, waterproof, backfill. Seismic reinforcement and curing/inspections add time.
Phase 6: Framing the Structure (20–30 Days)
Build walls, floors, and roof trusses for the ~3,500 sq ft layout.
Phase 7: Roofing and Exterior Enclosure (10–20 Days)
Roof, windows, doors, siding—weatherproof the shell.
Phase 8: Rough-Ins (MEP: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) (20–30 Days)
Install systems, run lines, and pass rough inspections (Title 24 focus).
Phase 9: Insulation and Drywall (15–25 Days)
Insulate for efficiency, then hang/tape/finish drywall.
Phase 10: Interior Finishes (40–60 Days)
Flooring, cabinets, counters, paint, fixtures, appliances—highly customizable.
Phase 11: Final Touches, Inspections, Landscaping, and Certificate of Occupancy (10–20 Days)
Driveway, landscaping, final clean-up, city inspections, and CO issuance.
Total Timeline Summary
- Active construction: 150–250 days (~5–8 months on-site).
- Full process (property search + permitting + construction): 12–24 months calendar time, often leaning higher for custom basements in Los Altos.
Why Work with Us?
Our real estate + general contracting background means we don’t just find you a property—we help ensure it’s build-ready and aligned with your vision. From spotting the best teardown candidates to navigating Los Altos permitting and coordinating the build, Angela and I provide end-to-end support for a smoother, more predictable experience.
Ready to start your Los Altos dream home journey? Visit davidbergman.com, email us, or call (650) 948-1100. We’d love to help you locate the perfect property and bring your vision to life!
Have questions about Los Altos lots, permitting tips, or your own build story? Share in the comments below.