New Home Construction in Burlingame
Build a custom home in the City of Trees — where walkable charm, top schools, and Peninsula convenience create one of the Bay Area's most coveted addresses.
How Much Does New Construction Cost in Burlingame?
Reflects Burlingame's premium lot values and design-quality expectations. Demolition included. Land is separate.
Every project is unique. We provide a fixed-price contract after your free consultation — no hidden fees, no cost-plus surprises. The price you agree to is the price you pay.
What to Know About New Construction in Burlingame
Local building codes, neighborhood character, and permit requirements vary by city. Here's what Burlingame homeowners should know before starting a project.
- 01Burlingame's R-1 zoning typically allows 40% lot coverage with a 28-foot height limit — on a standard 5,000-7,000 sq ft lot, this means homes of approximately 2,000-2,800 sq ft including garage, requiring creative design to maximize livable space
- 02The City of Burlingame's planning department evaluates new construction for neighborhood compatibility — design that respects established streetscape patterns, front yard landscaping traditions, and the city's tree-canopy character receives smoother approvals
- 03Burlingame takes its tree heritage seriously — the Urban Forest Management Plan protects significant trees, and new construction plans must include an arborist assessment of any trees within the construction zone
- 04Two-story new construction in Burlingame requires neighborhood notification and may trigger a planning commission hearing if neighbors raise concerns about privacy, views, or shadow impacts
- 05Burlingame Hills lots west of El Camino Real tend to be larger with more building flexibility, while Easton Addition and Ray Park lots near downtown are smaller but benefit from walkability to shops and restaurants
Our New Construction Process
A clear, structured approach from your first call to final reveal.
Site Analysis & Feasibility
We evaluate your lot, review zoning and setback requirements, assess soil conditions, and determine what's buildable before you invest in design.
Architectural Design & Engineering
Our design team creates your custom floor plan with 3D renderings. We coordinate structural, mechanical, and civil engineering under one roof.
Permitting & Approvals
We navigate city planning, building department submittals, design review boards, and utility connections — typically 8-16 weeks for Bay Area jurisdictions.
Construction & Build
From foundation to framing to finishes, our crew builds your home with daily photo updates and weekly owner meetings. Typical build: 10-14 months.
Final Inspections & Move-In
We handle final city inspections, utility activation, landscaping, and a detailed walkthrough. Your new home comes with our comprehensive warranty.
New Construction in Burlingame: FAQ
Answers to common questions from Burlingame homeowners.
A custom new home in Burlingame takes 16-24 months from design to move-in. Design and engineering take 3-5 months, permitting 8-12 weeks (longer if planning commission review is triggered), and construction 10-14 months. Burlingame's planning department is thorough — we recommend starting the pre-application process early to identify any potential issues before investing in full construction documents.
On a typical Burlingame R-1 lot (5,000-7,000 sq ft), lot coverage limits of 40% and height limits of 28 feet allow homes of approximately 2,000-2,800 sq ft total including garage. Two-story designs maximize square footage within the building envelope. Burlingame Hills lots tend to be larger, allowing bigger homes. We calculate the exact buildable area for your specific lot during our free consultation.
Burlingame's diverse architectural fabric includes Tudor, Colonial Revival, Spanish Mediterranean, mid-century modern, and contemporary homes. New construction should complement the existing streetscape — we find that modern transitional designs (clean lines with traditional proportions and warm materials) are most successful. Extremely stark modern designs can face planning department pushback in established neighborhoods.
Extremely important. Burlingame is the 'City of Trees,' and the city's Urban Forest Management Plan protects significant specimens. An arborist assessment is required for new construction, and tree removal requires city approval with replacement planting. Building footprints are often shaped by tree preservation requirements. We factor tree locations into our design from the earliest concept.
Custom new homes in Burlingame range from $375-$625+ per square foot. Quality standard builds run $375-$475/sf, mid-range luxury with custom details $475-$550/sf, and high-end custom with premium finishes and smart home systems $550-$625+/sf. Burlingame's proximity to SFO and the Peninsula job centers supports strong property values that justify premium construction quality.
Yes, and most new construction in Burlingame is two-story to maximize living space within lot coverage limits. The city requires neighbor notification for two-story projects and evaluates second-story window placement and massing for privacy impacts. We design second stories with setbacks from property lines, clerestory windows where appropriate, and thoughtful room placement to proactively address privacy concerns.
More Services in Burlingame
Explore our other design-build services available in Burlingame.
New Construction in Nearby Cities
Ready to Start Your Burlingame New Construction?
Book a free in-home consultation. We'll discuss your vision, walk through your space, and provide a detailed fixed-price estimate — no pressure, no obligation.