New Home Construction in Hillsborough
Build a distinguished estate in one of California's most prestigious residential communities — with expert navigation of Hillsborough's renowned design review process.
How Much Does New Construction Cost in Hillsborough?
Reflects Hillsborough's estate-scale construction and ADRB-quality finishes. Land cost 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 Hillsborough
Local building codes, neighborhood character, and permit requirements vary by city. Here's what Hillsborough homeowners should know before starting a project.
- 01Hillsborough's Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB) reviews all new construction for architectural merit, neighborhood compatibility, massing, and landscape integration — expect 2-4 board hearings before approval
- 02Hillsborough enforces strict FAR (floor-area-ratio) limits — typically 30-35% of lot area including garages — which determines maximum buildable square footage and requires careful space planning
- 03The town has a 36-foot maximum building height limit, with additional restrictions on hillside lots where rooflines must follow the natural grade contour
- 04Hillsborough requires all utilities to be underground for new construction, which adds engineering and trenching costs but eliminates overhead visual clutter
- 05Many Hillsborough lots have significant grade changes — hillside homes along Skyline Boulevard and Black Mountain Road require engineered retaining walls and deep pier foundations
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 Hillsborough: FAQ
Answers to common questions from Hillsborough homeowners.
The Architecture and Design Review Board (ADRB) is a five-member appointed board that reviews all new construction in Hillsborough for architectural quality, neighborhood compatibility, and design excellence. You'll present architectural plans, material samples, landscape plans, and color boards. Expect 2-4 hearings over 3-6 months. Barcci Builders prepares all submittal packages and presents alongside you to the board.
Total timeline for a new home in Hillsborough is typically 24-36 months. This includes 4-6 months of design, 3-6 months for ADRB review and building permits, and 14-20 months of construction. The ADRB process adds time compared to neighboring cities, but results in a home that meets the highest design standards.
Hillsborough requires front setbacks of 25-50 feet (varies by zone), side setbacks of 10-20 feet, and rear setbacks of 25 feet minimum. Maximum height is 36 feet, with hillside lots subject to additional daylight plane restrictions. The FAR limit typically caps total square footage at 30-35% of lot area. We design within these parameters from the first sketch.
Yes, though the design must be contextually appropriate. The ADRB has approved contemporary and modern homes that demonstrate high-quality materials, thoughtful massing, and sensitivity to neighboring properties. California contemporary with natural materials — stone, wood, and warm stucco — tends to receive favorable reviews. Stark minimalist designs may face more scrutiny.
Hillside lots in Hillsborough typically require engineered foundations — deep piers drilled to bedrock, grade beams, and retaining walls. Flat lots use standard spread footings or post-tension slabs. A geotechnical report is required for all new construction. We commission this study early in the design process so foundation costs are included in your fixed-price contract.
While Hillsborough follows California's building code which strongly encourages electrification, mixed-fuel homes are still permitted with efficiency trade-offs. We recommend all-electric design — heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, induction cooktop, solar panels, and EV charging — as it exceeds Title 24 requirements, qualifies for rebates, and positions the home for long-term energy savings.
More Services in Hillsborough
Explore our other design-build services available in Hillsborough.
New Construction in Nearby Cities
Ready to Start Your Hillsborough 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.