Premier Remodeling & Construction Services

Custom Home Builders in San Jose, CA

Brother and Brother Builders, a leading general contractor in San Jose, CA, specializes in designing and building custom homes. We craft unique, high-quality residences tailored to fit your vision, your lifestyle, and the distinctive character of your lot.

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Custom home in San Jose, CA.
Kitchen area from a complete home remodel in San Jose, CA

Meeting All Your Needs

Expert General Contractors in San Jose, CA

Our team includes licensed general contractors, certified designers, and experienced project managers. We take pride in:

  • Meeting deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
  • Following OSHA-compliant safety procedures.
  • Maintaining constant communication throughout your project.

We don’t just build structures—we build relationships based on trust and results.

Benefits of Building a Custom Home in San Jose

  • Tailored to You: Custom floor plans, layouts, and room features ensure your home reflects your lifestyle.
  • Premium Locations: Build where you want, whether in a family-friendly neighborhood or on a private hillside.
  • Modern Systems: Get the latest in smart tech, insulation, HVAC, and energy efficiency.
  • Equity Growth: New custom homes in San Jose tend to appreciate faster and sell at a premium.

Home Styles We Build

  • Modern Contemporary: Clean lines, open layouts, and abundant natural light.
  • California Craftsman: Warm woodwork, tapered columns, and inviting front porches.
  • Mediterranean Villas: Stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, and courtyards.
  • Minimalist Smart Homes: Sleek, tech-driven homes with seamless automation.
kitchen remodeling san jose ca

Celebrate Your Space

Solutions Tailored to Your Home

We understand that every home tells a different story. That’s why we:

  • Customize every project to fit your space and needs.
  • Offer flexible design options, material choices, and scheduling.
  • Ensure alignment with your goals from consultation to completion.

Turn Your Ideas Into Reality

From the initial consultation to the final reveal, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your project reflects your unique style and personality.

Brother & Brother Builders can help you create the home of your dreams.

Newly remodeled home in San Jose, CA

Recent Projects

Check Out Our Latest Projects

From kitchen remodels to new home construction, we take pride in every detail. Explore our latest projects and see how we’ve transformed homes across the Bay Area with expert craftsmanship and personalized design.
Why Choose Brother and Brother Builders ​

Expert Remodeling Services

Why Choose
Brother and Brother Builders

  • Over 20 Years of Experience: Our deep-rooted knowledge of Bay Area construction helps us anticipate challenges and deliver results efficiently.
  • All-In-House Team: Every expert you need—from designers to craftsmen—is on staff. This results in better quality control, quicker turnarounds, and clearer communication.
  • Transparent Quotes: No hidden fees. We provide up-front, itemized pricing so you know exactly what to expect before construction begins.
  • Exceptional Client Satisfaction: We maintain 5-star reviews across platforms and receive glowing feedback from clients in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and more.
  • Local Regulatory Expertise: We know San Jose’s permitting process, zoning codes, and HOA restrictions—helping your project stay compliant and on schedule.

Learn more about our values, team, and commitment to excellence on the About Us page.

Our Custom Home Building Process

Step 1: Consultation

We start with a one-on-one consultation to understand your goals, budget, and preferences. During this step, we discuss timelines, feasibility, and site evaluation.

Step 2: Ideation & Concept Development

You’ll collaborate with our in-house design team to create a concept that reflects your lifestyle and aligns with San Jose’s building regulations. We also explore modern home design trends that might enhance the function and resale value of your home.

Step 3: Floor Plan & Design Finalization

Once the concept is approved, we develop a detailed floor plan and architectural drawings. At this point, you’ll select finishes, fixtures, and design features.
Building a custom home in San Jose, CA.

Step 4: Permitting & Approvals

We handle all permits with the City of San Jose Planning Department. This includes zoning checks, environmental compliance, and neighborhood reviews.

Step 5: Construction

Our experienced crew breaks ground and begins construction. We use high-quality materials and proven techniques, delivering superior craftsmanship and communication throughout.

Step 6: Final Walkthrough & Handover

You’ll inspect the finished home with us. We address any final details before handing over the keys to your custom-built dream home.

Does Your San Jose Custom Home Need a Single-Family House Permit?

On a custom home, the first permit question in San Jose is often not the building permit. The City of San José says new home construction may need a Single-Family House Permit from the Planning Division before a building permit will be issued. It is required if any of the following apply:

  • The new house will exceed 30 feet or two stories in height.
  • The floor area ratio (FAR) of the house will exceed 0.45.
  • Construction will be within 100 feet of a riparian corridor (creek) and the lot is 1/2 acre or larger.
  • The house or site is listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. City Landmarks and Landmark Districts need a Historic Preservation Permit instead.
  • The project creates, replaces, alters or reconfigures 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface.

If none of these apply, you can move on to the building permit. Source: City of San José, Single-Family House Permit.

How FAR is measured. FAR is the floor area of the house compared with the size of the lot. It counts every floor of the main structure measured to the outside of the exterior walls, including stairwells and any area more than 50% enclosed with walls and covered. It does not count an attached or detached garage, a basement, accessory structures, or an ADU. Those exclusions are worth knowing before you lock in a layout during floor plan development, since they affect how much living space fits under the 0.45 threshold.

Administrative Review, Public Hearing and Demolition Rules

When a Single-Family House Permit is required, the Director of Planning decides it through one of two paths. Which one applies has a real effect on your schedule and budget.

PathWhen it appliesWhat it means for you
Administrative reviewThe project meets all six city criteria, including removing no more than 50% of the exterior walls, staying at or under 30 feet and 2 stories, and matching the roofline, materials, trim and details of the existing houseThe Director reviews and decides. The decision cannot be appealed.
Public hearingThe project does not meet every administrative criterionMore time and an additional fee for public notice. Neighbors within 300 feet are notified, and the Director allows public testimony.

Several of those criteria are written around an existing house, so a full teardown and rebuild is less likely to fit administrative review than a project that keeps most of the original walls. That tradeoff is worth weighing early if you are comparing a rebuild with a large remodel or a second-story addition.

Demolition. If you plan to tear down the existing house, the city says a Special Use Permit is only required if you do not have an approved Single-Family House Permit or have not obtained a building permit for the replacement house. In practice, lining up approvals for the new home before demolition avoids that extra permit. Source: City of San José, Single-Family House Permit.

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve homeowners throughout San Jose, from established neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Naglee Park to the foothill communities of Almaden Valley, Cambrian Park, and Evergreen, as well as Berryessa and Alum Rock. Our reach extends beyond San Jose to Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Milpitas, Cupertino, Campbell, Palo Alto, and Los Altos. Based on Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose, we’re centrally positioned to serve the entire South Bay with the same response time and craftsmanship on every project.

Brother & Brother Builders
3109 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117

Phone: (888) 412-2632
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM – 5PM

How much does it cost to build a custom home in San Jose, CA?

Custom home construction in San Jose typically ranges from $350 to $600 per square foot, depending on design complexity, materials, and site conditions. At Brother and Brother Builders, we provide detailed estimates with transparent cost breakdowns.

How long does it take to build a custom home in San Jose?

Most custom homes take 12 to 18 months from initial planning to move-in. This includes design, permitting with the City of San Jose, construction, and final walkthroughs. Timelines vary based on lot conditions and home size.

Do I need to own land before building a custom home?

You don’t have to own land yet—we can help you evaluate potential lots in San Jose and nearby areas like Cupertino or Los Gatos. Once land is secured, we assist with feasibility studies, zoning compliance, and design plans.

Can I design my own floor plan?

Yes. You can start with a blank slate or use one of our customizable layouts. Our in-house floor plan development service helps you design a layout tailored to your lifestyle, whether it’s open-concept living, multi-gen spaces, or home office setups.

What’s the difference between a custom home and a spec home?

A custom home is designed specifically for you, based on your preferences, while a spec home is built by a developer for general sale. With a custom home, you control the layout, finishes, systems, and every detail.

Are there design restrictions for building a custom home in San Jose?

Yes. San Jose has zoning codes, building height limits, and setback rules. As an experienced contractor in San Jose, CA, we manage all permitting and make sure your design complies with city ordinances.

What counts toward floor area ratio in San Jose?

San Jose counts all floors of the main house measured to the outside of the exterior walls, including stairwells and areas more than 50% enclosed and covered. A garage, basement, accessory structures and an ADU are not counted. A house with a FAR above 0.45 needs a Single-Family House Permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

All Your Remodeling Questions Answered

Have questions about remodeling your home? We’ve got answers. From budgeting and timelines to permits and design choices, our FAQs cover the most common concerns. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how we make your remodel smooth, transparent, and stress-free.

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