Building Custom Homes in Los Angeles Since 2000

Building a custom home is the most significant construction project most homeowners will ever undertake. It requires a contractor who combines deep technical skill with the ability to listen, communicate clearly, and manage a complex process from start to finish — all while keeping your vision, budget, and timeline aligned.

Cunningham Construction & Development has been building custom homes throughout Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and greater Los Angeles for over 25 years. Dustin Cunningham personally oversees every project — there is no account manager, no hand-off. You have a direct line to the owner from the first conversation through the final walkthrough.

Our Custom Home Construction Process

We work with homeowners at every stage of the custom home process, from early planning through certificate of occupancy. Here is how a typical project unfolds:

1. Pre-Construction Planning

We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your goals, your site conditions, and your budget. If you have an architect or designer, we collaborate closely with them from the outset. If you are still selecting a design team, we can refer you to architects and designers we have worked with and trust.

2. Permitting & Entitlements

Every custom home requires permits from the relevant city or county authority — City of Pasadena Building & Safety, LA County (for Altadena), City of Los Angeles (LADBS), City of Burbank, or City of Glendale, depending on the project location. We can help manage the full permit process, including plan check submissions, corrections, and inspections. We know the requirements for each jurisdiction and build the permit timeline into our project schedule from day one.

3. Construction

Our construction process is built around clear communication, consistent site presence, and zero-compromise quality standards. We provide regular progress updates, maintain a clean and organized job site, and flag any decisions or changes before they affect your budget or timeline. Every subcontractor and trade on our projects is vetted, licensed, and held to our standards.

4. Finish Selection & Detail Work

We guide you through material and finish selections — flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, hardware, paint — with a clear understanding of how each choice affects your budget. Whether you are building with premium finishes throughout or prioritizing certain areas while being more cost-conscious in others, we help you invest your budget where it matters most.

5. Final Walkthrough & Closeout

Before we hand you the keys, we do a thorough walkthrough and punch list to confirm that every detail meets your expectations and our standards. We handle all final inspections, the certificate of occupancy, and any close-out documentation.

Why Homeowners Choose Cunningham Construction

• 25+ years of custom home construction experience in the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Westside, and greater Los Angeles

• Dustin Cunningham personally oversees every project — you always have a direct line to the owner

• Deep local knowledge — we know the permit offices, the inspectors, and the conditions specific to each neighborhood

• CSLB Licensed (#786113), bonded, and fully insured

• Trusted by past clients who use us for multiple projects and refer us to friends and family — the most meaningful endorsement in residential construction

Custom Home FAQ — Pasadena & Greater Los Angeles

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

Most custom home projects run 12–24 months from groundbreaking to certificate of occupancy, depending on the size and complexity of the home, the permitting timeline, and the pace of design and finish decisions. We build a realistic schedule during pre-construction and track it closely throughout the project.

What does a custom home cost in Pasadena?

Custom home construction in the greater Los Angeles area typically ranges from $400–$800+ per square foot depending on the scope, design complexity, finish level, and site conditions. Hillside lots, premium materials, and extensive custom millwork push costs higher. We provide a detailed, transparent estimate before any work begins so you understand exactly where your budget is going.

Do I need an architect before talking to a general contractor?

Not necessarily. Many homeowners come to us early in the process, before an architect is selected. We can help you understand what the project entails, refer you to architects whose style and process we know well, and collaborate with your design team from the start. The earlier we are involved, the better we can help keep design decisions aligned with your budget.

Can you build on a hillside lot?

Yes. We have extensive experience with hillside and sloped-lot construction throughout Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and the surrounding foothills — including sites that require significant grading, retaining walls, drainage systems, and specialized foundation work.

Do you handle permitting for custom homes?

Yes. We can manage the full permit process for every jurisdiction we work in: City of Pasadena, LA County (Altadena), City of Los Angeles (LADBS), City of Burbank, and City of Glendale. This includes plan check submissions, responding to corrections, scheduling inspections, and obtaining the final certificate of occupancy.

Can you build a custom home if I already have plans from an architect?

Absolutely. We regularly build from completed architect drawings. We review the plans in detail during pre-construction, identify any constructability questions, and work closely with your architect throughout the build to ensure that design intent is executed faithfully.