Custom Home Builder Los Angeles
Luxury ground-up construction across the most prestigious neighborhoods of Los Angeles — where visionary architecture meets uncompromising structural integrity.
- Licensed
- Bonded
- Insured
- CA License #B-1084606
Architectural Excellence
Luxury Ground-Up Construction in Los Angeles
Custom Home Builder Los Angeles D&H Contractors specializes in the intricate science of high-end residential construction across the Los Angeles basin. From the challenging topography of the Hollywood Hills to the sprawling modern estates of Bel Air, our team bridges the gap between visionary architecture and uncompromising structural integrity.
Building from the ground up is the purest test of a builder. There is no existing structure to hide behind — every foundation, load path, and roofline is engineered from nothing. That is precisely why our clients choose D&H: founder Chris Doria’s career began on high-rise towers and metro tunnels, structures where the engineering simply cannot fail. We bring that same discipline to your home, collaborating intimately with the world’s leading architects so that every cantilevered terrace and custom-milled finish is executed with surgical precision.
Why Discerning Clients Choose D&H
A structural-engineering pedigree
Most custom builders learned from houses. Chris Doria learned about high-rises and tunnels — the foundation of how we approach your build.
Architect collaboration from day one
We engage with your architect early to ensure buildability, giving real-time feedback that prevents over-budget or structurally impossible designs before they're drawn.
Hillside and complex-lot mastery
Caisson foundations, grade beams, retaining systems, and grading — the disciplines that separate true custom builders from general contractors.
One team, one accountability
Geotechnical and structural engineering, grading, permitting, and construction coordinated under one roof — no gaps for your project to fall through.
Westside fluency
Deep familiarity with the regulatory and topographical demands of LA's premier enclaves.
From Foundation to Finish: Our Custom-Home Process
A ground-up build with D&H follows a disciplined, architect-collaborative path:
Consultation & Feasibility
In-depth discovery to align on vision and feasibility, plus a review of lot, zoning, and likely permit path.
Site & Geotechnical Assessment
Soils report, survey, and grading analysis to ground the design in reality.
Design Collaboration
We work alongside your architect (or our trusted partners) to develop buildable, permit-ready plans and MEP/structural engineering.
Permitting
LADBS plan check, grading, and any coastal, hillside, or HOA approvals.
Site Preparation & Foundation
Erosion control, grading, and engineered foundations (including caissons where required).
Construction
Framing, systems, and weather-tight shell with dedicated project management.
Finishes & Handover
Custom millwork, premium materials, smart-home integration, and a final white-glove walkthrough.
A custom home in Los Angeles is typically a multi-year endeavor from design through completion, with permitting alone often spanning many months; hillside and coastal lots take longer. We sequence pre-construction and permitting carefully to protect your schedule. (Timeline guidance only — no pricing, per your direction.)
Hillside & Complex-Lot Expertise
Some of LA’s most iconic homes sit on its most difficult lots. Building on a hillside demands structural and geotechnical expertise most general contractors simply don’t have — and it’s one of our core specialties. We execute:
- Caisson (drilled-pier) and grade-beam foundations engineered for sloped and unstable terrain
- Tiered retaining-wall systems and precision grading
- Geotechnical-led design built on a licensed soils report, addressing soil movement, hydrostatic pressure, and seismic activity
- Drainage, erosion control, and fire-access compliance for hillside zones
Our structural-first approach turns challenging lots — including fire-scarred and landslide-prone terrain — into architectural masterpieces that are as sound as they are stunning.
Structural Precision
Coastal Expertise
Energy Compliant
Fully Insured
Navigating LA Permits & Approvals
The Los Angeles permitting process for new construction is notoriously rigorous, and getting it right is where experience pays off. We prepare and manage every approval, including:
- LADBS building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, plus plan check (new-home plan check is a substantial review)
- Grading permits for excavation, hillside cuts, and drainage
- Baseline Hillside Ordinance (BHO) and Hillside Construction Regulation compliance for sloped lots
- Coastal Development Permits via the California Coastal Commission for coastal-zone properties (some sit miles from the beach)
- HPOZ review in historic districts and HOA / architectural-review-board approvals in gated and regulated communities
- Title 24 energy compliance, soils reports, and utility coordination
Permitting is one of the biggest scheduling variables in a custom build. Our rapport with city officials and administrative expertise keepskeep your project moving through the red tape efficiently.
Portfolio of Distinctive Estates
A curated look at our ground-up and estate-level work — including a Mediterranean Contemporary residence in Beverly Hills.
DESIGN-BUILD PERFECTION
Portfolio of Distinctive Estates
Classic Form, Modern Function
Mediterranean Contemporary in Beverly Hills
Curated Architectural Styles
A ground-up build with D&H follows a disciplined, architect-collaborative path:
Modern / Contemporary
Sharp lines, cantilevered volumes, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass.
Mediterranean
Timeless stucco, barrel-tile roofing, and intimate courtyard integration.
Transitional
The balance of traditional warmth and contemporary clean aesthetics.
Minimalist California
Nature-focused, sustainable materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Unparalleled Luxury Features
Chef Kitchens
Professional-grade Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances with bespoke marble islands.
Spa Baths
Steam showers, floating vanities, and soaking tubs with canyon views.
Home Theaters
Acoustically tuned private cinemas with 4K projection and tiered seating.
Infinity Pools & Outdoor Living
Zero-edge designs that blend with the horizon, with integrated fire features and outdoor kitchens.
Smart Automation
Full-home Control4 integration for lighting, climate, and security.
Regional Expertise — Serving LA's Most Prestigious Enclaves
We build where legacy begins, with intimate familiarity with each area’s regulatory and topographical demands:
- Bel Air & Brentwood Estates
- Beverly Hills Platinum Triangle
- Pacific Palisades & Santa Monica
- Hollywood Hills West & the Bird Streets
Client Experiences
“Building in the Hollywood Hills is a permit nightmare, but D&H handled the hillside ordinances with incredible expertise. Our modern estate is exactly what we envisioned.”
— Homeowner, Bird Streets
“Their attention to detail in the framing and the finishes was beyond compare. They treated our Beverly Hills project with the reverence of a work of art.”
Architectural Lead, LA Design Studio
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with my architect, or do you provide design?
Both. We collaborate with your architect from day one to ensure buildability, and we can also bring in our trusted design partners. Engaging us early helps avoid over-budget or structurally impossible designs.
How long does it take to build a custom home in Los Angeles?
A custom home is typically a multi-year project from design through completion, with permitting alone often spanning many months. Hillside and coastal lots take longer due to additional review. We provide a realistic, project-specific schedule after the feasibility and site assessment.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Los Angeles?
Every custom home is unique, so cost depends on the lot, square footage, structural and geotechnical complexity, and your finish selections. Rather than quote a generic figure, we provide a detailed, transparent proposal after an initial consultation and site evaluation.
Do you build on hillside or sloped lots?
Yes — hillside and complex-lot construction is one of our core specialties. We execute caisson and grade-beam foundations, retaining systems, and precision grading, all guided by a licensed geotechnical soils report.
What permits does a custom home in LA require?
New construction requires LADBS building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, plus grading permits, and often compliance with the Baseline Hillside Ordinance, Coastal Development Permits, HPOZ, or HOA approvals, depending on the site. We prepare and manage all of them.
Will you build in gated or HOA communities?
Yes. We have experience navigating HOA design review boards, local architectural committees, and municipal design standards in LA’s most regulated communities.
What areas do you serve?
D&H builds custom luxury homes across Los Angeles , including Bel Air, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and the Hollywood Hills.
Build Your Dream Home in Los Angeles
Ready to break ground on your vision? Schedule a private site evaluation with our master building team, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.