What we do
Building and remodelling homes, led entirely in-house
Two disciplines, one standard
Whether we are building from the ground up or reworking a home you already love, the level of care never changes.
CIQU is a boutique builder. We take on a limited number of projects so that our team can be genuinely present on each one — managing the trades, the timeline and the thousand small decisions that separate a good home from an exceptional one.
01
Ground-Up Homes
Architecturally refined homes built from the ground up. We manage every phase in-house — site preparation, foundations, framing, systems, and the fine finishes that make a house feel like home.
- — Site prep & foundations
- — Framing & structure
- — Systems & finishes
02
Luxury Remodels
Design-driven renovations that transform the home you already love. Kitchens, baths, additions and whole-home remodels, delivered with the same craft and care as a new build.
- — Kitchens & baths
- — Additions & extensions
- — Whole-home remodels
How we work
From first shovel to final finish
Planning
We begin with the end in mind — scope, budget and timeline defined clearly before a single decision is made.
Building
One in-house team leads every trade, so the standard is held consistently from foundation to finish.
Delivering
A meticulous close-out and walkthrough, and a home built to outlast the people who built it.
Questions
Building & remodeling FAQ
How much does it cost to build a custom home on the Peninsula?
Luxury custom homes in the Atherton–Woodside–Palo Alto area generally run well into the four figures per square foot once site work, high-end finishes and design are included. The honest answer is that it depends on the site, the design and the level of finish — which is exactly why we bring construction expertise in early, to align budget and design before commitments are made.
How long does it take to build a custom home?
Most ground-up custom homes take roughly 18–30 months from design through completion, plus permitting, which varies significantly by town. Bringing a builder in during design and preconstruction is the most reliable way to protect the schedule.
What’s the difference between design-build and a general contractor?
A traditional general contractor is hired once drawings are complete to build to them. CIQU works as a building partner from the outset — collaborating with your architect and design team early so cost, schedule and constructability shape the design, rather than being discovered after it’s finished.
Do I need an architect before contacting you?
No. In fact, earlier is better. We can join before the design is complete to advise on feasibility, budget and site — and we work seamlessly alongside the architect and designers you choose.
Do you build ADUs and additions?
Yes. We build accessory dwelling units, additions and whole-home remodels with the same craft and coordination as a ground-up home — see our Woodside ADU for an example.