Pictured: Modern Ranch kitchen, Templeton
Carmel-by-the-Sea · Carmel Valley · Carmel Highlands
Luxury Custom Home Builder in Carmel
Custom homes and whole-home remodels in Carmel, from the family team that built a 2,500 sq ft stone cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- LicensedCSLB #986950
- Your teamMichael & Chris Harrod
- Office1345 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles
- WhereCarmel & the Monterey Peninsula
Carmel
Small lots, strict review, big expectations
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the hardest places in California to build a house well. Lots are small, the City’s design review is detailed, trees are protected, and staging a crew on a narrow street takes planning. The reward is a home that feels like it has always belonged there.
We built a 2,500 sq ft stone and handcrafted-wood cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea over an 11-month build. That job taught us how the City reviews materials and massing and how to keep neighbors on side during construction.
In Carmel Valley and the Carmel Highlands, the work moves to Monterey County permits: larger lots, steep sites, wildfire rules and, near the coast, coastal permits. We plan each of those steps before construction pricing is final.
What we build here
- New custom homes and cottages
- Whole-home remodels and additions
- Stone, plaster and wood detailing
- Hillside foundations in the Highlands and Valley
- Outdoor living with our landscape company
- Plans through Harrod Drafting & Design
Building here
What to know before building in Carmel
City design review
Carmel-by-the-Sea reviews homes on one of two tracks depending on scope. Our Track 1 vs Track 2 guide explains which applies.
Water
Much of the Monterey Peninsula is served by California American Water, and new water connections have been limited for years. Water availability can decide what you can build, so we check it before design. See the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.
Carmel Valley
Unincorporated Carmel Valley runs through Monterey County. See building in Carmel Valley.
Trees and lots
Carmel protects its trees, and footprints, foundations and staging often have to work around them. We plan access and protection with the arborist before pricing.
Budget
Our Carmel custom home cost guide covers what drives the price on the Peninsula.
Areas we serve
Where we build on the Monterey Peninsula
Custom homes, remodels, additions and ADUs across San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties.
Monterey County
Have you built in Carmel-by-the-Sea before?
Yes. See our Carmel stone cottage: 2,500 sq ft in natural stone and handcrafted wood, built in 11 months.
Do you build in Carmel Valley and the Highlands?
Yes. Those are under Monterey County permits, and we handle hillside, fire-zone and coastal steps as the lot requires.
Can you build to my architect’s plans?
Yes, and we can price the drawings during design so the project stays inside your budget.
What is the first step?
A visit to the lot or house and a look at any plans, followed by a frank read on permits, schedule and budget.
One family, three companies: plans for big custom homes, remodels and additions from Harrod Drafting & Design, and pools, hardscape and planting from Paso Robles Landscaping, our landscape company. Also see whole-home remodels in Carmel.
Start your project
Building or remodeling in Carmel? Tell us about it.
A few details help us call you back with useful answers about budget, schedule and permits.
805.712.8993michael@harrodbuilt.com
1345 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446
CSLB License #986950
