Malibu
Discover
Discover
Malibu Luxury Custom Home Builder
ARCA designs and builds custom luxury homes in the most sought-after neighborhoods along the Malibu coast.
Projects
90+
Happy Clients
100%
Commitment
110%
Projects
90+
Happy Clients
100%
Commitment
110%
Projects
90+
Happy Clients
100%
Commitment
110%
ARCA Builders Knows Malibu
Malibu encompasses a wide range of coastal districts and canyon communities, each with its own regulatory, geological, and access constraints.
ARCA Builders’ experience with Malibu permitting, coastal review, and hillside construction requirements helps projects move forward within one of California’s most complex building environments.
Malibu
Malibu
Malibu
Carbon Beach
An ultra-prime oceanfront stretch known for deep beachfront parcels, private seawalls, and direct sand access, often called Billionaire’s Beach. Development is heavily regulated by the Coastal Commission, with strict scrutiny on height, setbacks, and shoreline protection.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Carbon Beach
An ultra-prime oceanfront stretch known for deep beachfront parcels, private seawalls, and direct sand access, often called Billionaire’s Beach. Development is heavily regulated by the Coastal Commission, with strict scrutiny on height, setbacks, and shoreline protection.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Carbon Beach
An ultra-prime oceanfront stretch known for deep beachfront parcels, private seawalls, and direct sand access, often called Billionaire’s Beach. Development is heavily regulated by the Coastal Commission, with strict scrutiny on height, setbacks, and shoreline protection.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Malibu Colony
A historic gated beachfront enclave with controlled access, uniform lot orientation, and a long-standing reputation as Malibu’s legacy community. Renovations and new construction are shaped by tight lot coverage limits and neighborhood precedent.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Malibu Colony
A historic gated beachfront enclave with controlled access, uniform lot orientation, and a long-standing reputation as Malibu’s legacy community. Renovations and new construction are shaped by tight lot coverage limits and neighborhood precedent.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Malibu Colony
A historic gated beachfront enclave with controlled access, uniform lot orientation, and a long-standing reputation as Malibu’s legacy community. Renovations and new construction are shaped by tight lot coverage limits and neighborhood precedent.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Broad Beach
A wide sandy beach community defined by large oceanfront homes, engineered sand replenishment, and private protective structures. Coastal permitting, bluff stability, and public access requirements are central to any project.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No traditional HOA. Mandatory Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GBAD).
Broad Beach
A wide sandy beach community defined by large oceanfront homes, engineered sand replenishment, and private protective structures. Coastal permitting, bluff stability, and public access requirements are central to any project.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No traditional HOA. Mandatory Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GBAD).
Broad Beach
A wide sandy beach community defined by large oceanfront homes, engineered sand replenishment, and private protective structures. Coastal permitting, bluff stability, and public access requirements are central to any project.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No traditional HOA. Mandatory Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GBAD).
Point Dume
A bluff-top peninsula offering flat lots, beach key access in select areas, and a mix of estates and ranch-style parcels. Geological conditions and coastal view protections influence height and grading decisions.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Point Dume Club (beach key association) for qualifying tracts.
Point Dume
A bluff-top peninsula offering flat lots, beach key access in select areas, and a mix of estates and ranch-style parcels. Geological conditions and coastal view protections influence height and grading decisions.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Point Dume Club (beach key association) for qualifying tracts.
Point Dume
A bluff-top peninsula offering flat lots, beach key access in select areas, and a mix of estates and ranch-style parcels. Geological conditions and coastal view protections influence height and grading decisions.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Point Dume Club (beach key association) for qualifying tracts.
Serra Retreat
A gated estate district near Malibu Canyon known for oversized parcels, privacy, and mature landscaping. Development typically involves long driveways, hillside engineering, and fire access considerations.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Serra Retreat Homeowners Association.
Serra Retreat
A gated estate district near Malibu Canyon known for oversized parcels, privacy, and mature landscaping. Development typically involves long driveways, hillside engineering, and fire access considerations.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Serra Retreat Homeowners Association.
Serra Retreat
A gated estate district near Malibu Canyon known for oversized parcels, privacy, and mature landscaping. Development typically involves long driveways, hillside engineering, and fire access considerations.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Serra Retreat Homeowners Association.
Malibu Park
A semi-rural residential area with larger lots, equestrian zoning in portions, and a blend of original homes and custom rebuilds. Infrastructure constraints and slope conditions can affect construction staging.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No centralized HOA. Some streets maintain voluntary road or equestrian associations.
Malibu Park
A semi-rural residential area with larger lots, equestrian zoning in portions, and a blend of original homes and custom rebuilds. Infrastructure constraints and slope conditions can affect construction staging.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No centralized HOA. Some streets maintain voluntary road or equestrian associations.
Malibu Park
A semi-rural residential area with larger lots, equestrian zoning in portions, and a blend of original homes and custom rebuilds. Infrastructure constraints and slope conditions can affect construction staging.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No centralized HOA. Some streets maintain voluntary road or equestrian associations.
Sunset Mesa
A hillside neighborhood near the eastern Malibu boundary offering ocean views, tighter lots, and tract-style street layouts. Projects often balance view preservation with hillside grading limits.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Sunset Mesa Property Owners Association (limited scope, primarily community maintenance and neighborhood coordination).
Sunset Mesa
A hillside neighborhood near the eastern Malibu boundary offering ocean views, tighter lots, and tract-style street layouts. Projects often balance view preservation with hillside grading limits.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Sunset Mesa Property Owners Association (limited scope, primarily community maintenance and neighborhood coordination).
Sunset Mesa
A hillside neighborhood near the eastern Malibu boundary offering ocean views, tighter lots, and tract-style street layouts. Projects often balance view preservation with hillside grading limits.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Sunset Mesa Property Owners Association (limited scope, primarily community maintenance and neighborhood coordination).
Malibu Road
A narrow beachfront corridor with homes positioned directly along the sand and minimal separation between structures. Coastal setbacks, parking logistics, and shoreline engineering drive design constraints.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Malibu Road
A narrow beachfront corridor with homes positioned directly along the sand and minimal separation between structures. Coastal setbacks, parking logistics, and shoreline engineering drive design constraints.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Malibu Road
A narrow beachfront corridor with homes positioned directly along the sand and minimal separation between structures. Coastal setbacks, parking logistics, and shoreline engineering drive design constraints.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Latigo Canyon
A canyon community characterized by steep topography, long access roads, and view-oriented hillside sites. Structural engineering and wildfire resilience are primary planning factors.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Latigo Canyon
A canyon community characterized by steep topography, long access roads, and view-oriented hillside sites. Structural engineering and wildfire resilience are primary planning factors.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Latigo Canyon
A canyon community characterized by steep topography, long access roads, and view-oriented hillside sites. Structural engineering and wildfire resilience are primary planning factors.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
No formal or mandatory HOA.
Encinal Bluffs
A western Malibu area combining bluff-top oceanfront properties and inland canyon estates with larger parcels. Coastal erosion, access roads, and utility distance can influence project scope.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Private road associations in certain sections.
Encinal Bluffs
A western Malibu area combining bluff-top oceanfront properties and inland canyon estates with larger parcels. Coastal erosion, access roads, and utility distance can influence project scope.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Private road associations in certain sections.
Encinal Bluffs
A western Malibu area combining bluff-top oceanfront properties and inland canyon estates with larger parcels. Coastal erosion, access roads, and utility distance can influence project scope.
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Private road associations in certain sections.
Our Process
Building a home is a complex undertaking, and the earlier we get involved, the more value we can bring to your project. Whether you already have architectural plans or are just beginning to explore your options, our team is here to guide you through every phase.
01
Site Evaluation and Feasibility
Building your custom home starts with comprehensive site assessment. We evaluate soil tests, site clearing, stability, and drainage requirements. Our team reviews local building codes, height restrictions, and view corridor regulations to ensure your property is development-ready before proceeding.
02
02
Architecture and Design
Architecture and Design
We work closely with top architects and designers to bring your vision to life. This phase involves refining the home’s layout, selecting materials, and ensuring all aesthetic and functional needs are met. Through thoughtful collaboration, we create a home that is both visually stunning and built for your lifestyle.
We work closely with top architects and designers to bring your vision to life. This phase involves refining the home’s layout, selecting materials, and ensuring all aesthetic and functional needs are met. Through thoughtful collaboration, we create a home that is both visually stunning and built for your lifestyle.
03
Construction Specifications
A well-planned project leads to a smoother build. We finalize all specifications, plans, selections, and secure necessary permits. Clear documentation minimizes surprises and ensures that expectations are aligned before breaking ground.
04
04
Budget and Scheduling
Budget and Scheduling
Before construction begins, we establish a transparent and detailed budget based on real subcontractor bids. Once finalized, a construction schedule is created, along with a Decision Deadline Schedule to keep everything on track and avoid delays.
Before construction begins, we establish a transparent and detailed budget based on real subcontractor bids. Once finalized, a construction schedule is created, along with a Decision Deadline Schedule to keep everything on track and avoid delays.
05
Construction Management
Our team manages every aspect of the build, from the foundation to the final finishes. A dedicated project manager ensures work is completed to exacting standards. Routine financial tracking and quality control inspections maintain consistency and accountability throughout the process.
06
06
Project Close-Out and Move-In
Project Close-Out and Move-In
We arrange a complete inspection by an Independent home inspector, followed by a detailed walk-through to create a final punch list. Upon move-in, you’ll receive a comprehensive close-out package with all warranties, manuals, and project documentation.
We arrange a complete inspection by an Independent home inspector, followed by a detailed walk-through to create a final punch list. Upon move-in, you’ll receive a comprehensive close-out package with all warranties, manuals, and project documentation.
07
Warranty and Aftercare
Experience stress-free home maintenance managed by the same team that built it. Our HomeKeep program handles all routine preventative care including scheduling, on-site management, and detailed service reporting to preserve your home's value for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a custom home approved in Malibu?
Permitting timelines in Malibu are driven less by the city alone and more by Coastal Commission jurisdiction, geology, and environmental review. A ground-up custom home typically requires 12 to 24 months for full approvals depending on site conditions, coastal zone classification, and whether hearings are required. Projects involving bluff setbacks, public access issues, or significant grading can extend beyond that range.
How long does it take to get a custom home approved in Malibu?
Permitting timelines in Malibu are driven less by the city alone and more by Coastal Commission jurisdiction, geology, and environmental review. A ground-up custom home typically requires 12 to 24 months for full approvals depending on site conditions, coastal zone classification, and whether hearings are required. Projects involving bluff setbacks, public access issues, or significant grading can extend beyond that range.
How long does it take to get a custom home approved in Malibu?
Permitting timelines in Malibu are driven less by the city alone and more by Coastal Commission jurisdiction, geology, and environmental review. A ground-up custom home typically requires 12 to 24 months for full approvals depending on site conditions, coastal zone classification, and whether hearings are required. Projects involving bluff setbacks, public access issues, or significant grading can extend beyond that range.
Do all Malibu projects require Coastal Commission approval?
Most new construction and major remodels within the coastal zone require Coastal Development Permits, unless they are in a Categorical Exclusion zone Some projects are processed locally by the City of Malibu under delegated authority, while others must go directly to the California Coastal Commission. Whether a project stays local or moves to the state level depends on location, height, shoreline impact, and visibility from public vantage points.
Do all Malibu projects require Coastal Commission approval?
Most new construction and major remodels within the coastal zone require Coastal Development Permits, unless they are in a Categorical Exclusion zone Some projects are processed locally by the City of Malibu under delegated authority, while others must go directly to the California Coastal Commission. Whether a project stays local or moves to the state level depends on location, height, shoreline impact, and visibility from public vantage points.
Do all Malibu projects require Coastal Commission approval?
Most new construction and major remodels within the coastal zone require Coastal Development Permits, unless they are in a Categorical Exclusion zone Some projects are processed locally by the City of Malibu under delegated authority, while others must go directly to the California Coastal Commission. Whether a project stays local or moves to the state level depends on location, height, shoreline impact, and visibility from public vantage points.
What are the biggest construction challenges unique to Malibu?
The primary constraints are geology, fire access, and coastal regulation. Many sites require soils reports, caisson foundations, or specialized hillside engineering. Access roads can limit staging and crane operations. Fire rebuild standards, defensible space requirements, and water flow capacity also influence design and approvals.
What are the biggest construction challenges unique to Malibu?
The primary constraints are geology, fire access, and coastal regulation. Many sites require soils reports, caisson foundations, or specialized hillside engineering. Access roads can limit staging and crane operations. Fire rebuild standards, defensible space requirements, and water flow capacity also influence design and approvals.
What are the biggest construction challenges unique to Malibu?
The primary constraints are geology, fire access, and coastal regulation. Many sites require soils reports, caisson foundations, or specialized hillside engineering. Access roads can limit staging and crane operations. Fire rebuild standards, defensible space requirements, and water flow capacity also influence design and approvals.
Can I demolish and rebuild an existing Malibu home faster than building new?
A demo-rebuild can shorten certain review steps, but it does not bypass coastal regulation. If the new structure increases size, height, or footprint meaningfully, it is treated similarly to new construction. Strategic design that stays within prior envelope limits can sometimes reduce review intensity.
Can I demolish and rebuild an existing Malibu home faster than building new?
A demo-rebuild can shorten certain review steps, but it does not bypass coastal regulation. If the new structure increases size, height, or footprint meaningfully, it is treated similarly to new construction. Strategic design that stays within prior envelope limits can sometimes reduce review intensity.
Can I demolish and rebuild an existing Malibu home faster than building new?
A demo-rebuild can shorten certain review steps, but it does not bypass coastal regulation. If the new structure increases size, height, or footprint meaningfully, it is treated similarly to new construction. Strategic design that stays within prior envelope limits can sometimes reduce review intensity.
Are there strict height limits in Malibu?
Yes. Malibu enforces height restrictions tied to zoning, view preservation, and coastal visual impact. Measured height can differ from perceived height due to slope calculations and finished grade definitions. Early architectural massing studies are critical to avoid redesign after submission.
Are there strict height limits in Malibu?
Yes. Malibu enforces height restrictions tied to zoning, view preservation, and coastal visual impact. Measured height can differ from perceived height due to slope calculations and finished grade definitions. Early architectural massing studies are critical to avoid redesign after submission.
Are there strict height limits in Malibu?
Yes. Malibu enforces height restrictions tied to zoning, view preservation, and coastal visual impact. Measured height can differ from perceived height due to slope calculations and finished grade definitions. Early architectural massing studies are critical to avoid redesign after submission.
How much does it cost to build a luxury home in Malibu today?
High-end coastal construction typically falls in the upper tier of California pricing due to engineering, logistics, and permitting complexity. Oceanfront and hillside builds often carry additional structural and staging costs. A realistic planning range for luxury custom construction is significantly higher than inland Los Angeles markets, with site conditions driving final numbers.
How much does it cost to build a luxury home in Malibu today?
High-end coastal construction typically falls in the upper tier of California pricing due to engineering, logistics, and permitting complexity. Oceanfront and hillside builds often carry additional structural and staging costs. A realistic planning range for luxury custom construction is significantly higher than inland Los Angeles markets, with site conditions driving final numbers.
How much does it cost to build a luxury home in Malibu today?
High-end coastal construction typically falls in the upper tier of California pricing due to engineering, logistics, and permitting complexity. Oceanfront and hillside builds often carry additional structural and staging costs. A realistic planning range for luxury custom construction is significantly higher than inland Los Angeles markets, with site conditions driving final numbers.
Do Malibu HOAs or neighborhood associations restrict design?
Only certain enclaves such as Malibu Colony or Serra Retreat have formal associations with architectural influence. Most Malibu design restrictions come from zoning, coastal review, and environmental regulations rather than private HOAs. Each parcel’s regulatory envelope matters more than neighborhood style precedent.
Do Malibu HOAs or neighborhood associations restrict design?
Only certain enclaves such as Malibu Colony or Serra Retreat have formal associations with architectural influence. Most Malibu design restrictions come from zoning, coastal review, and environmental regulations rather than private HOAs. Each parcel’s regulatory envelope matters more than neighborhood style precedent.
Do Malibu HOAs or neighborhood associations restrict design?
Only certain enclaves such as Malibu Colony or Serra Retreat have formal associations with architectural influence. Most Malibu design restrictions come from zoning, coastal review, and environmental regulations rather than private HOAs. Each parcel’s regulatory envelope matters more than neighborhood style precedent.
What fire rebuilding rules apply in Malibu after a loss?
Rebuilds must comply with current fire and building codes, including ignition-resistant materials, hardened vents, and defensible landscaping standards. Owners can often rebuild within prior square footage, but expansions trigger additional review. Insurance timing, temporary housing, and permitting sequencing should be coordinated early.
What fire rebuilding rules apply in Malibu after a loss?
Rebuilds must comply with current fire and building codes, including ignition-resistant materials, hardened vents, and defensible landscaping standards. Owners can often rebuild within prior square footage, but expansions trigger additional review. Insurance timing, temporary housing, and permitting sequencing should be coordinated early.
What fire rebuilding rules apply in Malibu after a loss?
Rebuilds must comply with current fire and building codes, including ignition-resistant materials, hardened vents, and defensible landscaping standards. Owners can often rebuild within prior square footage, but expansions trigger additional review. Insurance timing, temporary housing, and permitting sequencing should be coordinated early.
Can I build a basement or subterranean level in Malibu?
Subterranean construction is possible but heavily site-dependent. Hillside stability, groundwater, and coastal geology influence feasibility. Basements often require advanced engineering and waterproofing systems, and may still count toward floor area depending on exposure.
Can I build a basement or subterranean level in Malibu?
Subterranean construction is possible but heavily site-dependent. Hillside stability, groundwater, and coastal geology influence feasibility. Basements often require advanced engineering and waterproofing systems, and may still count toward floor area depending on exposure.
Can I build a basement or subterranean level in Malibu?
Subterranean construction is possible but heavily site-dependent. Hillside stability, groundwater, and coastal geology influence feasibility. Basements often require advanced engineering and waterproofing systems, and may still count toward floor area depending on exposure.
How early should a builder be involved in the Malibu design process?
Early builder involvement reduces redesign risk. Malibu projects benefit from pre-construction coordination between architect, engineer, and contractor before submission. Construction logistics, crane access, soil assumptions, and staging constraints are easier to solve on paper than after approvals.
How early should a builder be involved in the Malibu design process?
Early builder involvement reduces redesign risk. Malibu projects benefit from pre-construction coordination between architect, engineer, and contractor before submission. Construction logistics, crane access, soil assumptions, and staging constraints are easier to solve on paper than after approvals.
How early should a builder be involved in the Malibu design process?
Early builder involvement reduces redesign risk. Malibu projects benefit from pre-construction coordination between architect, engineer, and contractor before submission. Construction logistics, crane access, soil assumptions, and staging constraints are easier to solve on paper than after approvals.
Discover why Malibu's most discerning homeowners and developers choose ARCA Builders.
Discover why Malibu's most discerning homeowners and developers choose ARCA Builders.
Discover why Malibu's most discerning homeowners and developers choose ARCA Builders.
Architect-builder misalignment drives cost overruns and delays on custom homes. Learn why early coordination prevents millions in losses.
Architect-builder misalignment drives cost overruns and delays on custom homes. Learn why early coordination prevents millions in losses.
Should you sell your inherited Newport Beach property as-is or rebuild first? Compare both options, understand Prop 19 tax impact, and maximize value.
Should you sell your inherited Newport Beach property as-is or rebuild first? Compare both options, understand Prop 19 tax impact, and maximize value.
The Builders Alliance portal has launched, giving fire-affected homeowners in Pacific Palisades and Altadena a single, reliable starting point for rebuilding.
The Builders Alliance portal has launched, giving fire-affected homeowners in Pacific Palisades and Altadena a single, reliable starting point for rebuilding.
Architect-builder misalignment drives cost overruns and delays on custom homes. Learn why early coordination prevents millions in losses.
Should you sell your inherited Newport Beach property as-is or rebuild first? Compare both options, understand Prop 19 tax impact, and maximize value.