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Bay Area design-build, fully managed

One team, from first sketch to finished build.

A Bay Area design-build contractor for ADUs and single-family homes. Burton guides the project from early feasibility through coordinated design, permitting, and construction — so there's no gap in the handoff and no chasing updates.

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Licensed
20+ years combined experience
Best of Houzz99th-percentile BuildZoomGoogle reviews
Where to start

We meet you where you are.

Some homeowners come to us with a property and an idea. Others already have drawings or an approved permit set. Burton can step in at either point and lead the project toward a well-planned build.

Design-Build

"I have an idea, but no plans yet."

  • Site feasibility and early budget guidance
  • Design handled — concept to renderings
  • Permitting and plan-check management
  • Construction led through final inspection
See how design-build works

Build from Plans

"I already have plans."

  • Plan review and constructability check
  • Scope, budget, and permit-status review
  • Architect and city coordination
  • Construction management through closeout
See how we build from plans
Not sure which path fits? We'll help you identify the right starting point.Talk with our team
Design-Build Process

One path, guided from start to finish.

From first idea through to final handoff, we handle every detail so you always know what's next — and what to expect.

Discovery & Feasibility1

Discovery & Feasibility

We walk the site, review zoning and setbacks, and give you an early read on what your property can support.

Design & Engineering2

Design & Engineering

We develop your plans and 3D views and engineer the structural, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Permits & Approvals3

Permits & Approvals

We compile the permit package, submit to the city, and resolve plan-check comments to approval.

Construction4

Construction

Your dedicated project lead coordinates trades, schedules inspections, and manages changes.

Closeout & Warranty5

Closeout & Warranty

We finish the punch list, secure occupancy, and hand off your warranty documentation.

One team. One process. Design and construction work together from day one — a single point of contact and no gaps between phases.

Design, engineering & permitting

From early design to an approved, build-ready plan.

Burton coordinates the drawings, engineering, and permit work that carry your project into construction — with licensed design professionals leading their part throughout.

Architectural Drawings

Floor plans, exterior elevations, and key project details developed for review, pricing, and permitting.

3D Design Views

Visuals that help you understand the layout, form, and major design decisions before construction begins.

Structural Engineering

Structural calculations and drawings for the foundation, framing, and other engineered components.

Site Planning

The project's placement, setbacks, access, utilities, and other property-specific conditions documented clearly.

Energy Compliance

Required California energy documentation, including Title 24 calculations and supporting reports.

Permit Package

The coordinated drawings, forms, reports, and supporting documents required for permit submission.

Plan-Check Coordination

Responses, revisions, and resubmittals coordinated with the design team and local jurisdiction.

Approved Construction Set

The final approved drawings and documents used to price, schedule, and build the project.

Build from plans

Your plans are ready. Let's make them buildable.

Already working with an architect or holding a permitted set? Burton steps in with a builder's eye — reviewing the drawings, planning ahead for the build, aligning the scope, and leading construction through final inspection.

We stay coordinated with your architect, consultants, and the city as questions, revisions, and field conditions come up, so the project keeps moving without putting you in the middle.

How we take it from here

  1. 01

    Plan Review

    We review the drawings for scope, constructability, and the details that could impact budget, sequencing, or schedule.

  2. 02

    Build-Readiness

    We review permit status, confirm what has been approved, identify any remaining city or design requirements, and align the final scope and schedule before construction begins.

  3. 03

    Construction

    Burton manages trades, schedule, inspections, communication, and field coordination throughout the build.

  4. 04

    Closeout

    We complete final inspections, punch-list work, documentation, and warranty handoff.

Let's review your plans
Why Burton Builders

One team that owns your project, start to finish.

One project lead, start to finish

Whether we guided the design or you brought the plans, one Burton project lead owns your project from kickoff through final inspection.

Local jurisdiction know-how

We know how East Bay, Marin, and San Francisco building departments read the code, and how to keep projects moving through plan check.

Licensed & insured

A licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1042450), carrying commercial general liability and workers' compensation insurance, with the documentation any lender or city will ask for.

Built on referrals

Most of our work comes by referral — the clearest sign a project went the way it should. We build to be recommended.

Frequently asked

Design-build questions, answered.

What's the difference between design-build and build-only?
With design-build, Burton leads one coordinated process from early feasibility through design, permitting, and construction, engaging the licensed professionals the project requires. Build-only starts with plans you already have. Burton reviews them for buildability, pricing, and permit status, then manages construction.
I don't know where to start — what's the first step?
That's exactly who this is for. The first step is a conversation and a site walk. We look at your property, talk through what you want and a rough budget, and flag any feasibility surprises early. You leave that first step knowing whether the project pencils out and what the path forward looks like — no commitment required.
Do I need an architect for an ADU or home project?
You don't need to have an architect lined up before you reach out. If your project calls for a licensed architect or engineer, Burton can engage and coordinate the right professional as part of the design-build process. And if you already have an architect, we're glad to work from their plans and coordinate with them through construction.
Do you handle the permits?
Yes. Burton coordinates the permit package, submission, plan-check responses, and required revisions with the design team and local jurisdiction. Because requirements vary by city and project, we manage the process based on the specific work and property.
Can you build from plans I already have?
Absolutely. Bring your architect's drawings or a permitted plan set and we'll build them with the same project lead, schedule, and weekly communication we bring to every job. We review the plans for buildability and budget up front, then keep things moving with your architect and the city right through inspections.
Do you do design-build for remodels and additions too?
Yes. Design-build is how we take on ADUs and single-family work of all kinds — ground-up homes, additions and second stories, and whole-home remodels. If you have a residential project and are not sure how to get it off the ground, this is the place to start.

Ready to build the right way?

Let's talk about your project and the best path forward.

Schedule a conversation