Zume Builders: Custom Homes and ADU Construction on the Peninsula
Zume Builders is a construction company based in San Mateo, California, specializing in custom stick-built homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and prefabricated new homes. Their primary service areas on the Peninsula include Atherton, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Redwood City, and Woodside.
The company has built a portfolio that spans new custom home construction, large-scale renovations, and ADU projects. They are also known for transparency in their process, using software-generated detailed estimates and managing project execution in line with those estimates.
ADU Construction and Accessory Dwelling Units
Zume Builders has been active as an ADU contractor since before the significant surge in demand that came around 2020. As an experienced accessory dwelling unit builder, they have worked on a range of ADU types, including in-law suites and backyard structures intended for use as home offices or rental units.
The ADU market has continued to grow, and Zume Builders positions itself to handle these projects efficiently. An ADU can serve multiple purposes:
- Rental income and return on investment
- Home office space
- Accommodation for family members
- Additional living space on existing property
Their experience as a detached ADU builder and granny flat builder in the Peninsula area means they are familiar with local regulations and construction requirements specific to these projects.
Custom Homes and Prefabricated Construction
Beyond ADU work, Zume Builders takes on full custom home builds. A notable example is an ongoing project in Los Altos Hills — a 5,000 square foot custom home featuring a vineyard, lap pool, basement, and extensive retaining walls. They also handle major renovation projects, such as a full to-stud renovation with an attached ADU in Hillsborough.
Prefabricated homes are another area of focus. Zume Builders coordinates directly with manufacturers and plants to ensure specifications are met from the early stages. Their work on a modular home in Los Altos Hills included site preparation, garage and driveway work, coordination of the modular home crane drop, and all finishing connections.
The management team brings a varied background to the business. Co-founder and CEO Michael Chau spent 16 years as a software engineer before transitioning into real estate development and residential construction. He holds credentials as a LEED Accredited Professional, Certified Energy Plan Examiner, and City of Palo Alto Green Building Inspector, and has approximately 15 years of residential construction experience in the Bay Area.
Zume Builders uses project management software accessible to clients from the start of a project, aiming to keep communication consistent throughout the build process. Their work spans Hillsborough, Burlingame, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and surrounding Peninsula communities.