Is it advised to build a house ground up in Bay Area?

[Sundeep Yerramreddy]

Hello,

I have been actively looking to buy a house in Bay Area from last few months and couldn't find anything that suits my taste or budget. So, I am just wondering if it makes sense to build a home to my needs. However, I don't have any experience and this would be my first home. I am looking for some inputs from experts if it makes sense to build a home? How hard is it to get permits? How long would the whole process takes? What are the current per sft construction costs?

Cities: San Jose, Fremont or Milpitas

SFT: 2000 - 2500 

Thanks,

Sundeep