The Best Custom Home Builders in Alexandria, Virginia
Discover the very best Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Alexandria, Virginia
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
What is a Custom Home Builder?
Among the many skills and specialties involved in building a new home, the role of a Custom Home Builder is integral. Certified by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a Custom Home Builder typically works in collaboration with a Residential Architect to develop the plans for a new home and an Interior Designer to help execute and construct the built environment. Conversely, a Custom Home Builder may extend the scope of their service to include architecture and interior design within the context of their engagement. In either capacity, a Custom Home Builder takes plans, ideas, hopes, and dreams and makes them a reality.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Homes of Northern Virginia
Explore a curated collection of the most iconic homes in Northern Virginia
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Find a Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
Whether a new build or home renovation, The Rappahannock River Company can help you find the best Custom Home Builder for the job.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Griffin Moran
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Harry Braswell, Inc.
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Rust Construction
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
The Ransom Co.
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Marks-Woods Construction Services
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Classic Cottages
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Thorsen Construction
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Bonitt Builders
Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Field Notes
Discover the stories, sights, and sounds that make life in Alexandria, Virginia truly extraordinary
The Homestead Preserve of Warm Springs, Virginia. Image courtesy of Darren Setlow.
THE ART OF LIVING
The Branded Residences of the Mid-Atlantic
From Virginia Hunt Country to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, these branded residential communities offer luxury living at its very best
The Town of Upperville, Virginia. Image courtesy of Hugh Kenny.
PAST & PRESENT
A Brief History of Land Conservation in the Mid-Atlantic
The ideals of land conservation are key to the ongoing preservation of historic communities and natural landscapes throughout the Mid-Atlantic
Monticello of Charlottesville, Virginia. Image courtesy of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
THE ART OF LIVING
The Historic Gardens of the Mid-Atlantic
From Virginia Hunt Country to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, these historic gardens are among the Mid-Atlantic’s most important.
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about working with Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Alexandria, Virginia, including common services, fee structures, and more.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A GOOD CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA?
The best way to find a good Custom Home Builder in Alexandria, Virginia is to ask friends who have recently purchased new homes for recommendations. Once you have a list of Custom Home Builders, conduct interviews with each candidate and ask to review an example of their completed work. Verify the license status of each candidate and check for any past disciplinary actions — the Board of Contractors recommends consumers deal only with licensed contractors. Finally, educate yourself on the type of contractor you need for the job. Try to get at least three written estimates and request explanations for any questions you may have before entering into a formal agreement.
DO CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN VIRGINIA HAVE TO BE LICENSED?
Yes. All Custom Home Builders who build homes in Virginia must be licensed with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors. Custom Home Builders typically operate under contractor licenses, which consist of two parts: the class of license and the classification or specialty of license, which determines what type of work is allowed.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTRACTOR LICENSES CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN VIRGINIA ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN?
There are three classes of licenses for contractors in Virginia: Class A, Class B, and Class C. A contractor who undertakes a project where the total value is $120,000 or more is required to have a valid Class A license. Any contractor who undertakes a project where the total value of which is over $10,000 (but less than $120,000) must have a valid Class B license. And any contractor who undertakes a project the total value of which is more than $1,000 (but no more than $10,000) is required to have a valid Class C license.
WHAT BUILD OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE WHEN WORKING WITH A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA?
Typically, consumers working with a Custom Home Builder can choose from three different build options: Buy a spec home (a completed new home), build a model home based on a design the Custom Home Builder already has in place with light customization, or build a custom home from scratch, which is usually more expensive and a long build process but offers the most options for customization.
WHAT KIND OF DOWN PAYMENT SHOULD A CONSUMER EXPECT WHEN WORKING A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN VIRGINIA?
The Board for Contractors recommends that the initial down payment for a consumer engaging with a licensed contractor be no more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) — unless the job requires custom made items, where the initial down payment should be no more than 30% of the total value of the contract. Further, if you are dissatisfied with the work performed by the sub-contractors you may hold the general contractor responsible. Finally, in accordance with the Virginia Home Solicitation Sales Act, consumers have a three-day right to cancel a contract which you have negotiated.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER AND A DESIGN BUILD FIRM?
A Design Build Firm is a type of Custom Home Builder where the disparate parts of the project — specifically the upfront design and then the subsequent construction or build — are contextualized under one agreement and one entity. While many Custom Home Builders offer Design Build services, some may only offer construction services, which means a separate entity may be required to satisfy other phases of the project.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
Create Your Next Home in Alexandria, Virginia
With our premium concierge service, it’s never been easier to create the home of your dreams.