The Best Custom Home Builders on Virginia’s Northern Neck
Discover the very best Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms on Virginia’s Northern Neck
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 an 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.
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Find a Custom Home Builder on Virginia’s Northern Neck
Whether a new build or home renovation, The Rappahannock River Company can help you find the best Custom Home Builder for the job.
URBANNA, VIRGINIA
The Allen Group
Custom Home Builder in Urbanna, Virginia
WHITE STONE, VIRGINIA
Connemara Construction
Custom Home Builder in White Stone, Virginia
REEDVILLE, VIRGINIA
Ingram Bay Homes
Custom Home Builder in Reedville, Virginia
WHITE STONE, VIRGINIA
Walker Homes
Custom Home Builder in White Stone, Virginia
IRVINGTON, VIRGINIA
The James Company
Custom Home Builder in Irvington, Virginia
KILMARNOCK, VIRGINIA
Mast Builders
Custom Home Builder in Kilmarnock, Virginia
IRVINGTON, VIRGINIA
Coastal Builders
Custom Home Builder in Irvington, Virginia
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about working with Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms on Virginia’s Northern Neck, including common services, fee structures, and more.
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 IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A GOOD CUSTOM HOME BUILDER ON VIRGINIA’S NORTHERN NECK?
The best way to find a good Custom Home Builder in 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.
WHAT IS A PRIME CONTRACTOR?
Per the Board of Contractors, a Prime Contractor is a licensed contractor that performs, supervises, or manages the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of real property pursuant to the terms of a primary contract with the property owner/lessee. The Prime Contractor may use its own employees to perform the work — or use the services of other licensed contractors. In certain cases, a Prime Contractor can also be the General Contractor. In other cases, a Prime Contractor can hire a General Contractor to manage the project.
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.
DO CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN VIRGINIA HAVE TO HAVE INSURANCE?
No. Custom Home Builders in Virginia are not required to carry general liability or workers compensation insurance.
WHAT BUILD OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE WHEN WORKING WITH A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN 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 BEST WAY TO WORK WITH A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN VIRGINIA?
When you have found the Custom Home Builder you want work with, request a written contract that includes the agreed-upon start and finish dates, the down payment or deposit owed at signing, a cancellation policy, and the total price and payment schedule — including contingencies for paying for work due only upon completion. In addition, ensure your Custom Home Builder obtains all necessary building permits for the project. Because the permit holder becomes the general contractor and assumes responsibility for the overall project (which may include taxes, workers’ compensation, and other legal liabilities). Finally, while it is not required in Virginia, ensure your Custom Home Builder carries an active general liability and workers compensation insurance policy.
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
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