CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

The Best Custom Home Builders in Richmond, Virginia

Discover the very best Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Richmond, Virginia, including the City of Richmond, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County

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 Richmond, Virginia

Explore a curated collection of the most iconic homes of Richmond, Virginia

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Find a Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

Whether a new build or home renovation, The Rappahannock River Company can help you find the best Custom Home Builder for the job.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Benchmark Homes

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

River City Custom Homes

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA

South River Custom Homes

Custom Home Builder in Midlothian, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Bradford Custom Homes

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Lancaster Custom Builder

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Mako Builders

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

VMAX

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA

Biringer Builders

Custom Home Builder in Midlothian, Virginia

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HENRICO, VIRGINIA

Gardner Construction Corp.

Custom Home Builder in Henrico, Virginia

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MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA

Perkinson Homes

Custom Home Builder in Midlothian, Virginia

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NEW KENT, VIRGINIA

10 Squared Build + Design

Custom Home Builder in New Kent, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Clark Robins Design Build

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA

Southern Traditions Homes

Custom Home Builder in Glen Allen, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

RIC Design Build

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Berg Building + Design

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Colonial Homecrafters

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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MANAKIN-SABOT, VIRGINIA

Boone Homes

Custom Home Builder in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia

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HENRICO, VIRGINIA

Eagle Construction

Custom Home Builder in Henrico, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Lane Homes & Remodeling

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Hampden Hill Custom Building

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

E.T. Moore Homes

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Olsten Building Company

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Covenant Building & Design

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA

Cardiff Custom Construction

Custom Home Builder in Midlothian, Virginia

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HENRICO, VIRGINIA

Keel Custom Homes

Custom Home Builder in Henrico, Virginia

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NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA

Portico Classic Homes

Custom Home Builder in North Chesterfield, Virginia

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GOOCHLAND, VIRGINIA

Blue Ridge Custom Homes

Custom Home Builder in Goochland, Virginia

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POWHATAN, VIRGINIA

Clay Street Builders

Custom Home Builder in Powhatan, Virginia

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HENRICO, VIRGINIA

Dunkum Custom Homes

Custom Home Builder in Henrico, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Virginia Tradition Builders

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Tuckahoe Creek Construction

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Mark Franko Custom Building

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

James River Construction

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA

Pitts & Associates

Custom Home Builder in North Chesterfield, Virginia

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MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA

Cary’s Mill Woodworking

Custom Home Builder in Midlothian, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Spruce Construction

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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HENRICO, VIRGINIA

Martin & Wood Construction

Custom Home Builder in Henrico, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Stratford Hills Construction

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Balducci Builders

Custom Home Builder in Mechanicsville, Virginia

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MANAKIN SABOT, VIRGINIA

Montague & Sons Custom Homes

Custom Home Builder in Manakin Sabot, Virginia

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MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA

Creative Home Concepts

Custom Home Builder in Midlothian, Virginia

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RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Arch-Davis Construction

Custom Home Builder in Richmond, Virginia

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CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Field Notes

Discover the stories, sights, and sounds that make life in Richmond, Virginia truly extraordinary

Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects.

THE HOMES COLLECTION

The Waterfront Homes of Virginia

These waterfront homes are among the finest in Virginia

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Richmond, Virginia. Image courtesy of Stephen Poore.

TRAVEL GUIDE

A Weekend in Richmond, Virginia

The capital city of the Commonwealth, Richmond, Virginia offers a unique blend of urban dynamism, amazing food, and historic charm.

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Windsor Farms Revival of Richmond, Virginia. Image courtesy of Ansel Olson.

THE HOMES COLLECTION

The Homes of Richmond, Virginia

Discover the most iconic homes of Richmond, Virginia, the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore frequently asked questions about working with Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Richmond, Virginia, 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 IN VIRGINIA?

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 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 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. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure your Custom Home Builders has appropriate coverage.

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.

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