The Best Custom Home Builders in Washington, D.C.
Discover the very best Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Washington, D.C.
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, an Interior Designer to help execute and construct the built environment, and a Landscape Architect to execute a thoughtful site plan.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
Featured Washington, D.C. Custom Home Builders
Explore a curated collection of the best Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Washington, D.C.
Soapstone Valley Modern of Forest Hills, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
Empty Nester of Wesley Heights, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie.
Mid-Century Redux of Alexandria, Virginia. Image courtesy of Tod Connell.
THE HOMES COLLECTION
The Homes of Washington, D.C.
Explore a curated collection of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic homes
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Find a Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
Whether a new home or a whole home renovation, The Rappahannock River Company can help you find the best Custom Home Builder for the job
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Hanlon Design Build
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Dilan Homes
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Tarpon Construction
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FWI Custom Homes
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
CMX Construction Group
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Gresinger Construction
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Banks Development Co.
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MM Design Co.
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Thomas Archer
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
ThinkMakeBuild
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Impact Construction
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Ridgeline Contractors
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Carl Petty Associates
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Hudson Gray Design
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
DAKS Builders
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Landis Architects & Builders
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Haigh DeCastro
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Atelier Verre
Design Build Firm in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Blue Star Design Build
Design-Build Firm in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Glass Construction
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Ox Builders
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
StoneGate Construction Group
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Zantzinger
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Ley Group
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Galal Development
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
HDBUILDS
Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
CIMA Design and Build
Design Build Firm in Washington, D.C.
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about working with Custom Home Builders in Washington, D.C.
DO CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HAVE TO BE LICENSED?
Yes. All Custom Home Builders who build homes or perform renovations in Washington, D.C. must be licensed as a General Contractor with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GENERAL CONTRACTOR AND A HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR?
In Washington, D.C. there are two primary licensees that you may work with: General Contractor and Home Improvement Contractor. A General Contractor has a more broad scope of work — such as developing vacant land, building new residential homes, or commercial property — whereas a Home Improvement Contractor’s scope of work is limited to existing residential property only (not new construction). Further, a Home Improvement Contractor must name at least one Home Improvement Salesperson. Typically, a Custom Home Builder has both a General Contractor License and a Home Improvement Contractor license.
DO CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HAVE TO HAVE INSURANCE?
Yes. Custom Home Builders in Washington, D.C. — including General Contractors, Construction Managers, and Home Improvement Contractors — are required to have a Certificate of Liability Insurance. Insurance requirements are based several classes (Class A through Class H) and determined by the contract value of a single project.
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.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A GOOD CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
The best way to find a good Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C. 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. Finally, ensure your Custom Home Builder is registered, as Custom Home Builders in Washington, D.C. must be registered with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to get building permits and to ensure you are covered by all protections afforded by the District of Columbia.
WHAT BUILD OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE WHEN WORKING WITH A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Typically, consumers working with a Custom Home Builder in Washington, D.C. 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.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
Create Your Next Home in Washington, D.C.
With our premium concierge service, it’s never been easier to create the home of your dreams.