Custom Homes Description

Looking for a full-service custom home builder to make your dream home a reality?  We have experience building all styles and sizes of homes, and we want to help you build the perfect home that best fits your family’s needs. Whether you have a pre-existing plan, or if you want us to guide you to the home of your dreams, each project will be informed by our years of experience to help you achieve the highest quality result for you and your family.

Our standards of quality extend beyond the Paradigm team to include vendors, contractors, and anyone who is necessary to build your home.  Your beautiful Custom Home will reflect the creativity of the design, the craftsmanship of the trades, and the meticulous attention to detail that comes from an experienced team. With a skilled team managing these elements, you will be free to fully enjoy the process of building your Custom Home.

The many years we have been in the industry has helped us refine the planning and construction process so that we can better meet your needs.  Our process, called the Paradigm Process gives you an extensive blueprint of what you can expect throughout each phase so there are no surprises.  We have found that this approach not only helps set expectations in the forefront, but enhances communication throughout your building project.

Questions & Answers

What is the difference between a Custom Home and portfolio home?

A Custom Home is a home uniquely designed for the client creating a home that is truly designed with the client’s style and finish in mind. The plans for a Custom Home are typically created from scratch or reinvented from an existing floor plan.

A portfolio home is a home that comes from the builder’s portfolio of floor plans. The plans can be tweaked a little and you have the ability in most cases to design the finishes to your style and finishes.

The development process for a custom home and portfolio home are very similar when you choose to tear down and build a new home on your lot.

Can I use my own architect and their plans?

We have found no real benefit in hiring the architect before or separate from the builder. Working with an external architectural firm prior to hiring the builder typically presents some challenges, mainly helping clients with design and cost control. We have on occasion worked with outside architectural firms as long as we are hired from the onset to work along side the architect and engineers. Paradigm stands behind the belief that you are more likely to stay within budget having the builder on your team from the beginning and having a better product at the completion of construction.

If I demo my current house, can I salvage or donate some of the existing materials?

Yes, there are some great organizations that we work with that salvage some parts of the existing home. These firms will also show you how you could receive a tax savings through these donations.

Do I get a mortgage for my Custom Home like I would when purchase an existing home?

Yes, in this case you would get a construction loan. A construction loan acts very similar to a regular mortgage. The bank will take the future value of the home based on the project design and scope. They will fund you based on the equity and current value of your home and lot. The bank will work with us directly to pay us draw payments based on certain phase of work for the contract value. Once the construction is complete, the construction loan is rolled up into a final mortgage.  To learn more, please give us a call and we can set you up with one of our preferred lenders so you can learn more about the financing of your project.

How long does the whole tear down / new build process take?

The Custom Home process is broken in down into two phases: Pre-Construction and Construction. The Pre-Construction phase includes the design, finish selections, final pricing and permit submissions. The Construction Phase is when the fun begins… we begin the actual work on your new home. The Pre-Construction takes about 3 to 6 months depending on your local county jurisdictions permitting time and requirements. The Construction process for a Custom Home takes about 8 to 16 months, depending on the size of the home.

Can you help me find a lot to build a new Custom Home?

Yes, we’d love to help you find a lot for your new Custom Home. We have several partners that have access to off market opportunities that can help you find what you’re looking for. Please call us to get started.

Can I build on a lot I currently own?

Of course you can and we are confident we are the right team to help you achieve your goals! Part of our role here at Paradigm is to help you understand the natural advantages of your lot type when you are preparing to build your Custom Home. There are many different lot types that are common in Northern Virginia as well as the surrounding area, and each presents different advantages and challenges.

We want you to understand how lot types are determined, what options each lot type presents, and, if you haven’t purchased a lot already, which lot type would best fit your dream home. We are prepared to sit down with you and discuss everything you need to know about building on your own lot.  If you decide to make us your partner, you will be armed with all the facts to help you turn your lot into a custom home that perfectly fits your family’s needs.

Custom Home Gallery

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Custom Home Floor Plans

The Atherton
The Ambridge
The Avalon

Reach Out to Paradigm to Get Started on Your Custom Home!

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