If you’ve toured home after home in Northern Virginia and nothing feels quite right, you’re not alone. In this episode of Real Estate Explained, we sat down with Andrew Hall of Alair Homes, a custom builder handling full teardowns and major remodels across Arlington, DC, and Maryland to unpack what it really takes to design and build a home around your lifestyle. From costs and financing to trend-forward features (hello, home automation and floor-to-ceiling windows), we cover how to go custom without losing your mind or your budget.
Why Buyers Choose Custom (Especially in Arlington)
In dense, established neighborhoods like North Arlington, move-up buyers often discover that what’s on the market doesn’t quite fit how they live. Custom building solves for that. As Andrew notes, many clients already own the lot (or purchase a teardown) and choose a ground-up rebuild to get the layout, aging-in-place features (like first-floor owner’s suites and elevators), and materials that make everyday life better: think cast-iron plumbing stacks to reduce water noise, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and dedicated spaces like meditation rooms, Pilates rooms, and wine cellars.
Custom vs. Spec: What’s the Difference?
Spec builders optimize for broad appeal and costs. Custom builders start with you: your lot, your architect (or theirs), your floor plan, and selections that match your lifestyle. That flexibility is the draw but it also requires decision-making and a team that can guide you through it. Pro tip from Andrew: The single best trait of a happy custom-build client is being decisive. If you can make timely choices (or work with an interior designer), you’ll protect the schedule and the budget.
The Process: From “Idea” to “Keys”
1) Planning & Team
Some clients bring a full set of plans. Others start from scratch. Either way, your builder can introduce trusted architects and interior designers. We love seeing clients bring Pinterest boards then let the pros translate that vision into buildable details.
2) Budgeting & Allowances
Expect a preliminary estimate broken down by categories. For selections you’re undecided on (e.g., plumbing fixtures), builders assign allowances you’ll finalize later. Choose above the allowance? Budget rises; below it? You save.
3) Permitting & Pre-Construction
While plans move through permitting, the builder refines the budget, schedules trades, orders long-lead materials, and sets the draw schedule with your lender.
4) Construction & Communication
A project manager orchestrates people, timelines, inspections, and materials like a “director of an orchestra.” You’ll have progress checkpoints and deadlines for remaining decisions (e.g., lighting locations before drywall).
How Financing Works (Construction-to-Perm 101)
You’ll qualify based on acquisition (lot) + construction costs + after-construction value. Many move-up buyers in Arlington already own their property (or buy the teardown), which can cover much of the equity requirement. During the build, the lender funds the project in draws, and you typically make interest-only payments until conversion to a permanent loan at completion.
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There’s no single “cost per square foot” for a custom home because selections and complexity vary widely. A simpler plan with standard finishes prices very differently than an ultra-custom mid-century–inspired home with commercial-style window systems, advanced home automation, white-oak flooring, and specialty foundation systems. Teardowns add demo, excavation, and new foundation work; large additions and whole-home gut renovations price differently.
Bottom line: Your builder will price your plan and your selections and help you value-engineer where it makes sense.
Ready to explore a custom build or major renovation in Arlington, VA?
We’re The COBI Company: friendly experts and educators who guide move-up buyers, downsizers, and first-time buyers across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Whether you’re weighing a teardown in North Arlington or a whole-home renovation elsewhere in NOVA, we’ll help you map the path, assemble the team, and keep the process human.
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