Ask the Builder
Straight answers about building and renovating in Northern Virginia, from two brothers who do it every day.
No trends, no fluff, no "10 stunning kitchen ideas." Real local numbers: what things actually cost here, how long permits actually take, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. The kind of answers we'd give you over coffee.
If it's useful to you and you never call us, that's fine. That's the point. We’re here to support in any way we can.
The Hidden Costs of Building a Custom Home in Northern Virginia (Beyond Permits)
Permit fees aren't the only surprise. Stormwater systems, soil remediation, utility upgrades, and material surcharges regularly add tens of thousands to a Northern Virginia custom home budget. A builder breaks down the real numbers.
Renovate or Rebuild? How Northern Virginia Homeowners Should Decide
If your renovation and addition budget is creeping past $750,000, and especially once you're near $1 million, it's worth seriously asking what it would cost to build the same house new. It's not always the simpler path, and it's a conversation worth having before you've spent tens of thousands of dollars on architectural plans for a new addition that you might never build.
What Building Permits Actually Cost in Arlington, VA in 2026 and Why They're Rising
Building permits for a new Arlington home now run $32,000–$35,000, up from under $20,000 in December 2024, and LDA review can add 12 weeks before you break ground. Real numbers from our recent projects.