Alexandria, Virginia, steeped in history and surrounded by the charm of the Old Town, stands as a testament to the seamless blend of tradition and modernity. As a city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and a thriving community, it’s no wonder that residents of Alexandria take great pride in their homes. If you envision a custom-built home that reflects your unique style and preferences in this vibrant city, you’ll want to partner with one of the best custom home builders.
Our curated list showcases the top custom home builders in Alexandria, all of which have been meticulously selected based on their proven track records, innovative designs, client testimonials, and industry accolades. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic colonial masterpiece or a modern architectural marvel, these builders are renowned for their commitment to turning your dream home into a tangible reality.
Alair Homes Arlington
3033 Wilson Blvd, #E-119, Arlington, VA 22201
Alair Homes Arlington, deeply rooted in the vibrant area surrounding Arlington, specializes in crafting exceptional custom homes and blending historic charm with contemporary renovations. From opulent multi-million dollar estates to affordable starter homes, each project receives the same meticulous attention, craftsmanship, and dedication to unparalleled customer service. Chad Hackmann leads the Alair Homes team in Arlington, using a hands-on approach that embodies the company’s commitment to superior service and transparency within the construction industry.
Affiliated with esteemed organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Alair Homes Arlington has received extensive recognition for its excellence. The company was honored with the 2021 NARI Contractor of the Year Award for Basement Renovation Under $100,000. Press coverage, including features in the DC Metro Modern Home Tour, further reflects the company’s impact and commitment to delivering outstanding homes in the Arlington region and beyond.
Harry Braswell
4307 Wheeler Ave, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22304
Harry Braswell, a construction firm with a three-decade legacy of award-winning quality and craftsmanship, is a respected presence in residential and commercial construction. The DC metropolitan area recognizes it as a premier remodeler, celebrated for its commitment to environmental sustainability and expertise in LEED® and historic renovations. Also noteworthy is The Gentleman Plumber, the firm’s plumbing division, which was initiated in 2006 to address the growing demand for quality and professionalism in this field.
The heart of Harry Braswell, however, lies in its dedicated team. This team is made up of project managers, designers, and lead carpenters, many of whom have contributed their expertise to the firm for over a decade. The firm’s owner, Harry Braswell, offers over 40 years of experience and a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Virginia. Demanding perfection, he and his team collectively strive to meet clients’ needs and visions. This commitment to excellence is underscored in the firm’s accolades, such as the 2017 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Contractor of the Year Grand Award. The firm is also affiliated with NARI and has been featured in the Washington Post, a further testament to its industry prominence.
Paradigm Homes
12050 South Lakes Dr, Reston, VA 20191
Established in 2007 by Tim Winter, a seasoned real estate and construction professional, Paradigm Homes distinguishes itself beyond the mere act of constructing houses. Rather, the company blends architectural prowess with profound respect for each client’s distinct aspirations. Its core passion is crafting homes that resonate with individual needs and preferences, ensuring services that resonate with its clients.
Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, Paradigm Homes brings a wealth of experience to the table. Principal Tim Winter, a veteran in real estate and construction, founded The Paradigm Foundation in 2014 with a mission to provide safe and healthy environments for families in need. Recognized as a 2016 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Leadership Center for Excellence, Tim Winter’s leadership and the company’s ethos underscore a steadfast commitment to creating homes that fulfill dreams.
West Wing Builders
4143 Weeks Dr, Warrenton, VA 20187
Founded in 1979, West Wing Builders set out with the mission of delivering specially designed custom homes and renovations throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Boasting nearly four decades of experience, the company places a high value on the cohesion derived from years of collaborative work. This shared history not only fosters a robust company culture but also ensures a profound dedication to customer service. The collaborative ethos has also extended to the development of tailored systems and best practices that aim to optimize both customer satisfaction and the firm’s efficiency, all while respecting the unique design vision of each project.
Led by Founder and President Rob Segal, the company’s ethos revolves around hands-on project management, ensuring a seamless construction process that reflects its commitment to excellence. Affiliated with Virginia Business and grounded in a rich history of craftsmanship, West Wing Builders remains dedicated to delivering exceptional homes and renovations shaped by experience, shared values, and a passion for architectural excellence. The firm continues to receive positive feedback from homeowners spanning three decades, attesting to its enduring dedication to excellence.
Thorsen Construction Company
5700-A General Washington Dr, Alexandria, VA 22312
Thorsen Construction Company, a third-generation boutique custom builder founded in 1976, is driven by a profound passion for constructing architecture with meaning. Having collaborated on some of the region’s leading residential projects, it has become a sought-after partner due to its commitment to crafting truly bespoke homes. Working closely with both design and ownership teams, Thorsen ensures each project is a unique masterpiece. Thorsen was recently honored as Custom Builder of the Year, a testament to its dedication to excellence.
Thorsen’s roots trace back to 1976, when Bob Thorsen and his father, Jim, founded the company. Relocating to Alexandria in 1978, the firm evolved, and between 2006 and 2010, Bob’s three sons and eldest daughter, Rebecca, joined the family business. Today, the firm employs a seasoned management team and highly skilled group of “in-house” craftsmen, allowing the firm to control quality, cost, and timelines. As featured in Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine, Thorsen Construction Company continues to shape distinctive residences, blending tradition with innovation in every project it undertakes.
Griffin-Moran Builders
604 N Overlook Dr, North Ridge, Alexandria, VA 22305
Griffin-Moran Builders, renowned for its distinct and individualized homes, seamlessly blend the character of neighborhoods with the diverse talents of its principals. Each residence, a testament to meticulous attention to scale, proportion, and material selection, reflects the essence of its surroundings. The company’s commitment to crafting unique spaces is evident in the natural flow of interiors and the thoughtful execution of details.
Homeowners can reach out to Jeff Griffin or Tim Moran to explore building possibilities on their available lots or a site of their choosing. With over 50 years of combined experience, these two principles initially connected through a shared passion for quality construction. Griffin, an Alexandria native with a background in commercial real estate, contributes three decades of expertise, while Moran, also an Alexandria native and a legal professional, brings extensive experience in residential renovation and custom home construction to the partnership.
Capitol Design Build
8245-H Backlick Rd, Lorton, VA 22079
Capitol Design Build, formerly Amo Contractors, has been a leader in the custom remodeling and home-building arena since the firm’s establishment in 1989. The company has left an undeniable mark on the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, fashioning luxurious homes ranging from 5,500 to 13,000 square feet. Its clientele ranges from accomplished entrepreneurs and corporate executives to NFL players.
Affiliated with the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Capitol Design Build operates under the leadership of CEO Ali Ozgun, who boasts more than 45 years in the industry. Setting a new benchmark in luxury design and remodeling, the firm seamlessly navigates the intricacies of projects by offering personalized service from the initial consultation to completion. The company also has a design center that simplifies product selection, providing competitively priced, high-quality items that are sourced globally. Throughout the construction phase, Capitol Design Build’s tailored approach, commitment to detail, and quality craftsmanship ensures that each project reflects the unique client’s vision.
The Ransom Company
2000 Duke St, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314
The Ransom Company is a distinguished custom home builder that places a strong emphasis on scale and thoughtful design. Rooted in the belief that time-honored classic architecture outlasts fleeting trends, it remains committed to creating architecturally significant homes that endure for generations. For the firm, collaborating with the best-in-class partners is integral to manifesting this commitment and ensuring that each home aligns seamlessly with the company’s principles.
Recognizing the profound significance of building a home, The Ransom Company approaches each project with the utmost care. Focusing on direct, hands-on management, the company constructs only a select number of homes annually, allowing for dedicated attention to each family’s unique needs. This deliberate approach ensures the creation of high-end, low-key generational homes. Principal Owner Robert S. Ransom III, a third-generation family operator, leads this mission, embodying the company’s familial legacy established by his grandfather in 1952. From an early age, he witnessed the prioritization of family, faith, and integrity above all else, values that continue to define The Ransom Company’s approach to homebuilding.
