How it works, step by step
- Check the lot. Before anything else, a builder or engineer looks at zoning (setbacks, height, lot coverage), slopes, trees, utilities, floodplain and any Resource Protection Area. Several builders offer this up front: AZA Builders runs a free 15-minute feasibility review, August Homes starts with a lot feasibility evaluation and Curtis Ventures will visit a lot before you buy it.
- Pick a builder and a design path. Some builders offer floor plans you adapt (semi-custom); others design from scratch, in house or with your architect.
- Price and contract. You agree a budget and a contract type: fixed price, cost-plus or a guaranteed maximum. See fixed price vs cost-plus.
- Permits. The builder files for demolition (if there is a house), a grading plan if needed, and the building permit. See knockdown-rebuild permits.
- Build. Nationally, 43% of contractor-built homes take 10 months or more from start to finish, and 26% take 13 months or more (U.S. Census Bureau, Survey of Construction: months from start to completion, 2025).
- Final inspections and occupancy.
Builders that say they build on your lot
These builders say on their websites that they build on land the client owns. Alphabetical, not ranked:
- Anchor Homes, McLean
- Artisan Builders, McLean
- August Homes, Tysons
- AZA Builders, Chantilly
- Bella Home Construction, Fairfax
- Bespoke Builder, McLean, Potomac and DC
- Cherry Hill Custom Homes, McLean
- Classic Homes, Chantilly
- Dunhill Builders, Vienna
- Fisher Custom Homes, Vienna
- Focal Point Homes, McLean
- Green Building Group, McLean
- Horizon Building, Annandale
- Monarch Custom Homes, Vienna
- Morbill Custom Homes, McLean
- New Urban Homes, Alexandria
- Paradigm Homes, Reston and Arlington
- Park Bradley Homes, Fairfax
- Sekas Homes, Vienna
Others on our full list build custom homes but don’t say clearly whether they take on your lot. It’s worth asking them too.
What it costs
The house itself typically runs from about $250 to $800+ per sq ft, based on what local builders publish. Add demolition, site work and design. See the full cost guide.
Financing a build on your lot
Most people use a construction loan that converts to a mortgage when the house is done. If you already own the lot outright, the land itself can count toward your equity in the project. Bella Home Construction builds its whole pitch around this. Ask your lender how they value the lot.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a teardown before checking that the house you want fits the zoning.
- Comparing builders on per-square-foot price alone, when what’s included varies widely.
- Skipping the license check. A new house needs a Virginia Class A contractor license (DPOR lookup).
