Bethesda, Maryland
Custom home builders in Bethesda, MD
16 custom home builders say they work in Bethesda, MD, and 3 say they build on a lot you already own. Permit steps for a teardown or new house, published prices, and who to call.
16builders work here
3build on your lot
Montgomery County DPSissues permits
Bethesda is unincorporated Montgomery County and the center of the area’s custom building: most of the homes honored in the MBIA’s 2025 and 2026 Montgomery County custom builder awards are in Bethesda.
Builders who work in Bethesda
We found 16 builders that name Bethesda (or all of Montgomery County) as a place they build. 3 of them say on their websites that they build on a lot you already own; the rest build custom homes but don’t say either way. Builders that say they build on your lot are listed first, then the rest, each group alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
What builders here publish about price
Most custom builders don’t post prices. These 3 do, and they give you a starting point before your first meeting:
| Builder | What it publishes |
|---|---|
| JEFFCO Development | Typical job $200K-$10M (as listed on Houzz) |
| Park Bradley Homes | Typical job $1M-$5M (as listed on Houzz) |
| WINN Design + Build | Typical job $150K-$5M (as listed on Houzz) |
None of these figures include the land. Try the estimator, or see what homeowners report in real build costs.
Permits for a new house in Bethesda
Who issues permits: Montgomery County DPS.
Bethesda is unincorporated Montgomery County, so permits come from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS).
Before Montgomery County issues a residential demolition permit, every utility must give a written release that service is disconnected, asbestos must be removed under state rules, a pest affidavit and a bond are needed, and neighbors get at least 10 days’ notice by mail or a posted sign. Disturbing 5,000 sq ft or more needs sediment control (Montgomery County DPS, demolition information).
Montgomery County licenses new home builders through its Office of Consumer Protection and publishes the list of active licenses (Montgomery County open data, licensed new home builders). Builders working outside the county register with the Maryland Attorney General instead and must show their MHBR number on contracts (Maryland Attorney General, new home builder registration).
Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with the permit office before you buy a lot or sign a design contract.
Before you call a builder
- Confirm the jurisdiction. Look up your parcel so you know exactly which county, town or city issues your permits.
- Gather your lot facts: survey or plat, lot size, and whether it is on public water and sewer.
- Set a budget range that includes demolition and site work, not just the house. Our estimator helps.
- Shortlist three builders who work in Bethesda, check each one’s Montgomery County new home builder license, and ask them all the same questions.
Not sure where to start? Tell us about your lot and we’ll introduce you to builders who work in Bethesda.
New homes and teardowns in Bethesda
130new homes applied for in the last 12 months
130house demolitions applied for in the last 12 months
$500Ktypical construction value declared on the permit
6,829typical square feet on the permit
From Montgomery County permit records, by mailing town, checked November 7, 2026. Values are what the applicant declared for the permit and usually run well below the real cost of a custom home. See them on the map.
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Frequently asked questions
How many custom home builders work in Bethesda?
We found 16 builders that name Bethesda or its county as a service area, as of October 17, 2026. 3 of them say they build on a lot the client already owns.
Who issues building permits in Bethesda?
Montgomery County DPS. Bethesda is unincorporated Montgomery County, so permits come from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS).
Can I tear down my house in Bethesda and build a new one?
Usually, yes, as long as the new house meets zoning rules for setbacks, height and lot coverage. You need a demolition permit first and then a new building permit, plus grading or sediment control approval if you disturb enough land.
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Other Montgomery County towns
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