Before you begin the building process with us, we have compiled a list of our 20 Most Commonly Asked Questions to give you some background on us and the value of our construction.

If you still have questions, please contact us here and we’re happy to answer and help with your next new home.

What areas do you build custom homes in?

Specifically, we build custom homes in the following areas:

Arlington
Bethesda
Chevy Chase
Falls Church
McLean
Northwest Washington D.C.

Do you have tear-down lots for sale?

Yes, we do. Our tear-down lots are located in these areas: Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Falls Church, McLean, Potomac, N.W.D.C.

What new home styles can you design and build?

All styles, including Contemporary, Mediterranean, Arts & Crafts, Bungalow, Modern, Farmhouse, French Country, Provincial, Ranch, Modern Farmhouse, Mid-Century, Rustic Modern, Transitional, Craftsman, and more.

You can check out a variety of new home styles here.

What types of homes can you design and build?

First floor bedroom homes (check our our Garfield Model), homes with courtyard side-load garages, homes with side-load garages, homes with multiple car garages, one-level homes, small homes, homes with outdoor pools, homes with indoor pools.

What is the process for Designing & Building my new custom home?

Ultimately, when you choose Paramount Construction for your project, we take care of all the paperwork, ensure accurate communication and documents, and guide you step-by-step until the day you move into your new home.

Experience should be fun and thrilling, not an intricate one.

The following is the general timeline for events.

An initial consultation with the land acquisition team and our design team should you need plans created or with your Architect is recommended.
Design and creation of working drawings, including engineering specifications may take up to six months depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
Quoting Process-approximately four weeks to conclude a thorough cost analysis.
The signing of Contracts and Deposits to Secure Projects.
Preliminaries- To be completed by the Paramount Construction Team. Include permits, site surveys, soil tests, and all relevant documentation.
Construction Stage.
Frame-stage walk-through with Michael and our leading subcontractors.
Handover
3-Month Rectification Follow-Up.
Warranty.

What are the benefits of having a first-floor bedroom in a new home?

The benefits of having a first-floor bedroom in a new home include accessibility and convenience, extra privacy and separation from the rest of the house, increased potential income if the home is rented out, and increased functionality and usefulness of the home.

Do you have a new home pre-qualification process for the trade partners you use to build your homes?

At Paramount Construction, we understand the critical role of having the best team working on any new custom home. That’s why our prequalification process has been designed to make sure the trade partners involved in constructing our homes meet or exceed the highest standards.

(If you are a trade partner and would like to apply to work on our homes, please fill out this prequalification application.)

How long does it take to complete a custom home?

On average, custom homes take 12 months to finish depending on the size and complexity of the new home. Factors such as weather, materials availability, and labor constraints can affect this timeline, so it is helpful to plan for potential delays that may arise. A very high-end custom home could take even longer. And if you choose one of the homes we’ve designed and built before, it could take less than 12 months.

Are there any restrictions on where I can build my custom home?

Yes, there are certain restrictions on where you can build a custom home in Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and McLean. These restrictions are based on zoning laws and building codes that are in place to protect the environment, preserve the character of neighborhoods, and ensure public safety.

Zoning Laws

Zoning laws are regulations that divide a municipality into different zones, each with its own set of permitted uses and restrictions. For example, some zones may only allow for single-family homes, while others may allow for a mix of residential and commercial uses. In Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and McLean, there are a variety of zoning districts, each with its own set of restrictions on the size, height, and placement of new homes.

Building Codes

Building codes are technical regulations that establish minimum standards for the construction of safe and healthy buildings. These codes cover a wide range of topics, including structural design, fire safety, electrical safety, and plumbing. In Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and McLean, new homes must comply with the latest edition of the International Building Code (IBC).

Other Restrictions

In addition to zoning laws and building codes, several other restrictions may affect your ability to build a custom home in Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and McLean. These restrictions may include:

Historic preservation laws: These laws protect historic buildings and districts from demolition or inappropriate alteration. We would advise against even attempting to build in a historic district.
Environmental regulations: These regulations may restrict the clearing of trees, the grading of land, and the discharge of pollutants into waterways. If your construction project is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, you may need to obtain a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state environmental agency.
Neighborhood covenants: These are restrictions that are voluntarily imposed by homeowners associations (HOAs) to maintain the character of a neighborhood. If you are planning to build a custom home in a community with an HOA, you will need to comply with the HOA’s covenants.

Also, some townships and municipalities have building code requirements specific to those areas. Here are a few of those areas: Town of Somerset, Town of Chevy Chase, City of Falls Church.

Does your company offer personalized designs for custom homes?

Yes. We have several architects on our staff. The majority of our homes are one of a kind and are designed to the client’s exact requirements and are designed to fit exactly on each building lot.
But, for those of you who do not want to go through the custom design and build process, we have over 150 home plans we’ve already designed and built. And if you make very few changes to these plans, it will save you some time in the preconstruction process.

How much will it cost to build a custom home with you?

The cost of building a custom home will vary based on factors like the size and design, materials used, as well as any additional features or upgrades desired. We would be more than happy to provide an estimate after discussing these details with you. Please reach out at your earliest convenience for more information.

What information do I need to provide my Builder to receive an accurate quote?

To receive an accurate quote from your Builder, you will need to provide them with all pertinent information regarding the project, such as budget, timeline, materials needed, and any special requests or requirements. Furthermore, be sure to spell out what communication and updates you expect during the build phase. Having this info ready beforehand will guarantee that they give you a precise quote.

Why is it recommended to involve the Builder from the beginning of the design and concept process?

It is recommended to involve the Builder from the start of the design and concept phase to ensure all aspects of the project are considered, including a budget, space requirements, materials selection, and personal preferences. Furthermore, having a builder involved early will guarantee structural integrity throughout construction, and any potential issues can be addressed before becoming costly issues in the future. Involving a builder from the beginning makes for an efficient process with better results, making creating your dream home simpler for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Paramount Construction and other Builders?

Paramount Construction stands out from other builders by offering custom homes tailored to each individual’s needs and having the best team in the industry. Our experienced and talented professionals have years of experience working on all types of projects, from commercial to residential. Furthermore, we provide clients with a wide range of design options sure to exceed expectations. Furthermore, we use only top-notch materials for all our builds – guaranteeing each home is constructed with uncompromising standards and integrity. Our dedication to excellence guarantees your satisfaction and peace of mind too!

Do you include Landscaping in your new homes?

Yes, we include landscaping in all our new homes. And we are happy to customize a landscape and planting plan just for you.

Our team of experts can help you with Exterior & Interior Designs. We offer professional guidance on how to achieve the ideal design for your space, from paint colors and finishes to furniture placement and accessories. Furthermore, we suggest selecting materials and textures that complement each other while staying within budget. Here is an example of a finished package we create or use for every new home we design and build.

Do you only build Custom Homes?

We craft custom homes at Paramount Construction to each client’s requirements and desires. Our team of experienced architects, engineers, and builders has over four decades of industry knowledge, allowing us to use only top-quality materials while staying within budget for our clients. We take tremendous pride in our workmanship and strive to create beautiful yet efficient houses with meticulous attention to detail.

Each home we construct is tailored to the local climate conditions, energy efficiency goals, and architectural style that best suits the lot size and shape. To ensure each home blends in with its environment, we take special care when crafting landscape architecture around it. Furthermore, we understand how important security and safety are for clients; accordingly, we incorporate features like reinforced walls or hurricane-rated windows as needed.

At every step of the process – from pre-construction planning to post-construction maintenance – our goal is to exceed our client’s expectations. We understand that building a custom home requires more than just money; it’s an investment in time and love. That’s why we do everything possible to give them a home they will cherish for years to come!

Are Custom Homes worth it?

Depending on your requirements and desires, custom homes can be an excellent investment. When creating a personalized house from scratch, you have complete control over every detail – from floor plans to fixtures and appliances – giving you endless customization options. Designing a custom home gives you the ultimate flexibility in personalization.

Building a custom home gives you greater control over materials and features such as windows and doors. You won’t be stuck with whatever comes pre-assembled in an ordinary house – giving you much more freedom when making decisions and purchasing materials to create the home of your dreams with all desired features.

Custom homes provide you with the design and features you desire, plus they often boast higher energy efficiency ratings due to modern construction techniques. These houses can save money on utility bills due to better insulation material used during construction, and they may also contain energy-saving appliances.

Custom homes often increase in value over time due to their skillful craftsmanship and superior building materials used during construction. Furthermore, investing in a custom-made house could increase its resale value, providing higher returns should you ever decide to resell it.

Finally, if one has the means and desires complete control over their living space, investing in a custom house is something to think about!

Our Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions