The Best Custom Home Builders in Delaware
Discover the very best Custom Home Builders and Design-Build Firms in Delaware
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
What is a Custom Home Builder?
Among the many skills and specialties involved in building a new home in Delaware, the role of a Custom Home Builder is integral. Members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Delaware Division of Revenue, a Custom Home Builder in Delaware typically works in collaboration with a Residential Architect to develop the plans for a new home and an Interior Designer to help execute and construct the built environment. Conversely, a Custom Home Builder in Delaware may extend the scope of their service to include architecture and interior design within the context of their engagement. In either capacity, a Custom Home Builder in Delaware takes plans, ideas, hopes, and dreams and makes them a reality.
MARKET TRENDS
The Definitive Guide to Building a Custom Home
A guide for those who plan to build their first custom home in the Mid-Atlantic
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Find a Custom Home Builder in Delaware
Whether a custom home or renovation, The Rappahannock River Company can help you find the best Custom Home Builder for the job.
REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE
Boardwalk Builders
Custom Home Builder in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
LEWES, DELAWARE
Garrison Homes
Custom Home Builder in Lewes, Delaware
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
Dewson Construction Company
Custom Home Builder in Wimington, Delaware
LEWES, DELAWARE
Graulich Builders
Custom Home Builder in Lewes, Delaware
REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE
Turnstone Custom Homes
Custom Home Builder in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
MILLSBORO, DELAWARE
Jim Parker Builders
Custom Home Builder in MIllsboro, Delaware
OCEAN VIEW, DELAWARE
Bruce Mears
Custom Home Builder in Ocean View, Delaware
SELBYVILLE, DELAWARE
McClanahan Building Co.
Custom Home Builder in Selbyville, Delaware
GREENWOOD, DELAWARE
Bay to Beach Builders
Custom Home Builder in Greenwood, Delaware
CAMDEN, DELAWARE
Lessard Builders
Custom Home Builder in Camden, Delaware
MILLVILLE, DELAWARE
Miken Builders
Custom Home Builder in Millville, Delaware
REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE
McGregor Custom Homes
Custom Home Builder in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
FRANKFORD, DELAWARE
Sea Light Design-Build
Design-Build Firm in Frankford, Delaware
MILLVILLE, DELAWARE
Live Oak Home Builders
Design-Build Firm in Millville, Delaware
BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE
Nally Homes
Custom Home Builder in Bethany Beach, Delaware
DEWEY BEACH, DELAWARE
Toback Builders
Custom Home Builder in Dewey Beach, Delaware
FELTON, DELAWARE
C&M Custom Homes
Custom Home Builder in Felton, Delaware
LEWES, DELAWARE
WN Builders
Custom Home Builder in Lewes, Delaware
BRIDGEVILLE, DELAWARE
Seely Homes
Custom Home Builder in Bridgeville, Delaware
LEWES, DELAWARE
Canalfront Builders
Custom Home Builder in Lewes, Delaware
MILTON, DELAWARE
Camenisch Company
Custom Home Builder in Milton, Delaware
BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE
Marnie Custom Homes
Custom Home Builder in Bethany Beach, Delaware
LEWES, DELAWARE
Oak Construction
Custom Home Builder in Lewes, Delaware
LEWES, DELAWARE
Aurora Homes
Custom Home Builder in Lewes, Delaware
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about working with Custom Home Builders in Delaware, including common fee structures, services, and more.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A GOOD CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN DELAWARE?
The best way to find a good Custom Home Builder in Delaware is to ask friends who have recently completed a custom home or renovation for recommendations. Once you have a list of Custom Home Builders, conduct interviews with each candidate and ask to review an example of their completed work. Finally, ensure your Custom Home Builder is registered, as Custom Home Builders in Delaware must be registered with the Delaware Department of Labor’s Office of Contractor Registration to ensure you are covered by all protections afforded by Delaware state law.
WHAT BUILD OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE WHEN WORKING WITH A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN DELAWARE?
Typically, consumers working with a Custom Home Builder can choose from three different build options: Buy a spec home (a completed new home), build a model home based on a design the Custom Home Builder already has in place with light customization, or build a custom home from scratch, which is usually more expensive and a long build process but offers the most options for customization.
WHAT IS AN OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE?
There are times where a consumer has engaged with a Custom Home Builder to build a custom home or take on an extensive renovation, but may want some additional support when it comes to navigating the process of construction, understanding the contract, reviewing proposed change orders, and ensuring their interests are being protected in the case of projects where the owner cannot always be present. For situations like this, an Owner’s Representative may be helpful.
DO CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN DELAWARE HAVE TO BE LICENSED?
Yes. All Custom Home Builders in Delaware must be registered with the Delaware Department of Labor’s Office of Contractor Registration.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO BE IN A CONTRACT WITH A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER IN DELAWARE?
When signing a contract with a Custom Home Builder in Delaware, you should expect to see a few key elements, including: the pricing structure of the project, the primary point of contact, the scope of work of the project, the project timeline takeoff, payment details, and protocols on how to address change orders, project delays, as well as any errors, issues, or injuries that may arise during construction. A Custom Home Builder may also facilitate third party inspections at key construction milestones, including pre-drywall, blue tape, and 11-month post-settlement.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CUSTOM HOME BUILDER AND A DESIGN BUILD FIRM?
A Design Build Firm is a type of Custom Home Builder where the disparate parts of the project — specifically the upfront design and then the subsequent construction or build — are contextualized under one agreement and one entity. While many Custom Home Builders offer Design Build services, some may only offer construction services, which means a separate entity may be required to satisfy other phases of the project.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND LAND FOR A CUSTOM HOME IN DELAWARE?
Finding your ideal building lot for a custom home can be a challenge. One approach is to engage with a trusted real estate advisor with experience in your local market. With the right real estate advisor, you can find land and tear downs for sale on the open market, as well as off-market and private listings. Additionally, you may be able to find land for your custom home by going directly to a custom home builder, or by finding a tear down in your ideal neighborhood.
HOW ARE CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS IN DELAWARE TYPICALLY PAID?
When engaging with a Custom Home Builder in Delaware, it’s typical for a customer to put down an initial deposit and then a series of “progress payments” as stated in a “draw schedule” as each stage of the building is completed. Upon completion of each progress payment, your Custom Home Builder should provide you with a “waivers of liens,” which shows that all subcontractors have been paid and will not file a mechanics lien on the house.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME IN DELAWARE?
The cost to build a custom home in Delaware depends on a number of factors, including the size of the home, the complexity of the home style, the schematics of the lot, and the desired finish quality. At a minimum, those building a custom home in Delaware can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $350 per square foot for labor and materials. Additional fees may include land acquisition costs, site preparation costs, and design and permitting costs.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAINTAIN A CUSTOM HOME?
Building a custom home is a serious investment. And like any investment, regular maintenance and upkeep is essential. For those who built a custom home recently, stay in close contact with your custom home builder to ensure you communicate any issues or errors within the first year of occupancy as part of your builder warranty. Afterwards, develop a regular seasonal maintenance plan to ensure your custom home is given the attention it deserves so it can last for generations to come.
THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY
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