Building a custom home in Virginia Beach is an exhilarating but personal journey. After all, it will be your home for years to come. You have the opportunity to handpick every element, from the overall style to the fine details of room layouts. 

As we discuss these key considerations, let’s follow an example family. Let’s see how Joyce and Jesse Fortier design a custom home. What do they prioritize? What will they need help with? How will they balance their current and future needs? 

The Fortiers are building their forever home in Virginia Beach. 

The Fortiers are moving from Richmond, Virginia, to Virginia Beach partly so Joyce’s mother can live with them. She is a senior who would like the support of her family as she ages in place. So they will need a bedroom on the ground floor with an ensuite bathroom. 

Joyce, Jesse, and their two kids live a very active, outdoorsy lifestyle. In Richmond, they were crowded into an urban environment with very few green spaces. So they want access to parks and the beach. 

Finally, both Joyce and Jesse are very passionate about environmental issues. They want an energy-efficient home that will serve them for decades to come. 

patio

As local home builders in Virginia Beach, we like working with clients on a personal, one-on-one basis. From an initial consultation, we have the Fortier’s priorities, which will guide the entire process for custom home building in Virginia Beach.

What coastal challenges can a custom home builder in Virginia Beach help homeowners overcome? 

Living near the coast has its perks: comfortable weather, friendly vibes, and access to the beach. But there are also challenges. Salty air, high sandy winds, potential water damage, and the occasional hurricane are things to consider. Joyce and Jesse have only visited Virginia Beach. However, Joyce’s mother has lived here for decades and scared them with her home maintenance horror stories. 

Luckily, as expert Virginia Beach home builders, we’ve overcome those obstacles before. And we’ll do it again! We deliver durable materials to withstand decades of saltwater exposure. From the treated timber decking for a scenic patio space to hurricane-resistant windows to keep your family space. 

We want you to enjoy your custom home for as long as possible. We provide quality materials, innovative craftsmanship, and the professional know-how to achieve it. 

Once we put Joyce and Jesse’s concerns to rest, it’s time for them to choose a location. 

There are several beautiful areas to choose from. The North end is just a hop and a skip away from the ocean. Shore Drive has waterfront activities and several other tourist attractions. Bay Island is picturesque with its mature trees.

However, Joyce and Jesse choose Great Neck for its quality schools and proximity to state parks like the First Landing State Park. The beach is just 10 minutes away, so there is a great balance between the shorefront and the community. 

Now, the permits. Building a home close to the beach requires various approvals from various local authorities. It can become a tedious headache if you’re unfamiliar with the system. As custom home builders in Virginia Beach, we take care of all that. We handle the permits for for construction, septic systems, electrical work, plumbing installations, etc. so you don’t have to worry about it. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring your dream home meets all safety standards. 

kitchen

What kind of energy upgrades can a custom home builder offer? 

As we enter the design phase, Joyce and Jesse are excited about their new high-endurance, energy-efficient windows, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, and high-performance insulation. 

However, they were amazed by our additional energy-efficient offerings. For example, we offer smart-home technology like smart thermostats. Joyce and Jesse even hand-pick high-efficiency but warm LED lighting fixtures. 

What should you look for in a custom home builder in Virginia Beach?

Obviously, we’re a little biased. Everything we do, we do with professional integrity, so of course, we will stand by our craftsmanship. However, if the roles were reversed and we needed a custom home builder in Virginia Beach, here’s how we would want to be treated. 

Consistent communication. You’re trusting someone with the construction of your home, so you should be kept informed about developments, adjustments, or obstacles. In some cases (depending on the floor plan), we host formal walk-throughs as we’re constructing your home so you can see the progress for yourself.

Transparent timelines. Of course, you’re eager to move into your dream home, but you are also scheduling your move around that timeline. It’s crucial for custom builders to be transparent with their timelines, honest about any delays, and efficient in construction. We typically finish a design in one to two months and can finish construction within five to six months. However, timelines vary based on size and complexity. 

Client satisfaction. It’s your home; you should be satisfied with it. We don’t measure success through achievements or awards but through the satisfaction of our clients. We recommend reading the reviews of builders before selecting one. 

Conclusion: a home built for a family will serve that family for decades. 

After just eight months, Joyce, Jesse, and their kids move into their new custom home. Soon, Grandma moves in. The family loves the outdoor spaces and days on the beach. Within a few months, they adopt a golden retriever who zooms around the local parks. 

Thanks to the open floorplan and additional guest accommodations, the Fortier’s home becomes the central hub for both extended families. They host family milestones, giving their children a chance to grow up with their cousins. 

As the kids move out, the Fortier home becomes a sanctuary for Jouce and Jess. They stay active and healthy through their golden years. As they relax on their patio, admiring the beautiful natural scenery, they’re forever content with their forever home. 

Start building the life of your dreams. Reach out to your local custom home builders, Virginia Beach