FAQ's: Our Custom Home Building Process

If I want a custom home or addition, where do I begin?

Fairhaven Homes will manage the entire construction project for you from  lot purchase, mortgage financing, permits, fees, engineering, construction drawings, site preparation and construction, through to warranty service. Just contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get started.

How do I find the right builder for me?

What is most important is to find out if current and past customers are satisfied. Feel free to check our references and we will be pleased to supply you with contact numbers. Secondly, you want to meet the people who will be responsible for day-to-day operations. Ask what method of communication will be available before and after your contract is signed. Fairhaven Homes is a builder that is hands-on. Charlie Little is responsible for the day-to-day operations and will communicate directly with you throughout the project.

What is a custom home?

"Custom" means "made especially for individual customers." At Fairhaven Homes we consider a custom home to be a home made to your wishes and desires. Call us today to discuss hand crafting your new home.

What is your square foot price?

We are often asked for pricing based on square foot. The pricing of your home is based precisely on what design amenities and level of detail and products you desire. Homes can be built for $135 per square foot and up. Send us your plans and specifications for a no-obligation review and to schedule a meeting. We're confident that no other homebuilder in Northern Virginia can match our attention to detail, quality and service!

How long does it take to build?

Depending on the complexity of the home, an average of six to twelve months. Once we obtain financial and jurisdictional approval we will provide you with a realistic timetable.

Will you build a home on my lot?

We will be happy to build on a lot you already own. Let us offer our resources to make your dream home a reality. Call us today and we can meet at your property. We will evaluate your lot to determine how your home design can best be built on it, what it will cost to develop the land, and discuss the most effective layout of the property.

I don't own a home site. Can you find me one?

We have a limited supply of home sites from which you can choose. If they do not fit what you are looking for, we can recommend several real estate agents with whom we have had good experiences. Or you can use your own agent.

What if I want to make changes during the construction process?

Prior to construction, Fairhaven Homes will spend considerable time with you to review your plans and specifications. Our goal is to give you a complete understanding of the process and as clear a picture of your finished home as possible. It has been our experience that we can eliminate much of the added expense created by changes to your home by identifying your needs up front. If changes are necessary after the start of construction, we will price them for your review and will be happy to complete them in a timely fashion.

What is the "Fairhaven Home Process"?

Fairhaven Homes takes the worry out of building a new home. We do it all from lot selection and permits to helping you secure the financing, as well as showing you ways to save money. We will be with you every step of the way.

• Step 1. Lot Selection:
  We will evaluate your lot to determine how your home design can best be built on it, what it will cost to develop the land, and discuss the most effective layout of the property.
  

• Step 2. Design:
  We recognize that your design is the most personal step of the decision making process when building a home. Working together we will make this as enjoyable and easy as possible. Once you've decided on a design concept we will work with your architect or assist you in finding one, and help you save money in the process.
  

• Step 3. Mortgage Application and Acceptance:
  For some, this is the most frustrating and worrisome step in the process. As your building partner, we will assist you in compiling the documents necessary to make this process as smooth as possible. We have relationships with several lenders or we will be happy to assist you with your own lender.
  


• Step 4. Building Permit Application and Jurisdictional Approval:
  We do all of the building and grading permit application work. We follow up on every local, county and state requirement. Once your building permit is approved Fairhaven Homes will coordinate all of the sub-contractors committed to your project. Construction begins on your new home soon after receipt of an approved building permit.

• You have planned for what seems like an eternity. Now the exciting part - the home takes shape. The choices you have made are crafted and joined to match your dreams.
  Once your home is completed and the final building approval is granted by the appropriate county inspectors, the County will issue a "Use and Occupancy Certificate" certifying that your home has passed all the inspections and is ready for you to move in.

• Step 5. Your Fairhaven Home is ready:
  Congratulations! You're all moved in and ready to enjoy your new home. But what if a faucet leaks or there is a crack in the drywall? No problem! Fairhaven Homes will stand by you for one full year after you take possession for any defects in labor and materials. Ask for a copy of our warranty.