Anonymous
05/13/2026 11:28
Subject: McLean builder rec
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Excluding the lot, the building price for average home in NOVA is around $150-200 per sq.
If you check new houses of 2.5m to 3.5m on market, subtracting cost of buying old houses, subtracting about 25% pure profit, they are all in range around $150-200 per sq.
Totally but those are all semi-custom plans they build over and over and they have it down to a science. Anything truly custom (like starting from scratch custom, not modifying an existing plan) will be significantly more.
Focal point lists the prices on their website and has detailed floor plans. Not sure if they are your style.
For any builder, important also to evaluate their build quality.
Anonymous
05/12/2026 23:52
Subject: McLean builder rec
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Excluding the lot, the building price for average home in NOVA is around $150-200 per sq.
If you check new houses of 2.5m to 3.5m on market, subtracting cost of buying old houses, subtracting about 25% pure profit, they are all in range around $150-200 per sq.
Totally but those are all semi-custom plans they build over and over and they have it down to a science. Anything truly custom (like starting from scratch custom, not modifying an existing plan) will be significantly more.
Focal point lists the prices on their website and has detailed floor plans. Not sure if they are your style.
Anonymous
05/12/2026 22:14
Subject: McLean builder rec
Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you all for comments, with that, who has architect recommendations? I have a lot already.
Or tips on how do I filter through my Google search results of architects and know what's good.
Thanks
List your top choices, maybe I've looked into some of them. I wouldn't consider any architect that charges a % of the construction costs.
Anonymous
05/12/2026 19:59
Subject: McLean builder rec
OP here. Thank you all for comments, with that, who has architect recommendations? I have a lot already.
Or tips on how do I filter through my Google search results of architects and know what's good.
Thanks
Or tips on how do I filter through my Google search results of architects and know what's good.
Thanks
Anonymous
05/12/2026 07:49
Subject: McLean builder rec
Anonymous wrote:Excluding the lot, the building price for average home in NOVA is around $150-200 per sq.
If you check new houses of 2.5m to 3.5m on market, subtracting cost of buying old houses, subtracting about 25% pure profit, they are all in range around $150-200 per sq.
This is correct. Just look at all the Hui Zhang Innovation properties that pop up in McLean and Falls Church
Anonymous
05/11/2026 20:39
Subject: McLean builder rec
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Excluding the lot, the building price for average home in NOVA is around $150-200 per sq.
If you check new houses of 2.5m to 3.5m on market, subtracting cost of buying old houses, subtracting about 25% pure profit, they are all in range around $150-200 per sq.
Totally but those are all semi-custom plans they build over and over and they have it down to a science. Anything truly custom (like starting from scratch custom, not modifying an existing plan) will be significantly more.
DP. I think a builder can do it and still make a nice profit. Perhaps they will choose not to do it, but that is different from can't do it.
In any case, the starting point likely is for one to have an architect draw plans that one likes and that fit on one's lot.
Anonymous
05/11/2026 17:31
Subject: McLean builder rec
Anonymous wrote:Excluding the lot, the building price for average home in NOVA is around $150-200 per sq.
If you check new houses of 2.5m to 3.5m on market, subtracting cost of buying old houses, subtracting about 25% pure profit, they are all in range around $150-200 per sq.
Totally but those are all semi-custom plans they build over and over and they have it down to a science. Anything truly custom (like starting from scratch custom, not modifying an existing plan) will be significantly more.
Anonymous
05/11/2026 17:28
Subject: McLean builder rec
Excluding the lot, the building price for average home in NOVA is around $150-200 per sq.
If you check new houses of 2.5m to 3.5m on market, subtracting cost of buying old houses, subtracting about 25% pure profit, they are all in range around $150-200 per sq.
If you check new houses of 2.5m to 3.5m on market, subtracting cost of buying old houses, subtracting about 25% pure profit, they are all in range around $150-200 per sq.
Anonymous
05/11/2026 15:33
Subject: McLean builder rec
Anonymous wrote:I really would start with an architect for a project like this, especially for a Georgian style house. Many builders are fine at building, but are not as good at design as they think they are.
If you do not yet have a lot, then also start looking for that. A center-hall Georgian will fit better on a wider lot. Many lots in some McLean neighborhoods are too narrow for that type of house. (Narrower lot width is one of several reasons that many speculative / flipped houses have odd shapes and floor plans.)
Budget $300/sf or more, depending on finishes and appliances.
Good luck.
For full custom in McLean you’d be lucky to be at 400 / sf and closer to 500 realistically. Providers see McLean and price accordingly.
Anonymous
05/11/2026 10:49
Subject: McLean builder rec
I really would start with an architect for a project like this, especially for a Georgian style house. Many builders are fine at building, but are not as good at design as they think they are.
If you do not yet have a lot, then also start looking for that. A center-hall Georgian will fit better on a wider lot. Many lots in some McLean neighborhoods are too narrow for that type of house. (Narrower lot width is one of several reasons that many speculative / flipped houses have odd shapes and floor plans.)
Budget $300/sf or more, depending on finishes and appliances.
Good luck.
If you do not yet have a lot, then also start looking for that. A center-hall Georgian will fit better on a wider lot. Many lots in some McLean neighborhoods are too narrow for that type of house. (Narrower lot width is one of several reasons that many speculative / flipped houses have odd shapes and floor plans.)
Budget $300/sf or more, depending on finishes and appliances.
Good luck.
Anonymous
05/11/2026 00:43
Subject: McLean builder rec
Maybe you can try Zantzinger. You should find an architect first, then send out the plans for bids. Horizon builders and Pyramid builders are some of the best.
Anonymous
05/10/2026 22:17
Subject: McLean builder rec
Looking to start with a luxe builder in McLean for a traditional colonial or Georgian house, NOT new build style. Who had good experiences and with who?