Anonymous wrote:Focal Point probably can be named as my neighborhood specialist as they purchase almost every available lot via private sales. It typically takes them 6-8 months to finish their work. The impression I get is that you probably cannot easily modify their existing floor plans.

SM is reputable but I can't stand their sales agent. I don't understand why he needs to be there when the potential customers already have their own lot and are only seeking a builder.

ANV/NDI/Classic/Reel probably can be grouped in one category. I probably would rank Classic highest. I like their basic features but probably it will cost you dearly to upgrade. However, all these companies more or less operate the same way.

Sekas is good but sounds pricy.

Great Jones Developments built a beautiful house nearby but it's unclear how much it actually cost to build. I wish I knew about this company while selecting a builder.

I drool over one of their houses near us. Wish I had an idea how much they cost.

And also, drive around in this neighborhoods and see if you spot any new houses you like. If you do, maybe ask owners who they use.

Focal Point probably can be named as my neighborhood specialist as they purchase almost every available lot via private sales. It typically takes them 6-8 months to finish their work. The impression I get is that you probably cannot easily modify their existing floor plans.

SM is reputable but I can't stand their sales agent. I don't understand why he needs to be there when the potential customers already have their own lot and are only seeking a builder.

ANV/NDI/Classic/Reel probably can be grouped in one category. I probably would rank Classic highest. I like their basic features but probably it will cost you dearly to upgrade. However, all these companies more or less operate the same way.

Sekas is good but sounds pricy.

Great Jones Developments built a beautiful house nearby but it's unclear how much it actually cost to build. I wish I knew about this company while selecting a builder.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stay away from Focal Point. All others are good Dave Springberg will only build in Arlington and Sekas prefers Vienna. May depend on where you are building.

Spring Street built some houses in Falls Church FFC

Yes, and that is why he will only now build in Arlington.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't like houses built by Focal Point. Their houses all look like a dungeon with low ceilings and small windows. It's also cheaply built.
BTW, one way to tell whether the builders are cutting the corners or not is to look at if their houses have gable roofs.

Focal Point is building all over McLean, and you can spot one a mile away--they all look the same. And often seem to be blue for some unknown reason...or maybe I just keep noticing the ugly blue ones.

Blue is in right now for homes...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel Focal Point building quality is better than NDI or ANV, am I wrong?

Yes, wrong.

Take a look at Capital City Builders, they do great work.

Yeah but if you look at their homes they are all sitting because no one wants to pay a 100% premium for 10% better work.

Anonymous wrote:I don't like houses built by Focal Point. Their houses all look like a dungeon with low ceilings and small windows. It's also cheaply built.
BTW, one way to tell whether the builders are cutting the corners or not is to look at if their houses have gable roofs.

Focal Point is building all over McLean, and you can spot one a mile away--they all look the same. And often seem to be blue for some unknown reason...or maybe I just keep noticing the ugly blue ones.

Anonymous wrote:I feel Focal Point building quality is better than NDI or ANV, am I wrong?

Yes, wrong.

Take a look at Capital City Builders, they do great work.

Right now is not a good time to secure a favorable construction deal which has a lot to do with the pricing, etc. We built our home in 2010 (the dark days of residential real estate) and during that time, a $600K budget was healthy and you could get a lot for it. Contractor margins were razor thin and most were taking deals just to keep the light on. We have friend who has purchased a tear down lot in Fairfax and is seeing the same thing......high prices.

Anonymous wrote:You get what you paid for....

Is it really that unreasonable to expect to find some quality builders in 500-600k range?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't like houses built by Focal Point. Their houses all look like a dungeon with low ceilings and small windows. It's also cheaply built.
BTW, one way to tell whether the builders are cutting the corners or not is to look at if their houses have gable roofs.

Not sure what you mean by gable roof? Are you implying that if the homes has a gable roof vs. hip roof, it is lower quality? I know that hip roof costs more to construct.

Yes

Anonymous wrote:I don't like houses built by Focal Point. Their houses all look like a dungeon with low ceilings and small windows. It's also cheaply built.
BTW, one way to tell whether the builders are cutting the corners or not is to look at if their houses have gable roofs.

If you read focal point specs, they only have 8 foot ceilings and anderson 200 windows
9’ high ceilings on first floor; 8’8” high ceilings in basement; 8’ high ceilings on second floor
http://www.focalpointhomes.com/downloads/Standard-Features.pdf

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't like houses built by Focal Point. Their houses all look like a dungeon with low ceilings and small windows. It's also cheaply built.
BTW, one way to tell whether the builders are cutting the corners or not is to look at if their houses have gable roofs.

Not sure what you mean by gable roof? Are you implying that if the homes has a gable roof vs. hip roof, it is lower quality? I know that hip roof costs more to construct.

Gable roof costs more

I mean hip costs more (my bad). It's a sign of quality.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't like houses built by Focal Point. Their houses all look like a dungeon with low ceilings and small windows. It's also cheaply built.
BTW, one way to tell whether the builders are cutting the corners or not is to look at if their houses have gable roofs.

Not sure what you mean by gable roof? Are you implying that if the homes has a gable roof vs. hip roof, it is lower quality? I know that hip roof costs more to construct.

Gable roof costs more

There is quite a bit of negativity about Classic, ANV NDI, Reel on this forum. Haven't dealt with them....