Building a custom home is one of life’s most rewarding investments. It’s a chance to create a space that’s entirely yours, from the layout and finishes to the views from your front porch. But unlike buying an existing house, a custom build begins with a blank slate, and that freedom comes with its own set of decisions, considerations, and possibilities.
At Perkinson Homes, we’ve walked countless Virginia homeowners through the process of turning their vision into a foundation, and that foundation into a dream home. If you’re just starting to explore the idea of building custom, here’s what you should understand before the first sketch is drawn or the first shovel hits the ground.
Start with Your “Why”
Before you fall in love with a floor plan or pick out hardware, it’s important to understand what’s driving your desire to build custom. Are you looking for more space for a growing family? Downsizing into a home that reflects your current lifestyle? Seeking a forever home with aging-in-place features? Or simply ready to create something unique, designed around how you actually live?
When you’re clear about your why, every decision, from budget to design direction, becomes easier and more purposeful.
Choosing the Right Builder is Everything
A custom home is a partnership, and your builder is at the heart of that relationship. You want a team that listens closely, communicates clearly, and knows how to translate vision into reality, without compromising on craftsmanship or care.
At Perkinson Homes, we view each project as a collaboration. We’re not just here to build; we’re here to guide, advise, and champion your goals at every stage of the process. That starts from the very first conversation and carries through every design meeting, walkthrough, and milestone.
Know Your Budget and Be Realistic
Custom doesn’t mean unlimited, and every dream home is built on a balance between vision and investment. One of the biggest mistakes first-time custom builders make is underestimating costs, or not fully understanding what’s included.
We work with clients early on to create transparent budgets that factor in site prep, design services, permitting, materials, and allowances for finishes. And we help you prioritize what matters most, so you can spend wisely and still get the home you’ve imagined.
The Land Matters More Than You Think
If you already own your land, great. If not, know that the lot you choose will shape what’s possible. From the home’s footprint and orientation to drainage, access, and even zoning. A sloped lot might be perfect for a walkout basement, while wooded acreage might call for specific clearing and septic planning.
That’s why we recommend involving your builder in the land selection process. We can help you assess the true potential, and any hidden challenges, before you make a purchase.
Designing Around Your Lifestyle
The best part of building custom? Your home doesn’t have to fit a mold. It can be built around your daily rhythms, long-term goals, and personal style. Whether that means a guest wing for visiting family, a home gym, a dedicated craft room, or a gourmet kitchen made for Sunday dinners, we design with intention and flexibility.
This is where collaboration with our design team becomes invaluable. We help you think through how spaces will actually be used, not just how they’ll look, and ensure your home serves you in both form and function.
It’s a Journey, Not Just a Project
Custom homebuilding takes time, and while it’s exciting, it also requires patience and trust. Weather, permitting, material availability, these are all real-world factors that can affect the timeline. But with clear communication and a seasoned team on your side, the process becomes not just manageable, but enjoyable.
The Perkinson Homes team is committed to keeping you informed and involved at every step. Building your home should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Ready to Begin? Let’s Build Something Beautiful.
A custom home isn’t just about what you build, it’s about how it makes you feel, how it supports your life, and how it welcomes you every single day. If you’re ready to take the first step, we’d be honored to help guide the way.
Reach out today to start your custom home journey with Perkinson Homes, where craftsmanship meets collaboration, and your dream becomes a design worth building.
