Building Your Own Home – 6 Factors to Consider

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Dreaming of building your own home? For so many, the idea never leaves the ‘dream’ phase, as the overwhelming thought of building something as complex as a home seems impossible.

Building your own home is a lengthy, heavily involved process, from the first stages of inception to the final stages of interior design. And, as such, having some assistance along the way, especially from an experienced Class-A General Contractor like RBC Homes, can make the process far more enjoyable.

Come with us as we explore the home-building process from top to bottom so you can decide if it’s right for you!

6 Factors to Consider When Building Your Custom Home

A custom home with pool guided by RBC Homes.

When it comes to building your own home, there are many factors to consider, from budget to location, and land to permitting. Let’s dive into a few key considerations you need to make before getting started!

1. The Pros and Cons of Building Your Own Home

Of course, building a home isn’t for everyone, which is why it’s worth considering the pros and cons.

ProsCons
Customization PerfectionTime and Effort
Less CompetitionUnexpected Costs
Energy-EfficiencyPossibility of Mistakes
Save Money–
Let’s analyze them into details:

Pros

  • Customization Perfection: When you have a specific floor plan in mind for a particular location, choosing to build your own home grants you the ultimate level of control. Building your home allows you to actively shape every decision in the construction process, ensuring that it aligns precisely with your vision and personal tastes.
  • Less Competition: After purchasing the land, you won’t have to worry about anyone competing for your dream home site.
  • Energy-Efficiency: All of our homes prioritize energy efficiency from the ground up. If you’re environmentally conscious and wish to minimize your ecological footprint (all while saving money), you can work with us to integrate energy-efficient materials and equipment into your new home.
  • Save Money: In many ways, building your own home can be more cost-effective than buying an existing one, as pre-built homes are often associated with high costs and typically come with less built in energy efficiencies. Let RBC Homes guide you through the process so you can invest your money wisely.

Cons

  • Time and Effort: It comes as no surprise that building your own home requires a significant time investment. From careful planning to months of execution, the process can be very involved, which is why our team at RBC Homes aims to streamline the process for each client.
  • Unexpected Costs: Unexpected costs appear from time to time. However, with an experienced home builder like RBC Homes, you can take advantage of diligent budget management and transparent pricing to minimize costs creeping up.
  • Possibility of Mistakes: There are many decisions that go into building a home, and as such, the possibility of making mistakes is all too real. However, with close attention to detail and the right know-how, lessening the likelihood of issues along the way is possible.

2. Who Should Consider Building Their Own Home?

While building your own home can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not for everyone.

However, if the idea of customizing a home to your exact specifications and standards sounds invigorating and inviting, or if you’re simply looking to make a long-term investment in a luxury custom home for rental or vacation purposes, it could most certainly be the right path for you.

3. The Role of a Custom Home Builder Company

RBC Homes built a custom house for their client's

So, now that you’ve decided that building your own home is something you’d like to do, it’s worth thinking about how collaborating with a custom home-building company like RBC Homes could be beneficial.

We work hard to simplify the home-building process by offering a wealth of guidance and expertise. It’s important that every decision you make is informed and aligned with your vision and your budget.

With RBC Homes by your side, you can focus on watching your dream home come to life while we do the work.

4. How a Custom Home Builder Company Can Help

Provide Expertise and Guidance

Every home-building journey is unique.

In some instances, our clients approach us with a well-detailed design, including floor plans and interior design concepts. On the other hand, some people come to us without any idea of what they want, relying on us to shape it into a tangible vision.

No matter the case, we can provide expert guidance throughout the process.

Manage the Design and Permitting Process

From the initial design phase to permitting for local building and zoning codes, RBC Homes takes charge of the entire process.

Not only do we want your unique vision to come to life, but we also want to ensure that your project adheres to all local regulations and requirements so you don’t have to deal with any messy legal issues down the line.

Guarantee Quality

The idea of investing in a home that begins to deteriorate shortly after moving in is a nightmarish scenario which can be avoided by way of your collaboration with a custom home builder like RBC Homes. Rest assured that exceptional quality isn’t just a concept with RBC Homes; rather, it’s a promise.

We have well-established relationships with industry-leading partners, including top-notch architects, designers, and other vetted skilled subcontractors who will work under our direction and with our coordination on your project.

Plus, our team takes on all of the administrative functions and responsibilities through the construction process, lifting a significant burden off your shoulders.

Manage the Construction Process

Building your own home project demands seamless coordination and precise construction management.

When you work hand in hand with RBC Homes, you can trust us to oversee every aspect of the building process. It’s our goal to make sure timelines are met, resources are optimized, quality is upheld from top to bottom, and your budget is met.

Offer Peace of Mind

As we said before, the custom home-building journey can feel overwhelming. There are just about a million things to worry about.

We strive to make sure that you know your project is in capable hands, which is why our seasoned team of professionals takes care of every detail, leaving you free to enjoy the process without stress.

5. The Building Process: Overview of The Five Steps Involved

Beautiful living room built by RBC Homes

Knowing what it is involved in building your own home is one thing; knowing how to build a custom home is another.

Here’s a brief overview of the journey you can expect.

Step #1. Planning

The building process starts with meticulous planning.

At the very outset, well before construction commences, it’s crucial to start shaping your vision of your “dream home.” Begin by gathering inspiration from design samples, photos, completed home tours, and visiting the numerous resources which can be found on-line.

Speak with an experienced custom home builder, like RBC Homes, which can assist you in refining your design preferences, and guide you through the process of material and equipment selections,  room functionality, architectural style, product features, and lifestyle aspects that will make your custom home truly perfect for you.

An experienced custom home builder can assist you in choosing your ideal lot, assist you in securing the right type of financing, assist you in the establishment of a budget, provide your lender with required financial and other information required for loan approval, determine setback and height restrictions, evaluate impacts of easements and encroachments,  and secure the necessary permits. If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming,  know that RBC Homes has the experience and know-how to guide you successfully through all potential pitfalls leading up to the start of construction, and ensuring a solid foundation for your dream home before the construction process takes place.

Step #2. Building

Once the planning, financing, and permitting phase of building your own home is complete, we’ll begin the actual building process.

The first steps are to clear and grade the land, secure temporary power, install the “ground works” (sewer and water services) under foundation, make certain the lot is properly graded so as to divert water away from the home, and then install the all-important foundation upon which you new custom home will be constructed.   

Next, we move onto the selection and installation of the right type of foundation which will quite literally support the weight of your new home during your lifetime and for generations to come. Selection of the proper foundation for your unique building lot is crucial, and the seasoned pros at RBC Homes know exactly what type of foundations work in varying soils and environmental conditions. Once the foundation is selected and installed, the framing process can begin, followed by the installation of windows and doors, completion of the roof, the “rough-in” of plumbing, heating & cooling, and electrical systems; this is  where you’ll see your dream home begin to come to life.

Step #3. Interior and Exterior Touches

Once the roofing is finished, the home is insulated, and the plumbing and electrical systems installed, walls and ceilings completed, we can begin adding interior and exterior touches.

Your stylistic choices will come into play with interior finishes, as this step includes painting, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and other interior elements that make the house your home.

Similarly, we’ll finish the exterior landscaping, implementing outdoor features of your choice, such as pathways, garden beds, grass lawns, hedges, pools, or anything else that you want to enhance the overall aesthetic of your new property. We can even help you plan and install “maintenance-free” exterior landscaping via the use of start of the art astro-turf, the use of river rock and other maintenance-free materials. 

Step #4. Moving In

Once your home is complete, it’s time to start moving in and decorating!

Our team at RBC Homes has years of experience in interior design, so we can offer assistance with the furnishing of your new space once you’re done building your own home. From choosing color schemes to configuring the placement, purchase and installation of all furnishings and decorations,  we’ll help you curate a cohesive and inviting interior that aligns with your style.

Of course, beyond looking good, your new place needs to be functional, which is why we’ll also help set up essential systems and utilities. This involves connecting appliances and making sure electrical and plumbing systems are functioning correctly.

Step #5. Adding a Personal Touch

RBC Homes just completed a dream custom home for one of their clients.

The final step is adding your own personal touches.

Hang some of your favorite artwork, put family photos on display, and place some plants around the house. This is where you can make your home your haven.

Whether you’re still in the idea phase or ready to get started with construction, get in touch with us here at RBC Homes to get the ball rolling on your new custom home!

RBC Portfolio & Gallery: Showcasing Our Unique Projects

Need some inspiration for building your own home?

Our portfolio showcases some of our many successful projects here in Virginia Beach. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite custom homes:

Happy As a Clam

One of our latest builds is an investment property for a family who wanted to rent out to vacationers on a short-term basis.

This eight-bedroom Virginia Beach home features a stylish, maintenance-free interior and exterior, as well as a fully enclosed geothermal heating system to combat the environmental elements of coastal living.

Aquadesiac

RBC Homes built this family a home in 2007 to enjoy as a summer home before updating it three years later to reinvigorate the living experience.

Now, this gorgeous Virginia Beach home features a third-level gourmet kitchen, open ocean views, eight master suits, a spacious game room with a pool table and wet bar, and a beautiful pool area with an outdoor cabana.

All-Sea-Suns

When it comes to our direct beachfront homes, All-Sea-Suns is one of our favorites.

You’ll find a number of high-end amenities in this eight-bedroom masterpiece, including third-floor ocean views, a large saltwater pool, a covered patio with a hot tub, a large screened-in porch, and a massive kitchen with two of every major appliance.

This home was also constructed with accessibility in mind, as you’ll find an ADA-compliant bedroom and bathroom, a centrally-located elevator, wide doors and hallways, and ramps.

Cost to Build Your Own Home

One of RBC's clients had a new custom built house.

Now, we come to the big question, “How much does building your own home cost?”

Here’s a small breakdown of the cost of building your own home, no matter what the general specs of your project look like.

  • Land Acquisition: The first step of building your own home is securing a land plot. The cost, of course, will vary based on size, location, and market conditions.
  • Architectural and Engineering: Think of these fees as investments in the expertise needed to create a safe, aesthetically pleasing home that meets both structural and regulatory requirements.
  • Permit and Zoning Expenses: Don’t find yourself in a messy legal battle years down the line. By understanding local zoning regulations and obtaining necessary permits, you can ensure your home is built according to local laws and safety standards.
  • Site Survey and Soil Analysis: While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, understanding the land’s topography and soil composition can have a major impact on construction methods.
  • Materials: If you want your home to last for years to come, it has to use high-quality materials, from the foundation to the roofing.
  • Labor: Skilled labor is essential for a successful build, which is why we only collaborate with experienced craftsmen and construction teams.
  • Equipment and Machinery: Because we’re always looking to streamline construction so our clients can enjoy their homes sooner than later, we like to integrate modern equipment and machinery into the process.

From point A to point B, RBC Homes can provide the best combination of quality and price to make sure your dream home is both a testament to craftsmanship and a practical financial decision.

Get in touch with us today, so we can start building your dream home together.

Conclusion

Building your own home can be a life-changing experience, and here at RBC Homes, we want to help you turn those ideas into your new reality.

As you embark on this exciting adventure, remember that you’re not alone. We’ll be your trusted partner every step of the way, offering more than 30 years of expertise and guidance.

When you’re ready to take the first step, contact RBC Homes today!

Luxury Custom Home Builders – The Difference Builders Make

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Building a custom home is your opportunity to incorporate the home features you’ve always dreamed about. Luxury custom home builders can bring your  dreams to fruition, but what do they do? Why hire them?

A superior luxury custom home builder will work closely with you when designing and constructing your custom home. They’ll use state-of-the-art technology and high-end materials to build a beautiful, one-of-a-kind property that lasts and institute eco-friendly measures to save on your energy bills. The builders’ expertise, passion for excellence in craftsmanship, and project management are all hiring benefits.

This introduction to custom home building will present the responsibilities undertaken by the builder, the benefits of working with a custom builder, pricing considerations, and questions to ask when selecting a builder.

What Do Luxury Custom Home Builders Do?

RBC Homes just completed a dream custom home for one of their clients.

A luxury custom home builder is tasked with assisting you through the process of incorporating the ideas of your dreams to life, first by listening to you, and then working to incorporate your ideas paired with the builder’s unique knowledge and perspective into a plan, and a description of materials you want used in the construction of the home of your dreams.

To the Custom Home Builder who truly cares, customer satisfaction starts on day one.

Find one who understands this concept, and who is dedicated  to delivering superior quality craftsmanship, and has access to and knowledge of high-value materials, knowledge of the nuances of the area in which you want to build (coastal construction significantly differ from inland construction), and who can achieving your construction goals intelligently and expediently.

Here’s how in 6 steps:

1. Create a Custom Floor Plan

Customized Floor Plan Design: Uniquely Tailored to Your Vision, Budget, and Lifestyle Preferences for Your Dream Home

Each custom home build is unique, so a luxury builder will not rely on floor plans from past projects. You can count on the creation of an individualized  new floor plan and customized elevations when building a custom home.

You’re in the driver’s seat, dictating what goes into the floor plan and where. You should consider factors such as your budget, the available square footage, and what kinds of features you’ve always longed for in a home when determining your floor plan requirements.

After gathering ideas and brainstorming with the Builder and about what to include, the next step in the process is bringing those ideas to life via a concept site plan illustrating your interior floor plan with or without potential furniture layout, as well as the exterior look (elevations) of your home.

2. Develop a Site Plan

Once the “footprint” of your home is set, the next step is to develop a site plan which illustrates the location of your home (accounting for front yard, rear yard, and side yard set-back requirements, easements, etc.). The site plan will also illustrate the location of other planned improvements such as the location of a swimming pool, walkways, decking, and other features like driveway location, landscaping, and utilities. Get the Necessary Permits

New construction often requires permits, such as demolition, building, gas, electrical,  grading, mechanical, plumbing, and occupancy permits. You must have many of these permits before construction can start. Typically, your Builder will secure the permits from the applicable governmental agency, before the custom project can proceed.

3. Excavate the Property

Breaking ground on what will become your new dream home is an exciting moment. Building a custom home entails using excavating machinery to clear the way for what will become the bones of the home.

4. Build the Home

Nighttime view of luxury house with custom pool built for an RBC Homes client

After excavation, the next task is to install the all important foundation for your home. There are many types of foundation, and selecting exactly the right type of foundation will depend on soil and environmental conditions present at the location of your build. An experienced luxury custom home builder will know what to recommend and how to construct the right foundation to appropriately support you new home.

The next stages of building a custom home include laying the “groundworks” (extending sewer and water services) from the curb under your home for later extension up and through the home. Next is framing the home to include roofing and window and door installations followed by “rough-in” work being the installation of electrical wiring and components together with piping for plumbing, and HVAC duct work. Next up is, the installation of insulation and then drywall.

5. Add Interior Finishes

Luxury custom home builders can also add unique interior finishes, crafting your home in elegant textiles and materials that reflect your taste and match your budget. You will have a home that’s ready to move into when construction finishes.

6. Renovate or Remodel Existing Properties

You don’t always need to build your dream home from scratch. Remodeling or renovating your home could be the solution if most of your home is tenable but needs improvements to take it to the next level. Remodeling is a more cost-effective solution that can still increase curb appeal and the value of your home.

. Build your home with us today – schedule your free consultation.

Are you ready to plan your custom home?

RBC Homes Portfolio showcasing our work of excellence

RBC Homes is a leading Virginia Beach custom home builder. We specialize in custom home builds, renovations, and remodeling in Virginia Beach. Our project management, specialized skill sets, and premium materials are what your dream home needs

  • Click here to check our success stories, this will help you create ideas for your property.

6 Advantages of Choosing a Luxury Custom Home Builder

Building a custom home with a luxury builder means your property will be a cut above the rest. Here are some advantages you can anticipate versus working with a standard builder.

First Advantage: High-End Materials and Finishes

High-End Materials and Finishes: Elevating Your Custom Home with Premium Quality and Luxury Aesthetics

Luxury custom home builders invite you to explore the world of premium, rare materials and finishes that give your home lavishness and appeal. Custom-made fixtures built from exotic woods, rare marbles, natural stone, ceramic and porcelain stoneware, and smart glass set your home apart.

The impeccable level of detail luxury builders use when building a custom home means nothing is too small to escape their focus.

Their unerring dedication to each project and years of experience yield a level of craftsmanship that ensures your dream home comes out of your visions and straight into real life. The elevated aesthetics of your luxury home will make you immensely proud to call it your own.

Second Advantage: State-of-the-Art Smart Technology

Today’s smart technology is designed to simplify everyday processes, whether it’s keeping the kids entertained for several minutes so you can get an important task done or lowering the lights, providing entertainment, and locking up the house before bed.

Your custom luxury home will be a testament to the latest advancements in smart home technology. You’ll marvel at how your property seamlessly integrates the best in entertainment, security, and automation in one system.

The efficiency and convenience of these systems create a high-end living environment and assist you in streamlining your daily routine, save time, and enable you to sleep more comfortably at night, knowing your home is safe.

Third Advantage: Luxury Amenities

Interior design for luxury custom homes

Luxury amenities when building a custom home give your property that unique edge. You select the amenities that add flavor and individuality, such as indoor swimming pools, spa retreats, wine cellars, sizable home gyms, and private theaters.

Specialamenities crafted and installed by luxury custom home builders can enable you to enjoy your hobbies and interests in the privacy of your own home and on the highest level imaginable.  Customized amenities afford more entertaining options for friends and family and elevate your quality of life.

Fourth Advantage: Eco-Friendly Luxury

A custom home build uses eco-friendly measures for each luxury feature. Sustainability in luxury homes is a trend that’s rapidly gained steam, including recyclable materials, Low-E windows, cool roofs, and geothermal HVAC systems.

According to This Old House, 28 percent of homebuyers in 2023 agree that sustainable siding, doors, and windows are important.

Going green benefits your luxury property in many ways. It will have a greater curb appeal and a  smaller carbon footprint. You can rest assured you’re making our planet a better place, and you will enjoy greater savings on your monthly utilities.

Fifth Advantage: Cost Considerations and Financing

Client strategically Managing his Budget for a Custom Home Investment

Building a custom home requires financing considerations. New home construction prices vary based on factors such as the interior and exterior finishes, building materials and quality, labor, and the size of the home.

Popular Loans for Custom Homes:

  • Construction/Permanent loans are a popular financing vehicle which are ideal for the individual working with a Custom Home Builder. Most lenders make these loans available for a 12 to 18 month term for construction and upon completion, the loan converts to a permanent loan for a term as long as 30-years. The benefits of this type of loan are several. First, you would typically pay interest only during the construction period. Another is, you can usually lock your long-term interest rate through the entire construction period. Once construction is complete, you would typically commence making interest and principal payments at a rate you locked in at a much earlier date.
  • Jumbo mortgages (or loans) are for high-cost properties like luxury custom homes. The conforming loan amount is substantially larger than most loans, usually in the five figures but sometimes six figures (the millions). The interest rates can vary, possibly matching conforming interest rates, but not exclusively.  You must have a spotless credit score to qualify.
  • Government-backed loans, including United States Department of Agriculture or USDA, Veterans Affairs or VA, and Federal Housing Administration or FHA loans, are worth investigating. VA loans have low interest rates and require a down payment of zero dollars. USDA loans also allow you to purchase a home without putting money down. FHA loans reduce the down payment rate to 3.5 percent, even if you have poor credit. The qualification criteria for government loans vary.
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages are 30-year home loans with fluid interest levels that mirror the market rates. This mortgage has an introductory period of between five and 10 years of fixed interest, then the interest can increase or decrease.

The Enduring Value of a Custom-Built Luxury Home

Investing in luxury custom homes is possible through the above loans. The return on investment on a custom property is immense.

The custom elements, level of detail, and high-quality craftsmanship from luxury custom home builders of the property increase its curb appeal versus a standard home in your neighborhood with no customization elements.

The enduring value of the home, acquired through the meticulous selection of high-end materials, ensures your home requires less maintenance and fewer surprise repairs throughout the years.

Measuring the immense satisfaction of living in your dream home is impossible, but your days will certainly be happier.

  • Our article, How to Build a Custom Home, provides a detailed step-by-step guide of the entire process of building a custom home, including cost estimations.

Choosing the Right Luxury Custom Home Builder

RBC Homes gallery showcasing our work: choose the Right Luxury Custom Home Builder

Asking the above questions during a thorough interview is an excellent way to ensure you work with a reputable luxury custom home builder. The following tips will also help you select the right team for building a custom home.

Prioritize Experience

Experience speaks for itself in the construction industry. A builder with decades in the industry understands its market, and the features home buyers typically seek. They have built custom homes of all sizes and varieties and can construct your coastal dream home according to your budget and timeframe.

Focus on Quality

Quality should be at the heart of the luxury custom home builder’s services. Without quality, a home lacks that luxury appeal and will not be worth the money you put into it. Testimonials and experience are testaments to quality, as are a photo-rich portfolio, guarantees, and warranties to put your mind at ease.

RBC Homes prioritizes transparency, from designing your custom home to post-construction services.

Send us an email or give us a call today to begin planning your home.

Conclusion

Hiring a top-notch luxury custom home builder for your project is essential.

Check our articles on our blog: they are additional resources for exploring further.

You can also contact RBC Homes if you’re considering building a custom home. We have more than 30 years of experience constructing and renovating properties across Virginia Beach.

Experience the best in coastal luxury – contact us today.

Luxury Custom Homes – The Art of the Bespoke

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The economic forecast is looking very positive for home construction through 2024, and if you’re in the market for a luxury custom home, then you’ve come to the right place.

What Are Luxury Custom Homes?

The distinction between a luxury custom home and a standard home should be crystal clear. You won’t often find the same meticulous attention to detail or luxury amenities in a standard house that you’d find in a luxury home. For a residential structure to be considered a “luxury custom home,” it should go beyond the general expectations of residential architecture and design. A luxury home should have some semblance of exclusivity and personalized luxury.

These homes have seen a surge in popularity over the past decade, and it’s not merely due to their aesthetics. Custom luxury homes offer something truly unique—tailoring every aspect to your specific needs and desires. Whether it’s a functional home office or a luxurious indoor sauna, each detail is meticulously designed for quality, functionality, and extravagance.

The result? A one-of-a-kind masterpiece that embodies your creative vision of your personalized dream home.

At RBC Homes, our process involves creating an exquisite masterpiece from the ground up, reflecting our clients’ distinct visions, tastes, and lifestyles. We value the collaboration between homeowners, architects, interior designers, and our construction experts. This collaboration unites homeowners’ aspirations and individual preferences with the creative expertise of professionals, resulting in the realization of your dream home.

Come with us as we open the doors and dive into the art and science that goes behind crafting some of the best custom luxury homes on the market today.

Elements of Luxury Custom Homes & Architectural Styles

Of course, the elements of luxury custom homes will often depend on the architectural styles. Let’s explore some examples that showcase the distinctive characteristics of each style:

  • Coastal Homes: Most coastal homes will offer a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to enjoy the shorelines in their front yard. Think large patios with pools, lounge areas, and more.
  • Neoclassical: These architectural designs harken back to the grandeur of ancient Greece and Rome. Think imposing columns and stately facades.
  • Contemporary: Modern homes are all about a sleek form of elegance. You’ll often find open-air spaces and clean lines. Bright white kitchens, minimalistic yard spaces, and smart tech integration are the norm.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired: If you’re looking to transport yourself to the sun-soaked villas of Europe, with arched doorways and terracotta roofs, look no further than Mediterranean-inspired luxury homes.

We invite you to explore our gallery of work to get a better idea of the kind of breathtaking architecture you can expect when you work with our luxury custom home builders.

The Design and Construction Process of Luxury Custom Homes

Here at RBC Homes, we build many luxury coastal homes, thanks to our unique location near the Atlantic Ocean. While the process of building a resilient house that can last for many generations, even while adjacent to the sea, can seem overwhelming, the steps are actually quite simple.

  1. Develop Your Dream: What does your perfect home look like? Start by putting together a vision board of sorts, and then speaking with RBC’s interior and exterior design team, and with a subsequent visit to some of our many completed luxury custom homes for inspiration and ideas.  Start outlining your preferences for architectural styles, design elements, lifestyle needs, room functionality, and more.
  2. Find the Perfect Plot of Land: At this point, it’s a good idea to team up with our professionals who can assist you in evaluating sites the suitability of each for the building of a sustainable home which accommodates the lifestyle of your dreams. 
  3. Find a Builder: Once you’ve chosen your canvas, RBC Homes can assist you with the balance of the process, including interior and exterior design. Our design experts possess a deep understanding of luxury home design, construction, and have the requisite experience and knowledge of both design and construction to professionally assist you in making your dream your new reality.
  4. Collaborate: Work closely with our experts to actualize your vision, create blueprints, and ensure that every detail aligns with your aspirations.

Top 4 Trends in Luxury Custom Homes

When planning your custom home design, you might hit an inspirational wall. In that case, consider some of the top trends in luxury custom homes and how they might fit in with your unique project.

1. High-End Materials and Finishes

Crafting luxury custom homes with rare marbles, exquisite stone countertops, and custom fixtures to transform living spaces into works of art.

A luxury custom home is nothing without the rare and premium materials that make it up. Every living space should feel like a work of art.

Whether you’re looking at rare marbles with intricate veining for your bathroom floors, natural stone like quartzite or granite countertops for your kitchen, or custom-made fixtures like faucets or chandeliers to give your home a bit more character, the attention to detail here is what matters.

2. State-of-the-Art Smart Technology

Enhance your luxury living with seamless smart technology, from automated blinds and lights to advanced security, offering convenience and peace of mind

More than 63 million households in the U.S. have integrated smart technology in one way or another. When it comes to our luxury homes, we here at RBC love technologies that seamlessly integrate with our construction and make life a bit easier for you.

From home automation like automatic blinds and lights to top-of-the-line security systems to keep your family safe, these devices offer both convenience and peace of mind.

3.  Luxurious Amenities for Ultimate Comfort

Explore a wide range of custom amenities, from private theaters and climate-controlled wine cellars to indoor spas and heated pools, tailored to your unique preferences

We know no bounds in terms of luxury amenities. What we integrate into our projects comes down to the preferences of our clients.

And, of course, with such a diverse range of clients with different passions and interests, amenities vary widely.

From private theaters for cinephiles to climate-controlled wine cellars for burgeoning sommeliers, indoor spa retreats for a bit of R&R after a long day, and heated swimming pools for year-round enjoyment, the list of bespoke amenities goes on and on.

4. Eco-Friendly Luxury

The trend of sustainability in luxury custom homes is growing. We use energy-efficient LED lighting, geothermal HVAC, and rainwater harvesting to balance luxury with eco-consciousness.

The emerging trend of sustainability in luxury custom homes is bigger than it ever has been.

Incorporating energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the property, utilizing geothermal HVAC systems, or integrating rainwater harvesting to store rainwater for landscape irrigation, reducing water consumption and the strain on local water resources, are just some of the ways we’ve been able to find the balance between luxury and eco-consciousness.

Of course, our creativity extends beyond these trends, and if you want to find out more about how we can transform your unique vision into a reality, check out our gallery of innovative luxury home designs or get in contact us today.

6 Essential Considerations for Financing and Investing in Luxury Custom Homes

As an investor, we urge you to think of your dream home as more than just property. It’s an exclusive investment opportunity. Of course, investing in luxury custom homes typically requires substantial capital.

There are many costs involved, including:

1. Acquiring the Perfect Land:

Most luxury homes come on premium lots, and with those lots come higher price tags. If you want waterfront access, expect to pay a premium. Carefully select a location that aligns with your investment goals.

2. High-End Construction Costs:

Compared to standard homes, luxury custom homes often feature top-tier materials and craftsmanship, which can significantly impact construction costs. Be prepared for a budget that reflects the use of high-end materials.

3. Navigating Permits and Approvals:

Depending on where you’re building your investment home, there may be permit fees and regulatory requirements, such as zoning permits or environmental assessments. You will also need to confirm that the jurisdiction in which you elect to invest, permits short-term rentals. As you likely know, short-term rentals will afford you among the highest rates of return on your investment.

Incorporating Desirable Features within a luxury custom home

4. Incorporating Desirable Features:

Whether you’re integrating custom cabinets in the bathroom or high-end appliances in the kitchen, these  kinds of features can greatly impact the overall cost and the desirability of your investment home to renters. .

5. Building a Contingency Fund:

While we do our best to mitigate these, unforeseen issues can arise. To mitigate these, it’s advisable to set aside a contingency fund of 5-10% to cover unexpected costs. This ensures that your project stays on track.

6. Securing Financing:

Securing financing for a luxury custom home may be more involved than your standard mortgage. Consider working with lenders who specialize in high-end investment real estate.

The good thing is that you can expect a positive ROI later down the line. Custom-built homes have a much better appeal to short-term renters and better resale value than pre-built, tract homes.

5 Tips for Buying a Luxury Custom Home: What to Look for When Purchasing

RBC homes built a beautiful luxury contemporary house.

There are a few must-have elements that separate a luxury custom home from a standard one. When you’re ready to buy your dream home, it’s important that you don’t jump the gun.

Before you make the leap, consider these essential factors to help you make an informed decision:

1. Architectural Expertise:

Any architect you work with should have a keen understanding of luxury design. It’s often a good idea to look for distinctive architectural styles that resonate with your taste and the pool of short and long-term renters, whether coastal, modern, or neoclassical.

2. Location Matters:

In luxury real estate, location is paramount. Not only will coastal properties have breathtaking views, but they’ll also hold significant value compared to the same home in a standard suburb, and undoubtedly appeal to short-term renters in search of an ideal vacation destination.

3. Craftsmanship Excellence:

Impeccable craftsmanship is key. Ask about the quality of materials and finishes used. There’s a lot to pay attention to here, but we often recommend keeping your eye on elements like rare woods, natural stone, and custom fixtures.

4. Thoughtful Amenities:

Consider the lifestyle amenities that align with your vision, from private theaters for cinematic evenings to spa retreats for ultimate relaxation. These carefully curated amenities are tailored to elevate your everyday living experience, creating a haven of comfort and luxury in your dream home.

5. Future Resale Value:

While you may enter your dream home building process with the idea of having your family enjoy it for generations to come, it’s equally important to consider its future resale value, potential as an income producing rental property and whether or not it’s a wise investment.

When you’re ready to explore your dream home fantasy further, get in touch with us.

Choosing the Right Builder for Your Luxury Custom Home

The builder you choose will play a pivotal role in whether or not your vision comes to life as you imagine.

For starters, you need to find a quality builder, as quality is the cornerstone of all luxury custom homes. Look at their portfolio and determine the kinds of styles in which the builder excels.

Next, make sure that builder has a track record of delivering great work. This is reputation. With any business, reputation is a testament to commitment.

Look for testimonials and references from past clients to gauge the reputation and experience of the builder. You might also consider seeing whether or not that builder has legitimate industry recognition and awards.

FAQs:

What is the typical timeline for a project like this?

Well, while traditional home builders often take 12 to 18 months to complete a project, at RBC Homes, we pride ourselves on efficiency.

From the moment we receive the necessary building permit,  we can typically deliver your custom coastal masterpiece in just 7 to 8 months. This means you can start enjoying the coastal lifestyle sooner than you might expect.

What Are the Costs and Return on Investment?

As you probably could have guessed, the cost of building a luxury custom coastal home can vary widely based on factors such as location, size, and amenities.

However, it’s important to view your investment as more than just a financial transaction. Our clients consistently note how much of a positive impact their luxury custom homes have had on their quality of life. It’s hard to beat beautiful, unparalleled comfort with the potential for long-term value appreciation.

Think of your new home as a legacy that you and your family can cherish for generations.

What Are the Steps to Build a Custom Home?

The process of custom home construction is relatively in-depth, which is why we recommend checking out our comprehensive guide on “How to Build a Custom Home.”

This blog will provide valuable insights into every aspect of creating your personalized sanctuary, from luxury home design and planning to construction and beyond.

Design Your Luxury Custom Home with RBC

Here at RBC Homes, we know how important it is to find the right builder for your luxury custom home design and build. You’re bringing a large investment to the table, and the last thing we and you want is to put that investment to waste.

With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to our clients, our award-winning, class-A licensed team has built some of the dreamiest luxury custom homes along the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Soon, we are pleased to announce, we will be bringing our unique and unparalleled industry experience and reputation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

For more than 30 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing nothing but the best for those we collaborate with, and we hope we can do the same for you. Get in touch with us today to see how we can begin turning your dream into your new reality.