This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
On March 11, I moderated a panel discussion featuring a custom home builder, architect, renovation specialist, and construction lender to help homeowners and buyers better understand what it takes to build a new home or take on a major renovation or addition.
Our conversation covered a wide range of practical topics, including:
- The key phases, timelines, and costs of remodeling and new construction
- The role of an architect vs. design-build firm, and how to engage each
- How to finance construction projects, including options that preserve your current mortgage
- Differences between spec, semi-custom, and fully custom homes
- The economics behind large new builds, $/sqft expectations, and demolition costs
- A breakdown of common project costs like kitchens, bathrooms, pop-tops, and additions
- Navigating zoning, setbacks, and stormwater regulations
- Insights on value-adding renovation choices and how to decide between building new vs. renovating
We also discussed real-world challenges, such as managing neighborhood concerns, understanding today’s material costs, and aligning expectations with reality throughout the process.
The entire panel is available on YouTube, linked here, or Podcast, linked here.
Our panelists were fantastic and shared wide ranging, in-depth answers to my questions, without the fluff you often get from panel discussions. The panel was made up of the following local experts:
- Chad Hackmann, Regional Partner/Owner, Alair Homes Arlington
- Matt Rzepkowski, President/Owner, MR Custom Homes
- Tripp DeFalco, President/Owner, DeFalco Home Design
- Brad Pace, Wealth Management Mortgage Banker and Construction Builder Specialist, US Bank
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
Upcoming (pre-market) ERG Listings, Details and Additional Listings Available by Request
- Arlington Ridge/Aurora Hills – 3BR/2.5BA/2,450sqft – Detached Single Family (1961) – S Grove St Arlington VA 22202
- Ballston – 2BR/1BA/919sqft – Condo (2005) – 1001 N Randolph St Arlington VA 22201
- Rosslyn 2BR/2BA/1,600sqft – Condo (1986) – 1530 Key Blvd Arlington VA 22209
- Courthouse – 3BR/2BA/1,400sqft – Condo (1992) – 1276 N Wayne St Arlington VA 22201
- Tara Leeway Heights – 7BR/7.2BA/7,500sqft/half acre/pool – Detached Single Family (2026) — 1500 N Harrison St Arlington VA 22205
- Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205
