ZSD – My WordPress Blog

“Building An Experience
One House At A Time”

“A Legacy of Quality”

“Bringing Timeless
Design To Life”

“As Seen in The
Washington Post”

Specializing exclusively in building custom homes and luxury estates in Northern VA, DC and Maryland. ZSD Design Build is not your typical general contractor. We’ve wowed over 300 families in the past two decades, transforming their visions into beautifully appointed dream homes that are built to stand the test of time, both structurally and conceptually.

Absolute Top Quality

Your custom home will be built to last for generations, with high-quality building materials and innovative building methods that go far beyond what is required by building code.

Unbeatable Time Lines

We have a great deal of pull with the most skilled subcontractors in the area, enabling us to build your house much faster than others can.

In-House Architects

One of Northern Virginia’s only Design Build firms with in-house architects allowing for incredible flexibility, speed and one of a kind designs.

Early Involvement

Most general contractors don’t come to the party until the construction bidding process has begun. ZSD Design Build starts working with you right from the start, providing expert assistance even before the lot has been found and architectural plans started.

Value Engineering

Early involvement allows us to help value engineer your project, identifying where it’s worth investing more money and where a less costly option will provide the results you desire.

White Glove Service

From tear down to finished home we handle all aspects of construction, including permitting, project management, problem solving and quality control. “Our goal is to remove the stress….”

On-Going Relationship

Long after your move-in day we’ll still be standing behind your home. You’ll enjoy full-coverage warranty during year one and additional warranties thereafter.

Our Gallery

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Our Process

Land & Lot Acquisition

We use our long standing relationships with local real estate professionals to help you find the perfect lot, and then be there to ensure the site really is perfect for your needs. To confirm that your desired project is feasible we’ll do everything from bringing in consultants (such as soil and pool engineers) and flying a drone to validate the views, to reviewing city restrictions, municipal easements and much more.

Home Design

As the top custom home builder in the DC metro area we have also built strong working relationships with the area’s premier interior designers and have a team of in-house architects. We’ll provide introductions, matching the best fit for your proposed style and needs. Once we are retained we will collaborate closely with your designer to create a custom home that fits within all of your desired function, design and cost parameters.

Specifications Development

It’s the details that separate extraordinary new home construction from ordinary new home construction. Your Project Coordinator will create a comprehensive, all-inclusive Specifications Book cataloging every component of the project—plumbing fixtures, cabinets, appliances, finish carpentry, paint colors and more.

Budget & Schedule Development

Your Project Coordinator will obtain subcontractor and vendor bids based on your approved Specifications Book, and then confirm the overall budget for your project. Once the project permit has been issued you’ll receive a Decision Deadline Schedule. This keeps the process from becoming overwhelming, and allows the build schedule to remain on track.

Project Management

One of the many advantages of working with a general contractor that has a large full-time staff is that it’s not just “one person trying to do everything.” Once things are underway our Operations Manager will use specialized software to track all aspects of scheduling, giving you the ability to see exactly where things stand. Your Controller will track all expenses and provide detailed monthly billings. And our Office Administrator will stay on top of insurance and lien release challenges.

Home Construction

ZSD Design Build is a “white glove” home builder. We handle all aspects of construction, from serving as the point of contact for all subcontractors, consultants, vendors and city inspectors to resolving issues as they arise. Construction will be overseen by your Project Manager, who will be on site daily ensuring all work is done to specifications, using the highest quality building materials and techniques.

Project Completion

Our in-depth project close-out process includes a full inspection by an Independent Home Inspector. The principals of ZSD Design Build will then join you and your Project Manager for a detailed walk-through to compile a final “punch list.” Upon move-in you will receive a Comprehensive Close-Out Package with copies of all contracts, invoices, releases, city documents, manuals and warranties, as well as photographic documentation of your project.

On-Going Care

Your relationship with ZSD Design Build does not stop on your move-in day. You’ll enjoy a full-coverage warranty during the first year after your home’s completion and a two-year electrical and mechanical warranty followed by a ten-year structural warranty for years two through ten—plus the option to participate in our turnkey Patterson Custom Home Care Program that takes home maintenance out of your hands and makes it worry-free.

Testimonials

ZSD Design Build is a pleasure to deal with. My home had a small issue after 4 years and they came in and addressed them as if the warranty was still in force

It was truly a spectacular house. It sold much faster than we anticipated. A testament to the design and quality of the home. There are none that compare

ZSD Design Build made the design and construction of our new home a real pleasure. It was easier to build a 7,000 Square Foot home from scratch than it was to remodel our old home

The team at ZSD Design Build took my project from just a dream to an amazing home. Not only did they design my home they guided my through all of the finishes. Their people even took care of my Interior Design and Window Treatments!

Contact us

Specialist developer of uniquely designed, custom built homes, artfully crafting one of a king contemporary living spaces which fully realize the dreams of our discerning clientle.