Turn your lot into a home
built for how you live.
From first consultation to final walkthrough, one team manages design, permitting and construction — with two curated finish lines and fixed, predictable pricing at every step.
Explore the homes we build.
What Makes A Character House, A Character House?
At Character Companies, we design and build classic homes that preserve the character of the communities we serve. We respect the charm and integrity of older homes while adapting them for modern life, combining thoughtful design with exceptional craftsmanship.
We take pride in being a trusted builder for homeowners who care about quality, character, and lasting value.
Layered Wallpaper & Color
We thoughtfully use wallpaper to introduce consistent pops of color and texture, adding depth and personality to each space.
Curated Hardware Selection
Our hardware is carefully chosen to complement each room, often mixing metals to create a refined, tailored look.
Detailed Millwork
Intricate moldings, cased openings, and elegant archways add timeless architectural character far beyond standard shaker trim.
Inviting Entry Doors
We use playful front door colors and often incorporate glass panes in smaller Alexandria homes to bring in more natural light and brighten the interior.
Thoughtful Lighting Design
Ambient lighting from Visual Comfort, with carefully placed sconces and minimal recessed lights, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the home.
Classic Colonial Layout with Coastal Influence
Light-filled, open colonial floor plans blend traditional charm with a fresh, coastal-inspired aesthetic.
Our Definition of Custom
At our core, we believe a custom home should feel uniquely yours without the overwhelming guesswork. Our definition of custom means offering a thoughtfully curated set of choices that puts you in control. Start with a beautiful, adaptable floor plan, then personalize it with features that matter most, like an extra garage or a cozy screened-in porch.
Inside and out, you’ll choose from our Signature or Legacy lines, each designed to reflect your taste while guiding your budget. You get the freedom to personalize without the stress of endless decisions and potential overruns.
In short, we provide a guided, flexible path to a home that is distinctly yours, delivered through a predictable, fixed-price approach that removes the uncertainty often associated with building a custom home.
Two curated collections. One guided process.
Signature Line
Thoughtfully designed, carefully curated finishes — hand selected for lasting quality and timeless style.
- James Hardie Siding
- Quartz Countertops
- GE Cafe Stainless Steel Appliances
- Hardwood Floors
- Carrier Two Zone HVAC System
- 10-Year Structural Warranty
Legacy Line
Our most elevated finish package — designer detailing and premium materials throughout, for a truly custom feel.
- James Hardie Siding
- Premium Quartz Countertops
- Thermador Appliances
- Premium Hardwood Flooring, 1st & 2nd Floor
- Carrier Two Zone HVAC System
- 10-Year Structural Warranty
Your Journey Home
We guarantee you’ll never have to choose between a home with character and a simple building experience. Both are possible with Character Companies.
Discovery Call
Learn how much and how long it’ll take you to build your semi-custom home.
Site Visits
Once you’ve selected your model, we’ll head out to one of our houses to further educate you on the building process.
Fits & Finishes
Based on your budget, you’ll choose from our two finish lines: Signature or Legacy, your guide as you pick selections and modify your floor plan.
Pricing
With a better idea of everything that you want your home to be, we’ll fully price out what it will cost to build.
Project Launch
Once the contract is signed, you’ll meet the production team and start communicating closely with our project managers and designers.
Finalize Design
This is where the fun begins! You’ll meet with our design team to pick out tile, flooring, siding, cabinets and more.
Construction
On average, our homes take 5 to 7 months to build. We’ll keep you in the loop with progress photos and milestone-specific walkthroughs.
Move In
Welcome home! You’ll be handed off to our warranty team, who handle the 1-2-10 warranty program that comes with every home.
Ready to build your dream home?
Let’s start the conversation today.
Tell us about your dream build.
Share a few details — square footage, location and price point — and our team will follow up with next steps.
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Move into one of our homes
already underway.
205 MacArthur Rd
Alexandria, VA · 5 bed, 4.5 bath · 3,600 sq ft
$2,299,900
8625 Plymouth Rd
Alexandria, VA · 6 bed, 6.5 bath · 6,900 sq ft
$3,300,000
1133 Arcturus Ln.
Alexandria, VA · 5 bed, 4.5 bath · 4,300 sq ft
$1,699,000