Find the Best Home Builders in Baltimore, MD

How to choose a home builder in Baltimore

Before you find a construction company in Baltimore to build your dream home, you need to know what the house looks like. What are its architectural and design features? How big is it? What kind of layout does it have?

Knowing what you like, want and must-have in advance makes it easier to narrow potential home builders. Make a list of developers in Baltimore who build homes that check most of your boxes, then read what past clients say online.

To complete your research, identify your top three to five custom home builders and confirm their Maryland home builders license and check out their NAHB certification online.

Questions to ask a home builder

Schedule consultations with these Baltimore home builders for a chance to talk face to face. Having a list of questions prepared ensures smoother, more insightful and more productive consultations:

• Do you offer financial incentives for using your preferred lender?
• Is the cost of the lot included in the estimate?
• Does this location have an HOA?
• Is landscaping included?
• What floor plan options are available?
• Are the appliances and finishes in the model home standard?
• Can appliances and finishes be upgraded or downgraded?
• Can the basement be left unfinished?
• What warranties are available?
• Can I have a list of references?
• How often will I be able to see my home during construction?
• How do you handle complications?
• What is your cancelation policy?
• How long before I can move in?

If you’re new to Baltimore or unfamiliar with the part of town you’re considering, ask the custom home builder about tax rates, local schools, nearby daycare and grocery providers, emergency services, neighborhood parks and walkability as well.

Finally, before signing a contract with a custom home builder, inquire about restrictive covenants that limit the possible uses of your land to protect the value of nearby properties.

How much does it cost to build a home in Baltimore?

For a long time, building a new home in Baltimore meant building outside of the city, but today new developments are cropping up all around areas like Brewers Hill, Station North and Gay Street.

Prices for single-family builds in Baltimore range from $275,000 to $690,000 in areas like Western Run Park, West Arlington and Cheswolde. New townhomes range from almost $200,000 to $400,000 in Woodberry or Mt. Winans. New condo developments tip the price scales with home builders in Fells Point charging between $3 million and up per unit.

The biggest reason behind this cost disparity is location. However, that’s not the only factor that affects the cost of new builds. New home pricing in Baltimore depends on your:

• Developer or architect
• Labor costs
• Materials
• Timeline
• Features
• Finishes

When opting to build in Baltimore, remember that planning is everything. Do your homework and research your custom home builder and the construction process so you’re prepared for anything and everything that comes your way. For the best possible outcome:

• Don’t always go with the lender the home builder recommends
• Never assume; if you’re unsure, ask
• Expect delays, mistakes and hiccups
• Hire your own inspector
• Budget for more than expected
• Track development milestones, but don’t rush the construction process