Character Companies: Crafting Excellence in Construction The driving force behind Character Companies dedicated to a reputation for turning construction dreams into reality. At Character Companies we don't just build; we craft. Our unwavering commitment to precision, innovation, and superior craftsmanship has made us the trusted choice for residential and commercial construction projects in Alexandria, VA and beyond. From homes to renovations and expansions, our residential expertise brings your vision to life, ensuring perfection in every detail. Our portfolio includes, kitchens, bathrooms, house renovations, and home additions - delivered on time and within budget. Our projects are tailored to meet your needs ensures that each project reflects your vision and specifications. With 7 years of industry experience, Character Companies brings unparalleled expertise to every project.
"We recently had the unfortunate experience of working with Character Companies Inc., and as government civil servants and veterans, we were deeply disappointed. The price of renovating two bathrooms and installing new LVP flooring at $70K (original quote: $84K) seemed excessive, but we hoped that the quality of service would justify the cost. Sadly, that was not the case, and it has cost us the chance to rent out our home while we are deployed to Iraq. From start to finish, the experience was a nightmare. The project management was abysmal, with multiple delays that extended the timeline one month beyond the agreed schedule. It took over two months to do just two bathrooms and replace flooring when the original timeline was four weeks. This company demonstrated a shocking lack of professionalism and accountability throughout the process. The design work was utterly incompetent, failing to conform to the existing plumbing structure in our bathrooms. The contractor disregarded our repeated attempts to bring attention to design flaws and forced the installation of bathroom vanities by performing a â carpentry fixâ that left us with two top drawers sealed shut, one bottom drawer with a cutout, and one fully functional drawer. One month after installation, one vanity separated from the wall and had to be reattached. Our allegations of Character charging us for high-end fixtures and installing cheaper ones were ignored. The final straw was the damage done to our marble floors. Instead of offering a repair or replacement, the contractor covered it with LVP and then charged us at the end of the project for the extra costs of the LVP that they incurred to cover up the damage! This was deceitful and completely unacceptable. The CEOâ s disregard for customer satisfaction and maintaining basic work standards is unforgivable. The only thing he did well was apologize profusely, not caring about fixing any problems. During a phone call, he admitted that our project was a â dumpster fireâ yet didnâ t offer any concessions. We strongly advise anyone considering Character Companies Inc. to stay far away. Their poor project management, substandard design, shoddy craftsmanship, and unprofessional conduct have left us with a costly mess that will take more time and money to fix. Protect yourself and go with an experienced, reputable company."
CHAD P on August 2024
Character Companies: Crafting Excellence in Construction The driving force behind Character Companies dedicated to a reputation for turning construction dreams into reality. At Character Companies we don't just build; we craft. Our unwavering commitment to precision, innovation, and superior craftsmanship has made us the trusted choice for residential and commercial construction projects in Alexandria, VA and beyond. From homes to renovations and expansions, our residential expertise brings your vision to life, ensuring perfection in every detail. Our portfolio includes, kitchens, bathrooms, house renovations, and home additions - delivered on time and within budget. Our projects are tailored to meet your needs ensures that each project reflects your vision and specifications. With 7 years of industry experience, Character Companies brings unparalleled expertise to every project.
"We recently had the unfortunate experience of working with Character Companies Inc., and as government civil servants and veterans, we were deeply disappointed. The price of renovating two bathrooms and installing new LVP flooring at $70K (original quote: $84K) seemed excessive, but we hoped that the quality of service would justify the cost. Sadly, that was not the case, and it has cost us the chance to rent out our home while we are deployed to Iraq. From start to finish, the experience was a nightmare. The project management was abysmal, with multiple delays that extended the timeline one month beyond the agreed schedule. It took over two months to do just two bathrooms and replace flooring when the original timeline was four weeks. This company demonstrated a shocking lack of professionalism and accountability throughout the process. The design work was utterly incompetent, failing to conform to the existing plumbing structure in our bathrooms. The contractor disregarded our repeated attempts to bring attention to design flaws and forced the installation of bathroom vanities by performing a â carpentry fixâ that left us with two top drawers sealed shut, one bottom drawer with a cutout, and one fully functional drawer. One month after installation, one vanity separated from the wall and had to be reattached. Our allegations of Character charging us for high-end fixtures and installing cheaper ones were ignored. The final straw was the damage done to our marble floors. Instead of offering a repair or replacement, the contractor covered it with LVP and then charged us at the end of the project for the extra costs of the LVP that they incurred to cover up the damage! This was deceitful and completely unacceptable. The CEOâ s disregard for customer satisfaction and maintaining basic work standards is unforgivable. The only thing he did well was apologize profusely, not caring about fixing any problems. During a phone call, he admitted that our project was a â dumpster fireâ yet didnâ t offer any concessions. We strongly advise anyone considering Character Companies Inc. to stay far away. Their poor project management, substandard design, shoddy craftsmanship, and unprofessional conduct have left us with a costly mess that will take more time and money to fix. Protect yourself and go with an experienced, reputable company."
CHAD P on August 2024
3D Design Space was established in 1992 Specializing in Additions, Major Renovations, Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement, Garage Remodels, design, and architectural services in Northern Virginia. Quality customer service and workmanship is a number one priority of 3D Design Space. We are fully insured and licensed.
"An amazing, super nice guy to work with...great communication and design ideas. I've never seen someone (and his crew) work so hard to complete a job! I would hire again in a heartbeat."
Melissa E on July 2015
3D Design Space was established in 1992 Specializing in Additions, Major Renovations, Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement, Garage Remodels, design, and architectural services in Northern Virginia. Quality customer service and workmanship is a number one priority of 3D Design Space. We are fully insured and licensed.
"An amazing, super nice guy to work with...great communication and design ideas. I've never seen someone (and his crew) work so hard to complete a job! I would hire again in a heartbeat."
Melissa E on July 2015
We take great pride our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"Archtex and his team build an addition for my house. They did a great jobs, we and the neighbors love it. They finish before the due date. I would recommend them and will hire them again."
Luan L on April 2024
We take great pride our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"Archtex and his team build an addition for my house. They did a great jobs, we and the neighbors love it. They finish before the due date. I would recommend them and will hire them again."
Luan L on April 2024
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"They replaced my beaten wooden deck with a new composite one. The price was more than fair after shopping around. What I liked from the experience was the cleanliness and speed. Everything we agreed on they did in timely manner."
Charlie H on October 2023
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"They replaced my beaten wooden deck with a new composite one. The price was more than fair after shopping around. What I liked from the experience was the cleanliness and speed. Everything we agreed on they did in timely manner."
Charlie H on October 2023
3DF LLC is a locally owned and operated company serving the Reston, VA area and surrounding communities. 3DF, LLC is a full service design & builder of your dream home and living environment. We can help expand your existing structure for you and your family to enjoy for years. Professional craftsmanship, reasonable rates, and friendly customer service. Call us now!
"Could not be happier with Jim's work. Remodeled master bath, kitchen, replaced front door, plus several other smaller tasks. Easy to work with. Has a talented eye for style and design. Kept me informed throughout the process. Has experience with the design board in my town (Reston). Never up-charged. I've recommended him to several neighbors already."
Brian B on August 2024
3DF LLC is a locally owned and operated company serving the Reston, VA area and surrounding communities. 3DF, LLC is a full service design & builder of your dream home and living environment. We can help expand your existing structure for you and your family to enjoy for years. Professional craftsmanship, reasonable rates, and friendly customer service. Call us now!
"Could not be happier with Jim's work. Remodeled master bath, kitchen, replaced front door, plus several other smaller tasks. Easy to work with. Has a talented eye for style and design. Kept me informed throughout the process. Has experience with the design board in my town (Reston). Never up-charged. I've recommended him to several neighbors already."
Brian B on August 2024
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers' needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. To understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers' needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. To understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
K-One Corporation is a family owned design and build company that has been operating since 1991. We work closely with our clients to build trust and bring their vision to reality within cost, schedule and scope. Our in house architects and engineers bring a combined 80 years of experience in designing and building structures to reality.
"We loved working with K-One! Their communication was amazing, they plan well, problem solv quickly, and are a dream to work with for a big project like our new addition. I recommend them to everyone."
Bryn C on April 2023
K-One Corporation is a family owned design and build company that has been operating since 1991. We work closely with our clients to build trust and bring their vision to reality within cost, schedule and scope. Our in house architects and engineers bring a combined 80 years of experience in designing and building structures to reality.
"We loved working with K-One! Their communication was amazing, they plan well, problem solv quickly, and are a dream to work with for a big project like our new addition. I recommend them to everyone."
Bryn C on April 2023
Here at Best Homes, our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. Please call today for a quote and thank you for doing so.
"We had an exceptional experience with Johnathan, Jeffry, and their team. Their professionalism, friendliness, and expertise stood out from the start to the finish of our basement project. The process was smooth, transparent, and free of surprises, with clear cost and material outlines. We appreciated their flexibility in allowing us to choose different materials and only charging the price difference. When we added more work mid-project, they were accommodating and maintained high-quality workmanship. They provided a wide selection of cabinets, flooring, tiles, mirrors, and bathroom faucets. The project was completed on time and within budget. We are thrilled with the results and plan to work with them again. Everyone who has seen our basement loves it! Overall, we highly recommend their services."
Sammaad S on February 2025
Here at Best Homes, our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. Please call today for a quote and thank you for doing so.
"We had an exceptional experience with Johnathan, Jeffry, and their team. Their professionalism, friendliness, and expertise stood out from the start to the finish of our basement project. The process was smooth, transparent, and free of surprises, with clear cost and material outlines. We appreciated their flexibility in allowing us to choose different materials and only charging the price difference. When we added more work mid-project, they were accommodating and maintained high-quality workmanship. They provided a wide selection of cabinets, flooring, tiles, mirrors, and bathroom faucets. The project was completed on time and within budget. We are thrilled with the results and plan to work with them again. Everyone who has seen our basement loves it! Overall, we highly recommend their services."
Sammaad S on February 2025
SA Home Improvement Inc is a full-service design and builds a residential remodeling company based in Virginia. We have been in business for more than 17 years. We understand that your construction project is an investment. Whether it is the construction of a new home, in addition to your home, or a remodel any number of commercial considerations, we offer quality construction with an emphasis on service and communication. We are customer-focused and understand that your construction project is significant to you. For every project, we offer quality construction with an emphasis on service and communication. Our remodeling specialists at SA can provide innovative concepts and designs to meet your needs. Customer satisfaction is our mission.
"Seddik and his crew did great work on my house addition. The constant communication and attention to detail made the evolution stress-free. We were able to move back in a week earlier than initially quoted and the final cost was within a few percent of the estimate, mostly due to additional touches we added on during the build. He was also extremely responsive to any issues that popped up after the job was finished to make sure everything turned out exactly like our family wanted. Can't recommend them enough to friends and anybody else who will listen."
Mark G on August 2024
SA Home Improvement Inc is a full-service design and builds a residential remodeling company based in Virginia. We have been in business for more than 17 years. We understand that your construction project is an investment. Whether it is the construction of a new home, in addition to your home, or a remodel any number of commercial considerations, we offer quality construction with an emphasis on service and communication. We are customer-focused and understand that your construction project is significant to you. For every project, we offer quality construction with an emphasis on service and communication. Our remodeling specialists at SA can provide innovative concepts and designs to meet your needs. Customer satisfaction is our mission.
"Seddik and his crew did great work on my house addition. The constant communication and attention to detail made the evolution stress-free. We were able to move back in a week earlier than initially quoted and the final cost was within a few percent of the estimate, mostly due to additional touches we added on during the build. He was also extremely responsive to any issues that popped up after the job was finished to make sure everything turned out exactly like our family wanted. Can't recommend them enough to friends and anybody else who will listen."
Mark G on August 2024
An Award Winning Firm with experience in most any style, Apollo Builders, LLC, coordinates the building process from inception to completion and provides valuable critical overview of each phase. From architectural design to vigilant, uncompromising start-to-finish construction management, an Apollo bears the unmistakable stamp of superior craftsmanship and meticulous care. We hope that you will take time to meet with Apollo Builders, LLC, today.
"With so many scams these days, it is hard to trust people. You can 100 percent trust Scott and his team. From the beginning of the process, Scott and his team surpassed my very high expectations. Scottâ s communication is clear and prompt. His prices are reasonable and payment method is easy. His experience working in the county facilitated getting permits approved. His team of contractors are professional, clean and timely. I appreciated that Scott himself managed my construction. When I wanted to change something, Scott would tell me the implications and then, if I still wanted to go forward, worked with me to make that change happen. When we discovered some unfortunate surprise inside the walls of my house or something went wrong (eg. New window delivered broken), Scott and his team made it right every time. Scottâ s honesty, flexibility, and professional expertise made working with him and his team a sincere pleasure. My experience was so good, I am saving money for my next project with Apollo!"
Ebony T on December 2023
An Award Winning Firm with experience in most any style, Apollo Builders, LLC, coordinates the building process from inception to completion and provides valuable critical overview of each phase. From architectural design to vigilant, uncompromising start-to-finish construction management, an Apollo bears the unmistakable stamp of superior craftsmanship and meticulous care. We hope that you will take time to meet with Apollo Builders, LLC, today.
"With so many scams these days, it is hard to trust people. You can 100 percent trust Scott and his team. From the beginning of the process, Scott and his team surpassed my very high expectations. Scottâ s communication is clear and prompt. His prices are reasonable and payment method is easy. His experience working in the county facilitated getting permits approved. His team of contractors are professional, clean and timely. I appreciated that Scott himself managed my construction. When I wanted to change something, Scott would tell me the implications and then, if I still wanted to go forward, worked with me to make that change happen. When we discovered some unfortunate surprise inside the walls of my house or something went wrong (eg. New window delivered broken), Scott and his team made it right every time. Scottâ s honesty, flexibility, and professional expertise made working with him and his team a sincere pleasure. My experience was so good, I am saving money for my next project with Apollo!"
Ebony T on December 2023
Most ADU projects require several months from initial planning through final inspection. The timeline includes designing plans, securing permits, site preparation, construction, and finishing work.
Factors affecting duration include project complexity, contractor availability, weather conditions, and local permitting processes. Planning for potential delays due to material shortages or inspection scheduling is advisable when establishing your project timeline.
Homeowners can access various funding sources for ADU projects. Home equity loans and lines of credit leverage existing property value, while construction loans provide phased funding specifically for building projects. Some areas offer specialized ADU financing programs with favorable terms.
Personal loans might work for smaller conversions, though they often carry higher interest rates. Your financial situation, credit profile, and project scope will determine which option provides the most advantageous terms.
Adding an ADU often increases your property's assessed value, resulting in higher tax obligations. The specific impact varies by location, as assessment methods and tax rates differ between jurisdictions. Some areas offer temporary exemptions or gradual increases to ease the financial transition.
For accurate projections, consult your local tax assessor before beginning construction to understand how your specific project will affect future tax bills.
Short-term rental regulations vary dramatically between municipalities. Some jurisdictions permit vacation rentals with minimal restrictions, while others impose occupancy limits, licensing requirements, or outright prohibitions, particularly for ADUs. Many areas require owner occupancy of the primary residence when renting an ADU short-term.
Research your local ordinances thoroughly before planning rental income, as non-compliance penalties can be substantial.
The ADU construction process frequently encounters obstacles, including complex permitting requirements, unexpected site conditions requiring additional work, contractor scheduling difficulties, and budget management challenges. Many homeowners underestimate the complexity of coordinating multiple specialized trades.
Additionally, ensuring adequate privacy between the main residence and ADU while maintaining aesthetic cohesion requires careful planning. Thorough preparation and working with experienced professionals can help navigate these common pitfalls.
Identifying qualified ADU contractors requires targeted research. Begin by seeking recommendations from neighbors with completed ADU projects or contacting local builder associations for specialist referrals. Review contractors' portfolios specifically for ADU or small residential projects similar to your vision.
When interviewing potential candidates, assess their familiarity with local ADU regulations, ask about recent similar projects, and request contact information for past clients with comparable projects.