For history buffs, Virginia may be best known for being the first English settlement in America and the place where eight presidents have been from, giving it the nicknames the “Mother of Presidents” and the “Mother of States.” For everyone else, Virginia may be better known for the Appalachian Trail, its delicious oysters, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and Shenandoah National Park. The local economy—particularly its strong agricultural, technology, and federal sectors—also makes Virginia an interesting place for investment.
We have created a list of the best construction companies in Virginia for anyone interested in moving to the state, whether it be to live or work. These firms are led by professionals who are knowledgeable about the industry and Virginia’s landscape. They work to meet the unique needs of each client, tailoring their approach to what a client asks of them.
Armada Hoffler
222 Central Park Ave. Ste. 2100, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Armada Hoffler is a self-managed real estate investment trust and construction firm in Virginia. The firm has over four decades of serving clients in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern areas. The firm’s current CEO is Lou Haddad, who was initially recruited in 1985 as an on-site construction superintendent before distinguishing himself among the firm’s employees. By 1996, Haddad was promoted to president of Armada Hoffler Holding Company, and he became the CEO in 1999. Haddad’s leadership has led to the firm becoming one of the largest commercial real estate firms in Virginia. Armada Hoffler has more than 25 public-private partnerships, resulting in projects that have changed Virginia’s cityscape. For its efforts, the firm has been awarded accolades such as the 2021 Virginia Business Magazine Best Places to Work in Virginia award and the 2020 Hampton Roads Apartment Council’s Best Model award.
Premier is one of Armada Hoffler’s Virginia Beach projects. It is part of the ongoing, multi-decade partnership between Virginia Beach and Armada Hoffler. Premier, specifically, is a mixed-use project with 39,000 square feet of retail space and 131 luxury apartment homes. The structure has many public infrastructure features, including an open-air public plaza and a pedestrian bridge. Additionally, 17,000 square feet of space are dedicated to a performing arts theater.
KBS, Inc.
360 Southport Cir. Ste. 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
In 1975, chairman Bill Paulette founded KBS, Inc. with just a $1,000 investment. He later grew the firm into one of the best construction firms in the Mid-Atlantic area. Paulette’s involvement was integral to the firm’s growth, as he guided everyone in the company with his decades worth of experience in the construction industry. From him, the KBS team learned skills related to project controls, schedules, budgets, client relations, and contract administration. This has all helped the firm continue to thrive and build impressive projects throughout Virginia. KBS is also a member of the Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estates (HRACRE) and the American Builders Association (ABC).
One tenant improvement project completed by KBS is this 1902 Putney Shoe Factory Building in the CarMax Midtown Innovation Center. The work was done to prepare the space to house CarMax’s marketing and technology business units. In line with the client’s request, the space now features an open-plan and flexible workspace that compliments the original industrial design. There are standard open-office workspaces and conference/huddle rooms, as well as a mezzanine conference space in the main factory area. KBS’s work also included bleacher seating, new restrooms, a fitness center in the Annex basement, and a broadcast studio space.
Sussex Development
109 S. Lynnhaven Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23452
With the goal of exceeding client expectations of quality and value, Sussex Development Corporation works to bring quality construction management services to clients throughout Virginia. In doing so, the firm follows the principles of excellence, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to clients, employees, and the community. Client testimonials have expressed gratitude for Sussex Development’s dedication to quality and collaboration. Many of these clients have also commended the firm for its ability to meet requirements, observe schedules, and produce intricate work.
The president and CEO of Sussex Development is Harry L. Davis, who began his career in the construction industry as a project engineer for projects including the Georgia Prison Hospital Complex. In leading Sussex Development, Davis emphasizes commitment to family, community, and the construction industry. This dedication allows him to provide client-centric services with quality results. Davis is also currently on the board of the Builders and Contractors Exchange.
Woodard Group
5375 Henneman Dr. Ste. A, Norfolk, VA 23513
Woodard Group, previously known as WKW Construction, was founded by Keith Woodard, Jerry Kint, and Nancy Weiss in 1989. Since its inception, the firm has grown into a well-known commercial contractor serving Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and surrounding areas. Woodard Group works to create cost-effective build-outs that meet the needs and visions of clients. The team is made up of office staff and on-site employees like field superintendents and cabinet makers. Woodard and Weiss still lead the firm, with Woodard acting as project advisor and Weiss as support.
Palladium worked with Woodard Group for the renovation of its high-rise office in Dominion Tower. Woodard Group had to perform tenant improvements, using quality materials, finishes, and craftsmanship. The project features the firm’s self-performed millwork fabrication and installation, including of the reception desk and the breakroom. The new tenant buildout is 8,633 square feet, while the common area is 1,020 square feet.
Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
8630A Lee Hwy. Fairfax, VA 22031
Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes has been serving Virginia homeowners since 1994. Its team of residential building and home remodeling professionals provides quality services to meet clients’ remodeling and construction needs. The firm is guided by a client-centric culture, which was shaped by homeowners who challenged the firm to expand and evolve. Ever since, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes became a market leader known both for its skill and for its ability to provide client-friendly experiences. The firm is a member of several prominent industry organizations, including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA).
Client testimonials commend the professionals at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for their skill, commitment, and professionalism. Several clients shared that learning about the firm’s construction process made it easier for them to make important decisions, and other clients were impressed with the firm’s expertise, which made it easier to foster trust. Some organizations have similarly acknowledged Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes’ efforts in producing quality results. The firm won several 2022 Chrysalis Regional Awards for different categories and was recognized by NARI for numerous projects during the 2022 Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards.
Benson Homes LLC
1630 Donna Dr. #102, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Benson Homes LLC is known as Coastal Virginia’s premier design-build firm. Its team specializes in residential remodeling and addition construction. Clients who have worked with the firm recognize the team for its professional, knowledgeable, and amicable nature. Contributing to this reputation is the fact that employees make sure to keep clients in the loop during the planning stages of construction. Benson Homes is a member of NARI, NAHB, and the Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association (CVBIA).
Serving as Benson Homes’ president is Jim Benson, a graduate master builder who leads his team in improving clients’ quality of life through home renovations. His passion for craftsmanship and innovative design allows him to maximize the potential of each living space that he works on. He has been part of the Coastal Virginia community for the last 35 years.
Ideal Construction and Remodeling
8200 Greensboro Dr. Ste. 900, McLean, VA 22102
Ideal Construction and Remodeling’s mission is to work with clients to create their dream homes. As a family-owned firm, the team understands how important it is for homes to be spacious and fitted to a homeowner’s desired lifestyle. This insight is complemented by the firm’s strong experience with and understanding of the local community. Further, Ideal Construction and Remodeling is a member of the NVBIA and NAHB, as well as being an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm and boasting an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Clients work with a team led by two senior project directors: brothers Zade and Yazeed. The brothers hold bachelor’s degrees in civil and mechanical engineering, as well as MBAs. They work with clients on a day-to-day basis while handling project planning and management. They also manage quality control, ensuring that the firm passes all necessary inspections. Zade and Yazeed’s thoroughness with each project has earned the firm positive client reviews. Clients have expressed a willingness to work with the firm for future projects, especially noting the team’s professionalism, competence, punctuality, flexibility, and patience.
Elite Contractors Services Inc.
7345 Little River Tpke. Annandale, VA 22003
Elite Contractor Services, Inc. works in various places across Virginia and Maryland, including Arlington, Annandale, Alexandria, and Bethesda. The wide reach of the firm has given it many opportunities to learn how to adapt to the needs of homeowners in different landscapes. Elite Contractor Services’ ability to adapt has led it to become one of Annandale’s top home remodeling contractors.
Elite Contractor Services offers design-build services that cater to clients’ specific needs. Notably, the firm has a showroom that clients can visit to find inspiration and materials for their projects. The firm’s in-house craftsmen and architects guide clients in understanding the pros and cons of each decision. Many clients have commended the Elite Contractor Services team for its adaptability and diligent approach to work. The firm is a member of organizations including the NKBA, NAHB, and NARI.
VB Homes Design, Build, Remodel
1209 Laskin Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451
VB Homes Design, Build, Remodel offers clients in the Hampton Roads area quality workmanship, materials, and design-build services. Each plan they make is based on a client’s unique lifestyle inside and outside of the home, taking into account ways to make busy routines the most efficient. The team also works to provide access to the latest industry innovation and design trends. VB Homes follows the lead of president and CEO Chris Ettel, who has over 28 years of experience in the construction industry. He is also part of the Tidewater Builders Association’s (TBA) board of directors, and is the chairman of the TBA Remodeler’s Council.
A couple came to VB Homes with a request to work on their whole home remodeling project in Virginia Beach. The client wanted to incorporate details–-such as mahogany for the front and garage doors—from their previous home, which the firm had worked on before. To address this request, VB Homes added a complimentary mahogany porch to the front entrance to make the home more inviting and welcoming. The home also features a breezeway between the main house and garage/guest bedrooms that provides both a physical separation and a view of the grassy backyard. Further, American with Disabilities Act-compliant (ADA) features were included in the design to accommodate the client’s elderly parents and their plan to age in place. The first floor was remodeled into a ground-floor suite with a bedroom, bathroom, flex room, kitchen, and living-dining room.
