SugarOak Corporation

Step 1: Selecting a Custom Home Builder

We recommend that you draft a list of questions that are important to you and meet with the builder face-to-face. The questions should include the basics like verification of Class A Contractors License, insurance, contract format and scheduling, but it should also include a review of their portfolio and discussion of the management process.

Request references and talk to those references. Good builders will usually have clients willing to talk to new clients.

Step 2: Project Budget

SugarOak can recommend lenders that will qualify you for the construction and/or acquisition loan amounts.

It is important to be certain that once you purchase the lot, you will have the financial ability to build the house you desire. The project budget is an important first step in understanding lot, location, size and features.

Step 3: Finding a Lot

In order to build your own custom home, you will need a building lot that is suitable for the home you envision. We recommend finding the building lot before any other plans are made. This gives you the opportunity to design the home to take advantage of the site.

The best way to find that “perfect lot” is to work closely with your chosen custom builder. SugarOak can guide you through the lot selection process and help you understand the options at your disposal. Most individual lots or small three-to-ten lot subdivisions are purchased and developed by small-volume custom builders. Many times the general public is unaware of where these opportunities exist.

The lot selection process does not end with your finding the right piece of land. Once you have identified that “perfect lot”, there are several questions that need to be answered before you go to settlement.

Step 4: Selecting an Architect

SugarOak has established very good working relationships with several area architectural firms. After a basic understanding of the project requirements, we can recommend several architectural options to consider.

It is important to meet with the architects prior to selection and feel comfortable they understand the style and design criteria you desire.

Step 5: Pricing

You are almost ready to start but we recommend one additional step. This process outlines a truly “custom home” design process. The only way to be in a position to finalize a contract is to develop the drawings so they can be priced.

At SugarOak, we offer a two-step process; we will provide “preliminary pricing” of schematic design drawings to further ensure that the design program corresponds to the determined project budget. We feel this is a very important step to educate the client prior to the authorization to the architect to proceed to design development or working drawings.

Once the working drawings are complete, SugarOak Corporation will provide final budgeting that can be used to complete the contract.

Step 6: Construction Begins

At this point you understand what you are getting and the associated costs. You should also feel confident that SugarOak has the ability to provide the quality construction and management expertise to make it a reality.

The process may sound daunting, but if you can work through the issues, you will see that building a custom home can be a truly rewarding experience.

Construction Management

SugarOak has been building luxury custom homes, additions and remodeling since 1983. We firmly believe that building your “dream” home should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The SugarOak advantage is our team of professionals who provide an integrated, cooperative approach to the design and construction process.

At SugarOak, we are committed to meeting your needs with personalized service. The key to our success is a blend of quality craftsmanship, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile to fulfill your expectations.

Careful planning, scheduling and attention to detail transform our clients’ dreams into reality. Work with an architect of your choice or one of the experienced architects and designers that we recommend.

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High Performance

We believe that an integrated approach to design and construction is the most effective way to achieve better performance and comfort.

A Sustainable Approach:

We use sustainable & environmentally friendly building products and construction methods. Together, we prioritize your building goals and develop a strategy for success. Among the considerations are improving the exterior envelope by using advanced insulation, air sealing techniques, moisture control, high window performance, along with energy efficient appliances, lighting & high efficiency heating & cooling systems such as GeoThermal.

Third Party Team:

We offer the option of adding an independent third party professional verifier to our team to inspect and test the systems to ensure they run as designed.

Environmental Awareness:

SugarOak has a history of environmental awareness. Since the 1990s we’ve installed energy efficient geothermal systems and used advanced insulation techniques. Our team does ongoing education to stay on top of new developments and partner with experts in the field.

Our Team

Thomas Donaldson

As President of SugarOak Corporation, Tom is responsible for managing SugarOak’s award winning custom home and home remodeling construction business. Tom has served as President of the Northern Virginia Building Industry, Chairman of the Custom Builders Council and is a founding director of Custom Builders USA.

Tom is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and a native of Northern Virginia where he currently lives with his wife and two daughters.

Karl Stock

Karl comes to SugarOak as an Assistant Project Manager where he works with the Project Managers and Superintendents to determine the means and methods necessary to meet the requirements of the project budget, schedule, plans and specifications. He brings 16 years of experience in the health care delivery field and understands the importance of relationships and quality customer service. Prior experiences include sale of both medical devices and transitional care services to physicians, hospitals and skilled care facilities. He has 5 years of experience in Information Technology and provided dedicated computer support to the National Cancer Institute.

Karl studied Business Management at Radford University and has achieved CompTIA certifications in both A-Plus and Network-Plus. He resides in Vienna, Virginia with his family.