Building a custom luxury home is a dream for many people, but the process itself can feel intimidating. From finding the right piece of land to designing a home that fits your lifestyle, to coordinating contractors and managing timelines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before construction even begins.

That’s where a design-build firm changes everything.

At JayMarc Custom Homes, we believe the journey to building your dream home should be as extraordinary as the home itself. As a premier, award-winning design-build firm in the Greater Seattle area, we offer a seamless experience from initial lot analysis for potential scope of work to turnkey delivery, all under one roof. We achieve this through a proven process shaped by years of experience and successful projects, backed by a team that’s fully committed to delivering an exceptional, personalized experience every step of the way.

What is a Design-Build Firm?

A design-build firm is a one-stop solution for homeowners. The traditional design–bid–build process involves separately hiring an architect, engineer, and contractor, which can often lead to delays, miscommunication, and unexpected costs. A design-build firm brings all experts together in a single, cohesive team from day one.

Benefits of the Design-Build Approach with JayMarc Custom Homes

  • Streamlined Communication: One point of contact eliminates the need to manage multiple vendors.
  • Cohesive Vision: Designers and builders work collaboratively to align form, function, and budget.
  • Predictable Budget: Transparent cost discussions happen early, reducing financial surprises later.
  • Faster Timelines: Integrated planning means fewer delays and quicker approvals.

Less Stress: The entire process is managed for you, so you can enjoy the excitement of building your custom home.

Why Choose a Design-Build Firm Like JayMarc Custom Homes?

JayMarc Custom Homes is more than just a home builder. We’re your partner from the first conversation to long after you receive your keys. With over 30 industry awards and a reputation for building timeless, high-end custom homes in Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and throughout the Greater Seattle area, we’re proud to be Seattle’s trusted name in luxury custom homebuilding.

We specialize in full-service, design-build solutions tailored to your vision, your property, and your lifestyle. Our strategies include early cost estimating and proactive budget tracking, collaborative design and planning, dedicated teams for each key phase, and rigorous quality control checks at every step. Whether this is your first experience with construction or you’re familiar and have done it before, the JayMarc process is straightforward and enjoyable.

The JayMarc Custom Homes Process

We’ve developed a proven five-step process shaped by decades of successful builds designed to reduce uncertainty, prevent costly missteps, and provide clarity from day one. Each phase is supported by a dedicated team of designers, engineers, project managers, and service professionals, all working to bring your vision to life.

1. Discovery & Feasibility

We begin by assessing your property, reviewing zoning requirements, conducting surveys, and providing a feasibility report. Early discussions include rough budget ranges for both land development and construction, so you know what to expect before making any commitments. From the start, JayMarc Custom Homes provides early cost estimates based on your goals and property conditions so you can plan confidently with fewer surprises later.

2. Design

Choose from our curated JayMarc Custom Homes floor plan library or start from scratch with a fully custom layout. Our in-house architects and designers guide you through every decision, from floor plans to luxury finishes, ensuring your home reflects your vision down to the smallest detail. Every step is designed to be collaborative and efficient, allowing you to make informed choices without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Define (Engineering & Permitting)

At JayMarc Custom Homes, we manage all engineering documents and submit your plans for permits. During this phase, we also value-engineer your home to ensure it meets your goals without compromising quality. Proactive budget tracking ensures your investment stays aligned with expectations, with clear documentation and adjustments made before breaking ground. A detailed, final construction budget is created before we move into development.

4. Development (The Construction Phase)

Once the plans are approved, we handle everything: site prep, demolition (if needed), utility coordination, and construction. You’ll receive weekly updates from your dedicated project manager, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. Throughout construction, JayMarc performs rigorous quality control checks to ensure every detail meets our standards for excellence. Custom homes typically take 11–13 months to complete.

5. Delivery & Beyond

We don’t disappear after you move in. JayMarc Custom Homes conducts a thorough orientation before closing and provides warranty walkthroughs at both 30 days and 11 months. With access to your personalized homeowner portal, you can submit service requests and receive support at any time. Even years after construction is complete. You’re not just moving into a custom home. You’re joining a relationship built on trust and long-term care.

Is Design-Build Worth It? Common Questions Answered

What’s the difference between a design-build firm and a traditional general contractor?

Design-build firms like JayMarc Custom Homes handle everything in-house, for a more efficient, collaborative, and transparent process than traditional general contractors, who often rely on third parties for design, permitting, etc.

Is working with a design-build firm more expensive?

Not necessarily. While the upfront planning may feel more involved, integrated design-build teams help avoid costly delays, miscommunications, and change orders that often increase costs incurred or associated with traditional builds.

What are the pros and cons of using a design-build firm?

Pros include a streamlined process, a unified vision, faster timelines, and fewer surprises. The only “con” might be less ability to shop around for individual vendors, but that’s the trade-off for having a coordinated team working in your best interest.

When would you use a design-build contract?

Design-build contracts are ideal anytime you want an efficient, stress-free home building experience, especially if it’s your first custom home or if you’re short on time to manage multiple professionals.

How does JayMarc Custom Homes ensure quality and transparency?

With award-winning architects and seasoned builders under one roof, JayMarc Homes maintains complete oversight of every detail. Weekly updates, budget clarity, and client-first communication ensure transparency and trust.

How does JayMarc Custom Homes simplify the custom home building process?

From due diligence and permitting to construction and final delivery, we handle everything. Our five-step process breaks down complex decisions into manageable phases.

How does JayMarc Custom Homes keep homeowners informed throughout the build?

Homeowners receive weekly updates and regularly scheduled meetings with a dedicated project manager to track progress, manage any necessary documents, and address any support requests.

Is landscaping included in the JayMarc Custom Homes design-build process?

Yes, landscaping is included as part of JayMarc’s comprehensive design-build services. From retaining walls and hardscaping to planting plans and outdoor living spaces, JayMarc ensures your home’s exterior space is as expertly executed as the home itself. Our team works with you to create an outdoor environment that enhances curb appeal, complements your architecture, and supports your lifestyle from day one.

What kind of support does JayMarc Custom Homes offer after the home is built?

Our relationship doesn’t end when we hand you the keys. You’ll have access to the homeowner portal, which provides homeowner documents, access to design selections, warranty registration, how-tos, and service requests. And with warranty walkthroughs and long-term access to our homeowner support team, JayMarc offers peace of mind well after move-in day.

Why is working with JayMarc Custom Homes a better experience for first-time custom homeowners?

We educate and empower our clients with videos, webinars, and one-on-one guidance. Our structured process takes the guesswork out of custom homebuilding, ensuring you always know what’s next and never feel overwhelmed.

What Sets JayMarc Custom Homes Apart from Other Home Builders?

At JayMarc Custom Homes, we believe building beautiful and functional homes is only part of our purpose. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to delivering an exceptional, personalized experience every step of the way.

Our white-glove service means you’re cared for at every touchpoint from your initial consultation to post-move-in support. We offer proprietary tools like our digital homeowner portal, educational resources like webinars and masterclasses, and a client-first approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and peace of mind.

“JayMarc helped us build a beautiful custom home that we are proud of and happily living in now. They hand held us all the way starting from finding a good architecture, designing the house, applying for permits, to finally building the house. While there was some delay in building the house due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, I am very happy that there was only a slight slip in schedule.

Jeremy did a great job of keeping all the contractors on schedule and preventing a longer slip even with all the COVID work restrictions. The quality of the home has been excellent and JayMarc voluntarily fixed many things that I didn’t even bring up. After delivery service has also been excellent, and JayMarc has been keeping up with all the minor issues I have found so far. I would definitely use JayMarc again if I were to build another custom home.”

– Chen Family, Bellevue

Your Custom Luxury Home, Made Easy

Choosing a design-build firm is the smartest way to simplify your custom homebuilding journey. With JayMarc’s proven process, collaborative planning, and dedication to your experience, building your dream home becomes not only possible but deeply rewarding.

Ready to build your dream home? Contact JayMarc Custom Homes to start your journey today.

Start Your Journey