Custom Homes Built in Whatcom County

Why Whatcom County Homeowners Choose A1DesignBuild

Proudly serving Bellingham and Whatcom County, we offer everything from dependable home maintenance and repairs to deep-energy retrofits, kitchen and bath remodels, additions, and high-performance new home construction. Whatever your project, we’re here to help you build well and live better.

• Since 1955, we have been serving Bellingham and Whatcom County with remodeling and new home build services. That’s over 70+ years of helping build our community, one home at a time.

• We serve the entire Whatcom County community, including Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Birch Bay, Glacier, and everywhere in between.

• Since we handle all architecture and design services plus the construction, you have a streamlined service model versus other traditional general contractors: one team, one point of contact, fewer surprises, and 100% accountability - all under one roof.

• As a co-op, we are invested in our business and our community. You’re not dealing with people who we hire on a job-to-job basis. You’re dealing with owners. This is something many other builders in the area just can’t claim.

Our Custom Home Build Services

From architecture and design, to site evaluation and lot planning, to permitting and construction, we’ve got you covered.

• Site Evaluation & Lot Planning - With decades of experience, we will maximize your home and lot to best fit your needs. This is as much an art as it is a science.

• Architectural Design - Our teamof experienced designers have proven again and again that beautiful aesthetics can meet practical function, each and every time.

• Permitting - With our established relationships in the county, we are experts at getting any and all permits associated with a project.

• Construction - On time and on budget, with the highest level of craftsmanship in the market. Your project is managed with communication and quality always front and center.

• Interior finish - The little details matters are the big details, and we work with you to assure every surface, every color choice, every material fits your vision. It all comes together in success.

• ADU and Multi-Generational Home Options - This growing Whatcom County demand is something we’re expert at providing.

• Energy code expertise specific to WA State - With our credentials, we assure your home meets and often far exceeds the energy state code requirements. Sustainable and Net Zero homes are what we excel at, large or small.

• Check out some of our work here.

The A1 Design-Build Process

Everybody can claim to have a process. But one that’s been perfected over 70+ years? That would be A1DesignBuild.

• Discovery: Understand (deeply) your vision and project requirements.

• Conceptual Design: Define project scope and explore multiple design concepts. Provide a rough ‘Good Faith Estimate’.

• Design Development: Choose your concept and refine the design until it fits with your vision + scope. Begin selecting products and develop the plans.

• Cost Estimation: Finalize project costs and timeline. Present Construction Proposal.

• Construction: Notify neighbors, begin the build, and 100% hands on project management that always keep you informed.

• Construction Support:After construction, review every detail to make sure we’ve hit the mark. Initiate warranty coverages where applicable.

• Warranty: We stay connected with you for 5+ years to fix any issues that may crop up, enforce any warranties, and leave you with one result - happiness!

Portfolio: Whatcom County + Bellingham Homes We've Built

Real life work for real life people. It’s what we’re passionate about. Click around below to learn more.