Elevating the
custom-build
experience

Custom without compromise

If you’re building custom, it’s because “good enough” isn’t good enough. You need a home that perfectly fits your life, taste, and vision for the future—but with hundreds of design choices, competing timelines, and coordination with contractors, the custom build process can feel more daunting than exciting.

Elevation Homes takes on the complexities so you can focus on the creative choices that make customization fun. With a process that prioritizes hands-on involvement from both founders and a curated network of trusted subcontractors, Elevation Homes makes even the most out-of-the-box projects as smooth as they are rewarding. 

Services: Custom Homes, Large-Scale Remodels, Lot Acquisition

Meet the builders

Joe Lomangino

Joe brings 20 years of hands-on experience in home building and renovation, managing every step of the construction process with efficient project management and real-time solutions. He discovered his passion for building as a teenager, learning carpentry from his uncle and building his diverse skillset with time leading roofing, window, waterproofing, and decking crews.

  • After studying at the University of Maryland, Joe worked as a draftsman and project manager before launching his own Maryland-based construction company in 2012, completing over 25 custom homes and historic restorations. He later joined Hogan Companies as VP of Construction and expanded into high-end custom builds and renovations with M-R Custom Homes, completing over 100 projects in Northern Virginia.

Justin Jarkowski

Justin Jarkowski brings extensive experience guiding families through renovations and new construction, offering expertise in construction finance, engineering, and navigating county governments. His strong vendor and subcontractor relationships ensure seamless execution and service at every step.

  • Before co-founding Elevation Homes with Joe Lomangino in 2022, Justin led financial and operational activities at M-R Custom Homes, overseeing land acquisition, construction bidding, marketing, and accounting. With over 20 years in finance and operations across construction, real estate, and technology, Justin has held senior roles at Hogan Companies, a national home security provider, and several high-growth firms in Washington, D.C.

Our Process

Complex by nature, effortless by design

  • The first steps lay the groundwork for the entire project.  At Elevation Homes, this means starting with a conversation—not just about what you want in a house, but how you want to live in it. Joe and Justin are involved from the very beginning, working directly with you to shape a vision that feels personal and exciting. 


    Whether you bring detailed plans from an existing architect, a collection of inspiration photos, or just an idea waiting to take form, we take what you have and turn it into something real. These early conversations aren’t about limitations, they’re about possibilities, and they’re designed to leave you feeling confident, empowered, and ready to create a home that’s truly custom.

  • Scoping is where our expertise and your vision unite to create the foundation of your future home. With decades of combined experience, Joe and Justin will carefully and strategically evaluate your property to maximize its potential, planning your home around optimal views, privacy needs, or natural features that make your site unique. 

    We collaborate closely with architects, structural engineers, and soil experts to assess and address every challenge and opportunity, leaving (literally) no stone unturned. By the end of this phase, you’ll have a clear vision of how your home will take shape, perfectly tailored to its surroundings and your preferences.

  • With a clear understanding of your property’s potential and your lifestyle goals, Joe and Justin work with architects and engineers to refine the vision and tackle the logistic decisions that make your custom build possible. Here, we map out every detail, from structural requirements to personal touches to develop a layout that flows with your vision and the site’s unique features.

    Whether we’re navigating the complexities of an undeveloped lot or aligning with the character of an established neighborhood, this step ensures nothing is left to chance. By the end of planning, we’ll have a clear, actionable roadmap that sets the stage for a smooth and successful build. 

  • Our team works with you to navigate construction loans and select a lender with confidence. Whether you secure your own financing or choose one of our recommended lenders, our team will guide you through the intricacies, explaining the details of when and how construction fees are paid. Our years of experience have nurtured connections with reputable lenders who share our commitment to a smooth and transparent process. This ensures financing your home feels manageable, allowing you to relish in the experience of watching your vision come to life. 

  • We believe construction should be as efficient as it is exciting. Our network of experienced carpenters, masons, framers, painters, electricians, and excavation crews work alongside our dedicated field supervisors and project managers to meticulously coordinate exceptional results. 

    With Joe and Justin actively involved, clients constantly have clarity into cost considerations, unique specifications, and potential challenges before they arise. Selecting design features like tiles, lighting, fixtures, countertops, and hardware is collaborative and stress-free, and our vendor partners are specially curated to deliver the highest quality components available. By the end of construction, your perfect home is more than just a concept—it’s a reality.

  • Our commitment to you doesn't end at closing. Even after you've settled into your new home, we remain dedicated to serving as a resource for your ongoing homeownership journey. Whether you have questions, need recommendations, or simply want to share updates about your home, we want to play our part in maintaining lifelong client relationships.

Vendors we love

  • ABW Appliances

    Elevate your home with ABW Appliances, a distinguished family-owned local business serving DC and Baltimore Metro Area homes for decades. Originating in 1968 as an appliance export company, ABW evolved into Appliance Builders Wholesalers in the 1980s, specializing in high-end appliances for builders. Today, ABW Appliances boasts showrooms in Maryland and Northern VA, becoming a favored destination for kitchen designers and clients alike. Explore their Howard County location for builder development and appliance services, offering floor models, overstock, scratch and dent, and clearance appliances. With a commitment to excellence, ABW Appliances provides an extensive selection from over thirty top-rated kitchen and home appliance brands. Benefit from their in-house white glove service, ensuring expert delivery and installation to enhance your home experience.

  • Andersen Windows

    We transform your space with Andersen Windows, an industry leader serving the new residential, home improvement, and light commercial markets. With a diverse range of product solutions available through various distribution channels, including an extensive network of building-supply dealers and The Home Depot, Andersen Windows stands out in the industry. As America's most loved brand of windows and doors, Andersen boasts a nearly 120-year legacy, emphasizing safety, quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement in every aspect of their operations. With over 30 manufacturing, distribution, and retail locations strategically positioned across the United States, Andersen Windows is dedicated to serving customers in every region. Explore award-winning excellence and elevate your home with Andersen Windows.

  • Blue Door

    We elevate your home with Blue Door, a distinguished Class-A General Contractor based in Winchester, Virginia. Passionate about your home's unique details, they specialize in crafting quality results—whether it's a distinctive entry door, replica banister, vintage window restoration, or custom furniture. Their meticulous attention to detail allows us to handle complex projects, managing specialty trades to bring your vision to life with care and integrity. They excel in architectural details, restoration, and installation. With in-shop capabilities for superior restoration and high-quality reproductions, we explore their craftsmanship throughout your home building process.

  • Candlelight Cabinetry

    To elevate you higher, we use Candlelight Cabinetry, a high-quality semi-custom and custom craftsmanship established by John Yakich and Robert Sanderson in 1990. Recognizing the demand for a superior semi-custom product at competitive prices, they pioneered innovative production techniques, ensuring industriousness meets craftsmanship. Candlelight Cabinetry offers exceptional quality at below custom prices. Committed to the local economy, Candlelight proudly manufactures in the Niagara region of upstate New York. Explore a perfect fusion of affordability and craftsmanship with Candlelight Cabinetry.

  • Emtek Hardware

    To transform your living spaces, we work with Emtek Hardware, where personal style resides in the details. For over 40 years, Emtek has been the choice for design enthusiasts, helping them turn houses into homes with customizable door and cabinet hardware. Going beyond functionality, customizing your doors, cabinets, drawers, and closets becomes an artistic expression, allowing you to define each space uniquely. Emtek Hardware is dedicated to delivering quality that is not only visible but also tangible. The seamless blend of form and function defines every Emtek product, promising the best performance using top-notch materials. When you interact with an Emtek product, our aim is for you to feel safe, confident, and impressed. Make every choice a statement of your personal style with Emtek Hardware.

  • James Hardie

    Enhance your home's exterior with James Hardie, where siding is crafted to withstand the relentless forces of Mother Nature. Exposed to weather, water, time, fire, and pests, James Hardie's products are engineered to endure beautifully, regardless of the elements. Rigorous testing ensures resilience in worst-case scenarios, from hurricanes and UV rays to snowstorms. Unlike materials like vinyl or wood that succumb to seasonal changes, James Hardie's fiber cement products are specifically Engineered for Climate®. The innovative Hardie™ Zone system, developed after studying the long-term effects of different climates, ensures you receive the right product for your region. HZ5® products resist wet and freezing conditions, while HZ10® products shield homes from heat, humidity, and blistering sun. Trust James Hardie to protect your home with siding engineered for enduring beauty.

  • Kohler

    Elevate your living spaces with Kohler, a renowned brand synonymous with luxury, quality, and innovation. Integrated smart home technologies from Kohler create an immersive, intuitive experience of personalized luxury and cleanliness. As you explore Kohler for your home, you'll discover a legacy of craftsmanship, a dedication to well-being, and a passion for innovation that has defined gracious living for generations.

  • Moen

    Transform your daily routines with Moen, a trusted name synonymous with innovation, style, and functionality in the world of plumbing fixtures. Moen is dedicated to elevating your home experiences, contributing to a higher level of comfort and convenience. Their mission revolves around providing thoughtful, well-designed products that enhance your daily rituals. With a commitment to values such as innovation, reliability, and sustainability, Moen stands as a leader in the industry. From cutting-edge designs to advanced technologies, Moen's integrated solutions redefine your relationship with water, making every interaction a seamless blend of form and function. Trust Moen to bring timeless elegance, modern design, and unparalleled performance to your home, creating spaces that resonate with a perfect balance of style and practicality.

  • Mosaic Home Interiors

    Mosaic Home Interiors places a strong emphasis on ensuring end-user satisfaction. With a commitment to top-level service, Mosaic's Doswell, VA, Central Servicing Center stocks over 7 million square feet of material, facilitating next-day delivery for tiles, stones, luxury vinyl planks, and vanities. This not only simplifies the process for contractors but also allows customers to visualize finished projects in-house. Mosaic, as a singular source offering an exceptional product selection coupled with top-notch customer service, has thrived for almost 50 years.

  • Top Knobs

    As the #1 choice for professionals, Top Knobs has the largest selection of products. Their extensive line of premium quality cabinet, drawer, and bath knobs, pulls, and other hardware caters to diverse tastes and styles, offering both traditional and modern options. Crafted by a creative design team and skilled craftsmen, each Top Knobs piece exudes the quality look and feel of custom-made items at an affordable price.

  • Trex Decking

    Trex Decking stands out as the superior choice among decking materials, offering lasting beauty, remarkable durability, and easy maintenance. Committed to high-performance composite decking, Trex has undergone a head-to-head comparison with other materials, proving its superiority in terms of decking performance, longevity, and overall functionality. Trex ensures that there's no compromise when it comes to the quality of decking materials.

  • Wellborne & Wright

    They are a distinctive architectural manufacturer that revolutionizes the fabrication process, typically requiring collaboration from multiple contractors. Their unique approach involves direct collaboration with architects, interior designers, and builders, enabling them to seamlessly deliver our envisioned project. The majority of their wood is reclaimed from turn-of-the-century (and older) agricultural and industrial sites, offering a blend of history and uniqueness. From bridges and basketball courts to wooden boats and train cars, they seek out wood with distinctive beauty and character.

  • Wolf/Sub-zero/Cove

    Renowned for their unwavering commitment to functionality, Sub-Zero has consistently set the standard in kitchen appliance design. From the distinctive louvered grille to seamlessly integrated refrigeration options, Sub-Zero offers limitless choices to transform your kitchen into a personalized haven. Their innovative built-in designs have earned admiration from legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, highlighting their dedication to blending aesthetics with superior functionality. Pioneering a dual refrigeration system, Sub-Zero ensures optimal freshness for both refrigerator and freezer compartments, while features like an air purification system and secure door seals showcase their commitment to preserving food at its best, even during unforeseen events like power outages.