Ken Wilson’s passion for building quality, high-end homes comes across clearly when speaking with him. “We build homes as if we’re going to live in them ourselves,” the co-owner of BrickStone Homes declares. “That is the compass that guides us.”

The custom homebuilder, along with co-owner Jose Escobedo, brings a combined 26 years of homebuilding experience to the market. The homes range between 5,800 and 7,000 square feet, and incorporate standard features that are often upgrades in other homebuilding operations. “Simply installing brick or stone on the entire exterior of the home, instead of just the façade, makes the home that much more stately and just makes more sense,” Wilson says.

The company builds about one home per year. “Each home we build helps us discover better and more efficient building methods and materials,” Wilson says. The team continually researches ways to improve on a home’s design, structure and building methods.

For example, BrickStone incorporates panelized construction into the operation. Fabricated by Homestead Building Systems, the panels are designed according to the home’s architectural plans and manufactured at Homestead’s facility in Bristow, Va. “What is great about these panelized systems is that they’re manufactured in a controlled environment with precise computer-aided cutting equipment,” Wilson says. When completed, the panels are delivered to the job site ready to erect. Wilson boasts that his team is able to frame in eight to 10 days, and there is much less waste accumulated at the job site than with standard stick-built construction.

“Because we build in existing neighborhoods, I like to get the framing done quickly,” Wilson notes. “The framing is the messy, loud part of the project – the panels minimize this.” He adds that the panels create a very solid, very precise structure. Subsequently, the structure is covered with Zip System roof and wall sheathing by J.M. Huber Corp., Charlotte, N.C., which protects the structure from the elements.

For the Neighborhood
BrickStone procures properties or empty lots within already established neighborhoods of McLean. Even as BrickStone locates sites to build, the company studies the neighborhood to determine the ideal exterior finishes to allow the new home to blend in. “Before we start building, I introduce myself to the neighbors to let them know that we’ll be building and if they have any questions or concerns, they can call me anytime,” Wilson says. “We’re not only building the home for the people who will live in the house, but for the neighborhood, too.”

Wilson relies on the design expertise of J. Paul Lobkovich and Mike Conway of Lobkovich Kitchens in Tysons Corner, Va., to determine the interior finishes of his homes. “I love sitting with them and finding out what’s new,” Wilson says. He adds that Lobkovich will assist in choosing tile, granite and appliances. “They’re pretty much responsible for the look and feel of the entire house,” he says.

The Waverly model offers 5,800 square feet, with the first and second floors of living space totaling 3,700 square feet. “We wanted to create flexible space in the attic and basement,” Wilson says. “If we’re trying to lower the price for a specific area, we’ll leave the basement and attic unfinished to keep the price competitive with the neighborhood. If it’s in a higher-end neighborhood, we can add more upgrades and finish more of the space.”

An elevator is a standard feature of the structure. “We’re going after two demographics with the Waverly,” he says, “Younger people with aging parents and older couples who want to scale down from a larger home, but want to remain in the area.” The master and secondary bedrooms allow wheelchair access, and there is space in the garage to create a ramp.

Decora wood cabinetry, granite countertops and gourmet kitchen appliances are standard. The model also features crown molding throughout, hardwood flooring and a full security system. “We also include such high-end elements as heated flooring in the master bath, upgraded insulation, a Trus Joist Silent Floor system that reduces floor squeaks, and a hot-water recirculating system to deliver instant hot water to the master bath,” Wilson adds.

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