Andrew Watkins

Andrew Watkins, originally from Atlanta, GA, formed Custom Homebuilding to fulfill a life-long dream. As a child, he spent much of his free time drawing houses and building many different designs with Lego’s - hoping that some day he may be able to construct real ones with wood. Andrew got his wish when, at the age of 16, he designed and built a small cabin with his father’s help and only a few hand tools. Andrew’s ability as a builder has progressed considerably since then.

After relocating to Bath County, to settle down with a new wife in 1996, Andrew began working locally with Wayne Williams. Wayne was truly an inspiration in so many ways but mostly for introducing Andrew to the finer side of home construction and providing a foundation for Andrew to nurture his talents. “The good ones always leave”, Wayne said when Andrew explained to him that he felt it was time to go out on his own. 

Since 1998, Andrew has been working hand in hand with many local craftsmen—dedicated to providing the best possible workmanship and customer service available in the industry. He remains committed to the study of building science and will continue to employ those methods into all the projects he and his staff engage. When asked where he receives his inspiration, Andrew responded: “By the steadfast example of integrity set by my father and a quote from Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Andrew resides in Millboro, Virginia with his wife Aimee, and their two children, Max and Molly.  When he’s away from work, Andrew enjoys cycling, playing piano, backpacking, and camping with his family.

Jeff Young

Born in Laurel, Maryland, Jeff has spent the majority of his life in and around that area before and after a 3-year relocation to Ankara, Turkey when he was 5 years old. While attending junior and high school in Gambrills, MD, he took an interest in gymnastics and became part of a competition team and an exhibition team. Jeff also spent several years as a boy scout, eventually making it to first class.

Jeff’s work history began in the restaurant business where he spent a brief amount of time before and subsequent to graduating high school. After that, Jeff was hired on with an upstart construction company as a masonry laborer in 1977 and was soon laying brick and block himself. It didn’t take very long at all for Jeff to prove his ability at learning quickly and adapting to responsibility. In 1982, after being laid off as a project foreman for a steel building erection company, Jeff sought out work with a friend of his as a carpentry laborer with Yost Brothers, Inc. 6 months later, after demonstrating his remarkable leadership ability, Jeff was offered the position of foreman, where he continued for the following 8 years building contemporary custom homes. When the owners of Yost Brothers decided to go in different directions, Jeff moved on to other things and eventually found his way to Lexington, Virginia. In January of 1998, Jeff secured a position with one of Lexington’s premier builders as a carpenter; soon after he was promoted to lead carpenter and later moved into the office as an estimator.  It was with this company that Jeff learned how to build a high quality house with a high quality attitude, and, how to excel in managing a construction business.

In 2004, when Jeff’s employer decided to go in a direction that didn’t appeal to him, he chose to venture out on his own and started Vision Construction, LLC. Towards the end of 2008, the building market in Lexington waned so much it became no longer possible for Jeff to sustain the financial commitment of operating a small business. It was at this point when Jeff acknowledged that his satisfaction in building came from the management of the process and not the ownership of a business.

We at Custom Homebuilding are proud to announce Jeff Young as our senior project manager. He brings to this company a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as an exceptionally positive attitude. Jeff lives near Lexington, VA and loves to spend his personal time gardening, fly fishing, camping, and watching most any movie.

Chantry Combs

Chantry is originally from Parkersburg, West Virginia and has spent the majority of his life in and around the state. Growing up, Chantry spent many years logging with his father. After graduating high school, Chantry worked to obtain the West Virginia state welding certification and then went on to gain employment in the construction industry. His experience with logs turned out to be useful again when he was hired as an apprentice building log homes with First General Services of Southern West Virginia. Upon leaving that organization, he continued in the carpentry trade with Heffner Construction; building homes near Snowshoe ski resort.

When the winter weather shut down construction work for the season at Snowshoe in 2002, Chantry found his way to Custom Homebuilding through a mutual friend. Chantry continues to be one of the most reliable and determined individuals on the team. Over the past several years Chantry has proven himself as a leader and maintains a positive and healthy attitude during all stages of construction. Chantry lives with his wife Jessica and their son Taiden near Millboro and loves fishing, skiing, and stays very active with the Millboro volunteer fire association.

Jeremy Cole

Jeremy was born in Towanda, Pennsylvania and relocated with his family to his mother’s hometown of Goshen, Virginia when he was 8 years old. A graduate of advanced studies at Rockbridge High School, Jeremy then attended Blue Ridge College where he continued his education in business administration. After studying business, Jeremy entered the workforce as a warehouse coordinator for the Best Buy Corporation. Subsequent to his employment there he continued work with the Amerigas utility company where he was able to earn the designation of EPA certified technician. After being exposed to the construction industry by Amerigas, Jeremy once again hoped to expand his knowledge and seek work as a carpenter.

We are happy that Jeremy found his way to Custom Homebuilding and asked to be part of our team. Since 2006, Jeremy has been an extremely reliable resource—always willing to learn and apply his education. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys dancing, singing and spending time outdoors.