About Us

Blacksmith Custom Builders was founded in 2016 by TJ and Maria Smith in response to Fredericksburg's affordable housing shortage, driven by the town’s unique tourist economy. 

Their mission is to create affordable homes for local workers, including firefighters, teachers, and service industry professionals, offering stylish, modern homes that don’t compromise on quality or budget.

TJ already had a remodeling company in Fredericksburg and was a skilled seasoned carpenter with expansive knowledge of each phase of home building. His background included 27 years of building production homes as a project manager, and it just made sense to start building homes using the ingenuity of production combined with custom features and style to build a home that was both tasteful and fiscally responsible. 

TJ is great at problem solving and ‘getting the job done’. TJ is also an expert in the use and application of the Screeneze system that allows for large expanses of outdoor screens without the traditional use of spacers impeding the view. He operates a separate business specifically focused on that product.

Maria’s background in business ownership, project management, design and sales complements TJ's construction expertise which completed the partnership and brought the Blacksmith product together. 

Maria has years of experience designing custom doors, door hardware and managing custom door & window companies. She’s owned two companies and possesses experience that allows her to work closely with clients using her design skills while making the client feel relaxed and comfortable with their decisions and selections. 

Maria handles all the details of the business including customer care, procurement and facilitation while TJ oversees construction as the construction manager. Often you will see them on the job sites verifying, measuring, sometimes installing materials where expertise is needed and yes, even cleaning the job sites. 

At Blacksmith Custom Builders, transparency and fiscal responsibility are top priorities. Each home is meticulously estimated down to the dollar before any contract is signed, ensuring clients receive the best value with no unexpected budget surprises. TJ and Maria remain dedicated to the first-time home buyer experience as well as the seasoned home buyer and look forward to working closely with each client to achieve the most beautiful, charming and practical ‘Dream Home’ possible.