Timeline: What to Expect When Building a Custom Home

It’s exciting to call design build firms and finally start the process of building a custom home. But no custom home is built overnight, so you should prepare yourself and set your expectations for the long haul. 

To help condition your mind for the process of building your new home, here is an example of how a timeline should look like:

The Planning Phase

This is where you start choosing providers of custom home building services. Shortlist at least three and call them on the phone. If you like what you hear, you can visit their showroom or office. You can also ask them for references and a portfolio.

When you finally choose one from your shortlisted candidates, it’s important that you sit down with them to talk about your project. You can either come up with a plan of your own and present it to your contractor or ask for their help in preparing one.

They’ll ask if you already have a piece of land to build your house on. If not, they’ll probably be ready to help you find a few options.

You’ll be talking about how you intend to pay for the construction. Will you be paying cash, using your own savings, or will you be needing a financial institution’s help? Some contractors offer in-house loans and those are usually the best option for financing. 

Choosing Phase

This is the part where you choose how your home would look like, i.e. the finishes. This can involve a number of things, such as the windows, doors, lights, floor material, siding, insulation, appliances, and furniture.

It’s a good idea to already choose what you want even before the house is built, especially if you want to customize a few things, like the space in the kitchen for the refrigerator and microwave, or the place for the watching machines in the laundry room.

Be very careful with the details to minimize mistakes and regrets. Changes during the course of the build might lead to additional charges.

Agreeing on the Conditions

Your contractor will present a quote. This is based on the information you have agreed upon and the contractor’s vendors and subcontractors. The quote will give you a detailed list of the items and the total price. Now is the time to tell your contractor about change-orders. When everything is in order, they will ask you to sign a contract.

Building Your Home

Excavation and sitework will begin on the date that appears on your contract. Over the course of up to six months, your contractor will lay the foundation, build the frame, have the electricians and plumbers run the wires and pipes, finish the exterior, and apply the insulation and the drywall. 

Painting will also take place, then the flooring will be set. The electricians and plumbers will return to install fixtures and switches. Then your appliances will be installed. 

When the house is ready, your carpets will be placed. Final touch-ups will also be done at this point.

Walk-Through

Your contractor will give you several walk-throughs every step of the construction process. This is when you and your contractor will be inspecting everything. If there are any change-orders or problems, make sure to talk to your builder after every walk-through.

The last walk-through is your final and formal inspection.

You can move into your new home when you receive your construction loan. 

We can answer any more questions you may have, including a more detailed explanation of the custom home building process. J Bryant Boyd Architect Design-Build also offers home remodeling services. Call us today at (512) 930-1686 or fill out this form. We can work with you in Round Rock, TX, and in other parts of Texas.