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An Overview of the Custom Homebuilding Process

Custom home builders can make your dream home a reality. To make the process as seamless and easy as possible, you will want a clear understanding of the major steps it takes to create a quality custom home.

The first stage involves planning and designing the home. Once you have chosen a custom home builder, schedule a planning session. Bring photos of homes you love and their layouts, as well as a list of your must-have items. The more closely you communicate with your home builder or contractor, the better they will understand exactly what you want.

After you’ve secured a location and finalized a design, you will need to obtain all necessary approvals and permits. Your builder will usually take care of this, submitting all the required information to local building officials. Factors such as the home’s building site, construction plan, energy analysis, HVAC design, and roof loading information all require approval before construction begins.

The home’s construction process begins with the site’s excavation. The excavation crew will prepare the site for building by removing any undesirable trees, debris, or rocks. Additionally, they will level the ground and dig footers for the foundation or a basement, as required, and remove the dirt that won’t be needed. At this point, the building crew will lay all necessary lines to connect to city water and sewer lines. Eventually, these lines will connect to pipes in the home’s basement, or if there is no basement, they’ll go underneath the slab or other foundation.

Depending on where the house is being built, the building team will then lay the appropriate type of foundation. This might be concrete footings for basement walls, concrete slabs that rest on the ground, or preservative-treated wood foundations that are resistant to decay. Once the foundation is complete, an inspector will review the construction site to ensure the foundation complies with all codes. With the inspector’s approval, construction can proceed.

Next, builders will frame the home, the major components of the home’s structure including wall, floors, ceilings, and the roof’s supporting structure. At this point, the house looks like a large skeleton waiting for all the internal and external components.

With the framing in place, multiple crews will likely work on various technical aspects of the home. Typically, a roof is put in place to keep water out while other work is begun. For example, an HVAC crew will install the HVAC system, while an electrical crew will install the home’s electrical system and plumbers will install the plumbing. A crew will also begin working on the home’s exterior, including windows, doors, and siding, again doing this as soon as practical to keep the interior dry and protected.

With the major plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems in place, builders can begin covering the framing with insulation and drywall. Next, they will begin working on interior finishes to make the house feel like a home. The building crew will install items like cabinets, baseboards, crown molding, tiling, and any other finishes you selected. Additionally, they will paint the walls and ceilings with your chosen palette.

Most builders will then complete a walkthrough with you, noting any minor details that still need attention. This ensures small items like outlet covers or doorknobs are not overlooked. You can also comment on any details that don’t look right or that don’t match the original plan.

With all finishing touches complete, the builder will take you on a final walkthrough, explaining how to maintain appliances, fixtures, and other home items. This is your final opportunity to ensure all countertops, cabinets, and finishes meet your expectations.

According to data from the latest available U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (2017), the average length of time for a contractor-built home was 9.21 months.