What To Expect: Custom Home Building Timeline

Building a custom home is an exciting process, but knowing what happens along the way can make it feel a little less overwhelming. At Shawn Forth Homes, we believe a successful build starts with a thoughtful plan, clear communication, and an organized process.

While every home and project is different, we've outlined the major milestones you'll go through when building a custom home with us, from the first conversation to the day you get the keys.

Before Construction: Planning Your Custom Home

Before breaking ground, there are several important steps to make sure your home is planned, priced, and ready for construction.

1. Buyer/Builder Qualification: We'll start by getting to know your project, including your budget, target square footage, preliminary floor plan, and desired level of finishes. This helps us determine if we're the right builder for your project and establish an estimated price per square foot.
2. Design/Pre-Construction Agreement: Once we mutually agree to move forward, you'll sign our Pre-Construction Agreement and submit a deposit of 1% of the estimated purchase price
3. Construction Plans & Specifications: We'll work through the details of your home, including structural changes, electrical and plumbing layouts, windows, cabinetry, appliances, and exterior materials. These details help us finalize pricing and prepare the project for trade and vendor bids.
4. Pre-Construction Selections & Planning: You'll begin making your selections through Buildertrend. Our goal is to have approximately 90% of your selections completed before Selection Day. This includes flooring, tile, lighting, hardware, paint colors, and more.
5. Preliminary Construction Estimate & Construction Agreement: Once plans and specifications are finalized, we'll gather bids from trades and vendors to complete your construction estimate. From there, we'll move forward with the Construction Agreement, incorporating our standard included features and your requested upgrades.
6. Pre-Construction Meeting: Before construction begins, we'll review the final plans, specifications, allowances, schedule, payment draws, and change order policy. This is our opportunity to make sure everyone is on the same page before breaking ground.

During Construction: 7 Key Steps

Once your plans are finalized and everything is ready, construction begins! Here are the seven major stages your home will move through.

1. Site Preparation & Foundation: Lot clearing, grading, excavation, underground plumbing, foundation installation, and initial inspections.
2. Framing & Roof: Wall and roof framing, roofing, windows, exterior doors, and house wrap.
3. Mechanical Rough-Ins: Electrical wiring, plumbing lines, HVAC ductwork, gas lines, and inspections.
4. Insulation & Drywall: Insulation, drywall installation, finishing, and texture.
5. Interior Finishes: Interior trim, doors, cabinetry, tile, flooring, painting, and countertops.
6. Final Systems & Exterior Completion: Lighting and plumbing fixtures, HVAC startup, appliances, exterior finishes, driveway, and landscaping preparation.
7. Final Touches & Closing: Final inspections, Certificate of Occupancy, punch list, professional cleaning, and your final homeowner walkthrough.

How Long Does It Take?

The pre-construction process is an important part of the overall timeline. Our selection schedule is designed around key milestones at approximately 14, 30, 60, and 90 days.

Once construction begins, your home will progress through the seven stages outlined above. The overall construction timeline will depend on your home's plans, specifications, selections, and other project-specific factors.

One thing that can make a big difference? Staying on schedule with your selections! Completing and approving selections in Buildertrend on time helps keep your project moving forward.

From the First Conversation to Home Sweet Home

Building a custom home involves a lot of decisions, but you don't have to navigate the process alone. From initial planning and selections to the final walkthrough, our team is here to help guide you through each milestone.

At Shawn Forth Homes, we're proud to build homes with thoughtful details, quality craftsmanship, and a process designed to keep you informed along the way.

Ready to start planning your custom home? We'd love to talk about what you're envisioning!