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From Concept to Creation: Navigating the Timeline of Building Your Dream Home with a Custom Home Builder

Building a custom home is an exciting and rewarding experience. It is also a complex process that requires careful planning, communication, and collaboration between the builder, the homeowner and other professionals involved in the project.  If you are considering a new custom-built home for your future, you will want to have a realistic view of the potential timeline and typical stages of the building process. 

Phone Consultation, Initial Meetings, and Land Acquisition (2-4 weeks)

The first step toward building a custom home with Hostetler Family Homes is scheduling a free, no obligation phone consultation to get to know each other and discuss your custom home project.

Based on our conversation, if it seems like we are a good fit to work together, we will schedule an in-person meeting to learn more about you and your plans for building a custom home, as well as tell you about our company and unique processes.  We will also review photos and videos of our recent projects, so you may get a better idea of our quality and pricing.  During this phase, it is necessary to discuss the vision, budget, timeline, and any specific requirements of the project. 

If land and lot location has yet to be determined, Hostetler Family Homes can help you assess land options. It’s important to keep in mind that identifying the right property could add weeks or months to the process. 

Concept Agreement – Planning and Design (1-3 months)

The next stage of building a custom home is planning and design. When you’re comfortable with our quality, processes, and price range, we enter into a concept agreement and take a small deposit that covers the costs of your custom home design with us. During this phase the homeowner works with the builder to define their needs and wants for the home, including the layout, style, and features they desire. This stage will include conceptual drawings, floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings to complete the concept.

Financing & Selections (1-3 months)

When the plans are completed, we will finalize the pricing and enter into a Construction Agreement.  This construction agreement, along with the construction drawings will need to be submitted to your bank to initiate the financing process.  The bank will conduct an appraisal on the to-be-built home, as well as collect various documents from you to finalize a construction loan.

If you don’t require financing and will purchase your home with cash, the process can be expedited, and we can begin obtaining permits for your new custom home.

During financing and permitting phases, you will be working with our Selections Coordinator to pick the materials, finishes, and color palettes for your new home.

Permitting (1-3 Months)

Before construction can begin, and after your financing has closed, Hostetler Family Homes will obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. This process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the location and complexity of the project. 

Rough Structure Construction (2-3 Months)

Once the permits are finalized, the builder will begin site preparation, which includes clearing the land, grading, and excavating for the foundation. The foundation is the most critical component of the home, and it must be built to exact specifications and inspected thoroughly.

When your foundation is complete, we will begin framing the home. This includes constructing the walls, roof, and floors, and installing windows and doors. This phase is critical for ensuring the structural integrity of the home.

Mechanicals & Exterior Finishes (1-2 Months)

Once the framing and exterior work are complete, installation of the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems can begin. This stage involves the wiring, plumbing, ductwork, and other components necessary for the operation of the home.  Attention to detail and coordination with other subcontractors is crucial to ensure everything is installed correctly and meets local codes and regulations.

Interior Finishes (2-3 months)

After the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed, work can begin on the interior finishes of the home. This includes installing drywall, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures. Effective collaboration is key in coordinating schedules and executing this stage, which is when the home begins to take shape and the client’s vision becomes a reality.

Final Touches and Move-In (1-2 months)

The final stage of the building process involves completing any remaining details and performing a final inspection of the home. The builder will also address any issues that arise during the inspection and make any necessary repairs. Once everything is complete, the homeowner will move into their new custom home.

In conclusion, building a custom home requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the final result is a beautiful, functional, and structurally sound home. By understanding the timeline of a build, homeowners can work with their builder to manage expectations and ensure that the process runs smoothly. Contact us today to start your journey home.