What to Expect When Building a Custom Home: A Step-by-Step Timeline

Thinking of incorporating a pool in your custom build? Don't wait until after your build is done. Thoughtfully incorporate it in the architectural design!

Building a custom home is an exciting journey — but it’s also a detailed process that takes time, thoughtful decisions, and trusted guidance. At Bourn Homes, we believe the more you understand the path ahead, the smoother (and more enjoyable) your build will be. Whether you're just exploring or ready to begin, here’s a clear look at the phases you can expect — from first conversation to final walkthrough.

1. Discovery & Consultation (1–2 weeks)

• What Happens: Introductory meeting, goals, budget alignment, location discussions

• Why It Matters: This sets the foundation for the relationship and vision

• Pro Tip: Come prepared with inspiration, must-haves, and questions—we love a well-informed client!

  
  

2. Design & Planning (3–5 months)

• What Happens: Site evaluation, architectural drawings, floorplan development, structural layout, and aesthetic direction

• Deliverables: Preliminary plans, exterior design concepts, layout for outdoor living, and custom features

• Why It Matters: A longer design window allows us to capture your vision in detail, address site-specific factors, and set the stage for a smooth build

• Pro Tip: The more intentional the design phase, the fewer delays (and surprises) during construction -- If you're considering a pool, we will start the pool design at this time as well!

  
  

3. Pre-Construction & Selections (1–2 months)

• What Happens: Final engineering, budget confirmation, permit submissions, HOA/POA approvals

• Start of Selections: This is when you meet with our interior designer to begin the selections process—tile, flooring, fixtures, and finishes

• Behind the Scenes: We're coordinating with surveyors, structural engineers, and local jurisdictions to prep the project for groundbreak

• Pro Insight: Early selections can help lock in lead times for custom items and prevent bottlenecks later

  
  

4. Construction Begins (12–18 months)

Depending on the size and complexity of your home:

• Foundation to Framing (1–2 months)

• Rough-ins & Inspections (2–3 months): Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, framing inspection

• Exterior Finishes (1–2 months): Stucco, stone, windows, roofing

• Interior Finishes (2–4 months): Millwork, tile, cabinetry, lighting, paint

• Why It Matters: This is where your vision physically takes shape—expect regular updates, on-site walkthroughs, and detailed coordination as your home comes to life!

  
  

5. Final Walkthrough & Move-In (1–2 weeks)

• What Happens: Final punch list, professional clean, home orientation

• Our Promise: We don’t hand over keys until every detail is right!

  
  
  
  

Total Timeline: ~18–24 months

Each custom build is unique. Timelines depend on lot readiness, permitting, material availability, complexity of the design, and the pace of selections. At Bourn Homes, we carefully manage each step to maintain momentum while ensuring quality is not compromised.

This isn’t fast-track building—it’s legacy building. A custom home should reflect how you live now and grow with you for years to come. The time you invest up front ensures you get it right, down to the last detail. With Bourn Homes, you’re building more than a structure. You’re creating something timeless.

Ready to begin your own custom build? Contact Bourn Homes to start designing a home tailored to you.