Custom Home Building Process: New Home Construction Timeline Explained
February 23, 2026
The Classica Difference in Custom Home Building
Understanding the custom home building process is key to achieving the results you want. When you invest time and money in a new property, you want to know all the details. In addition to the multiple choices and decisions, you need to understand the milestones and timelines.
While you don't have to be a construction expert to build a home of your dreams, you definitely have to be involved. When you drill down into the details, it's easy to ensure the results match your vision.
Here is a short breakdown of the process and timeline.
Planning
The new home construction process timeline begins with planning. The purpose of this phase is to turn your ideas into detailed blueprints.
During this period, you work closely with the building team to define the layout, size, and style. When discussing features, materials, and finishes, you also mention the budget. Strong decisions at this phase help reduce changes later in the project.
Approximate duration: 1 to 3 months.
Tips for future homeowners:
Make key decisions early and document them.
Set a realistic budget and communicate it upfront.
Ask questions whenever something is unclear.
Review all plans twice before approving.
Careful planning not only helps control costs but also reduces stress during the build and keeps the project on schedule.
With Classica, the planning is just a start to the fun. You will meet with a sales manager who will help you design your dream home on the homesite of your choosing. This can be in a Classica community, on one of our Select Lots, or on your own lot. Have fun using the interactive floor plan to customize the home that's right for you.
Permitting
Permitting is when your builder submits the plans to the local government for approval. Officials review them for zoning, building codes, and safety standards. This step must be completed before work can begin, and delays from the government are expected.
Approximate duration: 1 to 3 months.
Tips for future homeowners:
Choose a builder with experience in local permitting.
Avoid making design changes once plans are submitted.
Request regular permit status updates.
Allow extra time in your schedule for possible delays.
Permitting can be slow, but it’s necessary for building a custom home.
Classica’s team will take care of this hard part for you. This timeline is outlined in the Key Date Summary we provide to you in the contract.
Framing
Framing is when your home’s structure starts to take shape. The crew installs the floors, walls, and roof so that you can see the complete outline of the house.
Next, the crew schedules inspections to make sure everything is safe and meets building codes.
Approximate duration: 1 to 2 months.
Tips for future homeowners:
Visit the site to better understand the layout.
Ask questions while changes are still easier to make.
Expect short pauses for required inspections.
Plan for weather-related slowdowns.
Once framing is done, you can clearly see the size and layout of your home. This prepares the way for installing finishes.
Classica’s trusted trade partners are the best in the business. Most of our partners have been with us since day 1 and follow our processes. This ensures adherence to the 7-month build timeline for a raised slab or the 8-month build timeline for a basement.
Finishes
This stage focuses on detail and customization. Interior work includes drywall, painting, flooring, cabinetry, and fixture installation. Exterior elements such as siding, trim, and landscaping are completed as well. Finishes take the most time because many trades are involved.
Approximate duration: 3 to 6 months.
Tips for future homeowners:
Select finishes early to prevent delays.
Order custom materials in advance.
Create a punch list for remaining touch-ups.
Don't be shy to voice your concerns before approving the job.
At the end of this stage, the builders arrange a final walkthrough to make sure you are happy with the results.
With Classica as your builder, all of your finishes were chosen before we started building your home, so this is the fun part! You can see your home really take shape with all the fantastic design choices you make.
Enjoying Your Custom Dream Home
On average, the custom home building process can take up to a year. With the right approach to each stage, you can ensure the results are exactly as you imagined.
Classica has proven processes in place with trusted trade partners that shorten this timeline by months. Once your build starts, you can expect to move into your home within 7-8 months, depending on whether you are building a basement. Are you ready to experience the Classica Lifestyle and Live Inspired?
If you have any questions about the building process or timeline, we are happy to answer them in detail. Call us to schedule a consultation today.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Daniel Tadevosyan
