Custom Home Construction Timeline: What Happens Month by Month

Jarrett Svendsen
Jan 15
2 min read

Once pre-construction is complete and permits are approved, construction begins—but this phase is far more involved than many homeowners expect.

A high-quality custom home build typically takes 10–14+ months, depending on design complexity, materials, and level of customization.

Here’s what actually happens during construction.

The Construction Phase at a Glance

Construction is a sequence of highly coordinated phases, each building on the last. Quality, craftsmanship, and communication are essential at every step.

Construction Timeline Breakdown

1. Site Prep, Demolition & Foundation (1–1.5 Months)

Demolition (if applicable)
Excavation and grading
Foundation and underground utilities

This stage establishes the structural integrity of the entire home.

2. Framing & Structural Systems (1–1.5 Months)

Framing walls, floors, and roof systems
Windows and doors installed
Exterior shell completed

This is when the home’s layout becomes tangible.

3. Mechanical Systems (1–1.5 Months)

Often referred to as the home’s “nervous system,” this includes:

HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical

Early walkthroughs during this phase allow homeowners to make final adjustments before walls are closed.

4. Insulation & Drywall (1–1.5 Months)

Insulation and air sealing
Drywall installation and finishing

These steps play a major role in comfort, energy efficiency, and sound control.

5. Interior Finishes (3–5 Months)

Includes:

Cabinetry
Flooring
Tile
Paint
Trim and doors
Fixtures and hardware

Customization and material lead times heavily influence this stage.

6. Landscaping, Final Walkthrough & Move-In (1 Month)

Exterior landscaping
Final inspections
Punch-list completion
Home orientation walkthrough

This ensures everything meets expectations before keys are handed over.

Construction Timeline Infographic

This infographic illustrates how each construction phase flows and why realistic timelines matter.

Infographic titled ‘Construction Timeline’ showing the stages of building a custom home from demolition to move-in. The vertical timeline begins with demolition, followed by excavation, sewer and water, and foundation work. Next stages include framing, windows and doors, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Interior phases include siding, insulation and air sealing, drywall, flooring, trim and doors, then paint, tile, cabinetry, and countertops. Final steps include landscaping, production cleaning, punch list, homeowner orientation, final walkthrough, and ends with ‘Move In.’ Estimated time ranges in months are shown along the timeline, with photos illustrating demolition and the completed home.

Want the Full Picture?

The Custom Home Building Guide includes:

Both timeline infographics: Pre-Construction and Construction Timelines
Detailed explanations of each phase
Planning checklists and expert insights

Download the free guide to see the entire journey from planning to move-in.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE