One of the most common questions we get asked is: “How long does it take to build a custom home?” And the answer? It depends—on your builder, your design, your city’s permit process, and even the weather. While timelines can vary, understanding what each phase of the process looks like can help set realistic expectations and keep your build on track. Below, we’re breaking down the typical phases of building a custom home and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we do things at Alma Homes. From design to move-in, here’s what you can expect—and how long each step typically takes.
Phase 1: Architectural Design
The architectural design phase is where your dream home starts taking shape on paper. During this stage, an architect or designer will develop floor plans and elevations for your home. The timeline and process can vary significantly depending on whether you’re working with someone creating fully custom plans or using pre-designed templates.
If you’re opting for custom plans, this phase typically lasts around three months. You’ll likely attend several plan meetings where your architect or designer will present options and revisions based on your feedback. Each professional has a unique process—some offer unlimited revisions, while others limit changes to a specific number. Once your plans are finalized, the designer will create the full set of construction drawings, which detail everything your builder needs to bring your home to life!
Alma Homes Timeline: 10-12 Weeks
At Alma Homes, we typically spend 10–12 weeks in the architectural design phase because every one of our homes is completely custom—no two are ever the same! During this time, we collaborate closely with you in plan meetings to design interior floor plans and exterior elevations that reflect your family’s needs and lifestyle. Once we finalize your layout, we get to work behind the scenes, adding all the technical details needed to complete your architectural drawings and prepare them for pricing.
Phase 2: Pricing & Contract Execution
This phase is all about determining the total cost of your home and finalizing your construction contract. Once the construction drawings and specifications are complete, they’re sent out to subcontractors for detailed pricing. This step ensures every aspect of the build is accounted for before construction begins. Different builders approach this phase in various ways—some provide rough estimates early on, while others wait to finalize pricing until later. The type of contract you choose—fixed-price vs. cost-plus—can also affect the timing and transparency of your final numbers.
With a fixed-price contract, your builder commits to delivering the project at a set price. This means that as long as you don’t make changes, your final price won’t change—offering predictability and peace of mind. On the other hand, a cost-plus contract involves paying for the actual cost of construction plus a builder’s fee. While this can sometimes give you more flexibility, it can also lead to surprise costs and less financial clarity throughout the process.
Alma Homes Timeline: 5 Weeks
At Alma Homes, we are a fixed-price builder, which means once you sign your contract, your pricing won’t change—unless you choose to make changes. And if you do, we’ll clearly communicate the cost of those changes up front. You’ll never see unexpected charges or vague add-ons. During this phase, we send your plans out for pricing right away. Subcontractors submit bids for their work, and we compile all of that information into one comprehensive, final bid for your home, so you know exactly what to expect.
Phase 3: Permit Submittals
This phase is all about getting official approval to begin construction. Once your construction documents are complete, the next step is submitting them to the appropriate city or county departments for permitting. Permits are legal authorizations that ensure your home is being built according to current building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. These may include building permits, utility permits, grading permits, and even variances if special conditions are required. Your builder typically manages this entire process, coordinating with the city, applying for the necessary documents, and handling any additional approvals that may be needed from zoning boards or homeowners’ associations.
Some builders may begin limited site prep or interior work while waiting on permits, while others must wait for full approval before continuing. This step is critical to starting construction the right way and avoiding delays or fines down the road.
Alma Homes Timeline: 4-8 Weeks
At Alma Homes, we handle the permit submittal process as soon as your construction documents are ready. We gather and submit all required plans and paperwork to the city to kick off the permitting timeline right away. Since each municipality operates on its own schedule, processing times can vary—but we stay on top of it to keep things moving.
To make the most of this waiting period, we also begin your Selections Phase during this time. This means you’ll be working on choosing your finishes, fixtures, and design details while permits are being processed, helping us stay efficient and keeping your project on track. Once we receive all necessary approvals and selections are finalized, we’re ready to begin construction without delay.
Phase 4: Interior Design Selections
This is the phase where your home truly starts to feel like yours. During the Interior Design Selections phase, you’ll be making decisions on all the finishes and fixtures that bring your house to life—from flooring and countertops to cabinetry, lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware, paint colors, and more. These choices shape the personality and functionality of your space, so it’s important to consider both style and practicality.
Every builder handles this phase differently. Some may send you out to multiple showrooms to make your selections, while others have in-house designers and more streamlined processes. The number of selections, product availability, and how quickly decisions are made can all influence how long this phase takes.
Alma Homes Timeline: 6-9 Weeks
At Alma Homes, we’ve designed the selections process to be as seamless and enjoyable as possible. We host your design meetings at our office, where we have a private showroom curated with samples chosen specifically for your home. This eliminates the need to run all over town visiting multiple vendors, making the process more efficient and less overwhelming.
Our design team walks you through each step, helping you make informed choices that reflect your style, budget, and lifestyle. We’ve found this approach not only saves time but also leads to a more cohesive and personalized end result. By the end of this phase, you’ll have a full design vision in place—and be one step closer to seeing it come to life.
Phase 5: Construction Management
This is the most exciting (and often the most anticipated) phase—when your vision finally starts becoming reality. The construction management phase includes everything from the physical build of your home to managing the daily logistics, timelines, and quality control needed to bring the project across the finish line. A good builder will oversee subcontractors, coordinate material deliveries, handle on-site issues, and ensure the construction stays aligned with your plans, budget, and timeline.
There are many moving parts during this stage, and every decision made earlier—from design to selections—starts coming together. Timely communication, proactive problem-solving, and attention to detail are key to a smooth and successful build.
Alma Homes Timeline: 6-9 Months
At Alma Homes, we manage every aspect of your build so you can enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed. From coordinating subcontractors to ordering materials, handling change orders, and even managing landscaping—we take care of it all. Our goal is to make the construction phase feel as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Once your home is complete, we’ll walk through the space together during a final quality control walkthrough. This gives us the opportunity to ensure every detail meets both your expectations and our high standards. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we won’t call it finished until you’re in love with your new home!
Phase 6: Closing
The closing phase is the final step in your home-building journey—where everything comes together, paperwork is finalized, and you receive the keys to your brand-new home. This phase includes completing any final inspections, obtaining the certificate of occupancy, and wrapping up any outstanding details like punch list items or warranty documentation.
During this time, your builder should walk you through your new home, explain how to operate key systems (HVAC, water shutoffs, smart home features, etc.), and ensure you feel confident and informed as you prepare to move in.
Alma Homes Timeline: 1 Month
At Alma Homes, we take the closing process seriously and want it to feel just as special and smooth as the rest of your journey. We’ll do a final walkthrough with you to make sure every item is completed to your satisfaction, and we’ll walk through the ins and outs of your home so you feel confident about how everything works.
Once the final paperwork is signed and the certificate of occupancy is issued, we’ll officially hand over the keys. And don’t worry—we’re still here for you! You’ll receive all warranty information and know exactly who to reach out to if you have questions or need anything after move-in. We’re with you even after the build is done.
Phase 7: Warranty
The warranty phase begins after you’ve moved in and started settling into your new home. Even with the highest standards of construction, it’s normal for small issues to come up once you begin living in the space—things like minor drywall cracks, sticky doors, or settling-related adjustments.
Warranty coverage varies by builder. Some offer one-year limited warranties, while others provide extended structural warranties up to 10 years. The level of service and responsiveness to warranty claims can also differ.
What is Alma Homes’ Warranty? We offer a one year warranty on all workmanship, and 11 months after your closing, we will do a walk through to identify and correct any warranty issues that have come up. Additionally, we offer a two year warranty on mechanical and plumbing systems, as well as a ten year warranty on the structure.
We take great pride in the quality of our work, and once we are done, it’s not the last time you’ll see us. Our warranty process begins after your home is complete.
What is considered a warranty item? Warranty typically covers anything structural, home systems like electrical and plumbing, and craftsmanship details like trim, drywall, paint, flooring, etc.
From initial design to handing over the keys, building a home is a structured yet exciting journey. With clear steps and timelines, we ensure a smooth process with no surprises. Ready to build your dream home? Click here to see the services we offer!
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