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Construction Timeline

What to Expect During Your Custom Home Build

Our typical custom home construction timeline is approximately 28–32 weeks once active construction begins. Every home is different, but we’ll help you understand the building stages, what can affect your schedule, and how we’ll keep you informed along the way.

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Know What to Expect Every Step of the Way

A clearer picture of the journey from preparation to move-in.

Building a custom home involves several stages, and understanding the general timeline can help you plan ahead.

Before construction begins, there’s important work to complete, including home design, site evaluation, pricing, selections, and necessary approvals. That pre-construction period is separate from our typical 28–32-week active construction timeline.

Once we’re building, you’ll receive weekly progress updates and photos so you can follow along as your home takes shape.

Here’s a look at the major stages of construction and what you can generally expect during each one.

Pre-Construction: Getting Ready to Build

Timeline: Varies by project and necessary approvals; not included in the typical 28–32 weeks of active construction.

Before work begins on your home, we review the details that will guide construction.

This stage may include:

  • Property evaluation and site inspection

  • Finalizing home plans and design details

  • Reviewing fixtures, finishes, and allowances

  • Confirming your construction price and agreement

  • Identifying necessary permits and approvals

  • Planning for site preparation and construction scheduling

The time required depends on your plans, property, selections, and applicable approval requirements.

Our Design & Build Process

Phase 1: Site Work & Foundation

Getting the Property Ready

Construction begins with the site work included in your project’s scope and the foundation for your new home.

Work during this phase may include:

  • Preparing the building area

  • Excavation

  • Foundation or crawlspace construction

  • Initial utility-related work, as applicable

  • Required inspections

This is where the first major physical work on your home begins.

Phase 2: Framing & Exterior Shell

Your Home Starts Taking Shape

With the foundation in place, the framing establishes the home’s layout and structure.

Work during this phase generally includes:

  • Wall and roof framing

  • Roof installation

  • Windows and exterior doors

  • Weatherproofing

  • Initial exterior construction

You’ll begin to see the rooms, roofline, and overall shape of your home come together.

Phase 3: Mechanical Systems & Rough-Ins

The Systems Behind the Walls

Once the structure is ready, work moves toward the electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems.

Work during this phase generally includes:

  • Electrical rough-ins

  • Plumbing rough-ins

  • HVAC installation

  • Required inspections

  • Insulation and preparation for interior walls

These are important stages that prepare your home for interior finishing.

Phase 4: Interior Finishes

Bringing the Interior Together

This is when many of the design decisions you’ve made begin to appear throughout your home.

Work during this phase may include:

  • Drywall installation and finishing

  • Interior painting

  • Flooring

  • Cabinetry

  • Countertops

  • Interior trim and molding

Your selected materials, colors, and finishes help turn the construction into a space that feels like home.

Phase 5: Exterior Finishes & Site Details

Completing the Outside of Your Home

Exterior finishing work continues as we move toward completion.

Depending on your home’s design and agreed project scope, this may include:

  • Siding and exterior trim

  • Brick, stone, or other selected finishes

  • Exterior painting or finishing details

  • Final grading and site work

  • Driveway or walkway work, if included

Some exterior work may overlap with interior construction depending on the schedule.

Phase 6: Final Details & Walkthrough

Getting Ready for Move-In

As construction nears completion, attention turns to final installations, adjustments, inspections, and the walkthrough.

This phase generally includes:

  • Final plumbing and electrical fixtures

  • Lighting and accessories

  • Appliances included in your project

  • Paint touch-ups and finishing details

  • Final cleaning and applicable inspections

  • Your final homeowner walkthrough

We’ll review the completed home with you and address remaining details as we prepare for handover.

How We Keep Your Project Moving

A well-managed construction schedule requires planning, coordination, and communication throughout the build.

We carefully manage our active project schedule so we can stay involved in the work and give each home the attention it deserves.

Our approach includes:

  • Coordinating construction stages and the trades involved

  • Planning around the needs of your particular home and property

  • Keeping homeowners informed with weekly progress updates and photos

  • Reviewing changes that may affect cost or timing

  • Communicating about upcoming construction stages

Our goal is to keep you informed and give you a practical understanding of how your project is progressing.

What Could Extend Your Construction Timeline?

Our 28–32-week construction timeframe is a typical estimate, not a guaranteed completion date. Custom homes vary, and several factors can affect when construction starts or how long it takes.

These may include:

  • Home design and complexity: Larger or more detailed custom features may require additional time.

  • Site conditions: Property-specific conditions can affect preparation and construction.

  • Permits and approvals: Required approvals can influence when construction is able to begin.

  • Weather: Severe or prolonged weather can affect outdoor construction activities.

  • Material availability: Certain products or special-order selections may have longer lead times.

  • Changes during construction: Requested modifications can affect both the schedule and project cost.

If something affects your project’s timing, we’ll communicate the change and discuss updated expectations.

Proudly Serving Sussex & Kent Counties

We build throughout coastal and inland Delaware, including:
Bethany Beach, Lewes, Rehoboth, Fenwick, Millsboro, Milford, Georgetown, Harrington, Camden, Dover, and more.