The timeline for building a new home varies with each project, but understanding what happens at each stage makes the process clear and predictable. New builds follow a sequence of construction phases, each building upon the last to create your home. Most homeowners starting their new build project have one primary question: “How long will this take?”
This guide breaks down each construction phase, giving you a clear picture of what occurs from the first day of planning through to the moment you receive your keys. As covered in our comprehensive ultimate guide on custom homes, building a new home involves multiple stages, and this article focuses on the specific phases that transform your dream home from paper to reality.
Pre-Construction Phase: Planning and Preparation
The pre-construction phase sets the groundwork for your custom home, typically lasting 1-2 months. This timeline can shift based on local requirements, lot conditions, and permit processing times.
Design and Plans
Your home starts with a detailed set of construction documents. A complete set of plans includes architectural drawings, material selections for both interior and exterior finishes, structural decisions, and confirmed building specifications. These documents guide every step of construction and become the blueprint for your new home.
Permits and Approvals
Building permits protect homeowners’ interests and maintain safety standards. The approval process requires submitting applications to local authorities, passing zoning checks, proving code compliance, and completing environmental assessments where required. Each municipality has different requirements, which your builder must meet before construction begins.
Site Preparation Requirements
Before breaking ground, your builder needs several key site evaluations. Soil testing reveals ground conditions that affect foundation design. Property surveys mark exact boundaries and building locations. Utility mapping shows existing service lines, while drainage studies determine water management needs. Construction access planning prevents site damage and keeps work moving efficiently.
Most permit offices take 2-4 weeks to process applications. During this time, your builder coordinates with suppliers, schedules trade contractors, and creates a detailed construction schedule. Getting these details right prevents delays in later phases.
Two main factors often extend the pre-construction timeline: revision requests from permit offices and special approvals for unique lot conditions.
Foundation Phase: Starting From The Ground Up
The foundation phase marks the first visible progress on your custom home. This phase typically spans 3-4 weeks, weather permitting. Michigan weather conditions can affect this timeline, particularly during freeze-thaw cycles.
Site Excavation Process
The construction team starts by clearing and grading your lot. Heavy equipment removes topsoil and creates a level space for your home’s foundation. Proper soil grading directs water away from your future home, preventing potential water issues.
Footings and Foundation Work
Your home’s foundation begins with concrete footings, which spread the weight of your house across a wider area. Once footings cure, the team builds foundation walls using concrete blocks or poured concrete. Foundation types vary based on your home design and local soil conditions.
Waterproofing and Drainage
A dry foundation stays strong for decades. Workers apply waterproof membranes to foundation walls and install drainage systems around the perimeter. Foundation drainage systems include gravel beds and drain tiles that channel groundwater away from your home.
Quality Control
This phase requires several inspections. A municipal inspector checks the work at key points: after excavation, before concrete pouring, and after foundation completion. These inspections verify proper depth, reinforcement placement, and overall construction quality. Building codes set strict standards for foundation work to protect your investment.
Framing Phase: Building The Basic Structure
The framing phase transforms your custom home from a foundation into the recognizable shape of a house. This stage typically takes 4-6 weeks and gives you the first real sense of your home’s space and size.
Wall and Roof Framing
Your home’s skeleton takes shape as workers install floor joists, wall studs, and roof trusses. The process starts with first-floor exterior walls, followed by interior walls and upper floors. Roof trusses complete the basic structure, creating a stable frame that protects against Michigan’s weather patterns.
Window and Door Installation
Once the basic frame stands, crews install windows and exterior doors. This step, called “dry-in,” shields the frame from rain and snow. Proper installation prevents air leaks and water damage, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Modern windows and doors arrive as complete units, ready to fit into pre-measured openings.
Exterior Protection
With windows and doors in place, workers add a protective wrap to exterior walls. This barrier blocks wind and moisture while letting the structure breathe. Roofing materials go on next, starting with underlayment and ending with shingles or other roofing materials.
During this phase, you’ll notice:
- Daily visible progress
- Multiple crews working simultaneously
- Regular material deliveries
- Several inspection points
- Changes in site security needs
The framing phase ends with a municipal inspection that checks structural integrity, proper materials, and correct installation methods. A passed inspection means your home can move forward to the next construction phase.
Systems Installation Phase: Behind The Walls
The systems installation phase adds the vital networks that make your new home function as a modern home. This phase takes 3-4 weeks and requires careful coordination among trade contractors.
Electrical Wiring
Licensed electricians install the complete electrical system throughout your home. They run wires from the main electrical panel to every room, setting up circuits for appliances, lighting, and outlets. This work includes pre-wiring for modern conveniences like internet connections and security systems.
Plumbing Systems
Plumbers install water supply lines, drain pipes, and vent stacks. The work starts with rough-in plumbing for bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry areas. They position pipes inside walls and under floors, connecting everything to the main water and sewer lines. Proper pipe sizing and placement prevent noise and flow issues.
HVAC Installation
Heating and cooling system installation includes ductwork placement and equipment mounting. The layout affects both comfort and efficiency in your new home. Metal ducts run through walls and between floors, connecting to planned vent locations. The central HVAC units need precise positioning for optimal performance.
Required Inspections
Each system needs approval before walls close up. City inspectors check:
- Electrical connections and wire protection
- Pipe joints and pressure tests
- Duct sealing and support
- Safety features like shut-off valves
This phase creates the invisible but essential parts of your home. Proper installation now prevents future maintenance issues and ensures your home runs efficiently.
Interior and Exterior Completion Phase
The completion phase brings your custom homE close to move-in-ready status. This stage typically spans 6-8 weeks as multiple finishing tasks create your home’s final appearance.
Insulation and Drywall
The process begins with insulation installation in exterior walls and attic spaces. Professional installers place the correct type and amount for Michigan’s climate. Once complete, drywall crews cover the walls and ceilings. They tape seams, apply joint compound, and sand surfaces smoothly, preparing for paint and wall coverings.
Flooring and Trim
Interior finishing work follows a specific order. Paint goes on walls and ceilings first. Then, crews install baseboards, door trim, and window casings. Flooring materials like hardwood, tile, or carpet come next. Cabinet installation and countertop placement complete the main living spaces.
Exterior Finishing Touches
Outside work continues with siding application, gutter installation, and final grading of the yard. Workers add exterior trim details and complete any remaining brick or stone work. The driveway and walkways take shape, creating safe access to your home.
Final Walk-Through Preparation
As completion nears, builders focus on quality control. They inspect every room, testing all components for proper function. Light switches, outlets, faucets, and drains receive thorough checks. Door and window operation, appliance connections, cabinet hardware, and floor transitions undergo careful examination. These detailed inspections ensure everything meets quality standards before the final inspection phase begins.
Common Timeline Factors to Consider
Final Thoughts
Several factors can affect your custom home timeline in Michigan. Being aware of these helps set realistic expectations for your project.
Michigan weather plays a significant role in construction schedules. Snow and freezing temperatures can pause outdoor work during winter months. Spring rains might delay concrete pouring or roof installation. Smart builders plan around these seasonal challenges.
Supply chain timing affects material availability. Items like windows, cabinets, and specialty materials often need advance ordering. Current market conditions can extend typical waiting periods.
Permit processing varies by location. Some townships process permits within weeks, while others take longer. Local regulations and inspection schedules also influence overall timing.
For more details about planning your new home construction project, refer to our ultimate guide in new builds here.
A clear timeline creates a smoother building experience. By knowing what happens in each phase, you can make informed decisions and plan effectively for your new home construction.
At Essex Custom Homes, we’ve guided hundreds of Michigan families through these construction phases. Our transparent approach keeps you informed at every step, from the first design meeting through to the day you receive your keys. We build in Southeast Michigan communities, bringing 30 years of local building experience to every project.
Want to learn more about your custom home timeline? Book your FREE consultation today, and let’s map out your construction schedule together.
