Does this sound familiar? You have been flipping through design magazines for months and bookmarking Pinterest boards late at night, imagining your family’s Sunday mornings in a sunlit kitchen and holiday dinners around a long, rustic table. One evening, over dinner, you drew a rough floor plan on a napkin. “This is it,” you think. “This is our dream home.”
At LaFollette Custom Homes, we meet a lot of people like you – visionary, thoughtful, and ready to create something truly personal. But once the dream becomes a decision, the next big question is usually: How long will this take? Let’s walk you through the typical timeline from first sketches to final finishes.
Discovery Phase (Time Varies)
Every great custom home begins with a conversation. This phase is all about getting to know you – your goals, lifestyle, must-haves, and vision for your home. Here’s what happens during the discovery phase with LaFollette Custom Homes:
Initial Consultation
A Custom Home Consultant will meet with you to better understand your lifestyle, goals, timeline, and budget.
Site Evaluation
Our team will walk your lot and assess views, access, and how the home will sit on the land to get a better understanding of the project.
Vision Alignment
This is your opportunity to share examples, discuss ideas, and ensure we’re on the same page as you creatively and practically.
The initial discovery phase of the custom home building process is the foundation for everything to come.
Design Phase (~3 Months)
The design phase of the custom home building process is where your ideas become tangible blueprints. It’s exciting but also detailed. Every decision made here sets the stage for a smooth construction process later.
Preliminary Plans
We will develop a custom home layout based on your input and work with you to collaborate on a conceptual plan, including floor plans and elevations. You will receive a 3D model of your home’s exterior for a realistic view and get a preliminary cost estimate from your Custom Home Consultant, so you know exactly what to expect.
Design Selections
This includes planning the details of your custom home, such as cabinetry, countertops, tile, lighting, flooring, fixtures, and finishes.
Engineering and Permitting
Once we finalize the custom plans for your home, we submit them for permits on your behalf.
There are many decisions to be made when designing your dream custom home, but LaFollette Custom Homes is here to guide you every step of the way.
Construction Phase (~6 Months)
Once we break ground, the vision for your custom home starts taking shape. Our team manages every detail while keeping you informed and involved throughout the build.
Foundation and Mechanical Systems
Your home begins to take physical shape, and plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and insulation are installed.
Interior and Exterior Finishes
Siding, stonework, drywall, cabinetry, and flooring are finalized, and final details such as lighting, appliances, painting, fixtures, and touch-ups are completed.
Our typical builds take about 6 months, but timelines can vary depending on size, selections, weather, and permitting.
Move-In Phase (~4 Months)
After the construction of your custom home is complete, the LaFollette Custom Homes team will provide you with a Homeowners Information Binder with important information about warranty and maintenance details.
Walkthrough and Handoff
We’ll guide you through a tour of your completed home to ensure every detail meets your expectations. Take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the space alongside the Superintendent of your custom home project.
Ongoing Support
120 days after you settle into your new home, our team will meet with you to complete a post move-in checklist. During this visit, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any questions about maintenance and care with your Superintendent.
It’s time to celebrate as we hand you the keys to your new dream home!
Helpful Things to Keep in Mind
- Have a clear vision but stay flexible. Changes in mid-construction can impact cost and timeline.
- Communication is key. We keep our clients updated regularly and we always welcome questions.
- It’s a partnership. Your ideas and lifestyle guide the process, and our expertise makes it happen.
Start Your Custom Home Journey
Building a custom home isn’t just about walls and windows; it’s about crafting a space that tells your story. It takes time, thoughtful planning, and a builder who understands your vision.
At LaFollette Custom Homes, we specialize in guiding clients through every phase with clarity, care, and craftsmanship. If you’re ready to start turning your sketches into a home, we’d be honored to help bring it to life. Contact our team to get started!