In previous blogs, we have discussed planning a budget for a custom home and what to consider when choosing a building company. After those milestones are reached, it’s time to start the building process! But first, it is important to understand that the construction industry is subject to every type of delay imaginable: bad weather, natural disaster, labor shortages, material delays and more. The best way to get an accurate timeline for your project is to stay in frequent communication with your building company.

Factors Influencing a Construction Timeline

After you select your home’s floor plan and make finish selections, the construction phase begins. The following are some factors that influence how long this process might take:

• Permit approval. We can start construction once we have approval from the city or county. We will collaborate with these entities to ensure the permit process is handled as efficiently as possible.
• Weather and seasons. While a building company crew can operate in most weather conditions, certain projects, such as digging a foundation, can only be done in dry conditions when the temperature is above freezing.
• Material availability. As you choose the finishing touches for your home, put cabinets and countertops at the top of your list. These selections can take several weeks to ship and we want as much lead time as possible. If there is a delay in receiving these items, it can hold up the entire project.

The Timeline

Here is how the timeline for building a custom home is generally estimated. As discussed previously, many factors will influence the exact completion date.

Groundbreaking, Week 1

We will begin mapping out the layout of the home on the lot and complete site work in preparation to lay the foundation.

Laying the Foundation, Weeks 2-4

Once the foundation footings (the lowest part of the home) have passed inspection, the concrete is poured. A foundation may consist of a full basement, a crawl space or a slab, though most Gateway homes include a full basement. It can take up to two weeks for the concrete to cure enough to move to the next step.

Framing, Weeks 5-7

Framing gives your home its shape. Once the concrete is dry, framers will construct the bearing walls and floor, followed by the exterior walls, interior walls and roof. This framework will then be covered with OSB sheathing to seal off the interior. Next, protective house wrap is applied to prevent water infiltration and windows and doors are installed.

Mechanicals & Exterior Façade, Weeks 8-9

Mechanical systems are installed, including plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical wiring through the walls, ceilings and floor. After your home is wired for electricity, an inspector will inspect all rough systems and components. You can select the locations for phone and cable TV outlets before electrical wiring.

Outside, craftsmen will apply the finishes you selected — such as siding, brick or stone — to protect the home exterior.

Insulation/Drywall, Weeks 10-12

At the halfway mark of the construction process, the walls of your home are filled with insulation. After insulation is installed, a third-party energy inspector will perform an energy inspection. Next, the walls and ceilings are covered with drywall, which is then sanded, textured and primed.

Flooring/Cabinets/Paint, Weeks 13-15

Now your interior selections begin to come to life! Flooring will be laid throughout the home (carpeting will be installed at a later time), and carpenters will install interior doors, cabinets, trim and built-ins. The second coat of paint will be applied to walls.

Fixtures/Appliances, Weeks 16-17

At this point, there will be many trades coordinated to complete the interior of the home. This will include installation of plumbing and light fixtures, countertops, toilets, tubs, shower units, mirrors, appliances and carpet.

Exterior Concrete Work/Interior Finishing Touches, Weeks 18-20

Adding driveways and walkways comes next, and will take about a week. Our team will also be taking time to do careful walkthroughs of the property to complete paint touch-ups and other finishing touches. We will also schedule a professional cleaning, inside and out, to ensure your home is ready for occupancy.

Landscaping, Week 21

Weather permitting, a professional landscaper will install a sprinkler system and hardscaping, plant trees and shrubs, and lay sod to enhance exterior curb appeal.

Final Inspections, Week 22

A third-party energy inspector and a building inspector will carefully walk your home and conduct a final inspection to ensure all work has been done correctly and there are no code violations. A Certificate of Occupancy will then be issued. Following these inspections, your superintendent and project manager will schedule a complete walk-through of your home. This is our opportunity to ensure your home is in perfect move-in condition!

Home Orientation, Week 23

Prior to your closing date, your project manager will schedule a home orientation at your convenience. Over the course of two hours, we will do a complete walk-through to go over all your home’s systems, discuss critical maintenance tips and review what’s covered by your home warranty. This is your chance to ask as many questions as you like! We will also note any last touch-ups needed and complete them prior to closing.

Closing, Week 24

At your closing and settlement, you’ll receive all documents related to the sale. The keys to your new home will be provided once funding is transferred. This will be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life!

An Experienced Building Company You Can Trust

Now that you know what to expect when building a custom home, reach out to Gateway Construction, LLC to get started! We are a local building company with more than two decades of experience, and our professionals strive to make the home building process smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved. We can help you design and build a home that your family will love! If you need inspiration, we offer an exciting selection of customizable floor plans to choose from and lots available in Cheyenne’s most popular communities. To get started, call our team at (307) 632-8950 or contact us online to speak to a member of our sales team.

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