Timeline of a Custom Home Build: From Design to Move-In

What to Expect When You Build With Rising Tide Homes

Building a custom home is one of the most exciting—and rewarding—decisions you’ll ever make. But for many people, the idea of designing and building from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to timing. At Rising Tide Homes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, with a process that’s smooth, transparent, and focused entirely on bringing your vision to life.

Wondering how long it takes to go from dream to driveway? Here's a breakdown of the custom home build timeline, and how Rising Tide makes it stress-free from start to finish.

Phase 1: Dream + Design (1–2 Months)

It all starts with your vision. During this phase, we’ll work closely with you to:

• Understand your needs, budget, and lifestyle

• Help you select or design a floor plan that fits

• Guide you through architectural drawings and initial specs

• Start site planning if you’ve already secured land

Why Rising Tide? Our experienced team listens first. We don’t rush this part—we help you design a home that reflects you, not a cookie-cutter plan. This is also when we set expectations around budget and timeline, so you’re never left guessing.

Phase 2: Pre-Construction Planning (1–2 Months)

Before we break ground, we handle all the behind-the-scenes prep:

• Finalize plans and engineering

• Handle permits, approvals, and surveys

• Lock in selections (finishes, fixtures, etc.)

• Confirm construction schedule

Why Rising Tide? We manage the red tape so you don’t have to. Our streamlined process, vendor relationships, and attention to detail ensure that everything is ready before construction begins.

Phase 3: Construction (6–8 Months)

Now the fun part—watching your home come to life! Here's a rough timeline of what happens during the build:

1. Site Work & Foundation (2–4 weeks)Grading, clearing, and pouring the foundation.

2. Framing (4–6 weeks)Your home starts to take shape with walls, roof, and layout.

3. Mechanical Systems (3–4 weeks)Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installed.

4. Insulation & Drywall (2–3 weeks)The interior begins to look like a real home.

5. Interior Finishes (6–8 weeks)Cabinets, flooring, trim, tile, paint, and fixtures.

6. Final Touches & Inspections (2–4 weeks)Quality checks, punch list items, and final walkthroughs.

   
   

Why Rising Tide? Our project managers keep you informed with regular updates, photos, and meetings. We use tools like Buildertrend so you can track progress in real time—from anywhere.

Phase 4: Move-In + Welcome Home! (1 Week)

Once everything is complete and we’ve passed final inspections, it’s time for you to move in!

We’ll do a final walkthrough with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. You’ll also receive a New Home Orientation and a detailed warranty package.

Why Rising Tide? We’re not just handing over keys—we’re delivering your dream. Our relationship doesn’t end at closing. We stand behind our work with a strong warranty and a commitment to your satisfaction.

So, How Long Does It Take?

On average, a custom home build with Rising Tide Homes takes 8–12 months from design to move-in, depending on the complexity of your project, permitting times, and material availability. The good news? You're never alone in the process. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun parts—like watching your home come to life.

Ready to Start the Journey?

If you’re thinking about building your dream home, now’s the time to start the conversation. At Rising Tide Homes, we make the process enjoyable, predictable, and personal. From the first sketch to the final inspection, we’re with you every step of the way.

Schedule your free consultation today — let’s build something amazing together.