A common question most homeowners ask us when considering building a custom home is: How long does it actually take to build a custom home in Wisconsin?
The answer depends on a lot of different factors, such as the complexity of your home design, the type of property you are building on, and the time of year when we begin building your home.
Building a house is a multi-phase process, with construction only being one part of it. Understanding the typical timeline can help you plan with confidence. At Sarona Homes, we guide homeowners in Southeastern Wisconsin through each step. Our team takes a clear, structured approach so you will always know what’s coming next.
Let’s dive in. How long does it take to build a custom home in Wisconsin?
Check out our “What to Expect” page for more information.
Here’s the short answer.
From start to finish, you can typically expect 9-16 months for a custom home build with Sarona Homes. Here’s why the range can vary.
Shorter Versus Longer Builds
A quick build means that the client has a strong sense of what they want and makes timely decisions about the home design. It also means that everything goes smoothly, the Wisconsin weather cooperates, and there are not delays during any phase of the process.
Longer builds tend to mean that the design phase took a bit more time as we worked through what the homeowner wants in their custom home. Some permitting or building delays may have popped up. The construction may also have involved more complex land or intricate home design that requires more time to build.
Most building timelines are somewhere in the middle. We will work with you to keep your home build as on track as possible, communicate anything that comes up, and navigate any delays together. Sometimes home perfection takes a little longer, but it is worth the end result.
Phase 1: Planning and Design (2-4+ Months)
When you build your home with Sarona Homes, we will start with a consultation. We will discuss your goals, budget, land, and vision. The planning and design phase often takes about 2-4 months, but it depends a lot on you, the client. If you already have land to build on, that will also reduce the duration of the planning and design phase.
If you know precisely what you want, that speeds up the process. If you need to take your time with decisions, that’s okay too. These are big choices, and there are lots of them!
How custom do you want your home to be? You can start your home design with one of our existing home layout designs, or start completely from scratch. We will discuss all of that as we design your home.
Our team will collaborate with you to help bring your vision to life on paper, then through swatches and material samples, and eventually, through a finished house you can call your home.
Phase 2: Pre-Construction & Permitting (1-2+ Months)
The pre-construction and permitting phase typically spans about 1 or 2 months.
This includes establishing final pricing, securing necessary permits, and preparing the building site. We will need to follow local regulations and get approval for your home design plans before we break ground.
We will also explore your lot’s unique features. Some properties can be more challenging to build on, and we may need to develop plans for navigating things like trees, proximity to the lakefront, or difficult terrain.
Sarona Homes loves building homes on unique and challenging land. So while challenging lots may take longer to plan around, you are working with Wisconsin experts who enjoy the process.
Phase 3: Construction (6-8 Months)
Construction is the main event! We consider it the easy part, because the bulk of the decisions and troubleshooting is taken care of at this point. The building phase typically takes 6-8 months.
Home construction includes digging out and building the foundation, setting up the framing, installing your home’s systems, putting up the walls, and getting all those finishing touches in.
We will communicate with you throughout the entire process. Your main job was to make decisions about the home’s design. Now, allow us to build your dream home and keep you in the loop about how it’s going.
What Impacts Your Timeline Most?
We mentioned that there are many variables when building a new home. Here is a quick breakdown of things that might affect the duration of your home construction:
Wisconsin Weather: Any Wisconsinite will know that Wisconsin’s weather can be unpredictable and our seasons are extreme. Wisconsin home design is a unique process. Once we’re finally clear of Winter snow, we get hit with Spring’s torrential downpours and high winds. The Sarona team understands Wisconsin and its wild weather because we are locals. We can’t control the weather, of course, but we will always do our best to work with it. Weather can certainly affect the building timeline, though.
Complex Lots: As mentioned, unique land can present unique challenges. It might take a little longer to form a home design plan that works with the land. But we will get there!
Decision Speed: When clients come to us with a clear vision, the process often moves along more quickly. This is especially true if the design begins with one of Sarona’s existing home layouts as inspiration. You call the shots! The design phase should take as long as you need it to, because this is your home.
Material Availability: While rare, sometimes delays come up if we need to wait for certain building materials to arrive, or if we need to pivot and source materials elsewhere. We will always keep you updated on delays like this.
How to Keep Your Build on Track
The best ways to help move your home construction along:
Reflect on What You Want: One way to reduce time in the planning and design phase is to come prepared with your ideas. Consider your budget, where you want to build, and your must-haves. Having a good idea of the style and layout you want is always helpful.
Select a House Builder Early: Establish your builder early on! When you work with Sarona Homes, we will help guide your homebuilding process from the start to ensure an efficient, informed, and thoughtful build.
Build With Experts.
While every custom home building timeline is unique, having the right builder and a well-defined process makes all the difference. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and the right team, your build can move forward smoothly and efficiently.
At Sarona Homes, Casey Masterson and his team are here to help you navigate every phase of building your new home. We are Waukesha County-based home builders who build homes throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. We’ll explore your initial ideas with you, form a building plan, and celebrate your move-in day with you. Our team brings clarity throughout the process. If you’re thinking about building a custom home in Wisconsin, now is a great time to start the conversation.
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