From Design to Move-In: How Long Does it Take to Build a Home?
From Design to Move-In: How Long Does it Take to Build a Home?
Building a home is a major milestone—and for many, a dream come true. While the first question is usually, “How much will it cost?“ the next one tends to be, “How long will it take?”
Although every custom build is unique, the typical timeline from concept to completion falls between 10 to 12 months. Several factors can affect this, including the size and complexity of your home, permit approvals, weather, and how quickly decisions are made during the design process.
At Lexis Homes, we’ve built a structured, reliable system to give you confidence through every phase of the journey. Here’s a closer look at how long it takes—and what you can expect at each stage.
Design Phase – Approximately 4 Months
Every great home starts with great planning. Our design process is broken into focused phases, each one designed to keep you engaged without feeling overwhelmed. We work closely with you to bring your vision to life—ensuring that every decision feels right.
- Floor Plans & Preliminary Selections (Weeks 1–4)
To begin with, you’ll share your inspirations and work with our team to shape the layout of your home. During this stage, you’ll also make early selections like appliances, fireplaces, siding, and garage door
- Exterior Designs & Interior Concepts (Weeks 5–8)
Next, we focus on the look and feel of your home. Exterior finishes are selected, and interior concepts begin to take shape. You’ll start seeing floor plans come alive—especially in spaces like the kitchen and living room. Can’t visualize it? No problem! Our 3D design tools help you see it all before it’s built.
- Construction Drawings & Interior Finishes (Weeks 9–12)
Then, as your design becomes more detailed, we shift into technical drawings. Final finish selections—such as lighting, railings, and stair styles—are made. Additionally, we also gather most product quotes to keep pricing accurate and surprises minimal.
- Home Specifications & Final Pricing (Weeks 13–16)
Here comes the exciting part. Finally, you’ll receive your finalized pricing package and sign off on the home design. Meanwhile, we start preparing for permits and coordinate pre-construction logistics, setting the stage for a smooth build.
Construction Phase – 6 to 8 Months
With design locked in and permits approved, we roll into construction. This is where your dream starts taking physical form, and things start moving quickly. While every home is unique, here’s a general idea of what happens during the build:
- Foundation & Concrete Work (3 weeks)
First, we start with the groundwork—pouring footings and the foundation, and ensuring proper drainage and structural integrity.
- Framing, Windows & Doors (4–5 weeks)
Next, the shape of your home begins to emerge. Walls are framed, roof trusses installed, and exterior doors and windows put in place. It’s a major visual leap forward. You’ll begin to see scale and shape of your home in real life!
- Rough-ins (4 weeks)
Then, all the behind-the-scenes systems—plumbing, electrical, HVAC—are installed and inspected before drywall goes up.
- First Stage Finishing (4-5 weeks)
During this phase, details like millwork, flooring, and paint begin to appear. Your home starts feeling real.
- Second Stage Finishing (4-5 weeks)
In this phase, the final touches are added. Countertops, mirrors, shower glass, lighting, and final fixtures are installed, while the walls get their finishing coat of paint. This is when the full vision of your home comes to life. Everything begins to align with your vision.
- Final Construction Touches (Last 3 Weeks)
Finally, we clean the entire home, complete any last-minute fixes, and do a thorough walkthrough and quality inspection. After this stage, it’s time for the big moment: handover and move-in!
Building a custom home is a journey — one that requires patience, planning, and the right team by your side. At Lexis, we pride ourselves on making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. While no two homes are exactly alike, our approach is designed to deliver predictable timelines, clear communication, and results you’ll love coming home to!