How Long Does it Take to Build a Custom Home in Georgetown, Texas?

 

In recent years, Georgetown, Texas, has experienced a booming tech industry and a significant rise in population. Unsurprisingly, the area is now seeing a rise in demand for more custom homes in Georgetown.

According to 2023 data, more than 60 subdivisions are under construction, and more than 27 are in the pipeline. This also means that builders in Georgetown, TX, like J Bryant Boyd, are developing new homes in Georgetown, TX, at increasing rates to keep up with demand. 

Undoubtedly, it's exciting to call design-build firms and finally start the process of building a custom home. But no custom home is built overnight, so you should prepare yourself and set your expectations for the long haul. But just how long is the 'long haul?' In this blog, our design-build experts have answered the following question: How long does it take to build a custom home? This will give you a better idea of the timeline you will encounter. 

What Is The General Timeline for Constructing a Custom Home In Georgetown, Texas?

Building a custom home in Texas is an incredibly exciting experience, but it can also be challenging. One of the big challenges people encounter is a preconceived notion of the new home construction timeline. To help condition your mind for the process of building your new home, here is an example of how a timeline should look like:

The Planning Phase

This is where you start choosing providers of custom home-building services. You need to shortlist at least three and call them on the phone. You can visit their showroom or office if you like what you hear. You can also ask them for references and a portfolio.

When you finally choose one from your shortlisted candidates, you must sit with them to discuss your project. They'll ask if you have a piece of land to build your house. If not, they'll probably be ready to help you find a few options. 

In addition, you'll need to determine how you intend to pay for the construction. Will you be paying cash, using your own savings, or needing a financial institution's help? Some contractors offer in-house loans, and those are usually the best financing options. 

The Design and Development Phase

After you have selected home builders in Georgetown, TX, the design and development phase will begin. During this phase, you will speak with designers and architects like those found at J. Bryant Boyd to conceptualize your home. While conceptualizing, you will develop the layout and choose the design features. 

During this phase, your chosen design-build company will undertake a site analysis. During this analysis, they will assess the land where you plan to undertake a custom home construction in Texas for potential challenges, soil conditions, and topography. 

After the site analysis, the initial design meetings will be conducted. At these meetings, you will discuss your preferences, vision, and requirements, and the builders will help you determine if what you want is doable. With your vision in mind, they will create sketches and layouts for your new custom home. After seeing the initial drawings, you can provide feedback, and a re-design will occur to align with your needs. Usually, the design and development phase will take two to four months, depending on the complexity of your design. 

The Construction Documents Phase

When a design for a custom home is finalized, the next phase is the construction documents phase. During this phase, detailed blueprints and specifications are created based on comprehensive architectural and engineering drawings. These drawings will include the materials and finishes you've selected to be used. This phase is incredibly important to the success of the entire project. Poorly designed blueprints can cause more costs down the line, which is why using a talented design-build firm is important. 

The construction documents phase also includes obtaining the documentation needed for housing permits. Georgetown's permitting and zoning laws significantly impact construction timelines due to their stringent and detailed requirements. This is why securing the right documentation early on in the project is important. In general, this phase takes two to four months.

The Construction Estimate Phase

Estimates need to be obtained before work on a custom home build can begin. A design-build firm will request quotes from the contractors and subcontractors to compile an estimate of the cost of the home's construction. 

To ensure you get a fair deal, they will compare bids and analyze the costs for materials, labor, and other expenses to find the most cost-effective solutions. Once costs have been determined, budget finalization will occur after you have approved the pricing estimates. Usually, the construction estimate phase takes one to two months, depending on the cost analysis. 

The Pre-Construction Phase

The pre-construction phase will start before actual construction begins. During this phase, your design-build company will obtain the permits you need for your custom home and appeal any issues that may arise. After permits have been obtained, the site preparation will begin. 

This usually involves clearing and grading the site, establishing temporary facilities like ablutions, and setting up utilities. The pre-construction phase also includes coordinating with suppliers and contractors to create a construction timeline for the build. It usually lasts one to two months. 

The Construction Phase

The construction phase is the most time-intensive stage of a custom home build in Georgetown, Texas. This phase involves several important elements. For example, during this phase, the foundation work, framing, systems installation, exterior work, and interior work will be completed. 

The foundation work will include excavating and foundation laying, and the framing will include establishing the home's structural framework. Then, the systems stage will include the installation of HVAC systems, electrical systems, and plumbing. In addition, the exterior work will include building walls, exterior finishes, and the roof, and the interior finishes will include completing the flooring, cabinetry, and drywall. This entire process can take between eight to 24 months. 

The End of Job and Warranty Phase

After construction has been completed, the end-of-job warranty phase begins. This phase will include final inspections, during which you and the design-build company will walk through the home to ensure you're happy with the construction and verify that the home meets building standards and codes. 

This phase also includes assessing any issues or finishing touches you would like done to your new custom home. Moreover, you will receive warranty documentation and maintenance guidelines to ensure your home remains well looked after. This phase isn't as time-consuming as the others; you should expect it to take about one month. 

So, How Long Does A Custom Home Take To Build? 

So, how long does it take to build a custom house and is building a custom home worth it? Building a custom home in Georgetown, Texas, is a complex and multifaceted process. It is not something that should be rushed. Considering all of the phases discussed, building your own home in Texas (Georgetown) will take between 16 and 37 months. 

As to whether or not it is worth it, most people find building a home in Texas that they designed collaboratively to meet their needs to be better than purchasing one of the Georgetown new homes that have been mass-developed.
 

What Are The Common Factors That Can Extend A Custom Home Build Timeline

Building a custom home in Georgetown, Texas, involves several factors that can extend the timeline. It's best to be aware of these factors so that you are not blindsided during the undertaking of the project: 

• The project size: Larger projects naturally take longer due to their increased scope and complexity. So, the bigger your custom home is, the longer it will take to finish.

• Site preparation: Extensive site preparation, like grading and drainage, can delay construction. Some land can be purchased with these issues taken care of, but often, your design-build firm will need to navigate these challenges, and depending on the complexity, this could add time to your timeline.

• Architectural complexity: An architecturally complex home will take longer to design and finalize because it requires far more detailed planning and may require highly skilled labor.

• Change orders: When homeowners want to change elements of a custom build after the design phase, it can disrupt schedules and necessitate rework, which adds more time to the construction timeline.

• Decision-making: While timely decisions are crucial, rushing can lead to mistakes and further delays. That's why balanced and thoughtful decision-making from the design-build company and future homeowner is crucial. 

The effective management of these factors helps ensure a smoother construction process.

Speak With Design Build Firm Experts J Bryant Boyd Today

Now you know how long it takes to build a custom home in Georgetown, Texas, the different phases involved in a new build, and the factors that can influence the timeline. Armed with this information, you should better understand the average time needed to build a house in Texas. 

However, we understand that you might have several more questions. At J. Bryant Boyd, we can answer any more questions you may have, including a more detailed explanation of the custom home-building process. J Bryant Boyd Architect Design-Build also offers home remodeling services. Call us today at (512) 980-9967 or complete this form. We can work with you in Georgetown, TX, and in other parts of Texas.