How to Plan Your Custom Home Build: Key Steps and Timelines

Planning a custom home build is a journey of creativity, decision-making, and logistics. Especially in mountainous regions with seasonal challenges, like an average of 420 inches of snow per year, the planning process can become even more complex. With realistic timelines and clear goals, your dream home can go from a vision to a reality. Here’s a guide on the key milestones and timeline expectations when building a custom home in mountain settings.

 1. Initial Consultation and Visioning (3-5 Weeks)

The process begins with an initial consultation where you’ll share your vision, must-haves (non-negotiables), and goals for your home. This step includes discussing lifestyle needs, style preferences, budget, and any environmental considerations (e.g., views, solar exposure). Your builder can also help you understand the additional planning considerations for mountain climates, especially in snow-heavy areas. If you do not have a lot picked out add a few more weeks on. BWD Construction can assist in acquiring a lot as well!

 2. Design Phase (3-6 Months)

Once you’ve settled on a builder, the design phase begins. This typically takes about 3-6 months and includes:

·      Finding the right designer. Sometimes it’s an architect sometimes it’s a drafts person. We will do a follow up blog on this portion.

·      Concept Development: Working with architects and designers to create initial layouts.

·      Revisions and Finalization: Making adjustments to the layout and design based on your feedback.

·      Placing the home on the lot and thinking through sun exposer, snow fall, and other items.

·      Permit Preparation: Compiling all necessary documents and applications for permitting.

Due to the complexity of building in mountain settings, more detailed planning is often needed to account for factors like steep slopes, snow management, and erosion control. Extra planning for these elements at the design stage can save both time and costs later.

 3. Financing (1-3 Months)

Once your design is complete, the next step is securing financing (See blog #2 on this topic). If you’re working with a local lender or one of our partner banks, this process can be more efficient. Expect around 1-3 months to finalize your loan, covering costs from land purchase (if not already owned) to the final build. For a custom home, we recommend working with lenders who are familiar with the complexities of construction financing.

 4. Permitting and Site Preparation (1-3 Months)

Permitting and site preparation are vital steps that generally take 1-3 months. Mountain builds often require additional permits related to water management, environmental impacts, septic engineering, and hillside stabilization. During this time, the land is cleared, excavated, and prepped for construction.

Pro Tip: Snow can slow down both permitting and preparation processes. Try to schedule this phase before peak winter months, as frozen ground or heavy snow can delay site work. Our ideal planning start is in the fall the prior year to start.

 5. Construction (8-20 Months, Based on Size)

Here’s where the vision comes to life, but also where patience becomes crucial, as weather conditions can impact the pace. A typical timeline for a mountain custom home build is:

·      Smaller Homes (Under 2,500 sq. ft.): Approximately 12 months.

·      Larger Homes (2,500+ sq. ft.): Up to 20 months (generally the larger homes are nicer finishes which take longer to complete).

In mountain regions, certain stages (like framing and roofing) might be scheduled around favorable weather windows. Delays are more common due to high snow levels or icy conditions, so having a builder experienced with mountain climates is essential to ensure progress continues despite weather.

 6. Finishing Touches (1-2 Months)

With the main construction complete, the final steps include installing finishes, fixtures, and landscaping. You’ll walk through the house, identifying any final tweaks or adjustments. Due to potential delays earlier in the build, it’s best to allow at least a month for this stage.

 7. Final Inspections and Move-In (1 Month)

After finishing touches are in place, your builder will conduct a thorough inspection and final walkthrough. Any outstanding items are addressed, permits are closed out, and you’ll receive the green light to move in. Plan for this final phase to take about a month.

Mountain Home Building Timeline Summary

A custom home build in mountainous areas typically spans:

·      12 months for smaller homes (under 2,500 sq. ft.)

·      Up to 20 months for larger homes (2,500+ sq. ft.)

 Key Tips for Success

·      Plan for Weather: Building in snow-heavy regions means accounting for winter months when work may slow down.

·      Prioritize Design and Financing Efficiency: The more organized and efficient these early steps are, the more smoothly the construction will progress. Ideal planning in fall.

·      Partner with an Experienced Builder: With unique challenges in mountainous terrains, a builder familiar with these conditions is invaluable. BWD Construction in SW Colorado!!