Building a House? Average Time to Build a Custom Home

When you decide to build a custom home, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How long does it take?

And the truth is, every home—and every homeowner—is different. But having a clear process and realistic expectations makes all the difference.

At Oakland Homes, we’ve refined our approach to keep things organized, transparent, and stress-free. If you’re wondering about the average time to build a custom home, here’s what your building a house timeline might look like from our first meeting to move-in day.

The Average Time to Build a Custom Home

Every project is unique, but most Oakland Homes clients can expect their full process—from design to move-in—to take around 12 months. Typically, that includes about 3 months for planning and design, followed by a 9-month build cycle.

While your exact timeline may vary based on your home’s size, selections, and the season, our clear communication and organized process mean you’ll always know what comes next.

Our Step-by-Step Building Timeline

1. Connect & Dream (Weeks 1–2)

Your home starts with a conversation. We’ll set up an initial meeting in our Brandon, SD office to talk through your goals, design ideas, and preferred location.

2. Design Your Home (Weeks 3–10)

Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll begin drafting your custom floor plan and help you choose the perfect lot. This stage typically takes about three months and lays the foundation for everything that follows.

3. Bid & Budget (Weeks 10-13)

Next, we send your finalized plans and preferences to our trusted network of vendors and subcontractors to gather detailed bids. This step takes about 3–4 weeks and ensures your cost estimate reflects the true scope of your home.

4. Secure Financing (Weeks 14-17)

With your plans and bids complete, we’ll finalize paperwork and coordinate with your lender to get your construction loan in motion. Once financing is secured and approved, your new home build is ready to begin.

5. Make Your Selections (Months 4-6)

As construction begins, we’ll guide you through weekly selection meetings to choose finishes, materials, and design details that bring your vision to life. Using technology like online project management tools and daily progress logs, we’ll keep you updated no matter where you are.

6. Build Your Home (Months 4–12)

This is where the magic happens. Our team and trusted partners bring your plans to life with expert craftsmanship, open communication, and attention to detail at every stage.

7. Move In & Beyond (Month 12)

Once construction wraps up, you’ll do a final walkthrough before closing. But it’s not goodbye—we stay connected through your one-year warranty and beyond. Many homeowners even stop by our office to catch up or grab ice cream with us long after move-in day!

Building a House Timeline You Can Trust

While the average time to build a custom home is about a year, what matters most is working with a builder who keeps you informed and confident every step of the way. At Oakland Homes, we believe building a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming—and our proven process ensures just that.

If you’re beginning to plan your dream home in the Sioux Falls area, contact Oakland Homes today. We’ll walk you through your options, your timeline, and the possibilities for building a home that’s truly yours.