Building

Roadmap to building your custom home

What happens between breaking ground and getting your keys, step by step.

Building a custom home usually takes several months to a year. The exact timeline depends on the size and complexity of the home, the weather, material availability and local demand. While every project is unique, each BLDR home moves through the same six major stages. Here’s what to expect along the way.

Step 1: Site preparation and foundation

A BLDR home with walls and roof trusses going up on a finished foundation
With the foundation complete, framing begins.

Everything starts with a solid base. Before any concrete is poured, the homesite is cleared and graded, foundation forms are set, and the plumbing that runs beneath the slab is installed.

  • Homesite cleared and prepared
  • Foundation forms set
  • Under-slab plumbing installed
  • Concrete poured

Step 2: Framing, roof and dry-in

A two-story BLDR home framed, wrapped and roofed with shingles, with brick underway
Framed, wrapped and shingled.

This is when your home really takes shape. The walls and roof go up, and the house is sealed against the weather so work can continue inside.

  • Exterior and interior walls framed
  • Roof framing, decking, flashing and shingles
  • Windows installed
  • Water-resistant sheathing and house wrap

Step 3: Systems, insulation and drywall

Interior of a BLDR home with drywall hung and a tray ceiling in place
Drywall complete, ready for finishes.

Next come the systems that make a home comfortable and functional. Once they pass inspection, the walls are insulated and closed in.

  • Plumbing and electrical wiring
  • Heating, air conditioning and ventilation
  • Insulation in the walls and ceilings
  • Drywall hung and finished

Step 4: Interior finishes

Bathroom with a finished vanity, linen tower and marble-look tile floor
Cabinets, counters and flooring in place.

This is the stage where your selections come to life, and the house starts to feel like home.

  • Interior doors, trim and cabinetry
  • Countertops and wall tile
  • Hardwood, tile and carpet flooring
  • Plumbing fixtures and light fixtures
  • Exterior finishes

Step 5: Final clean and inspections

A finished kitchen with a large island, pendant lights and stainless appliances
Construction complete and ready for inspection.

With construction complete, the home is thoroughly cleaned and carefully inspected before it’s handed over.

  • Deep clean to get ready for move-in day
  • Builder, municipal and third-party inspections
  • Anything that doesn’t meet our quality standards is noted and corrected

Step 6: Walk-through and keys

Stained wood double front doors on a finished BLDR home
Welcome home.

The final step is the one you’ve been waiting for. We walk through your move-in ready home together and make sure you know how everything works.

  • Construction officially complete
  • Homeowner walk-through with your builder
  • Features and systems explained
  • Keys handed to the new homeowner

Ready to start your roadmap?

Every great home starts with a conversation. We’d be glad to walk you through the process and answer any questions about building with BLDR.

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