The Process of Building a Custom Home from Design Consultation to Getting Your Keys

Thinking about building a custom home? From design consultation to move-in day, this guide walks you through every step of the process. Learn about financing, permits, construction phases, and what to expect—so you can bring your dream home to life.

Apr 2, 2025
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Stinnett constructing the interior of a custom house

Easy steps to create a color palette

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What is a color palette?

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Don’t overspend on growth marketing without good retention rates

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What’s the ideal customer retention rate?

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Next steps to increase your customer retention

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The Process of Building a Custom Home in Reno, NV

When you think of your dream home, can you picture exactly how each room looks? Whether you’ve got a vision board on Pinterest or your own sketches, a custom home contractor can bring your forever home to life. 

A custom home gives you the freedom to create a property that meets your specific needs, including preparing for your future. Instead of buying a new build or renovating an old property, the process of building a custom home allows you to select every aspect of your home.

If you’re wondering “how long does it take to build a custom home?”, you won’t find an exact answer. However, this guide will give you an idea of the average timeline for building a custom home. Understanding the process of building a custom home is crucial to managing your own expectations and setting a realistic timeline. 

This article covers the steps to building a custom home, from your home design consultation to financing your build and what to expect during construction.

What is a Custom Home?

A custom home is a one-off build, designed to a client’s individual specifications. During your home design consultation, you’ll be able to choose the floor layout and purpose of every room. These bespoke homes are made exactly to the client’s specifications, giving you freedom over everything from room colors to bathroom sizes and fittings. 

The process of building a custom home is collaborative between the client and the contractor. It’s important to choose a contractor with an eye for detail, empowering you to create a hyper-customized bespoke home.

Newly-built custom home in Reno, NV

Check out our guide to “How to Choose the Right Contractor in Renofor more advice on how to find an experienced custom home contractor.

The Process of Building a Custom Home | How Long to Build a Custom Home?

Even though every custom home is unique, the building phases of a house are almost always the same. We’re sharing the 6 steps to building a custom home, from design consultation to move-in day. 

Looking for advice on the average custom home construction cost? Read our guide on the “Cost to Build a Custom Home in Reno, NV: What You Need to Know”. 

Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Planning

The first step in the process of building a custom home is to do a design consultation. An architect will help you create a design that aligns with your lifestyle needs and design preferences. They’ll be able to give you an idea of what you can reasonably expect with your budget. 

It’s important to set realistic expectations for the building costs and the timeline for building your custom home. Involving your contractor at this stage will give you more accurate cost estimates and they can provide feedback and insights based on their previous projects. Working with an experienced contractor from the beginning will minimize your risk of challenges and delays when building your custom home. 

Closeup of house blueprints to showcase design and consultation phase

Phase 2: Financing Your Home

Once you have an estimate for your custom home construction cost, it’s time to explore your financing options. You won’t be able to use a traditional mortgage for your custom home, so you’ll need to opt for a self-build mortgage or a home construction loan

Self-build mortgages release funds in stages, typically aligned with the process of building a custom home. Construction loans are a popular option, but they are short-term with a higher variable interest rate than traditional mortgages. It’s important to speak to a financial professional to find the best option for your financial position. 

While getting pre-approved does not guarantee you’ll get the exact final amount, it gives you a better estimate of what you can expect to borrow and make it more likely for a contractor to work with you. 

Phase 3: Designing Your Custom Home

One of the best steps to building a custom home is the design process. You’ll collaborate with architects and interior designers to choose your floor plan, fittings, and aesthetic. These design professionals can also inform you of any restrictions to your design options, such as city codes and HOA restrictions. 

Detailed home floor plan

Phase 4: Permits, Approvals & Site Preparation

When your design is complete, your contractor will begin the process of getting your permits by applying directly to the City of Reno planning office. They’ll prepare your site for the building phases of your project, including carrying out foundation work and clearing the land. 

Phase 5: Construction Phases & What to Expect

The timeline for building a custom home will be determined by your construction phases. The process of building a custom home can be divided into five main steps:

  1. Foundation and Framing: You can expect the foundation and framing to take around a month, weather permitting. This step is crucial for supporting your home long-term, keeping it insulated, and distributing the weight of your home. 
  2. Roofing, Windows, and Exterior Work: This process involves sealing and protecting your property. While roofing can be done within a week, your windows may need to be ordered in advance if they’re a custom design.
  3. Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Installation: The most critical systems in your property. Your general contractor will usually outsource these to specialist contractors, who may be able to work in unison to shorten your timeline. Each system will be thoroughly inspected.
  4. Interior Finishing: Once your home is built and your critical systems are installed, it’s time to focus on the interiors. Everything from flooring to fittings, cabinetry, and countertops will be installed. This step makes your custom home truly one-of-a-kind and typically takes 6-8 weeks.
  5. Final Walkthrough and Inspections: Before you can get the keys, the final step in the process of building a custom home is to do a walkthrough and inspection. You’ll typically do this with your general contractor, making note of anything that needs changed, while checking that everything is functioning and meets your expected equality.

Bring Your Custom Home to Life with Stinnett Construction

With over 45+ years of experience, we have a proven track record as the leading contractor for custom homes across Reno. Explore our construction portfolio and start the process of building a custom home today by requesting a quote.

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