Phase 1 — Discovery & Feasibility (2–4 weeks)
Site walk, budget alignment, program discussion (rooms, sizes, priorities), and preliminary feasibility. Deliverable: a signed design agreement.
Phase 2 — Schematic Design (4–8 weeks)
Architect produces initial floor plans, massing, and exterior character studies. You review, react, and refine until the design lands.
Phase 3 — Design Development (6–10 weeks)
Design is refined to specification level: elevations, sections, materials, finishes, structural approach, MEP layouts. Cost estimating happens in parallel.
Phase 4 — Construction Documents & Permits (8–20 weeks)
Full construction drawings, structural engineering, Title 24, and specifications. Documents submit to the city; review takes 8–20 weeks in most Bay Area jurisdictions.
Phase 5 — Pre-Construction Planning (2–4 weeks)
Final scope lock, line-item budget, schedule, subcontractor selection. The transition from paper to dirt.
Phase 6 — Foundation & Framing (12–20 weeks)
Site prep, foundation, framing, roof-in. When your house first looks like a house.
Phase 7 — MEP, Insulation, Drywall, Exterior (16–28 weeks)
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drywall, exterior finishes, windows and doors. The longest phase, and the one where subs come and go weekly.
Phase 8 — Finish & Closeout (16–24 weeks)
Cabinetry, tile, flooring, trim, paint, appliances, fixtures, landscape. Punch list. Final inspections. Certificate of occupancy. Move-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom home take start to finish?+
From design agreement to move-in, typical Northern California custom homes take 22–36 months. Design and permitting is roughly half of that.
Can I speed the process up?+
Design-build (one team for design and construction) can shorten the timeline by 3–6 months. Pre-designed plans with modifications can shorten it further, at the cost of full customization.