One of the first questions most of our customers ask during initial planning is, “How long will it take to build my home?” or, “When can we move in?”

We understand that! Our team wants to get you home as soon as possible. But, not too soon. It takes time to build your custom home the right way: precisely to your vision, with quality materials, and using careful craftsmanship. Knowing what to expect when building a custom home is the first step in that journey.

Custom build times vary, and every custom homebuilding project is a little different. Wisconsin’s weather brings its own variables as well. The Sarona Homes team will always keep you looped in with close communication. Here is what you can expect when building a custom home in Wisconsin.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Planning
The homebuilding process starts with a simple call. When you build a home with Sarona Homes, we will first sit down and discuss your needs and wants for your home. The discussion will start on a high level to get a general idea of what you are looking for, and as we progress further along the project we will dive into more detail.

It is also important to talk about the budget early on. This will help frame the scope of the build, and what can reasonably fit into your vision.

Land is also an important element of the initial discussion. Where are you looking to build your house? You may already have land secured, or you may still be looking for land. Sarona Homes can help evaluate your land and the possibilities, along with any foreseeable limitations of the land. We specialize in building on challenging lots, and will work with you to design with—not against—the land!

During initial planning discussions, the goal should be to set expectations early. That way, you know exactly what the plan is, and there will not be surprises later.

Step 2: Design and Selections
Once you are ready to get started, it is time to begin designing the home. This part is fun, but expect lots of decisions: many more than you might think!

When you build a home with Sarona Homes, you can begin with one of our existing home layouts as a starting point, or you can start completely from scratch for a fully custom design.
We will talk about every feature you want in your home, from the overall home layout to the finish on your kitchen sink faucet.

You may have a clear vision of all the details you want, or you might want to bounce ideas around. Either way, our team is happy to help guide you along the process of choosing all the things that make your home truly your own.

Step 3: Pre-Construction and Permits

Next, all the gears go in motion to start the build. At this phase you will lock in final pricing and secure building permits. The building team will do any necessary site prep.

The team will discuss when it makes the most sense to build. In Wisconsin, many customers opt to build after winter, since snow and cold ground can lead to build delays and more difficult building conditions.

Step 4: Construction
Once all the details and paperwork are established, it is time to bring your dream home to life.

It will take shape in phases:
Excavating
Pouring the foundation
Framing
Mechanical systems
Interior finishes

When you build with Sarona Homes, the construction typically takes about 6 months to complete. This timeline can vary, of course, depending on a variety of factors. We create building schedules for each custom home so that every client knows what to expect upfront.

Step 5: Walkthrough and Move In
Once the home is constructed, you will do a final walkthrough. Our team wants to ensure clients are fully satisfied with the end result, so during this time we will address any issues.

Finally, it is time to move in and enjoy your new home, fully customized to your lifestyle and taste!

What can affect the timeline?
Rural or Lake Lots: Certain lots may be more complicated to build on, such as rural lots with difficult terrain or lake lots with special limitations to consider. This can sometimes add more time to the planning and building process as we come up with creative solutions.

Material Availability: Sometimes material supply issues may arise, which lead to delays in certain aspects of the build. Typically we can resolve these problems quickly or work to find alternate options.

Scope Changes: A change in scope typically will add more time to the project, especially if it involves design changes. Should scope changes come up, we will discuss impacts on the timeline.

Seasonal Factors in Wisconsin: Wisconsin weather is unpredictable and can impact the building timeline. Our contractors always do what they can to get the job done, and we will keep you updated on any impacts on the building schedule.