Building a custom home in Florida is exciting, but let’s be real—it’s a big project, and you probably have a ton of questions. How long does it take? What’s the process like? And how do you make sure things stay on track?
Well, we're here to explain the timeline and process for building a custom home in Pensacola so you can start off prepared.
With the right team and a solid plan, building your dream home can be a smooth experience—and we’re here to walk you through every step.
How Long Does It Take to Build a House in Florida?
While every project is different, a 2,500-square-foot home typically takes around 18 months from your consultation to move-in day.
That includes about 2-3 months for design and 1-2 months for finalizing estimates before construction even begins. The timeline can vary depending on factors like weather, permitting, material availability, and customization.
Other timeline estimates you might find online may be a whole lot shorter, but that's likely because they don't offer the design-build deliver system and only construction. Let's break it down.
What Is the Process for Building a Custom Home?
Building a custom home should feel exciting, not like a giant question mark.
There are a lot of moving parts—floor plans, permits, materials, timelines—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if no one’s keeping it all on track. That’s why we take the time to map everything out. No surprises, no wondering what’s next. Just a clear process, one step at a time.
Here’s how it all comes together.
1. Consultation & Site Visit
It all starts with a conversation.
We’ll talk through what you’re looking for, how you live, and what you want your future home to feel like. Still figuring out where to build? We’ve got your back.
Our team can help with all the early details—surveying, wetland studies, geotechnical investigations, planning and zoning, utility access—you name it.
As a full design-build team, we’re hands-on from the start, making sure nothing slips through the cracks. Whether you already have the land or need help finding the right lot, this step sets the tone for a smooth, well-planned build.
2. Preliminary Design & Budget (2 to 3 Months)
Design and budget go hand in hand—and we keep both in check.
Once we’ve got a solid sense of your style and priorities, we team up with trusted residential designers and architects to create a preliminary layout. Our job is to keep your vision and your budget working together—not against each other.
After the first set of drawings is ready, we’ll run the numbers and share a preliminary estimate. If anything feels off, we’ll fine-tune the plan before moving forward. No surprises, no awkward mid-project budget talks.
This step usually takes a couple of months and sets the foundation for a home that fits just right—on paper and in real life.
3. Final Design & Estimate (1 to 2 Months)
This is where your plans start feeling real.
With the initial design and budget dialed in, we shift into the final design phase. We’ll work with you to choose materials, finishes, and layout details that check every box. Your builder and architect are in sync the entire time, which means fewer hiccups and a smoother handoff into construction.
Once everything’s locked in, we’ll provide a final cost estimate, so you know exactly what to expect. No guesswork, no “uh-oh” moments later.
This part usually takes 1 to 2 months—and then we’re ready to roll.
4. Scheduling, Ordering Materials, & Construction (12 Months)
Once the design is finalized and the budget is approved, we get to work behind the scenes. That means locking in permits, ordering materials, and building out your construction schedule.
This is where your home starts to take shape!
Construction typically takes about 12 months. During that time, you’ll have full access to CoConstruct—our construction management software—so you can follow along with daily logs, updates, photos, and important documents.
Whether you're local or keeping an eye on things from out of town, you'll always know what’s happening and what’s coming next.
Why the Design-Build Process Works Best for Custom Homes
Building a home is a big deal, and we don’t take that lightly.
The design-build process is our way of keeping it simple and organized—with your builder, architect, and design team working together from day one. No crossed wires. No mid-project budget surprises. Just a process that makes sense and keeps you in the loop the whole way through.
If you're planning a custom home in Florida or starting new construction in Pensacola, this approach can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Here’s why it works so well.
Faster Project Timelines—Because No One Likes Delays
Nobody wants to wait around while teams pass notes back and forth.
One of the best things about design-build is how efficiently it moves. With our team handling both design and construction, we build a timeline that makes sense from the start—and we actually stick to it.
In a traditional setup, separate teams can slow things down when decisions get lost in translation. We avoid that by staying connected at every step, keeping communication tight and materials moving on schedule.
A custom home construction timeline typically runs 12 to 18 months, so every week counts. The sooner we get going, the sooner you’re settling into your new space and picking out the perfect spot for your coffee maker.
Better Budget Control—Because Surprises Should Be Fun, Not Expensive
We’ve all heard the horror stories—someone starts a build with one budget, and by the end, they’re miles over. That’s exactly what we work to avoid.
With design-build, budget conversations don’t happen after the design is done. They’re part of the process from the very beginning. As your plans come together, we provide real-time cost feedback, so you always know where things stand. No sticker shock. No crossed fingers.
If something’s pushing the budget a little too far, we’ll work with you to make smart adjustments—whether that means switching up materials, tweaking layouts, or rethinking a feature.
Our goal is to help you build a home that fits your life and your budget, without the “uh-oh” moments.
Seamless Communication—Because Building a Home Shouldn’t Feel Like a Game of Telephone
If you’ve ever been stuck between contractors telling you different things, you know how fast a project can turn frustrating. With design-build, you’re not playing middleman.
Our architects, designers, and builders all work together as one team, so communication stays tight, and decisions get made fast.
Need to adjust a material or ask a question about the timeline? You won’t have to track down three different people. You’ll have a direct line to the folks actually building your home, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
The result? A smoother process with fewer headaches and a team that’s all pulling in the same direction—yours.
Fewer Surprises & Change Orders—Because Nobody Likes a Mid-Build Budget Shock
There’s nothing worse than getting deep into a build and finding out the budget just exploded. That kind of surprise happens all the time in traditional builds, where design and cost planning happen separately, and things slip through the cracks.
With design-build, we plan smarter from day one. Our whole team is on the same page early, so we can spot potential issues, keep pricing transparent, and help you avoid the kind of change orders that throw everything off.
Sure, sometimes you might decide to splurge on something mid-project—those custom pantry shelves are worth it—but with upfront planning and real-time updates, you’ll always know what it means for your timeline and budget.
Fewer surprises, fewer delays, and way more peace of mind.
Higher Quality & Attention to Detail—Because This Is Your Dream Home, Not Just Another Build
Choosing design-build means choosing a team that’s all in—from day one to move-in day. Your architect, builder, and designer aren’t just working alongside each other. They’re collaborating every step of the way with one shared goal: to build you a home that actually fits how you live.
We’re not in the business of handoffs or hoping the next crew gets it right. Our team stays connected through the entire process, which means fewer missteps, better craftsmanship, and attention to the details that matter most.
This isn’t a copy-paste house. It’s your home—built to handle life on the coast and stick around for the long haul.
Why Design-Build Is the Best Choice for Your Custom Home
If you’re planning to build a house in Florida, going with a design-build team makes the whole thing run smoother. You’ll have one crew, one plan, and one clear path from start to finish. We’ll keep the budget in check, the schedule realistic, and the communication flowing.
You’ve got ideas—we’ll help bring them to life in a home that feels like it was made just for you.
