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Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

How Long Will Your Greater Rochester New Construction Home Take to Build?

Posted by John Graziose

Mon, Jun 17, 2024 @ 17:06 PM

How Long Will Your Greater Rochester New Construction Home Take to Build?

You’re ready for something that’s entirely yours. Building a new home is an exciting journey, especially in the beautiful Greater Rochester area. At Gerber Homes, we understand that embarking on this journey involves many questions, particularly regarding the timeline. How long will it take? What steps are involved? As a trusted custom home builder with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to guide you through every phase of the home-building process and the associated timeline for each step.

Step-by-Step Home Building Process

Initial Consultation and Discovery

This discovery phase is essential as it allows us to gather all relevant information to provide you with tailored advice and options. Whether you have specific plans or need guidance exploring different possibilities, this initial step sets the foundation for a smooth and efficient home-building process.

  • Timeline: A few minutes to an hour.
  • Description: The first step in our home-building process is the initial consultation and discovery phase. During this meeting, which can take place in person, over the phone, or via video call, we aim to comprehensively understand your needs and desires. 
  • Location Preferences: Are you looking to build in a community, on a private homesite, or on land you already own?
  • Home Style: Do you prefer a one-story or two-story home? What size, layout, and aesthetic are you after?
  • Critical Features: What must-have features are you looking for in your new home, such as a walkout basement, specific accessibility requirements, or custom built-ins?
  • Budget: Understanding your budget or maximum price range is crucial for determining the best options that fit your financial plan.
  • Previous Experience: Have you built a new home before? Are you familiar with Gerber Homes, or have you seen any of our completed projects? How does your previous experience shape your goals and expectations?
  • Timeline: When are you hoping to move into your new home?

Reviewing Floor Plans and Selecting a Homesite

  • Timeline: A few days to a few months.
  • Description: Once we understand your needs and preferences, the next step is to review floor plans and select a homesite. This phase can vary greatly in duration depending on how quickly we can identify a plan and site that meets your criteria.
  • Floor Plans: We offer a variety of floor plans on our website. If you have a specific floor plan in mind, we can provide approximate pricing and feasibility on the spot. Customizing a plan to fit your unique needs might take longer, typically around ten days to two weeks.
  • Homesite Selection: Whether you prefer a lot in one of our established communities or a private plot of land, we will walk you through the options. For clients who already own land, we’ll evaluate the site to ensure it’s suitable for construction and discuss any site development costs.
  • Customization: All of our homes are customizable. We will review and discuss potential modifications to ensure your new home aligns perfectly with your vision.

New construction home exterior by Gerber Homes near Rochester, NY

Pricing and Customization

During this stage, we’ll also discuss various options and upgrades, such as materials, finishes, and additional features you may want to include. Once we finalize the pricing and options, you will have a clear understanding of your project's total cost and timeline, allowing you to make an informed decision before proceeding to the next phase.

  • Timeline: Immediate for standard plans; variable for fully customized plans.
  • Description: After narrowing down the floor plan and homesite, we move on to the pricing and customization stage.
  • Standard Plans: If you choose a standard plan from our website. This helps you quickly gauge whether the design fits within your budget and allows for adjustments as needed.
  • Custom Plans: Fully customized plans require a detailed evaluation to ensure we account for all unique features and modifications. This process can vary in duration depending on the complexity and scope of the customization.

Contract Signing and Deposit

  • Timeline: Typically, two months from the start of construction.
  • Description: The next step is to sign the contract and make the initial deposit. This formalizes your commitment to the project and allows us to begin the necessary preparations for construction.
  • Contract Details: We will thoroughly review the contract with you, ensuring you understand all terms, conditions, and milestones. This includes the detailed scope of work, payment schedules, and any contingencies.
  • Initial Deposit: Making the deposit secures your slot in our construction schedule and allows us to commence with pre-construction activities.

Pre-Construction Preparations

By the end of this period, everything is set for construction to begin, ensuring that the building process proceeds without unnecessary delays.

  • Timeline: 2 months before construction (immediately following contract and deposit.)
  • Description: During this period, we focus on finalizing plans, obtaining permits, and preparing the site for construction.
  • Finalizing Plans: We finalize design details and make any last-minute adjustments necessary.
  • Permits and Approvals: Obtaining the necessary permits from local authorities, including Rochester building permits, is a critical step. We handle all the paperwork and coordination with local agencies.
  • Site Preparation: Depending on your homesite, this may involve clearing land, grading, and laying the foundation. For existing plots, we assess and prepare the site for the upcoming construction activities.
Gerber Homes team walking on lot for new construction home in Orchard View Estates

Construction Phase

Throughout the construction phase, our experienced team works diligently to ensure quality and adherence to the timeline. Regular updates and site visits are encouraged to keep you informed and involved in the progress.

  • Timeline: 6-8 months plus.
  • Description: We move on to the construction phase. This is where your dream home starts to take shape. The timeline for this phase varies depending on the size and complexity of the home.

Post-Construction and Final Inspections

This phase ensures that your new home is ready for occupancy, with all elements functioning correctly and meeting your specifications. It marks the culmination of the building process and the beginning of your new life in your custom Gerber Homes residence.

  • Timeline: Varies.
  • Description: The post-construction stage involves final inspections and any necessary finishing touches.
  • Final Inspections: We conduct thorough inspections to ensure everything meets our high standards and complies with local building codes. This includes checking all structural elements, systems, and finishes.
  • Client Walkthrough: We invite you to a walkthrough of your new home to review the completed work, address any questions or concerns, and ensure everything meets your expectations.
  • Finishing Touches: We address any minor adjustments or touch-ups identified during the walkthrough to ensure your home is perfect for move-in.

Kitchen in new construction home near Rochester, NY by Gerber Homes

Factors Affecting the Timeline

Complexity and Customization

The complexity and level of customization of your home are significant factors affecting the construction timeline. Highly customized homes with unique design elements and intricate features naturally take longer to build than standard designs. Custom features such as special room layouts, bespoke materials, and unique architectural elements add to the construction time as they require more detailed planning and execution.

Second-story layout in Rochester-area custom home by Gerber Homes with unique lighting

Unforeseen Delays

Despite careful planning, unforeseen delays can occur. These can include structural surprises uncovered during site preparation, adverse weather conditions, or material shortages. While we do our best to anticipate and mitigate these issues, it’s important to build some buffer time into the timeline to accommodate potential delays without significantly impacting the overall schedule.

Gerber Creates Your Rochester Home Your Way

Ready to turn your dream home into a reality? By understanding each phase of the home-building process and working with a trusted partner like Gerber Homes, you can ensure that your new construction home is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Contact Gerber Homes today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you explore your options, find the perfect homesite, and design a custom home that fits your lifestyle and budget. 

We look forward to building your dream home together!

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