How Long Does It Take to Design and Build a Custom Home?

Designing and building a custom home is one of the most exciting projects you can take on — but it’s also a process that takes time. Understanding the timeline upfront helps you plan realistically and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.

At modFORM, we guide you through every step, from first sketches to move-in day. On average, you can expect the entire process to take 20 to 26 months. While that might sound like a long time, each phase plays a critical role in making sure your home is thoughtfully designed, precisely built, and ready to last for decades.

Design + Planning

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Phase 1: Design (≈ 6 Months)

The design phase sets the foundation for your entire project. We break this stage into two parts:

Schematic Design & Design Development (≈ 3 Months):*

  This is where the creative magic happens. Together, we explore layouts, materials, and aesthetics to shape a home that matches your vision, needs, and budget.

Construction Documents & Permit Prep (≈ 3 Months):*

  Once the design is finalized, we develop detailed construction drawings and coordinate with structural engineers and consultants to ensure your home meets building codes and is structurally sound.

By the end of this phase, you’ll have a fully realized plan and all the technical documents needed for permit submission.

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Phase 2: Permitting (6–8 Weeks)

In Chelan and Douglas counties, permit review typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, though timing can vary depending on the season and project complexity. If permits are approved before late summer or early fall, we aim to break ground quickly so we can finish excavation and foundation work before winter.

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Phase 3: Construction (12–18 Months)

This is where your home comes to life. The construction timeline depends on:

* Home size & complexity

* Site conditions

* Labor and material availability

* Seasonal weather

In North Central Washington, framing can often continue through the winter unless temperatures dip into the single digits, which can briefly slow progress.

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The Big Picture

When you put all the phases together — design, permitting, and construction — you’re looking at 20 to 26 months from start to finish. It’s a significant investment of time, but the result is worth the wait: a home that is fully customized to your lifestyle, beautifully modern, and built to stand the test of time.