“How long will it take to build my home?”. As one of Edmonton’s top-rated builders, this is a question we get asked a lot – and for a good reason: it is your dream home, after all. For custom builds especially, the answer depends on our clients’ unique custom home wants and needs, and therefore, there is no “one size fits all” approach.

However, having an understanding of the overall construction process, step by step, will help you gain insight as to when your new custom home may be completed.

Here’s what to expect:

Step 1. Working With Your Sales Associate

At this preliminary stage, your sales associate will work with you to bring your new home dreams to life. As a new home buyer, this is where you will be most actively involved in the home building process in terms of reviewing and confirming design plans and specifications, finalizing your build site, refining your custom home budget, signing your purchase agreement and more (don’t worry, you will have a whole team of experts on your side to help you).

See: Building With San Rufo: What to Expect

Step 2. Pre-Construction

Once you’ve signed off on your new custom home plans, your builder will then take them to the municipality for approval. This allows them to establish what permits are needed for your home’s construction. Your builder will have also performed site tests on your desired lot to check the surrounding water table and ground capacity.

See: City of Edmonton permits

Step 3. Laying the Foundation

Once the land is prepared and footings installed, your Edmonton custom builder will erect your foundation walls. Drainage will also be incorporated to prevent groundwater from entering your home. Utilities including electricity, water and cable may also be present at this time, as work may need to be completed before the foundation is poured.

Step 4. Framing Begins

Now your new custom home really begins to take shape. After framing is complete (including your home’s exterior walls, partitions and the roof), your custom builder will install your doors, windows, basement floor and ductwork. Here again, utilities may also be present as water and electrical will need to be roughed in.

Step 5. Customization at Work

After insulating your home, your HVAC system will be installed, and your builder will commence drywalling. Once complete, your walls and ceilings will be painted, your custom cabinetry and flooring will be installed, as well as light fixtures, plumbing, trim and interior doors.

Your custom selections will also be applied to your home’s exterior as your builder puts your home’s siding, porch and/or deck, eavestroughs and downspouts in place. Here too, your builder will complete a final grading of your lot before pouring your driveway, walkways and sidewalk.

While regular inspections will have taken place throughout the previous stages of your home’s construction, your Edmonton custom builder will seek an overall final inspection at this time.

Step 6. Walk-Thru and Warranty

Now it’s your turn to inspect. It is this final stage where your builder will take you for your final walk-thru and complete any finishing touches around your home at your request. Your custom builder will also explain their comprehensive home warranty program, guaranteed to cover warrantable defects within your home over the next 10-years.

Keep in mind, a good Edmonton custom builder will provide regular updates on your home’s progress throughout construction and will always be there to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Are you thinking about building a custom home in Edmonton or the surrounding area? We specialize in building unique, functional and beautiful custom homes suited to every lifestyle. Learn more about the San Rufo difference by downloading our free guide 6 Unbeatable Advantages of Choosing a San Rufo Home.

Sources: Canadian Home Builders’ Association