Design and Construct

How Long Does It Take To Build A Custom Home?

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
ascotia-house
25
Jan

The Complex Journey of Building a Custom Home: Navigating Timelines and Challenges

Building a custom home is a dream for many, but it’s a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. No two custom homes are alike, and this uniqueness adds complexity to the construction process. At Ambrose Design and Construct, we understand that every custom home project is an intricate puzzle, and we take pride in carefully accounting for various factors to provide homeowners with a practical completion date that aligns with their expectations.

 

The Lay of the Land

One of the initial challenges in custom home construction is the terrain. Many plots of land are not perfectly flat, and this introduces several complications. Sloping land, for instance, requires the installation of a blockwork base structure to counteract the slope. Additionally, retaining walls may need to be constructed to manage the land’s natural contours. These early steps are critical in ensuring the home’s stability and longevity.

 

Accessibility Matters

The accessibility of the construction site is another crucial consideration. In some cases, the site may be tight or have limited access points, which can impact the sequence of construction. Certain elements of the build may need to be prioritized or executed differently to accommodate these constraints. Planning for accessibility challenges is essential to keeping the project on track.

 

Finishing Touches

Custom homes often feature unique and intricate finishes that set them apart. These finishes, such as 2pac paint finishes on cabinetry, venetian rendering, or precisely mitered tiles, can add significant time to the construction process. Attention to detail is paramount, and these finishing touches are where craftsmanship truly shines.

 

Trade and Access Limitations

The subcontractors employed by custom builders are typically smaller, boutique operations. While their expertise is invaluable, delays can have a cascading effect on the project timeline. Factors like epoxy floor coatings, sanding, and polishing real timber floors may limit access for other trades, potentially extending the project’s duration.

 

The Challenge of Split-Level Construction

Some custom homes are designed with split-level layouts, adding complexity to the project. A three-story or more custom home with intricate design elements requires meticulous planning and execution, which naturally extends the construction schedule. The complexity of these projects demands additional time for precision and attention to detail.

 

Setting Realistic Expectations

In the world of custom home construction, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. The timeline for completing a custom home can vary significantly based on the site, design, and finishing requirements. In cases where the site is relatively simple with minimal slope and good access, a timeline of around 10 months might be feasible. However, for larger, multi-level homes with challenging sites, homeowners should anticipate a timeline of approximately 15 months.

 

Our Commitment at Ambrose Design and Construct

At Ambrose Design and Construct, we recognize the intricacies and uncertainties involved in custom home construction. Our approach is rooted in meticulous planning, clear communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. We take all these factors into account when analyzing construction timelines to ensure that the completion date we provide is both fair and reasonable. Our goal is to empower homeowners to plan their lives confidently, knowing that their custom home will be built with precision and care.

 

In conclusion, building a custom home is a complex journey, filled with unique challenges that can impact construction timelines. However, with the right team and careful planning, homeowners can see their dream homes come to life. At Ambrose Design and Construct, we are dedicated to making this journey as smooth and rewarding as possible, ensuring that every custom home we build is a testament to craftsmanship and innovation.

Design and Construct

How Long Does It Take To Design A Custom Home?

Posted on by Melissa Ambrose
16
Jan

Designing a custom home is a dream for many, but it can be a complex and lengthy process if not approached correctly. To help guide you through the challenges and provide valuable insights into the custom home design timeline, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider and how to overcome them.

 

Having a Clear Vision

One of the most critical aspects of custom home design is having a clear vision of your desired end result. This vision serves as the foundation for the entire project. Without it, you risk spending unnecessary time and resources on redesigns and modifications to stay within your budget or to bring your inspiration to life.

It’s essential to work with a professional design and construct builder who has an experienced building designer intimately familiar with your local area. This expert should also have a track record of successful collaborations with consultants and planners. This ensures that the initial design won’t encounter a host of issues during the tender stage or construction.

Unclear visions often lead to multiple redesigns, potentially adding an extra two months to the design phase. Therefore, a well-defined vision is a crucial first step in the custom home design process.

 

On-Budget Design

Selecting a builder with a proven track record of delivering designs within budget is of utmost importance. To maintain budget control and ensure your project aligns with your financial constraints, implement a price check procedure at the end of the concept design phase. This practice allows all parties involved to verify that the project aligns with the budget and can realistically be built.

At Ambrose, a rigorous construction budget process is conducted during the design phase. This enables early adjustments to the design without significant time loss. Many stunning designs never materialize due to budget overruns during the tender stage, leading to catastrophic results. Discovering you are over budget at this stage can necessitate going back to the design phase, which may add 3-6 months to the design timeline.

 

Interior Design Integration

Interior design is a vital component of custom home design and construction. It allows professionals to bring together all the important details and aspects that matter to you. At Ambrose, once you progress from the concept stage to the preliminary stage, a construction budget with nominated allowances for items like tiles, cabinetry, and flooring is provided. This helps you and the interior designer manage your selections effectively, ensuring they align with your budget.

Without these measures in place, underestimating the costs of your selections can lead to multiple revisions of your tender, further extending the preliminary process by several weeks.

 

Streamlined In-House Process

Attempting to manage all these aspects independently can be a daunting and challenging task. Ambrose’s ability to handle these processes in-house under the supervision of their professional team enables a streamlined, linear process from start to finish.

Here’s a breakdown of the Ambrose custom home design timeline:

  • CONCEPT DESIGN (8-10 weeks):
    The initial phase, but far from the end of custom home design.

  • CONSTRUCTION BUDGET (2 weeks):
    A critical step to ensure your project aligns with your budget.

  • PRELIMINARY BUILDING STAGE (8-10 weeks):
    Includes interior design, structural engineering, and building approval.

  • DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL (if required):
    May add at least 2 months to the process.

  • CONTRACT TENDER (4 WEEKS):
    Costing all current documentation to provide a total construction price.

  • CONSTRUCTION START:
    Once a contract is offered and your construction start date is determined.

 

In conclusion, designing a custom home is a multifaceted process with various challenges. However, by having a clear vision, working with professionals, and implementing rigorous budget and interior design processes, you can navigate these challenges more smoothly and achieve your dream custom home.

 

Best wishes,
Lee Ambrose
AMBROSE Design and Construct