Start Smart: Planning Your Custom Building Project
Every successful custom home starts with a clear plan. And the very first step in that plan is defining your goals, vision and timeline.
This season of The Art of Custom is focused on all of the steps in the preconstruction process to ensure your dream home comes to life in the smoothest, most rewarding way possible.
We are kicking things off by helping you ask the questions to clarify what you’re building (and why!), aligning expectations and project plans, and helping you avoid some of the most common early misses that can cost time or money down the road.
Whether you’re just starting to dream or are already scouting lots, this episode will help you set a strong foundation well before you pour the foundation.
Subscribe and follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process!
SEASON EIGHT, EPISODE ONE | TRANSCRIPT
“Mirror, mirror on the wall… Can I start my build this fall?”
When building a custom home, timing really is everything. But so is knowing your vision before breaking ground. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the very first phase of your custom home journey—defining your goals and timeline to avoid the missteps that can shatter your dream before it begins.
Welcome to Season Eight
Welcome to The Art of Custom and Season Eight, a special seven-part series dedicated to pre-construction planning. If you’re in the early stages of your custom home journey, or even just dreaming, this season is for you.
We’re sharing two decades of experience building homes across the country to help you gain clarity, set realistic expectations, and make decisions that save you time, money, and sanity.
Start with Why You Want to Build
Before you meet with a builder, buy land, or sketch out floor plans, you need to ask yourself: Why are you building a custom home?
- Is it your forever home?
- Are you downsizing into a luxury space?
- Do you want a retreat close to nature, family, or entertainment?
- Are you building for entertaining, pets, or multi-generational living?
Knowing your why will guide every decision and help your builder, architect, and designer create a home that fits your lifestyle.
Dream Big and Make Lists
Clarity starts with lists. Ask yourself and your family:
- How do we live now, and what do we want to do differently?
- Do we entertain often?
- Do we need space for pets, hobbies, or fitness?
- What about kids, grandkids, or future family gatherings?
Clients often design entire spaces around passions, from practice facilities for athletes to gallery walls for artwork. Inspiration boards on Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, or even magazine clippings help communicate your vision clearly to your design team.
Tip: Have each family member list their top five priorities, then compare. Shared themes will guide your design.
Building a Realistic Construction Timeline
Timing is critical. Work backward from your desired move-in date and add cushion for delays. Factors that affect your timeline include:
- Design & PreConstruction Services: Typically take 4–6 months and can be longer in mountain markets with strict review boards.
- Construction: Count on 10 - 14 months depending on size and complexity, with 18 to 24 months in Utah.
- Client Decisions: The biggest source of delays is postponed selections or extended travel that delays design or decision making.
Custom homes take time. Unlike production builds, they can’t be rushed. Allow space for details and quality work, we promise you will thank yourself later.
Avoiding Common Construction Pitfalls
- Don’t rush. Faster doesn’t mean better. Take the time to get it right.
- Expect surprises. Excavation may uncover rock, soil issues, or other challenges so it is crucial to budget for contingencies.
- Don’t pressure yourself. Rushed decisions often lead to regrets. Two words you don’t want to say later: I wish.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Get clear on your “why” and lifestyle priorities.
- Start planning early, at least 6–12 months before breaking ground.
- Align your family and keep everyone’s top needs in mind.
Don’t:
- Rush into land, design, or construction before setting goals.
- Ignore realistic timelines, custom homes can’t be built overnight.
- Skip planning for surprises and contingencies.
Designing and building a custom home should feel empowering, not overwhelming. This season, we’ll give you the tools to start the process with clarity and control.
In our next episode, we’ll tackle what can sometimes br considered one of the hardest and most stressful parts of the process: choosing the right lot.
We’ll discuss what makes a great property, red flags to watch for, and how to align your goals with the land you choose.
For more information visit www.artofcustompodcast.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn as The Art of Custom. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes and please rate and review. The Art of Custom is produced by HugMonster sound with original music by Adam Frick-Verdeen. Thanks for listening.
