How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in South Carolina?
Plan on about 15 to 18 months from the day you start the custom build process to the day you move in. That's the timeline builder Austin Vollmar of Stratx Construction recommends for a custom home like the roughly 6,000-square-foot home we walked in York County, South Carolina. Construction itself is only part of it. Design, pricing and permits can take several months before anyone breaks ground.
I'm Paul Mattos, a mortgage broker with Refine Mortgage, licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina. Before mortgage, I spent years in on-site new-construction sales, and I now help buyers finance custom builds with one-time-close construction loans. Here's how Austin breaks down each phase, plus what to line up on the financing side along the way.
The Custom Home Timeline at a Glance
These are the timeframes Austin shared for this home. Every build is different, so treat them as a starting point:
Design and pricing: about 4 to 12 weeks
Permits in York County: about 4 to 6 weeks, when your checklist is complete
Foundation: about 6 weeks for this home
Framing: about 3 weeks for this home
Plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-ins, then inspections: varies by home and inspection schedule
Drywall, cabinets, flooring and finishes: roughly 30% to 40% of the total build timeline
Total, start to move-in: about 15 to 18 months
Phase 1: Design and Pricing (About 4 to 12 Weeks)
Most people only count the construction time, but a custom home starts months before anyone breaks ground. Design and costing usually take four to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly you make decisions and how custom the plans are.
Austin's point on what slows a build down the most is execution. An experienced builder works from a set timeline and process, but some things, like weather and inspections, can't be controlled.
Financing tip: this is the time to get pre-approved for a construction loan, before you sign a build contract. The loan has to work for the land, the build and the finished home, and the plans and budget you settle on here are what the lender reviews.
Phase 2: Permits (About 4 to 6 Weeks in York County)
In York County, Austin says permits can take about four to six weeks if you know your checklist. That checklist can include 10 to 15 items, such as zoning and septic or well permits, that need to be in place before the building permit.
Miss one and the timeline grows. For example, submitting a building permit without the well permit can get it rejected and push your schedule back by weeks. This is one of the biggest reasons to work with an experienced builder.
If you're still shopping for a lot, read what to check before buying land to build on in South Carolina.
Phase 3: Foundation and Framing
Foundation and framing time depends on the home's size and the type of foundation: a slab, a crawl space, or a full, partial or walkout basement.
For this home, roughly 6,000 square feet under roof on a crawl space, the foundation took about six weeks and framing about three weeks. Austin noted that's quick for a home this size, and much of that comes from planning. Questions like whether to add a walkout basement are caught during plan development, before permits are submitted.
Phase 4: Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC Rough-Ins
Before the drywall goes up, the three main trades come in: plumbing, electrical and mechanical (HVAC). They run the piping, wiring and ductwork, and set the stub-outs for toilets, showers and sinks.
Each trade then comes back later for finals: installing toilets, faucets, shower heads and fixtures. The home also has to pass inspections along the way, and a final inspection before the certificate of occupancy (C.O.) is issued. That's when the homeowner can move in.
Financing tip: with a construction loan, the builder is typically paid in draws as phases are completed and inspected, so a clean inspection schedule helps keep everything on time.
Phase 5: Drywall, Cabinets and Finishes (30% to 40% of the Timeline)
Insulation, drywall, cabinets, countertops, tile, vanities, flooring, interior trim and final touches like hardware make up the longest stage. Austin estimates it at about 30% to 40% of the total timeline. Several trades often work in parallel, like tile going in while cabinets are installed.
This is also where selections and change orders can affect your schedule and your loan. See custom build budgets: allowances, change orders and upgrades.
So If You Started Today, When Would You Move In?
Austin recommends starting the custom build process about 15 to 18 months before you want to move in. That leaves room for design, pricing, permits, construction and the final inspection, with some cushion for weather and selections.
Planning the Financing Around Your Timeline
A longer build timeline affects your financing, too. A few things to plan for:
Rate lock length: ask how long your rate lock lasts during construction, and what happens if the build runs long.
Where you'll live: plan for rent or your current mortgage payment during construction.
A savings cushion: keep money aside for upgrades and overages, since the loan is based on the original contract and plans.
One-time-close options: a one-time-close construction loan can combine the land, construction and permanent mortgage into one closing, depending on the program. See my specialized home loans page for an overview.
Meet the Builder: Austin Vollmar, Stratx Construction
Stratx Construction is a Charlotte-based licensed general contractor in North and South Carolina that builds custom homes, spec and investor homes, renovations, additions and commercial projects. If you're thinking about building, Austin can talk through plans, lots and timelines with you.
Austin Vollmar Stratx Construction Phone: 248-821-8398 Email: austinvollmar@thestratxgroup.com Website: stratxconstruction.com
Let's Line Up Your Construction Financing
If you're planning a custom home in South Carolina or North Carolina, talk with me before you sign a build contract or buy land. I'll review your construction loan options, what you'll need for down payment and reserves, and how the timeline affects your rate lock and budget. Schedule a mortgage consultation or start your mortgage application.
Paul Mattos
Mortgage Broker | Refine Mortgage
Carolina Home Financing
NMLS# 2339069 | Licensed in NC and SC
Call or text: 980-221-4959
Email: paulm@refinemortgage.net
Refine Mortgage Inc. | NMLS# 2417960 | Equal Housing Lender. This article provides general educational information and is not a commitment to lend, a rate quote or an offer of specific credit terms. Build timelines are estimates shared by the builder for one home and vary by builder, plans, permits, inspections, weather and selections. Construction loan programs, rate lock options and draw procedures vary by lender, program, borrower and property. Approval is subject to credit, income, assets, appraisal, title and underwriting requirements. Not all applicants will qualify.
