How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in the Lowcountry?

Building a custom home is one of life's most exciting experiences, but it's also one of the biggest investments you'll make. Naturally, one of the first questions homeowners ask is, "How long will it take?"

At Kendrick Design-Build, our custom homes typically take about 15-18 months from the first design meeting to move-in. Our design-build process emphasizes thoughtful planning, proactive scheduling, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship, ensuring every home receives the attention it deserves. While every project is unique, our structured approach allows homeowners to understand exactly what to expect throughout the journey. From beginning the design process to coordinating permits while you're closing on your homesite, we work to keep your project moving efficiently every step of the way.

Rather than rushing through the process, we believe taking the time to carefully plan, communicate, and build results in a home that will serve your family for generations. Here's what you can expect when building a custom home with Kendrick Design-Build.

Phase 1: Lot Selection (Approximately 1 Month)

One of the advantages of working with Kendrick Design-Build is that we take the preconstruction phase as serious as the construction phase. While you're closing on your homesite, our team is already working behind the scenes to begin the preconstruction process ensuring that the house you are wanting to build will fit on the lot you are looking to purchase. By doing some of the preconstruction work early on, we're able to ensure that all of your expectations will be met with the lot you have chosen.

During this phase, we coordinate:

• Tree and Topographic and/or As built surveys
• Evaluate potential homesites
• Lot fit and site studies

Our team will work alongside you and the various specialist to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.  It's one of the many ways our design-build process helps eliminate unnecessary delays and keeps your project on schedule.

Phase 2: Pre Construction & Design (Approximately 3-6 Months)

Every successful custom home begins with thoughtful planning. During this phase, we work closely with you to understand how you live, what inspires you, and how your home can best support your lifestyle. This collaborative approach allows us to create a home that's both beautiful and highly functional.

During this time, we'll:

• Develop custom floor plans
• Design exterior elevations
• Establish your project budget
• Refine architectural details
• Create a custom landscaping plan
• Community Architectural Review Board (ARB) approvals, when required
• Begin selecting finishes and materials
• Coordinate engineering and consultant input

Taking the time to finalize these details before construction begins helps minimize unexpected changes later and creates a smoother building experience.  Once plans have been fully approved, our team will price out the plans and review all of the details with you.  Once the build contract is signed, we will begin permitting the home which will take about 4-6 weeks.

Phase 3: Site Preparation (Approximately 1 month)

Once permits have been approved and received, construction officially begins.

The first month focuses on preparing your property for the home itself. This may include:

• Clearing and grading the lot
• Installing erosion control measures
• Excavation
• Utility preparation
• Foundation layout and installation

A strong foundation starts with careful site preparation, especially on the diverse homesites found throughout the Lowcountry.

Phase 4: Framing (Approximately 6 Weeks)

Framing is one of the most exciting milestones because your vision begins taking shape.

Over the next six weeks, our team constructs the home's structural framework, including:

• Floor systems
• Exterior and interior walls
• Roof framing
• Windows
• Exterior doors

For many homeowners, this is the first opportunity to truly walk through the home and experience the scale and layout in person.

Phase 5: Mechanical Systems (Approximately 3 Weeks)

Once the home is dried in, our trusted trade partners install the essential systems that bring your home to life.

This stage includes:

• Plumbing
• Electrical wiring
• HVAC systems
• Low-voltage wiring
• Required inspections

Although much of this work is hidden behind the walls, it's one of the most important phases of construction and requires careful coordination between multiple trades.

Phase 6: Drywall (Approximately 1 month)

With inspections complete, insulation and drywall installation begin. Over the next month, you'll notice the home quickly transform as rooms become fully defined and the architectural details start to stand out.

This phase includes:

• Insulation
• Drywall hanging
• Taping and finishing
• Sanding
• Primer preparation

At this point, your custom home truly begins to feel like a finished residence.

Phase 7: Interior & Exterior Finishes (Approximately 5 Months)

The final months are dedicated to bringing every design decision to life. This is where craftsmanship takes center stage as our team installs the finishes that make your home uniquely yours.

These include:

• Custom cabinetry
• Interior trim and millwork
• Flooring
• Tile
• Interior and exterior paint
• Countertops
• Lighting
• Plumbing fixtures
• Appliances
• Driveways and walkways
• Landscaping
• Final inspections
• Punch-list completion

Every detail is carefully reviewed to ensure it meets our standards before you receive the keys to your new home.

What Can Affect the Timeline?

While our typical process takes about 15 months, several factors can influence the schedule.

Homesite Conditions

Marsh-front properties, waterfront lots, heavily wooded sites, and properties requiring additional grading or specialized foundations may require additional planning and construction time.

Design Complexity

Larger homes, intricate architectural details, extensive custom millwork, and specialty features naturally require additional craftsmanship and coordination.

Material Selections

Custom cabinetry, imported finishes, specialty windows, and other high-end materials can have longer lead times. Selecting these items early helps keep construction on schedule.

Weather

As with any construction project in the Lowcountry, heavy rain or tropical weather can occasionally affect certain phases of the build.

Why Our Design-Build Process Makes a Difference

One of the greatest advantages of working with Kendrick Design-Build is having a single, collaborative team guiding your project from concept through completion.

Because our designers and construction professionals work together from the very beginning, we're able to coordinate schedules, anticipate challenges, and communicate clearly throughout every phase of the project. This integrated approach creates a more efficient process while ensuring your vision remains at the center of every decision.

Building a Home That's Worth the Wait

Building a custom home isn't about completing the project as quickly as possible—it's about building it the right way.

By investing time in thoughtful design, careful planning, and exceptional craftsmanship, we create homes that are built to last and tailored to the families who live in them.

If you're considering building a custom home in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, or anywhere in the Lowcountry, Kendrick Design-Build is here to guide you every step of the way. From the first design meeting to the day you move in, our team is committed to making the experience as rewarding as the finished home itself.