Timing Your Dream: The Discovery House Homes Building Timeline
When you choose to build a custom home with Discovery House Homes, one of the first questions that comes up is, “How long will it take?” The answer depends on your design, your property, and your timeline, but what never changes is our commitment to keeping you informed every step of the way.
We believe that clear communication builds trust. That is why we have created a defined process that helps you plan and know exactly what to expect from the moment you sign your design agreement through move-in day.
Step 1: Home Design
The journey begins soon after we receive your completed design agreement. At this stage, we work closely with you to design a home that reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Whether we start from one of our existing plans or a concept you bring to us, our design process is about making your home uniquely yours.
The design phase sets the foundation for everything that follows. The timing can vary depending on how far in advance your assigned construction start date is scheduled, but this period is where your vision takes shape on paper.
Step 2: Design Completion Deadline (3½ Months Before Construction Start)
Roughly three and a half months before your construction start date, all design work should be finalized. This allows our team time to price your home accurately and prepare all necessary construction documentation.
Finalizing your design on schedule helps keep your build on track and ensures that the formal pricing we deliver reflects the exact details of your finished design.
Step 3: Formal Pricing (2½ Months Before Construction Start)
About two and a half months prior to your construction start date, you will receive your formal pricing package. This detailed estimate outlines the fixed cost of your home along with any allowances for appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.
This step allows time to review and discuss any final adjustments before the contract is finalized. It also gives you confidence knowing that every detail has been reviewed and confirmed before construction begins.
Step 4: Contracting (2 Months Before Construction Start)
Two months before construction begins, we move into the contracting stage. This is when the fixed-cost construction contract is signed, securing the final specifications, pricing, and allowances. Everything is handled electronically for your convenience.
Once the contract is in place, you are officially ready for the next exciting phase; preparing for groundbreaking.
Step 5: Construction Start and Selections
When your construction start date arrives, we meet on site for the groundbreaking. This day marks the official beginning of your build and includes the final staking of your home on the property. You will also meet with our selections coordinator to finalize finishes such as colors, flooring, fixtures, tile, stone, etc.
From that point, construction generally takes eight to nine months for a typical custom home. Smaller cottages and cabins are often completed in five to six months. During this time, we communicate regularly and coordinate two additional required in-person visits:
Framing walkthrough with the construction, electrical, and cabinetry teams
Final walkthrough and punch list at completion
Step 6: Completion and Move-In
After final inspections are complete and your Certificate of Occupancy is issued, we schedule a final walkthrough together. This is your opportunity to see the finished product and note any final items to be addressed. Our goal is to deliver a move-in ready home that meets or exceeds your expectations.
Where We Build
Discovery House Homes proudly serves:
- Union County, GA (Blairsville)
- Towns County, GA (Hiawassee and Young Harris)
- Clay County, NC (Hayesville)
- Cherokee County, NC (Murphy)
Our focus on these mountain communities allows us to maintain hands-on supervision, deliver superior craftsmanship, and provide the personal attention every homeowner deserves.
Building with Integrity and Clarity
We do not just build homes; we build partnerships. A clear and honest timeline gives our homeowners peace of mind, knowing what to expect at each stage. From the first design conversation to the day you receive your keys, we work with transparency, faith, and commitment to doing things the right way.
At Discovery House Homes, we believe your home-building journey should be as rewarding as the home itself.
Schedule a Free Site Analysis
If you are thinking about building a custom mountain home in or around Blairsville, GA, we would love to meet you. Schedule a free site analysis today and discover how Discovery House Homes makes the building process simple, transparent, and built on faith.

