A Step-By-Step Timeline of the New Home Building Process

If you’re considering building a new home, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: What does the home building process look like, and how long does it take? At Herbst Homes, we believe in making the process clear, straightforward and enjoyable, so from selecting your floor plan to move-in day, here’s a step-by-step look at how we turn your dream home into reality. 

Step 1: Explore Floor Plans and Model Homes

The journey begins with inspiration, and visiting one of our model homes gives you the opportunity to experience the craftsmanship, smart layouts and modern design features that set our homes apart. You’ll see firsthand how our thoughtful floor plans maximize space, energy efficiency and comfort. 

Many homebuyers might ask: Why is it important to visit a model home first? Luckily, the answer is simple. It allows you to picture how different layouts fit your lifestyle, whether you need extra bedrooms, an open-concept living area or other energy-efficient features that can lower long-term costs. 

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for Financing

Before construction begins, it’s important to know your budget and the potential cost to build a new home. At Herbst Homes, we make this simple by connecting buyers with our trusted lending partner at University Lending, giving you access to competitive rates and exclusive builder incentives. Pre-approval not only gives you financial clarity but also speeds up the buying process. 

Step 3: Personalize Your Selections

One of the most exciting parts of the home building process is making your home truly yours. Depending on the stage of construction, you can choose finishes such as flooring, cabinetry and countertops. 

Step 4: Sign the Contract 

Once your selections are finalized, you’ll review the purchase agreement with all the details of your new home, including features, price and timeline. Signing the contract makes everything official and confirms that your build is ready to move forward. 

Step 5: Send in Your Earnest Money Deposit

After signing, you’ll provide your earnest money deposit to secure your new home. This non-refundable deposit shows your commitment and will be applied toward your purchase at closing. 

Step 6: Construction Begins (and You Stay Updated)

With everything in place, construction starts on your new home. At Herbst Homes, we’ll keep you connected through an easy-to-use online portal where you can view progress updates, photos and important information about your build. A common question during this phase is: How long does it take to build a new home? While the timelines can vary depending on weather and permitting, most new homes are completed in 5-6 months. 

Step 7: Walkthroughs and Quality Checks

Before move-in, Herbst Homes schedules walkthroughs to ensure everything meets your expectations. During the initial walkthrough, you’ll create a corrections list with the construction superintendent and be able to ask any questions you may have about the build. The final walkthrough confirms that all items have been addressed, giving you peace of mind that your home is move-in ready. 

Step 8: Closing and Move-In Day

Closing is the moment that every buyer looks forward to where you’ll meet with our title company, sign the final documents and receive the keys to your brand-new home. From here, it’s time to unpack, settle in and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. 

Step 9: Warranty and Long-Term Support 

At Herbst Homes, our work goes beyond closing day by offering an industry-leading, full-service 1-year builder’s warranty, with scheduled check-ups at 1, 4, 8 and 12 months. This ensures that your home continues to perform efficiently, whether it’s energy-saving features or general craftsmanship details. 

Building Your Future with Herbst Homes

Understanding the step-by-step home building process can make the experience less overwhelming and much more exciting. From flexible floor plans to energy-efficient features, our team at Herbst Homes is here to guide you every step of the way, while keeping the cost to build a new home transparent and manageable. 

If you're ready to start your own home building journey and discover why so many homeowners trust our team at Herbst Homes to bring their vision to life, visit our model homes in Santa Rosa County, and give us a call at (850) 655-7032 or fill out our online form today to learn more.