Meticulous Planning & Execution

Building a custom home is an exciting journey—and understanding the process is key to making it a smooth and rewarding experience. This page outlines the typical construction timeline, from the initial planning stages to the final walkthrough. While every project is unique, this guide will give you a clear sense of what to expect at each phase of the build.

Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of building or you're ready to break ground, this timeline will help you stay informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way.

Weeks 1-3

Prepare Initial Selections

This is where your vision begins to take shape. During this phase, you'll work closely with our design team to choose key elements such as flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and exterior finishes. These early decisions help guide the architectural details and ensure that your home reflects your personal style from the very beginning.

Weeks 1-3

Week 3

Excavate Site

Once your design and initial selections are finalized, we begin preparing the land for construction. Excavation involves clearing the site, grading the land, and digging out the foundation area according to the approved plans. This step ensures a stable base for your home and sets the stage for laying the foundation. It also includes coordinating with utility companies and ensuring proper drainage and soil conditions.

Weeks 3-5

Prepare Detailed Selections

With the foundational choices made, it's time to dive deeper into the design details. During this phase, you’ll finalize selections for finishes such as tile patterns, plumbing fixtures, lighting, cabinetry hardware, paint colors, and more. Our design team will guide you through curated options that align with your style and budget, ensuring every element complements your overall vision. These decisions are essential for ordering materials on time and keeping the construction schedule on track.

Weeks 3-5

Weeks 3-7

Install Footings, Foundations and Flooring Systems

This phase lays the structural groundwork for your home. First, concrete footings are poured to support the foundation walls and distribute the weight of the structure evenly. Next, the foundation—whether slab, crawl space, or full basement—is constructed based on your home’s design and site conditions. Once the foundation is cured and inspected, the flooring system is installed, which may include subflooring or slab-on-grade, depending on the build. This step is critical for ensuring long-term stability and structural integrity.

Weeks 5-7

Cure Foundation

After the foundation is poured, it must be allowed to cure properly to achieve its full strength and durability. Curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to harden and gain structural integrity. This typically takes about 7 days for initial curing and up to 28 days for full strength. During this time, we monitor conditions closely to prevent cracking or weakening, ensuring a solid base for the rest of your home.

Weeks 5-7

Weeks 8-18

Carpentry & Framing

This is when your home truly begins to take shape. During the carpentry and framing phase, the skeleton of the house is constructed—including the floors, walls, and roof structure. Using engineered lumber and framing systems, our team builds out the framework that defines the layout of each room. Openings for windows and doors are created, and the basic shape of your home becomes visible. This stage is crucial for structural integrity and sets the stage for all mechanical, electrical, and interior work to follow.

Weeks 17-26

Plumbing, Electrican, HVAC and Roofing

With the framing complete, the essential systems that bring your home to life are installed. Licensed professionals begin the rough-in phase for:

Plumbing: Pipes for water supply, drainage, and venting are installed throughout the home.

Electrical: Wiring is run for outlets, lighting, appliances, and smart home features.

HVAC: Ductwork, vents, and mechanical systems are put in place to ensure efficient heating, cooling, and air circulation.

Simultaneously, the roofing is installed to protect the structure from the elements. This includes underlayment, shingles or tiles, flashing, and ventilation systems. Completing the roof at this stage allows interior work to proceed regardless of weather conditions.

Weeks 17-26

Weeks 26-27

Insulation

Once the mechanical systems are in place and the structure is weather-tight, insulation is installed to regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency. This step involves adding materials like fiberglass batts, spray foam, or rigid foam boards to walls, ceilings, and floors. Proper insulation helps maintain indoor comfort, reduces energy costs, and contributes to soundproofing between rooms. After installation, an inspection is typically required to ensure it meets local building codes and energy standards.

Weeks 27-29

Drywall

With insulation in place, the next step is to enclose the interior walls and ceilings using drywall (also known as sheetrock or gypsum board). During this phase, drywall panels are carefully measured, cut, and secured to the framing. Once installed, the seams are taped and multiple layers of joint compound are applied and sanded to create a smooth, paint-ready surface. This step transforms the interior from a construction site into defined, livable spaces and sets the stage for finishing touches like paint, trim, and cabinetry.

Weeks 27-29

Weeks 29-31

Tile Installation

Tile installation brings both beauty and durability to your home’s interior. During this phase, tiles are carefully laid in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways. This includes floor tiles, wall tiles, backsplashes, and shower surrounds. Our team ensures precise alignment, proper spacing, and high-quality grouting for a clean, polished finish. The choice of tile—whether ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or glass—adds a personalized touch and enhances the overall design aesthetic of your space.

Weeks 29-31

Install Hard Wood Floors

Hardwood flooring adds warmth, elegance, and timeless appeal to your home. During this phase, planks are carefully laid over the subfloor, either nailed, glued, or floated depending on the type of wood and installation method. Precision is key to ensure tight seams and a smooth, level surface. Once installed, the floors may be sanded and finished on-site or left as pre-finished, depending on your selection. This step not only enhances the aesthetic of your interior but also adds long-term value and durability to your home.

Weeks 29-31

Weeks 30-31

Install Stairs

Installing the stairs is a key structural and design milestone in your home. This phase involves setting the stair framing (stringers), followed by the installation of treads, risers, and railings. Depending on your design, stairs may feature hardwood, carpet, metal, or glass elements. Precision is essential to ensure safety, comfort, and code compliance. Once installed, the stairs become both a functional connector between floors and a striking architectural feature within your home.

Weeks 30-33

Cabinet Installation

Cabinet installation marks a major milestone in bringing functionality and style to your kitchen, bathrooms, and storage areas. During this phase, custom or pre-fabricated cabinets are carefully positioned and secured to ensure level alignment and seamless integration with countertops, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Precision is key, as cabinets must accommodate electrical outlets, lighting, and hardware. This step not only defines the layout of your living spaces but also sets the tone for the overall interior design.

Weeks 30-33

Weeks 31-33

Landscape

Landscaping is the final touch that brings your home’s exterior to life and enhances curb appeal. This phase includes grading the yard for proper drainage, installing sod or seed for lawns, planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, and adding hardscape elements like walkways, patios, and retaining walls. Our team works with you to design a landscape that complements your home’s architecture and suits your lifestyle—whether that means a lush garden retreat, a low-maintenance yard, or an outdoor entertaining space.

Weeks 31-36

Millwork

Millwork is the fine detailing that adds craftsmanship and character to your home’s interior. This phase includes the installation of custom wood elements such as baseboards, crown molding, window and door casings, built-in shelving, coffered ceilings, and decorative trim. Each piece is precisely measured, cut, and installed to enhance the architectural style of your home. Millwork not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also provides a polished, finished look that ties all interior elements together.

Weeks 31-36

Weeks 34-36

Paint Walls & Ceilings

With millwork complete and surfaces prepped, the painting phase brings color and personality to your home. Professional painters apply primer followed by high-quality paint to walls and ceilings, using techniques that ensure smooth, even coverage. This step not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also protects surfaces from wear and moisture. Whether you’ve chosen bold accent walls or soft, neutral tones, this is the moment your interior design truly comes to life.

Weeks 35-36

Finish Hard Wood Floors

Once the hardwood flooring is installed, the finishing process enhances its beauty and protects it for years to come. This step involves sanding the surface to ensure smoothness and uniformity, followed by the application of stain (if desired) and multiple coats of a durable sealant or polyurethane finish. The result is a rich, polished look that highlights the natural grain of the wood while providing resistance to wear, moisture, and daily use. Proper curing time is essential to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Weeks 35-36

Weeks 39-40

Carpeting

To complete the carpeting phase of a project, the area must first be properly prepared by removing any existing flooring and ensuring the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Once the space is ready, precise measurements are taken and the carpet is cut to size, allowing for a bit of excess to ensure full coverage. Carpet padding is then laid down and secured, followed by the carpet itself, which is stretched and attached using tack strips or adhesive depending on the installation method. Finally, the edges are trimmed, tucked neatly, and any necessary finishing touches like transition strips or baseboards are installed to complete the look.

Weeks 40-41

Cleanup

To complete the construction cleanup phase, the site must be thoroughly cleared of all debris, dust, and leftover materials from the building process. This includes removing protective coverings, sweeping and vacuuming floors, wiping down surfaces, cleaning windows, and ensuring all fixtures and appliances are spotless. Special attention is given to safety hazards like nails or sharp objects, and the space is prepared to be safe, clean, and ready for occupancy or final inspections.

Weeks 40-41

Week 41

Final Inspection

To complete the final inspection step, a thorough walkthrough of the entire project is conducted to ensure all work meets the required standards, codes, and specifications. Inspectors or project managers check for any defects, incomplete tasks, or safety issues, and verify that all systems—such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—are functioning properly. Any issues identified are documented in a punch list for correction. Once everything is approved and compliant, the project is considered ready for handover or occupancy.

Week 42

Final Close

To complete the final close step of a project, all outstanding items must be resolved, including addressing the punch list, finalizing documentation, and ensuring all contractual obligations have been met. This phase involves collecting warranties, manuals, and as-built drawings, confirming that all inspections have passed, and obtaining any necessary occupancy permits. Financial reconciliation is also completed, including final payments and lien waivers. Once everything is in order, the project is formally handed over to the client, marking its official completion.

Week 42

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The Aharoni Group
Lake Forest, IL
(847) 668-8576
info@theaharonigroup.com

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