Let’s go over the key reasons why early planning matters for your custom home design.
In today’s evolving housing market, many Delaware homeowners are asking important questions, such as: “Is it a good time to build a home?” or “Should I build a house now or wait for next year?” While timing and market conditions can play a role, if you’re considering building a custom home, the best time to start planning is now.
Custom home building is not a fast or impulsive process. It takes time, thoughtful decision-making, and expert guidance. What many homeowners don’t realize is that planning makes up a major portion of the timeline. That means the sooner you begin, the more flexibility, clarity, and confidence you’ll have when it’s time to build.
Let’s go over the key reasons early planning matters and how to build a custom home that aligns with your goals, regardless of what the market says.
Designing a Custom Home Takes Time
Planning a custom home build starts with thoughtful design. From floor plans and architectural style to site evaluation and HOA requirements, every step demands care. Early planning allows for creative flexibility, better alignment with the budget, and gives you time to revise without pressure.
Even with an experienced design-build firm, it can take several months to finalize drawings, permits, and selections. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be ready when conditions align.
Construction Takes Longer than You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions about the custom-home-building process is how long it takes. From initial design to final move-in, building a custom home can take 12 to 18 months, and sometimes longer, depending on complexity, location, and supply chain factors. Part of that process also includes permits, zoning approvals, and design reviews, which vary by municipality and can add weeks or months to your timeline.
If you want to move into your home in the next two years, planning now is essential. Waiting too long can push you into a timeline that doesn’t meet your family’s goals or lifestyle.
Your Lot May Need Work Before Building
If you’ve already purchased land or are looking to purchase it, you may be surprised to learn that some sites require preparation. Tree removal, grading, soil testing, easements, and utilities can all affect the timeline. The cost of land in Delaware is one to take seriously, so plan for both that cost and site work.
Planning ahead gives you and your builder time to assess your lot and prepare it properly, without delaying your construction start.
Contractor Availability Fills up Fast
When researching how to build a custom home, one of the most overlooked factors is the availability of home builders. Custom home builders in Delaware often book projects months, even a year, in advance. Their calendars fill up quickly because they are in high demand, and they limit the number of clients they take on to maintain quality and service.
By starting your planning process early, you increase your chances of securing a spot with the builder you trust most. Waiting too long could mean delaying your dream home or settling for someone less aligned with your vision.
Contact Accessible Home Builders Today
Here at Accessible Home Builders, we’re proud to say we’ve been building and remodeling homes since 1994. We’ve serviced Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Selbyville, Millsboro, Georgetown, Laurel, and more communities within Delaware in that time. We work to guarantee a high level of professionalism, dedication, and the use of quality materials to ensure our customers have the homes they deserve.
To get in touch with us, give us a call at our office at 302-663-0464, send us an email at info@accessiblehomebuilders.com or visit us in person at 28412 DuPont Blvd, #103 Millsboro, DE 19966. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and YouTube to stay updated on what we’re up to next!