Journal — Process

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

A phase-by-phase look at the timeline from first conversation to move-in — and what keeps a build on schedule.

By Rob Anagnostis & Paul Marotte · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read

The short answer: for a luxury custom home in metro Atlanta, plan on roughly 18 to 24 months from your first design meeting to move-in. Construction itself is typically 12 to 18 months; the rest is lot evaluation, design, budgeting and permitting. Larger estate homes and difficult lots can take longer.

Nationally, the average new house takes well under a year to build — but that average is dominated by production homes built from repeatable plans. A one-of-a-kind home involves more design, more decisions and more custom fabrication, and the schedule reflects that.

The phases, and how long each takes

Phase	Typical length	What happens
Lot & feasibility	2–8 weeks	Evaluating the lot’s zoning, slope, trees and utilities; early budget range
Design & engineering	2–5 months	Floor plan, elevations, construction drawings, structural engineering
Budgeting & selections	Overlaps design	Detailed pricing; choosing finishes, fixtures and long-lead items
Permitting	1–3 months	Building, demolition, tree and site permits; varies by city
Construction	12–18 months	Site work and foundation through framing, rough-ins, finishes and inspections
Final walkthrough	2–4 weeks	Punch list, certificate of occupancy, move-in — then the one-year warranty begins

Typical ranges for luxury custom homes in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven and nearby. Every project is scheduled individually.

What slows a custom build down

Design changes after construction starts. The single biggest controllable cause of delay.
Late selections. Custom cabinetry, imported stone, specialty windows and some appliances can take months to arrive. Choosing them early keeps the schedule intact.
Site surprises. Rock, poor soil or drainage issues found during excavation — most of which a careful lot evaluation catches in advance.
Weather. Atlanta’s wet stretches mostly affect site work, foundations and exterior phases.
Permitting and inspections. Each city runs its own process, and tree or site reviews can add time on wooded infill lots.

How we keep projects on schedule

Our process is built around making the big decisions early. We evaluate the lot before design begins, finalize the plan and budget before construction, and help clients make selections ahead of when they’re needed on site. And because you work directly with partners Rob Anagnostis and Paul Marotte — not a rotating cast of project managers — questions get answered quickly.

See how it works on our custom home building page, or browse finished homes in our case studies.

Frequently asked questions

Can a custom home be built in under a year?

Construction alone sometimes can for a smaller, simpler home. For a luxury custom home, it’s more realistic to plan on 12 months or more of construction plus the design and permitting time before it.

Is a renovation or addition faster?

Usually, yes — depending on scope. See our renovations and additions page.

When should I start if I want to move in by a certain date?

Work backward roughly two years and reach out early. If you already have a lot, the clock starts sooner.

Have a Move-In Date in Mind?

Tell us where you are in the process. We’ll map out a realistic timeline from today to the day you get the keys.

Schedule a Consultation Call (404) 798-1532