How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties?

Your Custom Home Build Timeline

A custom home doesn’t follow a cookie-cutter schedule the way production homes do. Instead, the process is tailored to your land, design, finishes, and lifestyle. Our custom home building company finds that most homeowners experience two different paths:

• With Design: If you already have architectural drawings and engineering complete, your custom home may be completed in about 18 months total, with the construction portion taking 9 to 12 months.

• Without Design: If you’re starting from scratch, the full process takes closer to 2 years, as you’ll need time to design, refine, and obtain permits for your home before construction begins.

The key distinction is that the construction phase typically takes 9 to 18 months in Northern California depending on the size of your home. At the same time, the entire start-to-finish process, including design and permitting, can span up to 2 years especially if there is a septic system involved. We are happy to sit down with you to estimate the factors with your custom home. In Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, custom homes typically take between 9 months and 2 years, depending on your specific situation. 

Factors Impacting How Long It Takes to Build Your Custom Home

Every build is unique, but a few common factors shape how long it will take from the first consultation to your final walkthrough. What impacts the timeline of a custom home? The following factors all contribute to your final timeline, but it's helpful to know what to expect before you begin. You'll notice that these are similar to what impacts the cost of your custom home as well.

1. Size of the Home

The larger the home, the longer the timeline. A 3,000-square-foot home typically takes about a year to complete, while a 5,000-square-foot home can easily stretch longer. The bigger footprint means more labor, more materials, and more time coordinating trades. This is not a bad thing, but it's important to keep this in mind when talking about the size of the home you want. 

2. Your Plans

As we mentioned earlier, if you find a builder once you have plans from an architect, your timeline will be shorter than if you find a builder and then need to find an architect. However, if you have your plans completed before bringing a builder on, you lose the ability to implement cost controls on your design.  Our building company is ready to refer you to a Sonoma County architect (or one in other areas). If you're thinking about building a custom home and don't have an architect in mind, start talking to us sooner rather than later. 

3. Complexity of Design

Luxury custom homes often include intricate features—vaulted ceilings, wine cellars, high-end kitchens, or smart home systems—that require specialized trades and additional time. A simpler design speeds up construction, while a more complex one extends the schedule.

4. Permitting and Regulations in California

Building a house in California comes with its own set of challenges. Local municipalities often require detailed reviews of architectural, structural, and environmental plans. Permitting can add several months to the front end of your project.

5. Land and Site Preparation

If your land needs significant grading, septic systems, retaining walls, or utility connections, site work can add several weeks (or even months) to your project. A flat, build-ready lot means less prep time; a hillside vineyard parcel may take much longer.  Because we are experienced in land development, we can give you a time estimate for your property.

6. Material Availability and Supply Chain

Even with careful planning, delays in materials (such as windows, cabinets, or specialty finishes) can stretch the build. Planning selections early helps your builder order items ahead of time to keep the schedule moving.

7. Weather Conditions

Northern California enjoys mild weather most of the year, but rainy seasons can slow grading, foundation, and framing work. Scheduling site work in drier months can prevent some delays.  We do build many homes during the winter and know how to ensure a quality build during the wetter months.  That being said, rain and cold weather can slow down the construction schedule.

8. Decision-Making and Changes During the Build

The more decisions you can finalize up front, like flooring, fixtures, and finishes, the smoother the build will go. Our process back-schedules all the needed selections to guide you through the process so as not to extend the construction schedule.

Your Northern California Custom Home Builder

When you’re ready to build your dream home in Northern California, you’ll want more than just a contractor. You’ll want a trusted partner who understands the unique building landscape in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties.

At Brandywine Builders, we come alongside you as both a builder and a guide. Whether you already have an architect or you’re just starting your journey, we can help:

• With plans or without plans: We can work with your existing architect or connect you with trusted local partners if you need one.

• Budget alignment: We’ll help you match your dream home goals to your budget and keep working until these two align.

• End-to-end support: From preliminary budgeting to final walkthrough and warranty, we’re with you every step of the way.

Working With Brandywine Builders

Our process is client-focused every step of the way. We know that building or remodeling your home is a deeply personal journey, and we take pride in guiding you with clarity, care, and transparency. Our gorgeous portfolio of custom homes across Sonoma, Napa, and Marin showcases the craftsmanship and individuality that go into every project. Beyond custom homes, we also offer to build whole home remodels and Accessory Dwelling Units, helping you create spaces that fit your lifestyle today and for years to come. Whether you’re envisioning a 3,000-square-foot family retreat or a 5,000-square-foot wine country estate, we’ll walk you through the process with honesty, transparency, and expertise.

Contact Us

Ready to explore building your custom home in Northern California? Contact us today to learn more.