House Construction 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Dream Home

Building a house is one of the most exciting—and often overwhelming—projects you’ll ever take on. From choosing the perfect lot to watching the foundation take shape, every step brings you closer to the home you’ve always dreamed of.

At 3rd Generation Homes, we’ve guided hundreds of homeowners through this journey. If you’re planning to build a custom home in Kelowna or the Okanagan, here’s a breakdown of what to expect, how long it takes, and what milestones matter most.

 

Step 1: Initial Planning (1–2 Months)

Milestones: Vision → Budget → Land

Every dream home starts with a vision—and a solid plan. This stage includes:

• Determining your budget
• Choosing your ideal location or lot
• Listing your must-haves and deal-breakers
• Gathering inspiration and style ideas

 

If you haven’t secured land yet, we can help you identify lots that work with your vision and local zoning bylaws.

🔗 Start with our custom home planning guide

 

Step 2: Design + Pre-Construction (6 Months)

Milestones: Floorplans → Engineering → Permits

Once we’ve defined your goals, we will connect you with designers and architects to get to work on designing your custom home. This usually includes:

• Architectural drawings and layout planning
• Structural engineering
• Site surveys and geotechnical assessments (if needed)
• Initial finishes and material options

We also begin tendering the project, using the plans and initial design selections to gather accurate pricing from trades and suppliers. During this time, we work closely with you to align every element with your budget. This stage may include some back-and-forth adjustments, ensuring your investment reflects both your priorities and long-term vision—without surprises later. During this phase, we’ll also apply for required permits, including:

• Building permits
• Development or zoning permits (if needed)

Permit timelines can vary based on municipality, but we’ll handle the paperwork and keep things moving.

 

Step 3: Site Preparation + Foundation (1–2 Months)

Milestones: Excavation → Footings → Foundation Walls → Budget Clarity Begins

With permits approved, we officially break ground. This is the first major milestone of the build and includes:

• Site clearing and leveling
• Trenching for utilities and drainage
• Pouring concrete footings and foundation walls
• Waterproofing and municipal inspections

Once this groundwork is complete, many of the more variable cost factors—like excavation and structural details—have been addressed and invoiced. This means we now have a clearer picture of the actual budget, and can make better-informed choices moving forward.

It’s also the perfect time to start finalising design selections. With framing around the corner, decisions on cabinetry, flooring, fixtures, and finishes begin to take priority. These selections help guide scheduling and trade coordination in the months ahead.

 

Step 4: Framing + Exterior Work (3–4 Months)

Milestones: Framing → Roofing → Windows + Doors

Now your home starts to take shape. This is where many clients feel the excitement kick in:

• The structure is framed (walls, floors, roof)
• Sheathing, roofing, and weatherproofing installed
• Windows and exterior doors go in

This stage transforms your lot from a worksite into a recognisable house.

 

 

Step 5: Plumbing, Electrical + HVAC (1–2 Months)

Milestones: Rough-Ins → Inspections → Insulation

Next, we install:

• Plumbing lines and drainage
• Electrical wiring and panel
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC)

This phase also includes:

• Firestopping
• Insulation prep
• Multiple municipal inspections before drywall can begin

We keep everything on schedule and ensure your home is built to code and built to last.

 

Step 6: Interior Finishing (4–5 Months)

Milestones: Drywall → Paint → Cabinets + Fixtures

The longest stage—and often the most rewarding. This is where your selections come to life:

• Drywall, taping, and painting
• Flooring and tile installation
• Cabinetry, countertops, and custom millwork
• Plumbing and electrical fixtures
• Appliances and interior doors

 

Your home starts to feel like your home.