The Steps to Building a Custom Home in Wichita
See every step to building a custom home in Wichita, from planning and selections to five construction stages. Most Sharp homes take 6 to 8 months total.
Building a custom home follows a logical path from first idea to move-in. When you know the steps ahead of time, the process feels far less daunting, and you can see exactly where you are at any point. This guide lays out the journey the way Sharp Homes walks it with buyers in the Wichita area.
The steps fall into two halves: the planning that happens before you break ground, and the five-stage construction that follows. Here is the whole path, start to finish.
Key Takeaway
Building a custom home has two halves: the planning steps (conversation, plan, financing, selections, contract) and the five construction stages. Construction runs about 5 to 6 months; the whole journey is 6 to 8 months.
The Planning Steps (Before You Break Ground)
Most of your decisions happen here, before a shovel touches the ground. This front-end work sets up a smooth build.
- Start with a conversation about your vision, budget, and lot (no deposit for design talks with Sharp).
- Choose or modify a floor plan with the in-house architect, or design from scratch.
- Line up financing (a construction-to-permanent loan, or let Sharp carry the construction loan).
- Make your selections at the Design Center and finalize allowances.
- Sign a fixed contract and handle permits and the plot plan.
Selections go faster with a plan: see the selection process.
The Five Construction Stages
Once you break ground, your Sharp build moves through five documented stages, tracked in Buildertrend so you always know where things stand.
| Stage | Typical time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Approvals | 2 to 4 weeks | Finalize approvals and prep the site. |
| Foundation and Frame | 6 to 10 weeks | Foundation, framing, roof, weather-tight shell. |
| Drywall | 6 to 10 weeks | Mechanicals, insulation, and drywall. |
| Finishes and Interior | 4 to 6 weeks | Cabinets, counters, flooring, trim, and paint. |
| Final Inspection and Handover | 2 to 4 weeks | Inspections, punch list, and your walkthrough. |
See the five-stage process in more detail.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The first step is a simple conversation. Call 316-775-2129 or contact Sharp Homes and we will walk you through the whole path.
How Long the Whole Thing Takes
Construction runs about five to six months for most Sharp homes. Adding the planning and selections up front, plan on six to eight months from your first sit-down to move-in. We confirm your timeline before you sign so there are no surprises.
What Makes the Steps Go Smoothly
Two things keep a build on track: making selections on schedule, and a builder with a documented process and reliable trade partners. Sharp’s 60 years of building in Wichita means established trades and a superintendent who keeps the sequence tight, so the steps flow one into the next instead of stalling.
Custom Home Steps FAQs
Common questions about the steps to building a custom home.
What are the steps to building a custom home?
First the planning steps: a conversation, choosing and modifying a plan, financing, selections, and signing a contract. Then five construction stages: Planning and Approvals, Foundation and Frame, Drywall, Finishes, and Final Inspection and Handover.
What is the first step to building a custom home?
A conversation with the builder about your vision, budget, and lot. With Sharp Homes there is no deposit for design discussions, so it costs nothing to start figuring out what is possible.
How long do the construction stages take?
About five to six months total for most Sharp homes: Planning and Approvals (2 to 4 weeks), Foundation and Frame (6 to 10), Drywall (6 to 10), Finishes (4 to 6), and Final Inspection and Handover (2 to 4).
What can slow the steps down?
Making selections late is the most common delay, followed by mid-build change orders and weather during foundation and framing. Coming in prepared keeps the steps moving.
Do I handle each step alone?
No. Sharp’s superintendent, designer, and office team guide you through each step, and everything is tracked in Buildertrend so nothing gets lost.
Craig Sharp is a third-generation Wichita home builder who owns Sharp Homes. He prices every build personally, meets each homeowner one-on-one once the numbers are real, and visits every job site. Since 1965 and over 1,000 homes, the Sharp family has built its reputation on in-house design, honest pricing, and craftsmanship across the Wichita area.
