How We Build Your Home
From First Conversation to Move-In Day: Here's What to Expect
Building a home is a big decision. The single most common buyer anxiety is 'what actually happens, and when?' We answer that here. No vague timelines, no fluff, just the real process from contract to keys.
Your new build starts here
How we build your home
Most Primera Casa homes go from contract signing to move-in within a few months. The timeline breaks down into five distinct phases.
Lot Review and Plan Selection
Everything starts with a conversation. Whether you own a lot or you're still looking, we walk through what you want, what's possible, and what it'll cost.
If you own a lot, we review it for free. We check:
- Zoning and any deed restrictions
- Water and sewer access (city utilities vs. well/septic: this is the biggest cost variable)
- Elevation and flood zone
- Drainage and grading needs
- Road frontage and site access
You walk away with a buildability report and a sense of what's reasonable on your land. No pressure to sign anything.
If you don't own a lot yet, we'll tell you what to look for in your target area. We don't sell land, but we know where the buildable lots are.
Pre-Construction
This is where most of the decisions happen, and where rushing causes problems later. We take our time here so we don't have to fix things during construction.
What happens during pre-construction:
- Pick your floor plan: Alyssa, Pasqual, Luna, or Perla
- Sign the contract with detailed scope and pricing
- Choose your finishes: flooring color, countertop color, exterior accent paint
- Apply for permits with the relevant county or city
- Coordinate with your construction lender if you're financing
- Pre-construction meeting where we walk through everything one final time
Permit timing varies by county. Lee County (Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres) usually runs 3–5 weeks. Charlotte County (Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda) is similar. Sarasota County (North Port) tends to run 4–6 weeks. Hendry County (LaBelle) is the fastest, often 2–3 weeks.
Site Prep and Foundation
Once permits are pulled, real work starts on your lot.
- Site clearing if needed (removing trees, brush, debris)
- Fill and grading to bring the lot to building elevation
- Utility hookups (water, sewer, electric) or well and septic installation
- Monolithic concrete slab foundation poured and cured
You'll get a progress update when the slab is poured, that's a major milestone.
Vertical Construction
This is when your home actually looks like a home.
- Concrete block walls with steel reinforcement (2–3 weeks)
- Truss installation and roof structure (1–2 weeks)
- Dimensional shingle roof with peel-and-stick underlayment (1 week)
- Impact glass windows and exterior doors (1 week)
- Rough mechanicals (2 weeks): electrical, plumbing, HVAC ductwork
- Insulation and drywall (2 weeks)
- Interior finishes (3–4 weeks): paint, vinyl plank and carpet flooring, white solid wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, Moen fixtures, Whirlpool appliances
We send progress updates at major milestones. You're welcome to visit the site any time, we just ask you to coordinate with us for safety.
Final Walkthrough and Close
The last stretch, and the phase most builders underestimate. Here's what actually happens:
- Final inspection by county officials
- Health department approvals for well and septic systems (this is what tends to make this phase take longer)
- Certificate of Occupancy issued
- Walkthrough with you to identify any punch-list items
- Final cleaning
- Closing day, keys handed over
Punch-list items get fixed before close. We don't close with open issues.
After you move in
The relationship doesn't end at closing. Your warranty starts the day you move in.
Workmanship warranty
Anything that's not right gets fixed.
Systems warranty
Plumbing, electrical, HVAC.
Structural warranty
Long-term peace of mind.
What could slow things down
We give you a realistic timeline at contract, but a few things can push dates.
- Permit delays during peak construction season
- Weather (hurricanes, prolonged rain) affecting site work
- Material shortages: less common now than in 2021–2022, but still possible
Ready to Start?
The first step is a free, no-pressure conversation. If you have a lot, send us the address. If you don't, tell us what area you're considering. We'll take it from there.