Most new homes we build in Johnson County take about 12 months from start to finish. Roughly 8 to 10 months of that is construction. The rest is about 2 months of planning and about 1 month of pre-construction. Your timeline depends mostly on your lot, your plan, and how many changes you make along the way.
Below is how a Blue Sky Homes build actually moves, step by step, so you know what to expect before you start.
Planning: About 2 Months
Step 1: Your Lot and Your Plan
Every build starts with two questions: where are you building, and what are you building?
If you already own a lot, we’ll walk it with you and look at size, slope, setbacks, utilities, and how a house would sit on it. If you don’t have a lot yet, we can talk through areas across Johnson County and the KC metro where we build, from Olathe and Overland Park to Lenexa and beyond.
Then we pick a plan. Starting from one of our floor plans, like the Dove (a 1,747 sq ft, 3-bedroom ranch) or the Avalon (a 2,648 sq ft, 4-bedroom two-story), is usually the fastest path, because the design work is already done. A fully custom design adds time for drawings and revisions.
Step 2: Selections and Final Pricing
Once the plan is set, you choose finishes: cabinets, counters, flooring, fixtures, exterior colors, and the rest. We lock those in before construction so your budget and schedule are clear from day one.
This is the step where homeowners have the most control over the timeline. Decisions made up front keep the build moving. Changes made after framing starts are the most common reason a build runs long, anywhere.
Pre-Construction: About 1 Month
Step 3: Permits
Each city in Johnson County runs its own building permit process, and lots outside city limits go through the county. We handle the permit application for you. Review times vary by city and by season, so this is one step we plan around rather than control.
Construction: About 8 to 10 Months
Step 4: Site Work and Foundation
With the permit in hand, the lot is staked, cleared, and graded, and the foundation goes in. Weather around here doesn’t stop construction, so this work moves forward year-round.
Step 5: Framing, Roof, and Dry-In
This is when your home starts to look like a home. Walls and roof go up, then windows, exterior doors, and roofing, so the house is “dried in” and protected from the weather.
Step 6: Mechanicals and Inspections
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are roughed in, then inspected by the city before walls are closed up. We subcontract every trade, and your dedicated project manager schedules each one in order so the next crew can start as soon as the last one finishes.
Step 7: Interior and Exterior Finishes
Insulation, drywall, trim, cabinets, counters, flooring, paint, fixtures, and exterior siding and concrete all happen here. It’s the longest stretch of the build and the one where all your selections come together.
Step 8: Final Walkthrough and Move-In
Before closing, we walk the home with you and build a final punch list of anything that needs a touch-up. Those items get finished, you sign off at closing, and you get your keys.
Your 1-year builder warranty starts then. We come back for walkthroughs at about 90 days and 11 months to take care of anything that comes up as the house settles in.
What Can Make a Build Take Longer?
- Lot conditions. Slope, rock, or utility work can add site time.
- Custom design. A from-scratch plan takes longer to draw and price than one of our existing plans.
- Changes during construction. The biggest controllable factor.
- Permit review times. These vary by city and time of year.
How We Keep Your Build on Schedule
Every Blue Sky home has a dedicated project manager who oversees the build from start to finish. You’ll get a weekly update on your build, and you’ll have direct access to your project manager whenever you have a question. You’ll always know what phase you’re in, what’s coming next, and when we need a decision from you.
FAQ
Is it faster to build on my own lot?
It can be. If your lot is ready to build on and the utilities are in place, you skip the time it takes to find and buy land. We’ll look at your lot with you and tell you what to expect before you commit.
Can I build one of your floor plans with changes?
Yes. Most clients start with one of our plans and personalize it. Small changes add little time; bigger structural changes add design and permit time.
What’s the best time of year to start building in Kansas?
Any time of year. Weather around here doesn’t stop construction, so we start builds in every season. The bigger factors are your lot, your plan, and having your selections made before we break ground.
Do you build outside Johnson County?
Yes. We build across Johnson County and the KC metro, plus Bonner Springs, Basehor, Tonganoxie, Lawrence, Eudora, and Baldwin City. See every city we build in.
Thinking About Building in Johnson County? Let’s Talk.
Every timeline starts with a conversation about your lot, your plan, and when you’d like to move in. Contact Blue Sky Homes or call (785) 551-2348 and we’ll walk you through what your build would look like.