A Realistic, Step-by-Step Guide for Homeownesrs in Utah County
If you’ve ever looked at cookie-cutter houses and thought, “This just isn’t me,” you’re not alone. More homeowners in Utah are turning to custom homes because they want something personal. Something theirs. But the big question almost always follows:
“How do I build a custom home?”
We’ve helped dozens of families in Provo, Orem, and throughout Utah County go through the process, and we can tell you it’s not as scary or complicated as you might think. There’s a rhythm to it. A flow. And if you’ve got the right builder on your team, it can even be fun.
Let’s walk through what it really takes step-by-step.
Step 1: Start With Your Vision
Here’s the truth most people won’t tell you up front: your dream home doesn’t start with plans or property. It starts with a conversation—with yourself or your partner—about how you want to live.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of space do I need?
- What annoys me about where I live now?
- Do I love natural light? Open kitchens? Hidden pantries?
- Where do I want to build Provo, Spanish Fork, Mapleton?
You don’t need to have all the answers yet. But the clearer your goals, the smoother the rest of the process will be.
Step 2: Set a Budget (With Breathing Room)
There’s no way around it custom homes aren’t cheap. But they also don’t need to break the bank.
In Utah, you’ll typically see custom home costs starting around $180–$250 per square foot and going up depending on size, features, and finishes. But here’s the thing nobody tells you: it’s not the square footage that gets you—it’s the decisions.
Want radiant floor heating in the basement? Marble counters? A deck that wraps around your view of the mountains? That’s where the price shifts. A smart builder will help you shape your vision while keeping costs under control.
At Cloward Custom Homes, we’re always upfront about budgets—and we help you plan for surprises.
Step 3: Find and Buy the Land
You can’t build a custom home without a place to put it.
Some people come to us with a lot already purchased. Others ask us to help find land in Utah County and we’re happy to help either way.
Things to consider:
- Does the land need excavation or grading?
- Is there city water and sewer access?
- Is it in a geotechnical zone or fire hazard area?
We’ve worked on all kinds of lots—flat, sloped, wooded, wide open. We know what red flags to watch for, and which ones are no big deal.
Step 4: Choose Your Builder (This One Matters More Than You Think)
Let’s be honest: a bad builder will ruin your dream home. Full stop. Choosing the right one makes the entire process easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
Here’s what to look for:
- Proven experience with custom homes (not just remodels or spec homes)
- Strong relationships with local subcontractors and city inspectors
- Transparent pricing and timeline estimates
- Real customer reviews and portfolio examples
- Someone who actually listens to what you want
Cloward Custom Homes has been doing this in Utah County for years. We know the codes, the quirks, and the shortcuts that turn into long delays. We’re a design-build team—which means we can take you from sketches to move-in without the chaos in between.
Step 5: Design the Home
Now things start to get exciting. Depending on your builder, you’ll either work directly with an architect or use a design-build team (like us) who can do everything in-house.
This is where you:
- Sketch the layout and floor plan
- Choose windows, roofline, and exterior features
- Select major systems (HVAC, energy efficiency, smart home tech)
- Design custom elements like a chef’s kitchen, mudroom, or home office
Pro tip: Make decisions now that future-you will thank you for. Planning to expand your family? Working from home more often? Think 5–10 years ahead.
Step 6: Get Permits and Prep the Site
Before a single shovel hits the dirt, you need approvals. This can take a few weeks to a few months depending on your city, HOA, and whether any special inspections are needed.
Typical permits in Utah County include:
- Building permit
- Grading/drainage plan
- Septic approval (if outside city lines)
- Architectural review (if building in a development)
Meanwhile, your builder will handle site prep:
- Tree removal or lot clearing
- Excavation and grading
- Setting up temporary utilities
- Foundation layout and staking
Step 7: Build the Home (This is the Longest Phase)
This is the stage where everything comes to life. And while the timeline varies, a typical custom home takes 8 to 14 months to build once construction begins.
Here’s a simplified version of the process:
- Foundation: Footings, walls, slab
- Framing: Walls, trusses, roof
- Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, electrical
- Insulation + Drywall: Sealing it all in
- Interior Finishes: Flooring, paint, cabinetry, tile
- Exterior Work: Siding, driveways, patios
- Landscaping: Sod, trees, fences, sprinklers
- Final Inspections & Walkthrough
Throughout, your builder should give you regular updates and walkthroughs to confirm design decisions and stay on the same page.
Step 8: Move In And Celebrate
Once final inspections are complete and everything is signed off, you get the keys. You’ll do a final punch list walk-through to catch small items (paint touch-ups, cabinet alignments, etc.), and your builder will schedule those fixes immediately.
You’ll also receive:
- A homeowner manual with product warranties, maintenance tips, and system info
- Contact info for service providers (electricians, plumbers, etc.)
- A follow-up schedule for warranty check-ins
Then? It’s all yours. You did it.
So, How Do You Actually Build a Custom Home?
Step by step, with the right people at your side. It’s not always quick, and it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all—but that’s exactly the point. You’re not just building a house. You’re building your home, the way you’ve always pictured it.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear your ideas and help you get started. Even if you don’t know where to begin, we’ll walk you through every part of the process—no pressure, no sales pitch.
Talk to Cloward Custom Homes—and let’s build something beautiful, together.