Process
01
Selecting Property
Choosing the right property is a foundational step—one where expert insight can shape the entire trajectory of your project. At Grand Cupola Builders, we personally walk the site with you, offering strategic guidance on home placement, hardscaping, and how best to work with the land’s natural contours and character.
02
Designing Your Home
Design is where vision begins to take shape. Involving Grand Cupola Builders early—alongside your architect and engineer—ensures your home is thoughtfully crafted to align with budget, maximize energy efficiency, and navigate approvals smoothly. Early collaboration helps prevent costly revisions, turning complexity into clarity and preserving valuable time and resources.
Site clearing and excavation prepare the land for construction. Trees and existing structures are removed, the foundation is staked per the site plan, and excavation begins. Soil movement and the potential discovery of bedrock—often requiring blasting or chipping—are key considerations that can impact timeline and cost.
03
Footings & Foundation
A phase typically lasting 4–6 weeks, the foundation stage establishes the structural core of your home. Today, poured concrete wall foundations are the standard for strength and durability. Once the concrete is set, the foundation is waterproofed, footing drains are installed, and underground plumbing is laid—followed by the pouring of the basement slab, setting the stage for the build above.
04
Framing & Exterior
Over 4–8 weeks, your home begins to take form. The structure is framed, the roof is shingled, and windows, doors, and exterior trim are installed. While visually significant, this marks just the first third of the build—the finer, less visible details come next.
05
Rough Mechanics

(Approximately 6–8 weeks)
This phase brings the unseen yet essential systems of the home to life. Heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure are meticulously installed, forming the backbone of modern comfort and functionality. Multiple inspections are conducted throughout to ensure precision, code compliance, and long-term reliability—underscoring the importance of craftsmanship even where it’s not immediately visible.
06
Insulation & Drywall

(Approximately 4–6 weeks)
With the core systems in place and approved, the structure is prepared for enclosure. High-performance insulation is installed to enhance energy efficiency, regulate indoor climate, and provide acoustic buffering. Once insulated, drywall installation begins, elegantly shaping interior volumes and marking the transition from framework to form.
07
Finishing Mechanicals

(Approximately 4–8 weeks)
Here, the mechanical systems begin to express themselves visually. Plumbing fixtures, lighting elements, HVAC registers, and control systems are seamlessly integrated into the architecture. Exterior grading and landscape prep commence, while interior comforts such as carpeting are introduced—bringing tactile warmth and livability to the space.
08
Finishing

(Approximately 8–16 weeks)
This is the most visually transformative phase. Bespoke cabinetry, hand-selected countertops, designer fixtures, and architectural detailing come together in harmony. Interior and exterior finishes are meticulously applied, appliances are installed, and each space is fine-tuned to reflect the original design intent—culminating in a home that is both functionally complete and aesthetically timeless.
09
Final Stage
Approximately 1-2 weeks. During this construction phase, finishing touches are added, such as cleaning the windows, floors, baths, kitchen, and so on. Building and Quality Assurance Inspections are scheduled and completed to ensure all of the finishing touches on your new home have been completed according to your custom architectural plan. At this phase you are now ready to move into your NEW home!