Custom Home Timeline in Los Angeles: From Demolition to Move-In

HANNAH A · October 23 2025

Building a custom home in Los Angeles is an exciting journey — one that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and careful coordination. As a design-build firm, ENE Builders streamlines the process by managing both the design and construction under one roof, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and a cohesive vision from start to finish.

Whether you’re starting from a teardown or an empty lot, here’s a detailed look at what to expect — from demolition to move-in.

Pre-Construction & Design Development (2–6 Months)

Before any demolition begins, the design-build process starts with architecture, engineering, and city planning.

Key Steps:

Conceptual design and 3D renderings to visualize your home.
Engineering plans: structural, civil, MEP, and grading.
Soil report, topographic survey, and energy calculations.
Submittal to LADBS or local city for plan check and permits.
City corrections and revisions managed by the ENE Builders team.

Why design-build saves time:
Our integrated approach allows design adjustments to happen in real-time with the construction team, avoiding costly redesigns or permit delays.

Demolition & Site Preparation (2–4 Weeks)

Once plans are approved and permits are issued, the demolition phase begins.

Key Steps:

Disconnect and cap utilities (gas, water, and electrical).
Demolish existing structure safely and remove debris.
Grade and level the site according to civil engineering plans.
Install temporary fencing, erosion control, and on-site facilities.

Design-Build Advantage:
Our team prepares the site with future construction in mind — every step aligns with the approved structural layout and foundation plan.

Foundation, Framing & Structure (2–3 Months)

With the site ready, construction begins from the ground up.

Key Steps:

Foundation trenching and steel reinforcement.
Pour concrete slab or raised foundation.
Frame walls, floors, and roof structure.
Install windows, doors, and sheathing.

Inspection Milestones:

Foundation
Framing
Roof nailing
Rough plumbing and electrical

ENE Tip: Keeping framing precise ensures a seamless transition into custom finishes like millwork and cabinetry later in the process.

Rough-Ins & Exterior Enclosure (2–3 Months)

This is where your home becomes weather-tight and begins to take shape.

Key Steps:

Install HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
City inspections for MEP rough-ins.
Apply insulation, drywall, and exterior finishes.
Roofing, stucco, or siding installation.

Design Integration:
Material choices — from stucco color to window trim — are coordinated directly with our design team, ensuring the exterior aesthetic aligns with your interior palette.

Interior Finishes & Custom Details (3–4 Months)

This is where the design vision truly comes to life.

Key Steps:

Interior paint and limewash finishes.
Custom cabinetry, built-ins, and millwork.
Tile, flooring, and countertops.
Fixture installation — plumbing, lighting, and hardware.
Smart home technology integration (optional).

ENE Tip: Our in-house design team sources materials early to prevent lead-time delays — especially for Los Angeles custom homes with imported or high-end finishes.

Landscaping, Hardscape & Outdoor Living (1–2 Months)

Los Angeles living means maximizing indoor-outdoor flow.

Key Steps:

Driveway, patios, and hardscape installation.
Landscaping, irrigation, and fencing.
Pool and outdoor kitchen construction (if applicable).
Exterior lighting and gate systems.

Design-Build Touch:
Every outdoor detail — from tile around the pool to lighting placement — is curated to complement the home’s overall style, whether it’s Spanish Revival, Organic Modern, or European Coastal.

Final Inspections, Walkthrough & Move-In (2–4 Weeks)

The final phase focuses on precision, quality, and completion.

Key Steps:

Final inspections for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and building.
Client walkthrough and punch list completion.
Professional cleaning and staging.
Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued.
Move-in and project handoff.

ENE Builders Warranty:
Every custom home includes a 1-year workmanship warranty and 3-year extended coverage for added peace of mind.

Estimated Total Duration: 12–18 Months

A custom design-build home in Los Angeles typically takes 12–18 months from demolition to move-in, depending on the project’s scale, design complexity, and city approval timelines.

At ENE Builders, our streamlined design-build process keeps every phase coordinated — from architectural design to final inspection — ensuring your dream home comes together seamlessly.

ENE BUILDERS | LA + OC Remodeling

Family owned affordable design+build firm

Specializing in Spanish revival , Modern Mediterranean Organic Design

From A-Z: Architecture | Design | General Contractor | Showroom Details obsessed + Planning perfection