The Home Build Questions I Get Every Single Week (Finally Answered)
- Dani
- Dec 11, 2025
- 2 min read
I get messages about building a home almost daily.
Some version of:
Where do I even start?
Do I need a GC?
How long does this actually take?
What order does everything happen in?
And every time, I think the same thing — there is no way a DM can do this topic justice.
So instead of half-answers and voice notes sent at midnight, I sat down and worked weewy weewy hawd (iykyk) to put everything into one simple, no-fluff Google Doc you can actually use.
This isn’t something I’m selling.
I don’t make money from sharing it.
It’s just the playbook we wish we had when we started building — and I’m passing it along in hopes it helps even one family chasing the same dream.
Who This Guide Is For
If any of this sounds like you, this was made with you in mind:
First-time homebuilders who want both the big picture and the tiny details
Anyone trying to decide between a general contractor vs. owner-builder
People who love checklists, examples, and real-world explanations
Families who want clarity before they break ground
The Questions I Get Asked the Most
How long does a home build actually take?
Our build took 6 months — but we GC’d it ourselves and my husband is an absolute gangster. Realistically, most builds take 10–18 months, depending on size, complexity, weather, and permitting.
Do I need a general contractor?
Not always, but most lenders do require a licensed GC. The guide breaks down the pros and cons of both routes so you can decide what makes sense for your situation.
What order do contractors come in?
Yes — there is an order, and yes — it matters. I included a simple, easy-to-follow sequence so you know who comes next and why.
Why I Shared This in the First Place
Building a home can feel overwhelming fast. There are a million opinions, a thousand decisions, and not a lot of clear, honest resources that explain things in plain English.
This guide isn’t perfect — and it won’t replace professional advice — but it will help you walk into the process more prepared, more confident, and less stressed.
Open the Guide Here
Note: Requirements vary by city and county. Always confirm local codes, permits, and lender rules. I cover that in the guide too.
If you’ve already used this guide and found it helpful, feel free to share it with someone else who’s building. That’s the whole point! And tag me so I can see the final build on IG :)
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