Building Bold: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your New Home
Building a new home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. From choosing a lot to turning the key, each phase has its own costs, timeline, and decisions to make. At BoldRoot Builders, we guide homeowners through every step, ensuring the process is clear, manageable, and tailored to Vermont’s unique landscapes and building codes.
1. Land Acquisition and Site Preparation
Finding the right property and preparing it for construction is the foundation of a successful build. This includes evaluating topography, soil, drainage, access, selective clearing, grading, and erosion control. Rural or forested lots may also require utility access, water management, and driveway construction.
Estimated cost: $40,000–$130,000 (depending on lot size, terrain, septic/utility needs and required clearing)
Timeline: 8–24weeks
For a detailed breakdown of building on a forested lot, including costs, timelines, and what to expect during site prep,
see our post: From Forest to Foundation: What It Takes to Build a Home on a Wooded Lot.
2. Design and Planning
Your home’s design sets the tone for everything that follows. Architects and builders work together to create floor plans, select materials, and integrate energy efficiency and site-specific features.
Estimated cost: $5,000–$30,000 (depending on complexity and architectural detail)
Timeline: 4–12 weeks
Key Considerations: Review iterations, municipal approvals, and budgeting for upgrades or changes.
3. Permits and Approvals
Getting approval from local and state authorities is essential before any construction can begin. This includes building permits, septic or wastewater approvals, and driveway or access permits.
Estimated cost: $2,000–$15,000
Timeline: 4–12 weeks (often overlaps with design phase)
4. Foundation
The foundation is critical to long-term durability. Depending on your site, this could be a slab, crawl space, or full basement. Some Vermont lots require ledge removal or engineered footings for slopes.
Estimated cost: $30,000–$70,000
Timeline: 3–6 weeks
5. Framing and Structural Work
Once the foundation is in place, the skeleton of your home goes up. Framing defines your floor plan, walls, rooflines, and overall structural integrity.
Estimated cost: $80,000–$250,000 (varies with size and complexity)
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
6. Systems Installation
This phase includes plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and insulation. Proper coordination ensures efficiency and compliance with Vermont building codes.
Estimated cost: $40,000–$80,000
Timeline: 3–6 weeks
7. Exterior Finishes
Roofing, siding, windows, and doors go on at this stage, providing weather protection and curb appeal.
Estimated cost: $40,000–$100,000
Timeline: 3–6 weeks
8. Interior Finishes
Drywall, flooring, cabinets, painting, trim, and fixtures bring your home to life. This is where design choices truly show.
Estimated cost: $80,000–$250,000
Timeline: 6–12 weeks
9. Final Touches and Landscaping
Before moving in, final inspections, appliances, and landscaping complete the home. Driveways, decks, porches, and outdoor features are installed.
Estimated cost: $10,000–$80,000
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Total Cost and Timeline Overview
Building a new home in Vermont can range from $350,000 to $700,000+, depending on size, finishes, and site conditions. From land purchase to move-in, most builds take 8–12 months, with site complexity, weather, and permitting influencing the timeline.
The BoldRoot Approach
Building bold means planning every phase carefully, budgeting realistically, and working with a builder who understands Vermont’s terrain, climate, and regulations. With the right guidance, your new home isn’t just a house—it’s a space built to last, designed for your lifestyle, and rooted in the landscape you love.