CUSTOM HOME BUILDING PROCESS

From concept to completion—Colonnade makes building your custom home simple, seamless, and even fun.

“We want to build a custom home, but we don’t know where to start.”

We hear this all the time. And we get it—building a custom home can feel overwhelming. But with Colonnade by your side, it won’t be. We've guided families through this process since 1986.
We handle the details—from planning and permitting to construction and final move-in—so you can actually enjoy the experience (and impress your friends with how smooth it was).

“quote from customer Rob Stanton”

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— Rob Stanton, Client (Project Date?)

Step 1: BUDGET

Your total project cost typically includes:

  • Land/Lot

  • Construction (design, materials, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, etc.)

  • Exterior (driveway, landscaping, outdoor living areas)

General rule of thumb: Budget is often 4:1 land to build ratio.


Example: If your total budget is $1,000,000 → approx. $250K for land, $750K for construction.

Step 2: Designing Your Floor Plan

We collaborate with some of the best skilled, efficiency-minded architects and floor plan designers to help you create a home that reflects how you live.

This is a homeowner-driven process—you’ll make key decisions about how many bedrooms, living spaces, and special features you want, all while keeping your budget in mind to design your dream home.

Step 3: Exterior Design

Your home's exterior sets the tone for everything inside. During this phase, you’ll select materials and finishes that define the style and character of your home—brick, stone, siding, roofing, and more. We’ll guide you through the options, helping you balance aesthetic vision with durability, performance, and budget.

Step 4: INTERIOR design

We partner with a professional interior design firm to help you bring your vision to life inside the home. Together, we’ll guide you through selections for cabinetry, lighting, flooring, fixtures, appliances, and finishes—ensuring every detail complements your style and stays within your budget.

Throughout the process, we’ll develop clear specifications and allowances so you can make confident, informed decisions.

Step 5: financing

There are two main ways to finance your custom home with Colonnade.

1. Build + Sell (in select established neighborhoods)

  • Colonnade owns the lot.

  • We build the home to your specifications.

  • You pay a construction deposit and purchase the home at completion.

2. Build on Your Lot

  • You own the land and hire Colonnade as your general contractor.

  • Typically requires a construction-to-perm loan (one loan that covers both construction and permanent mortgage once your home receives a Certificate of Occupancy).

let’s work together

Colonnade Custom Homes has been guiding Atlanta families through the custom homebuilding process since 1986. From initial planning and design through construction and final move-in, our family-led team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience and a home built to last. Contact us to learn more about our process and how we can help you build the home of your dreams.