How the process shifts depending on what you’re building
Why Project Type Matters
While all construction projects follow similar steps, planning, design, permitting, and construction, the specifics can vary a lot depending on what you’re building. A remodel doesn’t carry the same permitting burden as a new home, and an ADU may trigger different zoning or utility rules than an addition.
This page breaks down the four most common residential project types so you can understand how your path may differ depending on your goals.
Custom Home
A custom home is a new structure built from the ground up on undeveloped or cleared land. It’s the most complex and involved project type.
What’s typically involved:
- Full architectural design and engineering
- Site planning, grading, and utility connections
- Structural, civil, and sometimes MEP engineering
- Full plan set submission for permitting
- Coordination with the city, surveyors, and consultants
Timeline:
Longest of all residential project types. The planning, permitting, and build-out can take well over a year depending on scope and jurisdiction.
Budget:
Highest total cost, but cost per square foot varies based on design, site conditions, and finish level.
Common delivery methods:
Design-bid-build, architect + GC, or custom home builders with in-house teams.
Remodel
A remodel updates or improves part of an existing structure. It can range from light cosmetic changes to full gut renovations. Understanding the type of remodel you’re planning helps determine what professionals you’ll need and how much preconstruction work is required.
Types of Remodels:
- Cosmetic Remodel
- Examples: paint, flooring, lighting, cabinets
- Usually doesn’t require permits or plans
- Short timeline, low budget
- Moderate Remodel
- Examples: moving non-structural walls, adding lighting or outlets, light plumbing
- May require simple permit sets
- Medium budget, timeline varies
- Major Remodel
- Examples: kitchen or bath gut remodels, structural changes, full layout rework
- Requires permit drawings and potentially structural input
- Longer timeline, higher budget
- Whole-House Renovation
- Full interior reconfiguration, system upgrades, and finish replacement
- Often requires vacating the home during construction
- Permitting and team coordination similar to new construction
Common considerations:
- Hidden conditions during demo (dry rot, outdated framing, asbestos)
- Must verify what’s grandfathered in or no longer to code
- Utility upgrades or electrical panel changes may be needed
Delivery methods:
Design-build is common for efficiency, though larger projects may benefit from an architect-led team.
Addition
An addition expands your home’s footprint or livable area—either out, up, or into previously unused space. These are significant construction projects and usually treated like new builds in terms of permitting.
Types of additions:
- New room or wing
- Second-story addition
- Garage conversion into living space
- Bump-outs or expansions of existing rooms
What’s typically involved:
- Architectural and structural plans
- Zoning compliance: setbacks, lot coverage, and FAR limits
- Tie-in to existing foundation, rooflines, and systems
- Site access planning and possibly temporary utilities
Common challenges:
- Foundation work and structural integration
- Working around an occupied home
- Costs of upgrading existing systems to support more space
Delivery methods:
Design-build firms or architect + GC depending on scope and code requirements.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
An ADU is a self-contained residential unit built on the same property as a primary home. These projects are increasingly popular but come with specific local zoning, utility, and permitting requirements.
Types of ADUs:
- Detached backyard unit
- Attached addition
- Garage conversion
- Basement apartment
What’s involved:
- Separate kitchen, bathroom, entrance
Local ADU code compliance (size, height, parking, etc.) - Full utility tie-ins (water, sewer, gas, electric)
- May require upgrades to the main home’s panel or fire separation walls
Challenges to expect:
- Zoning limitations and permitting complexity
- High cost per square foot due to compact space with full systems
- Utility capacity and service upgrades
- Site access for construction
Delivery methods:
Design-build is most common for simplicity, though some owners hire an architect and use a permit expeditor to help navigate local requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Category | Custom Home | Remodel (varies) | Addition | ADU |
Scope | Full new structure | Cosmetic to structural | Expanding existing home | Separate unit on same lot |
Permit Required | Always | Often (depends on scope) | Yes | Yes |
Common Surprises | Soil, grading, access | Hidden damage, outdated work | Tie-in structural issues | Zoning, utility upgrades |
Team Needed | Architect + engineers | Varies – GC or architect | Architect + GC or design-build | Design-build or architect + expeditor |
Budget Range | High total | Wide range | Moderate to high | High (per sq ft) |
Timeline | Long | Short to moderate | Moderate to long | Moderate to long |
What’s Next: Understanding Project Timelines
Now that you have a clearer picture of what type of project you’re planning, the next step is understanding how long it might take. Timelines vary based on many factors, your project type, delivery method, local permitting process, weather, financing, and even how your team works.
Some projects can move quickly from design to construction. Others may take months before a shovel hits the ground.
Head to Project Timelines to learn what affects your schedule, how to set realistic expectations, and how to avoid common delays, no matter what you’re building.