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New Build Timeline

Homes by Thrive Client Experience

Your new home journey

Your roadmap from contract to closing, and beyond. Here's every step you'll take as your new home comes together, plus what's happening on site along the way.

A note on timing: Every home moves at its own pace. Weather, materials, and site conditions can shift construction timing, so these steps show the order of your journey rather than fixed dates. Your Client Experience Manager (CEM) will share timing for your home, including your most accurate completion estimate about 60 days before your home is complete. Select any step to learn more.

Phase 1

Secure your home

Steps 1 to 3
  1. Sign your Purchase Agreement Start here Review and sign through DocuSign. You'll receive a fully executed copy and an introductory email with your next steps.
    • Your agreement sets the terms of your purchase, including your deposit, financing requirements, and deadlines for selections.
    • Take time to review it carefully before signing so you're comfortable with every term.
    • Your introductory email covers financing deadlines, design selection timelines, and community guidelines.
  2. Submit your initial deposit After signing A 5% deposit reserves your lot and home and is applied toward your purchase at closing.
    • For new builds, the deposit is 5% of the base purchase price. For quick delivery homes, it's 5% of the final purchase price.
    • You can pay by check or ACH. Checks typically process within one week, and ACH deposits within three business days.
    • Your CEM will share payment instructions and can answer any questions about how your deposit is calculated.
  3. Submit mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds Within 7 days of signing Share a pre-approval letter from your lender, or a proof of funds statement if you're paying cash.
    • Reach out to your preferred lender early to start the pre-approval process.
    • Paying cash? A recent statement from your bank or financial institution works as proof of funds.
    • Once your pre-approval is in, we'll ask for your lender's contact information so we can stay aligned through closing.
Phase 2

Personalize your home

Steps 4 to 8
Behind the scenes: Building permit Selections added to your construction plans
  1. Complete structural selections Within 7 business days of signing Choose your layout options with your CEM, then sign through DocuSign. Once signed, structural selections are final.
    • Your CEM will walk you through available options, pricing ranges, and floor plan visuals.
    • You can finalize selections in person, by phone, or by email.
    • After signing, your selections go to permitting and construction planning.
  2. Attend your Client Experience Orientation Scheduled by your CEM Walk through the road ahead and your deadlines, and get a live demo of Foundation, your homeowner portal.
    • We'll review major milestones, your action items, and the decisions ahead.
    • Foundation is where you'll track progress, access documents, and see your next steps.
    • Bring your questions, and have your email and a device handy for the portal walkthrough.
  3. Complete design selections Within 60 days of your designer introduction Choose finishes, fixtures, and materials with your Interior Designer over two three-hour appointments.
    • Your CEM will introduce you to your Interior Designer by email. Schedule both appointments together, with the first within 10 days of your introduction.
    • Before your first appointment, complete the design selections survey and review options and pricing in Buildertrend.
    • Bring notes, photos, and inspiration. Bringing a budget can also help guide your choices.
    • Looking for something outside our standard selections? Ask your designer about requesting a non-standard option.
  4. Complete low voltage selections Within 30 days of your introduction Pick security, smart home, audio/visual, and networking features with our low voltage partner.
    • Your CEM will introduce you to our low voltage partner once your design selections are complete.
    • Options include security and monitoring, home automation, built-in audio/visual, and enhanced networking.
    • You'll review a detailed invoice, and your selections will be reflected in your final purchase price.
  5. Complete electric selections Within 30 days Personalize outlets, lighting, dimmers, and ceiling fans with your Interior Designer.
    • Your Interior Designer will reach out within 7 days after your low voltage selections are approved.
    • Think ahead about where extra outlets, under-cabinet lighting, or other upgrades would make your space work better.
    • You'll review a detailed invoice, and your selections will be reflected in your final purchase price.
Phase 3

Build your home

Steps 9 to 11
Behind the scenes: Excavation Foundation Framing HVAC, plumbing & electric rough-in Insulation Drywall Floors & walls Trim & paint HVAC, plumbing & electric finish
  1. Attend your Construction Orientation Once all selections are final Review your plans and site layout, and meet the Construction Manager who will oversee your build.
    • Confirm your structural, design, low voltage, and electric selections, plus any approved change orders.
    • Review details like tile layouts, cabinetry, patios, and the placement of exterior features such as hose bibs, meters, and AC units.
    • Your Construction Manager will explain each phase of construction so you know what to expect.
  2. Submit your additional deposit After design selections 10% of your design selections and approved change orders. It secures your upgrades and is applied at closing.
    • Your CEM will share your final design selections pricing so you can review and approve any change orders.
    • This deposit lets us add your choices to the construction plans and begin ordering materials.
    • Submit it within the timeframe in your Purchase Agreement, using the same payment options as your initial deposit.
  3. Attend your Pre-Drywall Orientation After rough-ins are complete Walk the site to review plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and framing before the walls are closed.
    • You'll receive at least one week's notice to schedule.
    • Your CEM and Construction Manager will guide you through the home. Wear closed-toe shoes or boots, and we'll provide hard hats.
    • This is your chance to confirm everything matches your selections, so any adjustments can happen before drywall.
Phase 4

Prepare for closing

Steps 12 to 14
Behind the scenes: Exterior finishes Quality assurance Final inspections
  1. Receive your Completion Estimate Notification About 60 days before completion Construction is in its final stages. Connect with your lender, and wait for a confirmed closing date before setting moving plans.
    • This date is still an estimate. Your CEM will confirm your closing date.
    • Check in with your lender on next steps, or make sure your proof of funds is current if you're paying cash.
    • Avoid large purchases or financial changes that could affect your loan, and start preparing for closing costs.
    • Begin thinking about utilities, but hold off on scheduling activation until your CEM lets you know it's time.
  2. Attend your New Home Orientation As your home nears completion A one to two hour walkthrough of your home's systems, care tips, and any final touch-ups. It's required before closing can be scheduled.
    • Your Construction Manager will guide you room by room through heating and cooling, appliances, plumbing, and routine maintenance.
    • We'll confirm your selections and finishes are installed as expected.
    • Any touch-ups will be documented, with a plan for completing anything that can't be finished before closing.
    • Your closing date will be set no sooner than two weeks after this orientation.
  3. Set up utilities Just before closing Transfer utilities into your name so service is active by closing day. Your CEM will let you know when it's time.
    • Review your Purchase Agreement and HOA documents to see which utilities are your responsibility.
    • Depending on your community or home type, some services may be set up for you by Thrive or your condominium association.
    • Not sure who handles what? Just ask your CEM.
Phase 5

Welcome home

Steps 15 to 17
  1. Attend your Welcome Home Orientation Closing day A final check that HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliances work as expected, right before you sign.
    • This walkthrough focuses on function, confirming your home is safe, complete, and move-in ready.
    • We'll confirm that touch-ups from earlier walkthroughs have been resolved.
    • Bring any notes from your New Home Orientation.
  2. Attend closing Closing day Sign with the title company, then receive your keys and closing package. Congratulations, you're a Homeowner!
    • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, and make sure all buyers or co-borrowers attend.
    • Have proof of homeowner's insurance ready, and wire your remaining balance to the title company ahead of time using the instructions from your lender and title company.
    • Your CEM will review community information and share your closing package, including warranty documents and appliance manuals.
  3. Attend your Post-Closing Home Review 2 to 4 weeks after closing Your CEM and Construction Manager visit your home to check in and answer questions.
    • We'll revisit key systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, with tips for routine maintenance.
    • Any open items from earlier walkthroughs will be confirmed as complete or scheduled.
    • It's a great time to ask about appliances, warranty coverage, and HOA guidelines.

After you move in

One-year limited warranty

Coverage begins on your closing date and transfers with the home.

Home review appointments

We'll reach out around 60 days and 11 months after closing to schedule your reviews.

Warranty requests

Submit and track requests anytime in the Foundation app. In an emergency, call 911 or the appropriate contractor first.

Questions along the way?

Your Client Experience Manager is your main point of contact from contract to closing and beyond. You can also reach us at info@homesbythrive.com.