Custom new home construction is a comprehensive design-build service designed to take you from raw land to move-in day: Mosier Reisom Construction & Engineering combines in-house engineering, construction management, and transparent planning to deliver on-time, on-budget projects. We go beyond basic homebuilding by structuring every project with early feasibility reviews, phased budgeting, and coordinated permit management so you avoid surprises and delays before they happen.
Our team brings extensive experience in design-build new construction across Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, and the greater Atlanta metro. We handle site assessment, architectural coordination, structural engineering, permit processing, and full construction management under one accountable team, eliminating the communication gaps and cost overruns that come from hiring multiple separate contractors.
Starting Budget Ranges for Custom Homes in Lawrenceville
Understanding what you'll actually pay: and what drives that number: is the first step to confident planning. Georgia custom home costs range widely based on finish level, square footage, and site complexity, but we structure every estimate around transparency and realistic expectations.
Basic/Builder-Grade Homes
$150–$200 per square foot | Starting at approximately $375,000–$500,000 for a 2,500 sq ft home
These homes follow pre-designed or semi-custom floor plans with standard finishes, builder-grade appliances, and limited customization. This tier works well for first-time builders or clients focused on maximizing square footage within a controlled budget.
Mid-Range Custom Homes
$200–$350 per square foot | $500,000–$875,000 for a 2,500 sq ft home
True custom construction with personalized floor plans, quality material selections, upgraded finishes, and design flexibility. This is where most of our clients land: homes that balance individual style, durability, and long-term value without unnecessary extras.
High-End/Luxury Homes
$350–$500+ per square foot | $875,000–$1,250,000+ for a 2,500 sq ft home
Bespoke architecture, premium or internationally sourced materials, advanced systems (smart home integration, multi-zone HVAC, custom millwork), and specialty features like wine cellars, home theaters, or commercial-grade outdoor kitchens.
What's Not Included in Per-Square-Foot Pricing
The numbers above cover construction from foundation to final finishes, but your total project budget must account for:
- Land acquisition: Georgia averages approximately $30,000 per acre, with variations based on location and utilities availability
- Site preparation: Grading ($5,000–$20,000), land clearing ($1,300–$6,000), geotechnical survey if required ($375–$750)
- Architectural and engineering fees: $10,000–$60,000 depending on design complexity and structural requirements
- Permits and inspections: Up to $5,000 in Gwinnett County for residential new construction
- Utilities connection: Costs vary by site; water/sewer tap fees, electrical service upgrades, and gas line extensions can add $10,000–$30,000+ in rural or undeveloped areas
We provide itemized estimates that break out every category: no buried line items or vague "allowances" that turn into change orders later.
The New Home Construction Roadmap: What to Expect Start to Finish
Building a custom home isn't one project: it's a coordinated sequence of 30+ handoffs, inspections, and deliveries managed in the right order. Our roadmap keeps you informed at every milestone while protecting your budget and schedule.
Phase 1: Pre-Construction Planning (4–8 weeks)
This is where most budget surprises are prevented or guaranteed. We start with feasibility analysis: not renderings.
- Site assessment: Topography, drainage, utilities access, setback restrictions, and easements
- Soils and geotechnical testing (if required): Foundation type and depth recommendations
- Schematic design: Floor plan development aligned to your lifestyle, budget, and lot constraints
- Structural engineering coordination: Load calculations, spans, and material specs before pricing
- Preliminary budgeting: Category-by-category cost breakdown with line-item transparency
- Permit strategy: Timeline and document preparation for Gwinnett County submittal
At this stage, we ask you to lock in major selections: not finishes, but decisions that affect engineering and pricing (square footage, foundation type, roof complexity, garage configuration). This prevents "design creep" from turning your mid-range budget into a luxury one.
Phase 2: Design Finalization + Permitting (4–10 weeks)
- Final architectural plans and structural engineering drawings completed
- Permit application submitted to Gwinnett County Building Department (typical approval: 3–6 weeks)
- Material and finish selections finalized: Flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, appliances, exterior finishes
- Construction contract and schedule locked in with phased payment milestones
- Pre-construction meeting to review sequencing, site logistics, and communication protocols
Phase 3: Sitework + Foundation (3–5 weeks)
- Clearing, grading, and erosion control installation
- Utility rough-ins: Water, sewer, electrical service, gas lines brought to site
- Foundation construction: Slab, crawl space, or basement depending on design and soils report
- Foundation inspection (required before framing begins)
Weather delays are most common during this phase: we build float time into the schedule and communicate proactively if timelines shift.
Phase 4: Framing + Dry-In (6–10 weeks)
- Framing: Floor systems, walls, roof structure, engineered beams and trusses
- Framing inspection
- Exterior sheathing, house wrap, windows, and doors installed
- Roofing completed (home is now "dried in" and weather-protected)
- Rough-in stage: HVAC ductwork, plumbing lines, electrical wiring, low-voltage (data, security, audio)
- Rough-in inspections (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
This is the most visible construction phase and where sequencing discipline matters most: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical can't cross paths without engineering coordination.
Phase 5: Insulation, Drywall, Interior Finishes (8–12 weeks)
- Insulation installed and inspected
- Drywall hung, taped, textured, and primed
- Interior trim: Doors, baseboards, crown molding, stair railings
- Cabinetry and countertops installed
- Flooring: Hardwood, tile, carpet, LVP depending on selections
- Painting completed
- Plumbing and electrical trim-out: Fixtures, outlets, switches, lighting installed
- HVAC startup and balancing
Phase 6: Final Inspections + Walkthrough (1–2 weeks)
- Final building inspection and certificate of occupancy (CO) issued
- Utility activation: Power, water, gas meters set
- Client walkthrough and punch list review
- Warranty documentation and maintenance instructions provided
Total Timeline: Most custom homes in Gwinnett County take 8–14 months from permit submittal to move-in, depending on size, finish complexity, and weather. Larger or more architecturally complex projects can extend to 16–18 months.
Why Design-Build Matters for New Construction
The traditional homebuilding model splits design and construction into separate contracts: architect draws, builder prices, engineer redraws, builder reprices. Every handoff is a chance for miscommunication, unforeseen costs, and finger-pointing when problems arise.
Our design-build approach puts architecture, engineering, and construction under one accountable team. That means:
- Feasibility checks happen during design, not after you've fallen in love with a plan that's over budget or structurally impractical
- Value engineering is proactive, not reactive: we identify cost-saving alternatives before pricing, not as "options to cut" later
- Permit readiness is built in: our plans are drawn to Gwinnett County standards the first time, reducing review cycles and resubmittal delays
- One point of contact for design questions, budget updates, and schedule changes: no passing blame between architect, engineer, and builder
We don't just manage the build: we manage the entire delivery process from concept to CO.
Permits and Process in Gwinnett County
Every new home in Gwinnett County requires a building permit, and the process is non-negotiable. Here's what that involves and how we handle it:
- Plan review: Submitted plans must meet International Residential Code (IRC) standards and local amendments. Review typically takes 3–6 weeks.
- Required inspections: Foundation, framing, rough-in (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), insulation, final building, final electrical, final mechanical, final plumbing.
- Fees: Permit costs are calculated based on project valuation (typically $3,000–$5,000 for residential new construction).
We manage permit coordination, inspection scheduling, and code compliance documentation so you don't have to chase county offices or worry about failed inspections delaying your project.
For more detail on Gwinnett permitting timelines and requirements, see our Permits in Gwinnett County guide.
What We Need From You to Start
Before we can provide an accurate budget and timeline, we need three pieces of information:
- Where you're building: Lot address or general area (Lawrenceville, Dacula, Buford, Snellville, etc.): this affects permitting timelines, utility costs, and site preparation
- Your target budget range: Not just construction costs, but your total project budget including land, fees, and contingency
- Your ideal move-in date: This determines if your timeline is realistic and whether permit/weather delays could affect it
These three filters let us tell you immediately if your project is feasible as planned, or if adjustments are needed before we spend time on preliminary design.
Ready to start your custom home project in Lawrenceville or Gwinnett County?
Call or text 770-274-4277 with:
(1) Where you're building
(2) Your target budget range
(3) Your move-in goal date
We'll tell you the real path forward: no sales pitch, just an honest feasibility conversation based on engineering, permitting realities, and current construction costs.
Mosier Reisom Construction & Engineering delivers custom new home construction with precision, accountability, and transparent project management. We're your trusted design-build partner for on-time, on-budget custom homes in Lawrenceville, GA and the greater Atlanta metro.