HomeBlog Home
Raleigh Real Estate
Moving to

Building Your Dream Home in Raleigh: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Feb 15, 2025 8 min read
Share to X
Share to Facebook
Share to Linkedin
Copy Link
Building Your Dream Home in Raleigh: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chapters
01
Choose Your Builder
02
Set Your Budget
03
Select Your Lot and Floor Plan
04
Obtain the Correct Permits
05
Construction Phase
06
Exterior Finishes
07
Final Walkthrough and Interior Design

Building Your Dream Home in Raleigh: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you planning on building your next home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and want to learn more about the process? Here is everything you need to know about building your dream home in Raleigh. 

Building a home can be a long and tedious process. You will need to think about everything that goes into your new home and plan your living situation while it is being built. 

No matter why you decide to build your dream home rather than buy one, ensure it fits your budget, lifestyle, preferences, and family size. In any case, remember to be flexible because you may need to forgo a prime location, a specific type of home, or anything else to save money. 

Building a home in any area can seem intimidating. Raleigh is becoming increasingly popular due to its high quality of life. Numbeo recently ranked Raleigh as the #1 city for quality of life in the United States and the second-best city for quality of life worldwide. 

Building your home is less stressful than entering a bidding war and can be far more cost-efficient. This way, you can guarantee that you will love every part of your home, from the minor details. Before you start the building process, you must understand each step to make any costly mistakes. 

Keep reading to learn all about how to build your dream home in Raleigh. 

1. Choose Your Builder

Finding the right custom home builder is one of the most important steps in the building process. To find the perfect person for the job, ensure you ask the right questions. You should look for an experienced, reliable, and trustworthy builder. 

According to the National Association of Home Builders, this is how you should choose a home builder: 

  • Research home builders in your area
  • Reach out to friends and family for recommendations
  • Visit and tour new homes in the area
  • Ensure the builder has a reputable business
  • Inquire about contracts, pricing, and payment schedules
  • Ask about the builder's business practices
  • Learn their level of customer service
  • Ask about their experience
  • View their portfolio
  • Ask for references

Most importantly, you'll want your builder to have a good reputation. You can ensure this by asking for references, meeting with the builder, or checking with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. 

You should also work with an experienced real estate agent. They can act as a neutral third party and aid you in communications with the builder. Many real estate agents may know of experienced builders they could recommend. You will work closely with the builder and real estate agent, so ensure they are people you can trust and rely on to get the job done. 

Finding the Right Builder

2. Set Your Budget

While building a home may be less costly than renovating or buying a home, there are still many expenses to prepare for. Establishing a detailed budget for your custom home will allow you to create financial boundaries and ensure you can afford the home you want. 

The cost of land and its preparation will vary greatly depending on its size and location. Preparation will include grading, excavation, and landscaping. It is recommended that you keep this cost of land below 25% of your entire budget.

You should sit down with your builder and list all the features you want in your home. Make sure you are specific about the materials, finishes, and fixtures you want. You can research the costs of each item and include labor costs associated with installing each item.

Similarly to buying a home, you should always prepare for unexpected expenses or changes in the building process. Try to save 10% to 20% of your overall budget for this category. 

With your builder, categorize the cost of each construction phase, including design, site preparation, foundation, framing, roofing, and finishing. This will ensure you have accounted for every expense and avoid any surprises. On average, you can expect to pay around $451,500 to build a home in North Carolina, and new home construction can take up to one year to be completed, according to Houzeo

3. Select Your Lot and Floor Plan

Before officially meeting with your builder, ensure you have a firm idea of the location of your home and how you want it to look. When planning your home, you will have three options: a pre-built home, a tract home, or a fully custom home. 

Pre-built homes are already built and are based on your location. This can be moved to a plot of land if you decide. A tract home is similar to a catalog house; you choose the model, add personal touches, and builders create it in your chosen neighborhood. Finally, a custom home gives you the most room for personalization. You can design this type of home from scratch. However, this is the most expensive home type to build. 

While deciding on the lot and floor plan, consider your family size and plans. You should account for any future children and the growing population in your area. In Raleigh, the population is growing exponentially. You may pick a vacant lot now, but many things could be built around it in a couple of years. Depending on the location and amenities you crave, you may face limits on your home size, so keep that in mind. 

Home Floor Plan

4. Obtain the Correct Permits

Before breaking ground on construction, you need to secure all necessary permits. Construction, zoning, grading, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical permits are all required in building a home. Obtaining all the necessary permits can take up to a week or more. 

In Raleigh, you can visit the Permit and Development Portal for single-family homes and one- and two-family homes. Suppose your home is in a Historic District or designated as a Raleigh Historic Landmark. In that case, you must submit a Certificate of Appropriateness to the Raleigh Historical Development Commission (RHDC). 

Ensure to complete and submit a Residential Permit Application to [email protected]

Building Permits

5. Construction Phase

Unless you are a professional contractor, the actual building of your home is better left up to the professionals. Ensure you constantly contact your contractors and agents to stay up-to-date with construction. 

Although you should let the contractor take the main role in construction, it is still your home, after all. If you have any opinions or suggestions about your home, don't be shy about making them. 

In Raleigh, the first step of construction typically involves clearing the debris from the construction zone, leveling the site, installing the foundation, and determining the type of plumbing and waste management. The next step is framing with wood from your blueprint. 

Several subcontractors typically complete the final steps at once. Electricians, plumbers, drywall experts, and others come in to complete their tasks. Towards the end, flooring, painting, and finishing touches on the interior will be completed. 

6. Exterior Finishes

The exterior preps include adding sides, doors, and roofing. When choosing an exterior finish for a home, consider the following:

  • Design: Consider your aesthetic preferences and design ideas. 
  • Fiber cement is a durable, fire—and weather-resistant siding material mainly used as a roofing material. 
  • Stucco: Stucco is one of the most popular exterior finishes as it is durable and high-quality. 
  • Vinyl: Vinyl is a low-cost and durable option that is easy to maintain. 
  • Brick: Brick is used throughout Raleigh as a timeless siding material. Exposed brick can crumble quickly unless it is adequately protected by parking. 
  • Stone: Many homeowners opt for stone for its natural feel and appearance. Granite and slate have a long life and don't require excess maintenance. 

Ensure you think hard about the type of exterior finish you want. Like curb appeal, this is one of the first things visitors will notice about your home. 

Home Exterior

7. Final Walkthrough and Interior Design

Before you close on the home, you will complete a final walkthrough like you would when buying a home. An inspection is completed to ensure everything is up to your standards. 

Here, you can determine if anything needs to be fixed. Then, all you need to do is sign paperwork and move in. Now, you are free to express your style through interior design. 

Interior Design

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine everything you need to know about building a home in Raleigh, NC. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

  • Houzeo
  • WECT 6 News
  • National Association of Home Builders

FAQ: Building Your Dream Home in Raleigh

Here are some commonly asked questions about building a home in Raleigh, NC.

How do I start building my dream home?

One of the most important things to do when building a dream home is to set a realistic budget and assemble your team. Be honest about how much you can afford and what is realistic with the team you're working with. 

How much does it cost to build a house in Raleigh?

The price of building a home will vary greatly depending on its size, shape, and location. Raleigh is becoming an increasingly popular area to move to. As a result, the average price to build a home in NC is about $301,500, according to Houzeo.

What is the most challenging stage in building a house?

The most challenging stage of building a house is waiting for something to happen. The process will be long and tedious sometimes, and you may not see much activity on your home site. 

What is the easiest type of house to build?

The easiest and generally most affordable home to build is a ranch-style house. Since it has an open floor plan and is available in a rectangle or U-shaped layout, it can be much easier to build. 

What is the most expensive phase of building a house?

Framing is generally the most expensive phase of building a home. It typically consists of wooded beams that make up the home's skeleton, and it should also be one of the most important phases. 

Building Your Dream Home in Raleigh - The Bottom Line

While building your home from scratch may seem like the best option, ensure you understand that it is a long and stressful process. However, once you're living in your beautiful home, it will all be worth it.

Follow our guide to avoid all the easy home-building mistakes, whether you are a first-time homeowner or a ten-time homeowner. Consider your must-haves and nice-to-haves when building your home. You may have to deal with issues surrounding construction, renovation, and interior design (all while staying on budget). 

Raleigh is known as a wonderful place for families, students, young adults, and retirees to live. There is an abundance of things to do no matter your age, excellent school districts, and safe neighborhoods throughout the city. All you need to do is find the best location for your home, and you can start building. 

Before you build a home near Raleigh, North Carolina, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know that buying a home can be overwhelming, but a real estate agent can walk you through the entire process.

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Choose Your Builder
02
Set Your Budget
03
Select Your Lot and Floor Plan
04
Obtain the Correct Permits
05
Construction Phase
06
Exterior Finishes
07
Final Walkthrough and Interior Design

Related Blogs

15 Things To Know BEFORE Moving to Raleigh NC {2025 Guide}
Apr 14, 2025 15 min read
15 Things To Know BEFORE Moving to Raleigh NC {2025 Guide}

Anyone moving to or considering moving to Raleigh, NC, should read this article first. People love living in Raleigh, and if you're curious about it, you'll probably want to check out the homes for sale.If you're considering moving to Raleigh, contact us so we can help with your relocation.Once you finish this article, you may still have questions - please join our moving to Raleigh Facebook grou

Guide to Best Places to Live in North Carolina
May 21, 2025 9 min read
Guide to Best Places to Live in North Carolina

Are you moving to North Carolina? Let's discover the best places to live in NC with information on population, median home price, and average income. North Carolina continues to attract new residents with its unique blend of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and Southern charm. From the towering Appalachian Mountains to the serene coastline of the Outer Banks, the Tar Heel State offers divers

Pros and Cons of Renovating a Home vs. Building a New One
Jul 17, 2025 9 min read
Pros and Cons of Renovating a Home vs. Building a New One

There are many ways to become a homeowner, but buying new construction is not your only option. From cost to creative freedom, here are the pros and cons of renovating a home vs. building a new one.Becoming a first-time homeowner can be a roller coaster with highs and lows. First-time homeowners have to deal with issues surrounding construction, renovation, and interior design (all while staying

Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home
Jan 23, 2024 9 min read
Common Things to Look Out for Before Buying Your Dream Home

Are you interested in buying your dream home and are wondering what things you should look out for before buying it? Here are some common things to be aware of before purchasing a home. Buying your dream home is something that everyone wants to do. Whether your personal preference is a modernized urban home or a suburban home in a large neighborhood, everyone wants something different that fits t

Related Properties

What's your home worth?
Have a top local Realtor give you a FREE Comparative Market Analysis