When planning a luxury custom home in Miami, one of the most common questions clients ask is: “How long will it take from start to finish?” The answer depends on many factors—but if you already own the land, you’re ahead of the game. From the initial architectural design to final construction, building a luxury home in Miami typically takes 18 to 27 months. In this article, we’ll walk you through each phase so you can better understand the timeline and what to expect.
1. Architectural Design & Planning (3–6 months)
This is where your vision begins to take shape. During this phase, we:
• Get to know your lifestyle, needs, and aesthetic preferences.
• Develop a concept that aligns with the site, views, orientation, and local climate.
• Produce architectural drawings and collaborate with consultants (structural, MEP,
landscape, interior design).
• Refine the design through client feedback until it’s ready for submission.
In a luxury custom project, the design phase is rarely rushed—it’s where the soul of the home is designed. Expect this stage to take 3 to 6 months, depending on complexity and decision- making pace.
2. Permit Approvals & City Reviews (3–6 months)
Miami and surrounding areas have complex permitting processes, especially for oceanfront or high-end residential properties. This phase includes:
• Submitting plans to the local building department (e.g., Miami-Dade County or local
municipality).
• Zoning and code compliance reviews.
• Structural and environmental approvals, when necessary.
• Possible presentations to design review boards or planning commissions.
Permit timelines vary widely by municipality. In some areas, approvals can move swiftly; in
others, backlogs or reviews can stretch the process. Realistically, 3 to 6 months is a safe range to
expect.
3. Construction (12–15 months)
Once permits are issued, construction can begin. For a well-executed luxury home, the build phase typically includes:
• Site preparation and foundation work.
• Concrete structure or framing (many high-end homes in Miami are built with concrete block, and poured concrete for durability and safety).
• Roofing, windows, and exterior finishes.
• Interior partitions, MEP installations, and insulation.
• High-end interior finishes, cabinetry, millwork, lighting, and custom detailing.
• Landscape, pool, and exterior hardscape.
A custom luxury home in Miami often takes 12 to 15 months to build, depending on size, material availability, weather conditions, and how streamlined the contractor and trades are.
What Can Affect the Timeline?
Several factors can speed up—or slow down—your project:
• Client decision-making: Timely approvals on design and finishes help keep things moving.
• HOA or community regulations: Additional design reviews can add months.
• Supply chain issues: Custom finishes or imported materials may lead to delays.
• Hurricane season: Miami’s weather may temporarily halt construction during major storms.
Total Timeline: 18 to 27 Months
From the moment you hire an architect to the day you move in, a realistic timeframe for building a luxury home in Miami is 18 to 27 months, assuming you already own the land.
Working with a full-service architecture firm that leads the project from design through construction can help ensure every phase flows smoothly, with fewer surprises and better communication.
Planning Your Dream Home?
At Ginard Studio, we specialize in luxury residential design in Miami. We guide our clients through every phase—from the first sketch to the final walk-through—so your home is not only beautiful, but thoughtfully tailored to how you live.
Ready to start planning? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
