Considering building a new home in Montgomery County, Virginia? You’re in good company. In Blacksburg alone, new home communities are some of the fast-growing areas in the County, including The Homes at Berry Ridge.
However, if you are navigating the construction process for the first time, the initial process can seem a bit daunting. What kind of timeline can you expect during your new home’s construction? How does permitting and zoning work, and who handles this process?
In this blog from our homebuilding professionals, we will help demystify the new construction process, including practical guidance on building a new home in the Blacksburg area, such as navigating zoning, permits, and construction timelines.
How Long Does a New Home Take in the Blacksburg Area?
Timelines can vary by home size, weather, labor and materials, and when permits are secured. At The Homes at Berry Ridge, the construction phase typically runs about 10–12 months from footer inspection, with design and selections occurring before that. A conservative “design-through-move-in” plan of 12–15 months is a practical expectation for many custom builds.
Here is a basic overview of a typical new construction timeline, from our Berry Ridge building professionals and from other sources such as the Town of Blacksburg’s government website, Virginia Law, and the Montgomery County website (these sources are linked below).
A High-Level Timeline for a New Home Construction in Blacksburg
- Lot reservation and concept design (typically takes 2–3 months): This is when you work with your builder to choose your homesite, refine the plan, obtain preliminary pricing, and start financing.
- Zoning permit set and approvals (1–2 months): Finalize construction drawings; your new home builder submits these through the Town/County portal, and plans and reviews the permit/issuance process.
- Sitework and foundation (1–2 months):Now excavation begins, along with footings, foundation walls, under-slab utilities, and inspections.
- Framing to dry-in (1–2 months): This is when your new home’s structure is erected, roof and windows are installed, and rough MEP inspections are conducted.
- Mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) and insulation (1–2 months): Rough-ins are completed and inspected, and insulation and air sealing are verified per code.
- Finishes and systems (2–3 months): Now it’s time for drywall, trim, cabinets, fixtures, flooring, and paint, along with landscaping, and exterior details for your new home’s design.
- Final inspections, CO, and move-in (2–4 weeks): Finally, it’s time for final building and trade inspections, including obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy.
The Home Construction Process: Key Steps and Phases
At The Homes of Berry Ridge, we get numerous questions surrounding new home constructions in Montgomery County, Virginia. Here is a quick overview of the key phases that you can expect in a new construction, with your builder guiding you through every step.
Step 1: Site Selection, Feasibility, and Early Design
If you’re looking at new homes for sale near Virginia Tech or a custom build in Blacksburg, the first step is confirming that your preferred homesite, plan, and budget align. At The Homes at Berry Ridge, your dedicated team helps you reserve a lot, align on design goals, and set a realistic budget before construction begins.
Zoning basics: Within the Town, zoning determines what can be built on a given parcel (lot size, setbacks, height, and more). Blacksburg provides a public Zoning Districts map and an online portal (OpenGov) that you and your builder can use for zoning and building applications and to track status in one place.
Tip: Ask your builder or realtor to validate setbacks, easements, grading, and utilities early, as these can influence your final plan, driveway location, and foundation type.
Step 2: Financing and Pre-Construction
Most new-construction buyers will secure a construction loan (paid to the builder in scheduled “draws”), which converts to a permanent mortgage near completion. If you’re building at The Homes at Berry Ridge, the team provides guidance on typical down payments and how draws work, including when you can lock your permanent rate.
Selections and budget: During pre-construction, you’ll finalize floor plan details and make selections (exterior materials, cabinets, hardware, fixtures, etc.). Your builder provides hands-on guidance to ensure choices align with your budget and long-term maintenance goals.
Step 3: Permitting — What to Expect
Who files the permits? In most cases, your licensed builder files the permit application(s) and coordinates plan review. In Blacksburg, permit applications and payments are handled online through the Town’s system. Your builder will also coordinate any required trade permits (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.).
What does the reviewer check? Plans are reviewed for compliance with Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Codes (USBC) for structural, life-safety, energy, etc., and local ordinances (zoning and subdivision rules). Blacksburg’s Development Administration staff reviews subdivision and site plans for conformance with the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.
Fees and state levy: Virginia assesses a small statewide levy on local permit fees (currently 2%) to fund code official training. You’ll see this reflected in your permit costs.
Step 4: Inspections During Construction
Once permits are issued and work begins, required inspections occur at key milestones. Typical checkpoints include footings, foundation walls, framing/rough-in (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), insulation, and final, along with additional visits as needed for specialty systems or erosion controls. Virginia’s administrative code details inspection requirements, including the final inspection prior to occupancy. Your builder schedules these with the local building official and addresses any corrections noted.
The Homes at Berry Ridge Can Help You Navigate the Construction Process in Blacksburg
The Homes at Berry Ridge team is here to guide you through your new home construction in Blacksburg, from selecting your new home’s lot to designing your dream home to bringing your home’s vision to life.
Here’s a quick review of the construction process, per the information we’ve provided above:
- Do I need to pull my own permits?
No. Your licensed builder typically handles permitting and inspection coordination. You can view status updates through the Town/County portals. - What inspections should I expect?
Footing, foundation, framing/rough-in, insulation, and final inspections are common checkpoints under the USBC. Your builder will schedule these. - How do zoning and setbacks affect my plan?
Zoning dictates setbacks, height, and use. As we noted earlier, Blacksburg publishes a zoning map and uses an online system to apply for zoning and building permits. - How long will my build take?
At The Homes of Berry Ridge, plan on roughly 10–12 months from footer inspection to completion, plus pre-construction design and permitting time.
Still have questions? Schedule a time for us to answer your questions, walk the Berry Ridge community, and review available homesites for you.