Our Process
Over the past 30 years, we’ve refined a process that turns complex home build projects into enjoyable, rewarding experiences for our WJBC clients. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, our design-build approach is built on trust, transparency, and thoughtful execution—so you can feel confident every step of the way. Explore how we bring your vision to life with clarity, craftsmanship, and care.
PHASE ONE I PHASE TWO I PHASE THREE
PHASE ONE:
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
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BUDGET FORECASTING
The first requirement of any new home or remodeling project is to have basic idea of what you are going to build, the timeframe, and the associated costs. During Phase 1, we will develop schematics or loose concepts of your home design and a budget forecast.
PHASE TWO:
PRELIMINARY DESIGN
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SPECIFICATIONS
Now that we have a basic design and budget established, the next step is to specify the systems in your home, such as heating and air, septic, and electrical. The work here will be in making sure those systems are integrated into the design and bringing the schematic drawings to full scale drawings.
PHASE THREE:
DETAILED SELECTIONS
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PRE-CONSTRUCTION
Final step is to furnish the construction documents, or “blueprints” that will be used to build your home and define your selections. The blueprints will reflect all of the systems and specifications that were established in phase two. Your blueprints will illustrate all of the requirements and details to turn in to the permitting offices and complete construction. During this phase, you will work with our team to finish your selections.
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A design-build firm like Will Johnson Building Company offers both residential home design and construction under one roof. This integrated approach streamlines communication, minimizes delays, and ensures that your home is designed with your budget, lifestyle, and timeline in mind from day one. It’s a seamless process that saves time, reduces stress, and results in a more cohesive final product. Contact us to learn more!
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While every project is extremely unique, the average custom home build or renovation project in Chapel Hill, Durham, or the Triangle area typically takes 10 to 16 months from design to completion. This includes home design planning, permitting, selections, and construction. We take the time to get every detail right, and guide you through each phase with clear timelines and communication. Please keep in mind, this is an average and timelines are unique to each client depending on needs. Reach out to us to learn more.
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While we typically work with clients who already own their land, we’re happy to assist at any stage of the process. If you're still looking, we can recommend trusted local realtors who specialize in custom home lots in Chapel Hill, Durham, and the Triangle. We also regularly evaluate homesites and build on properties in neighborhoods like The Oaks, Governors Club, Hope Valley, and all surrounding areas, designing homes that suit both the landscape and local guidelines.
Some of the luxury neighborhoods we frequently work in include:
The Oaks – Chapel Hill
Governors Club – Chapel Hill
Meadowmont - Chapel Hill
Southern Village – Chapel Hill
Hope Valley – Durham
The Hills of Rosemont - Durham
Colvard Farms – Durham
In addition to these established communities, we also work with clients across a wide range of neighborhoods and private properties throughout the Triangle. Whether you're building on a golf course lot, in a gated community, or on your own wooded acreage, our team delivers personalized design, superior craftsmanship, and a seamless design-build experience from start to finish.
If you're considering building or renovating anywhere in the Triangle region, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Reach out to schedule a consultation or explore our portfolio to see what’s possible.
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Our clients are involved every step of the way. As a client-focused design-build firm, we begin by listening to your goals and ideas, and we invite collaboration throughout the process—from floor plans and materials to finish selections and final walkthrough. Our process is designed to be transparent, thoughtful, and tailored to you.
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During the early planning phase, we provide detailed estimates based on your goals and selections. Once the design is finalized, we present a comprehensive, transparent cost breakdown. Our design-build model helps us manage budgets proactively—so you can make informed decisions without surprise costs during construction. We also use BuilderTrend, an online project management platform, to keep you updated with daily logs, budget tracking, selections, and real-time communication—giving you full visibility into every phase of your custom home build.
Our Process | Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to build your custom home in Chapel Hill, Durham, or the Triangle area?
Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or are ready to break ground, Will Johnson Building Company is here to help. As a trusted design-build firm and premier custom home builder, please reach out to us today to start a conversation—we’d love to hear about your vision and help you bring it to life.
Let’s work together.
Ready to get started? Fill out the form below and a member of our WJBC team will be in touch soon. We’re a tight-knit group of designers, builders, and project managers who genuinely love what we do—and we can’t wait to learn more about your vision and how we can bring it to life.