December 30, 2025
Our Community Progress Tracker - Breaking it
At Caviness & Cates, we believe in keeping you informed every step of the way as we bring new communities to life. Waiting for your future neighborhood to take shape can sometimes feel uncertain, so we've created this simple guide to the key stages of development. Each step builds on the previous one, transforming raw land into a vibrant place you'll love calling home.
Keep in mind, timelines can vary based on the community's size, location, weather, local approval processes, and other factors. These are general estimates from industry insights to give you a sense of the pace. Let's dive in!
Phase 1: Building the Roads – Laying Out the Neighborhood's Shape
This is where the community starts to take form. We begin by clearing away any trees, rocks, or old structures from the land. Then, the developer shapes the ground to create the overall layout, including where the streets will go. Heavy machines help level the area and cut in the paths for roads. Once that's done, we add curbs and/or sidewalks, and finally, we pour and smooth out the asphalt to make durable, drivable streets. This phase is all about creating a solid base that connects the community. It ensures easy access for future work and sets the stage for a smooth-flowing neighborhood. How long does it usually take? About 1-3 months, though larger communities or rainy weather can extend this.
Phase 2: Installing Utilities – Bringing Essentials Underground
Next, we focus on the hidden but vital parts that make modern living possible. This involves digging trenches to lay pipes for water and sewer systems, as well as cables for electricity, internet, and other services like gas if needed. Teams carefully place these lines throughout the community, connect them to main supplies, and test everything to make sure it works reliably. Think of this as wiring up the neighborhood's "nervous system" – it's what will power your lights, run your showers, and keep you connected online once homes are built. How long does it usually take? Typically 1-6 months, as it often overlaps with road work but requires coordination with local providers and inspections.
Phase 3: Preparing Homesites – Getting Lots Ready for Building
With the main streets and services in place, we turn our attention to individual spots where homes will stand. This means leveling and shaping each lot to ensure it's flat, stable, and drains water properly to avoid future issues like flooding. We might add soil or remove excess dirt to create the perfect foundation for construction.
We apply for official permission from the local authorities to begin building on that homesite. This step involves submitting plans for review to confirm that everything meets safety and community standards.
This step personalizes the land, turning a big open area into distinct places ready for families to build their dreams.
How long does it usually take? Around 1-2 months for initial lot preparation, plus 30-60 days for individual homesite approvals, depending on the local jurisdiction and how quickly reviews are completed.
Phase 4: Releasing Floorplans – Pick Your Perfect Layout
As the groundwork wraps up, we unveil the home designs available for the community. These are the blueprints showing different layouts, room sizes, and features you can choose from. We often build a few sample homes (called models) that you can walk through to get a feel for the spaces. This is your chance to browse options, imagine your furniture in place, and select a favorite design that fits your lifestyle.
It's an exciting preview – like window shopping for your future home while we finalize details for launch.
How long does it usually take? This phase runs for a few weeks to a couple of months leading up to sales, as designs are prepared earlier but released when the site is nearly ready.
Phase 5: Grand Opening – Time to Make It Yours!
The big moment arrives: the community is open for business! With roads drivable, utilities hooked up, lots prepped, and designs ready, you can now reserve your spot. Choose a home ready for construction, or pick your preferred lot and home plan, and we'll get the building process started (more about this process in our previous blog: What To Expect When Building Your New Home)! We might have events, tours of model homes, or a temporary welcome center to help you get started.
At Caviness & Cates, we're committed to keeping you updated every step of the way. Check back on our website or sign up for emails to track your specific community's progress. If you have questions, our team is here to help make this journey as smooth as possible. Welcome to the neighborhood – we can't wait to see you settle in!
