Hi, all. I'm looking to have a house completed in about 30 months (coinciding with finishing paying off my land). I've decided there's too much I don't know about the build process to trust my own designs, so I'd like to hire an architect to fill in all the missing details (including the ones I haven't even thought of). The thing is, I don't know when to reach out to one; 2-1/2 years seems pretty early to be engaging an architect, and I don't want to waste his/her time, but on the other hand, I don't want to delay the project or rush the architect by holding off too long. So, if I want the house done in about 2-1/2 years, we can work backwards:

• How long does construction usually take?
• How long should it take from the time I get bids until the builder can start?
• How long should it take to get bids, given a set of plans and specs?
• How long will it take an architect to work with me to design the plans and specs?

If there are other stages in there I missed, then feel free to elaborate on those, too; those were just the big things that came to mind. I realize these will all be ranges, but right now, other than assuming about 6 months for construction, I really don't know how long the rest will take.

A few other details, in case they help (if not, feel free to disregard):

• The site is 14 acres in rural North Texas.
• The only permit required is for the septic, which has already been installed.
• All utilities, including culverts, electricity, water, and the aforementioned septic, are already onsite but will need to connect to the house when it's ready.
• I'm planning on having a basement installed, which will necessarily increase excavation time and cost and require moisture resistance.
• Some landscaping will need to be done to address drainage issues and create a level space for the house and driveway.
• I'm planning to have an entire wall of windows on the east-facing wall along with the eastern half of the north and south walls, which will probably take extra time to manufacture and install and will require additional design to support the roof.
• There are still some unknowns on the floor plan, such as wanting to add an additional guest bedroom but having not really figured out where to put it, yet.

Like I said, if the details above don't help, feel free to disregard them; I just want to make sure that all the constraints are known upfront in case that causes any substantial changes to the timeline.

Thank you!