Central Ohio is drawing new residents for jobs in technology, manufacturing, health care, logistics, and the many companies growing around New Albany and the eastern side of Greater Columbus. If you are moving here, building a new home lets you choose your layout and finishes and move into a home that is truly new. It also gives you a clear timeline to plan around. Jacob and Son Homes is a family-owned, father-and-son builder in Johnstown, and we regularly work with buyers who are still living out of state.
How building from out of state works
- Intro call or video meeting. We talk through your move date, budget, must-haves, and the areas you’re considering.
- Choose a lot and a plan. Pick one of our homesites or bring your own lot, then choose a plan to customize. Browse plan concepts for ideas.
- Pricing and financing. We use cost-plus pricing, so you see the real costs plus our agreed-upon builder fee. Talk to a lender early about construction financing, because loan approval and appraisal affect your start date.
- Selections and paperwork, remotely. We review plans and selections by video and handle documents with e-signatures.
- Construction with regular updates. Building typically takes about 7–8 months* once plans, permits, and financing are in place. We send photo and video updates so you can follow along.
- Final walkthrough and move-in. Walk the finished home with us in person, or start by video and visit before closing.
We recommend at least one trip to walk the homesite and see the area before you commit. Most of the rest can happen from wherever you are now.
Planning your timeline
Plan for two phases: getting ready to build (choosing a lot and plan, finalizing selections, financing, and permits), then about 7–8 months* of construction. Many relocating buyers rent short-term or keep their current home while we build, then time their move to our schedule. Tell us your start date or lease end early and we’ll be realistic about what is achievable.
* Estimated construction time once plans, permits, and financing are finalized. Actual timelines can vary with weather, material and labor availability, inspections, utility and septic approvals, and change orders.
What to expect in central Ohio
- Four seasons. Winter and spring weather can affect site work, so we build some flexibility into the schedule.
- Basements are common. Many central Ohio homes include basements, and finished or walkout lower levels are a popular way to add living space.
- Land outside the suburbs. A short drive from the city, you can find acreage homesites with a rural feel, like ours in Liberty Township.
- Schools vary by address. School districts don’t always match town names or mailing addresses, so confirm with the district for any lot you’re considering.
Communities compared, briefly
Johnstown
Small-town Licking County community with acreage nearby. Our Nichols Ln & Denunes Rd homesites are in Johnstown-Monroe Local Schools, about 15 minutes from the Intel Ohio site.
New Albany
Planned community with a Georgian-inspired village center, trails, and a major business park. Mostly neighborhood lots; New Albany-Plain Local Schools serve much of the city. How we serve New Albany.
Granville
Historic college village, home of Denison University, with a walkable downtown. Served largely by Granville Exempted Village Schools. About 20–25 minutes from our homesites.
Pataskala
Fast-growing Licking County city between Columbus and Newark, with a mix of newer neighborhoods and rural land. School district depends on the address.
Sunbury
Growing Delaware County town north of Columbus with a classic town square, served largely by Big Walnut Local Schools.
School information is general. Always confirm district boundaries for a specific address.
Drive times from our Johnstown homesites
| Destination | Typical drive |
|---|---|
| Intel Ohio site (Green Chapel Rd NW) | About 15 minutes |
| Johnstown village center | About 5–10 minutes |
| New Albany village center & business park | About 20–25 minutes |
| Granville | About 20–25 minutes |
| Easton Town Center | About 30–35 minutes |
| John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) | About 35–45 minutes |
| Downtown Columbus | About 40–50 minutes |
Drive times are estimates for normal traffic and will vary with rush hour, weather, and road construction.
Start the conversation
Whether you’re months out or just starting to look, call 614-774-9242 or send a message. If the Intel Ohio site or New Albany business park is part of your move, see new homes near the Intel Ohio site.