On average, it takes about 4 months to build a new house. It can happen in as little as three months or take as long as a year and a half.
It all depends on things like zoning issues, weather conditions, and the experience of your contractor. Order delays and labor issues can also affect the time it takes.
That said, a typical building a home timeline usually includes the same steps. Read on to learn what to expect from the home building process and how long each step can take.
Design and Preparation
Before you can start building a home, you need to get design blueprints or hire an architect. Depending on how special of a design you want, this can take weeks or months.
You’ll also need to buy the land, hire a contractor, and get the right building permits. It can take a few weeks or months to handle this step.
One of the most important steps is to get financing. According to mortgage broker Hunter Galloway, a good broker will help you compare different types of loans. Choosing the right type of loan can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage.
Preparing the Site and Laying the Foundation
At this stage, your building contractor’s crew will break ground on your home. They’ll need to excavate so there’s a level site for your home. If there’s good weather in your area, this will only take a week or two.
After that, they’ll pour the concrete slab that will be your home’s foundation. The concrete will need time to cure or harden. If all goes well, this step can be finished in about 2 weeks.
Framing and Adding Mechanicals
This is when your house starts to take shape. Your contractor will frame out the skeleton of your home, so you can get a sense of the walls and roof. Depending on the dimensions of your home and the weather, this can take 1 or 2 months.
Once the framing stage, your home will need to pass inspection. If the inspector catches a problem, this can add to the timeline.
The next step is to finish the roof and add plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Since skilled tradespeople can do a lot of this work at the same time, it can range from 2 to 4 weeks.
Final Building and Flooring
At this stage, your contractor will insulate the walls, put up drywall, and paint. They’ll also install flooring, cabinetry, and shelving. This stage can take 1 to 2 months, but waiting on special order cabinets and flooring can delay the process.
Your contractor will also manage the exterior finishes at this point. That might include bricklaying or installing siding. This can range from 2 weeks to a month.
Fixtures and Landscaping
The builders will install things like light fixtures, kitchen appliances, toilets, and sinks. This is when your house really takes shape. This will only take 1 or 2 weeks.
During the same week, your contractor will manage the landscaping. That might include laying sod, planting trees, or adding flowerbeds.
Once your house is finished, it will need to pass final inspection and you can close on the house.
Start Building a Home Timeline Today
If you’re considering new construction, building a home timeline is essential. It will give you a clear idea of the process so you know how long it will take and what to expect.
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