How Long Does It Take To Build A House? | BiggerPockets Blog

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Building a custom home is a dream shared by many homeowners. Being able to design your home according to your preferences is exciting but time consuming.

So, how long does it take to build a house? Building a custom home can take as little as one to three years. Why is it so difficult to determine the average estimated time to completion? The average time it takes to build a house can vary widely due to the scope of the project, weather-related delays, and the availability of supplies and labor. Obtaining and completing permits Searching operations This schedule can also be extended if these operations are difficult to schedule.

The average time it takes to build a house

The home construction schedule is affected by the type of home you choose to build. Custom builds require more build time because they are designed and built to your exact specifications. On the other hand, a non-custom build is generally faster because it uses pre-designed plans and standard layouts. According to the 2019 Building Survey (SOC) from the Census BureauOn average, it takes about eight months to build a single-family home.

How long does it take to build each type of house?

How long it takes to build a home can vary depending on several factors, including the type of home, the size, the complexity of the design, the availability of labor and materials, and the efficiency of the construction process.

• Prefabricated or Prefabricated Houses: Workers build these homes off site in a factory and then transport the house to the construction site for assembly. Usually, you can build prefabricated or modular homes in a shorter time than traditional construction methods. On-site assembly can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity and size of the home.
• Traditional or Traditional Stick Houses: The construction team builds this style of home on site using traditional construction methods, assembling the structure piece by piece. A custom or stick-built house generally takes longer to build than a prefabricated one. The construction process can take several months to a year, depending on the size and complexity of the house, weather conditions, and the availability of labor and materials.
• Production Houses or Tracts: Large-scale builders construct these homes using standard designs and materials, often in a planned community or subdivision. In general, the production of electric ducts is efficient, and the construction process is relatively fast. Construction timeframes can range from a few months to six months, depending on the size and features of the home.

Are custom builds slower? why is that?

Custom-built homes often take longer than purchasing a pre-designed home in a planned community because of the additional planning and customization required. Project scope, unique features, fixtures and finishes affect how long it will take to complete. Because custom homes are built to client specifications, you may need additional time to finalize plans and design elements. It is common to notice delays during the construction process due to unexpected design changes or issues.

Unallocated builds may be faster than custom builds

If you are looking to build a home that is within the standard range for production homes, you can expect the construction process to go much faster. These types of homes often have pre-determined plans, which limits your customization. Most homes are still customizable (tiles, floors, paint colors), but planning is easier because you work within certain limits.

What you need to know before you start building this house

Before embarking on the construction journey, you need to consider several factors. The first thing you need to decide is what kind of house you want to build. Will it be a custom home or a production? You should also incorporate your family’s unique needs into your home design and layout.

Another important detail is the type of plot on which you will build a house. Topography and lot size can directly affect construction time, costs, and even the design and layout of your home. Securing financing and finding the right general contractor for the job must also be taken seriously. Choosing the right contractor is critical to achieving the desired outcome at time of construction and within budget, so do your due diligence.

Major issues that can affect the schedule

Many issues can affect the custom home construction schedule, with weather being one of the most important factors affecting construction time. Various permits and permits, such as inspections and building permits, can affect how long it takes to build a home. One way to ensure a smooth schedule is to carefully plan and schedule each stage of the home building process.

Save time during the construction process

To save time while building your new home, you first need to have a clear understanding of the next construction schedule itself. Ensure that the required schedule can be accommodated and planned, including any additional time required for permits, inspections, or other issues.

It is also important to ensure that you obtain all the materials required for your home in advance, ensuring that the construction period continues without interruption or delay.

Permits and Permits: What You Need to Know

To build a new dream home, you must obtain permits from municipal departments such as the construction or zoning department. These permits and permits help ensure that building construction adheres to standard building codes, limiting the possibility of defects in home construction and related problems.

The style and size of your new home

The style and size of your new home can greatly affect the construction schedule for your new home. Large homes often take longer to build than smaller homes due to the increased work required and the need to secure more building materials.

Typical home construction schedule

The actual construction schedule for building a typical house can vary depending on the location and the complexity of the building plans. Here is an approximate construction timeline for building a typical home:

The first week: preparation and planning

To start a custom build, you must tackle site preparation, obtaining permits, preparing equipment, setting the construction agenda, and planning the rigorous construction process.

Weeks 2-5: Framing and house foundations

Once the contractor is ready to begin the home construction project, his team will need to complete the foundation and framing work, including the framing of the walls and roof of the first floor and house plan. After framing, a structural check ensures that all work is up to code level.

Weeks 6-7: Mechanical elements

It’s time to get down to basics and start installing plumbing, electrical systems, ductwork systems, and heating and cooling systems.

Weeks 7-8: Drywall and other insulation

Typically, after about seven to eight weeks, you’ll install insulation to help regulate the temperature inside your home and drywall to seal the interior walls.

Weeks 9-11: Painting and flooring work

Get ready for the fun stuff—painting the interior and installing floors like tile, hardwood, or carpet.

Weeks 12-13: Exteriors and Finishes

Once you’ve done much of the interior work, it’s time to go out and install exterior and garage doors, and build driveways, roofing, and gutters.

Fourteenth week: Finishing on the inside

After the base of the house is completed, the final touches occur, such as installing cabinetry, appliances, and light fixtures.

Week 15: Finish the hallways and walkways

After about four months, the construction team must complete the exterior elements such as driveway, walkways, and landscaping features.

Sixteenth week: finishing touches and cleaning

When the project starts to close, it is necessary to clean up the construction site, check the construction site for any remaining issues and make sure everything is in order.

Seventeenth week: landscaping and gardening

During week 17, homebuilders will begin finishing the exterior of your new home, including planting trees and shrubs.

Eighteenth week: prefabricated house inspection

If all goes well, you will complete a final inspection by the municipal inspector to make sure everything in the house is in order. This is an essential safety step.

Week Nineteen: Final home walkthrough of the property

The final home run is a really exciting time for any custom build. The homeowner and builder make one last run to make sure everything works.

Week 20: New home construction closes

To wrap things up, around week 20, the homeowner signs the documents to complete the home purchase and officially takes ownership.

Some final items to consider when building your new home

Unfortunately, the costs don’t stop once the home is finished. You should also plan for Mortgage loan and escrow costs to build a custom home.

Costs, mortgage and escrow

When it comes to building a new custom home, there are a few final elements to consider to make sure you’re fully prepared for whatever the process entails. One of the most important things to consider is the cost of the mortgage. While you may know what you can afford to spend each month, speaking with a mortgage broker or lender is essential before you start building to give you a clear idea of ​​your budget and help you avoid surprises. using a Mortgage calculator It can make it easier for you to determine what your monthly payments will look like.

Additionally, it’s important to consider escrow costs—the money you’ll need to set aside for expenses like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Create a separate account for these expenses and contribute a set amount each month to ensure you are prepared for any unexpected expenses that may arise.

Note by BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.