How long does it take to build a house, exactly?
Here’s what to expect during each phase, from start to finish, according to experts.
It can be a daunting task, which is why building a home might be a better option.
Credit:gmnicholas / Getty Images
Understanding the various building phases is necessary to appreciate the length of time it takes to build a home.
Getting your lot ready is the next step.
Builders will then prepare for construction to begin, says Alex Toth,director of business development at Opendoor.
Theyll clean the lot and remove trees, rocks, and other blockers.
Building Phase
The construction phase usually takes around four months to a year, Gregory says.
Each of these steps must be inspected.
Toth says this process typically begins by pouring theconcrete foundation.
Next is constructing the homes framing.
Drywalling is thenext step, and the amount of time it takes depends on the size of the home.
The rest of the building includes flooring, countertops, appliances, and other similar items.
Details likepaint and wallpaperare also completed at this stage.
Installing lights, blinds, and other final touches is the last step, Toth says.
If a buyer is opting for relatively common features, this will take about two weeks.
Then, its time to clean up.
Post-construction phases can take as little as one month or as long as three to four, Gregory says.
The number of variables involved inbuilding a homecan be extreme, and calculating the timeline is project-specific.
It can be helpful to look at the factors affecting a home-building timeline.
Hartman says permitting is often the biggest wild card in the building process.
Hartman says that the speed at which modular homes can be completed is sometimes overstated.
Once the homes are on-site, assembly periods are not negligible, he says.
Similarly, homes in remote parts of the country might experience delays in sourcing and receiving materials.
Financing and budgeting also play a huge role in the timeline of a project, Gregory says.
Your construction team is everything, Hartman says.
Contractors and subcontractorsare the biggest determining factor in the speed, efficiency, and success of a construction project.
Opting forbuilder-grade materialsavailable at most home improvement stores or building suppliers can speed up the build.
These can dramatically increase the total timeline for a projects completion.
Delays
Every project is prone to hiccups, and building a home is no exception.
Dont forget acts of God.
Homes designed as part of larger developments are often quicker to build than custom homes.
Contractors say buyers can speed up a home-building project timeline by being easy to communicate with and readily available.
Communication goes both ways, Gregory says.
Another way to speed up the process is to relinquish some control.
This is why its so critical that buyers are detailed with their builder from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The framingis typically the most expensive part of building the house.
Typically, you could expect to spend somewhere between $100-$500per square foot.
