Before you commit to the home buying or building process, you should know what to expect. This is particularly so in terms of monetary and time commitment. Much goes into calculating the total cost of a home and the average time it takes to build one.

It is wise to consider how long it will take to build your dream home before you invest in that spacious lot with mature trees and stunning views. 

What to Know Before You Break Ground

Reality television is not an accurate guide to constructing a house. Do not expect to move into your new home within a week. Determining how long it might take can be a roller coaster ride. 

On average, new home constructions typically take three to six months. But that depends on several requirements and factors. Given the prevailing labor shortages, supply chain slow-downs, and increased building demand, it might be wise to factor in a few weeks or months of delay to your timeline.

Average Timeline for New Home Constructions

Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction suggests that the average construction time for a new privately owned residence is about 7.6 months. That timeline increases to almost 14.3 months for owner-built homes and falls to 6.7 months for houses built for sale. 

No matter where you want to build your new home, obtaining the appropriate permits is the secret to a successful construction project. Sometimes, this process can take ages, so it is best to plan ahead. Some of the biggest obstacles to obtaining permits for a new home are neighbors who oppose construction, poor due diligence, and a backlog at the local building department.

Factors That Can Affect Your Construction Timeline

Location and certain environmental conditions can significantly speed up or slow down a building project. These include environmental factors like site topography and soil type. For example, it can take twice as long to build a house with a slab on a hilly lot than on a level site with stable draining soil. Building in a fire hazard, mudslide, or coastal earthquake zone will extend the construction process. 

Another significant factor when it comes to estimating the length of the building process is the contractor’s skills. Experienced contractors typically do the job quickly and efficiently. So, always choose a professional with an excellent reputation for outstanding service and quality work. 

What Can Increase the Average Construction Time?

The average time of a new home building project usually depends on supply chain issues, labor, and weather conditions. These factors can easily delay construction and create lots of confusion and headaches. 

Making new changes during construction or delaying the finish selection will significantly prolong the timeline. So, stick as much as possible with your design. Do not tell your contractor you want a different floor plan after the drywall installation. Also, markets experiencing a building boom typically face labor shortages, prolonging the overall construction time. 

Conclusion

Planning is the most effective way to shorten the time frame. All the components discussed above are interrelated. You can reduce the chances of mistakes and delays by planning the build properly. Have everything in place before work begins, and ensure you understand the lead time on products like doors and windows. Also, having all the different work crews working as quickly as safely possible will help speed everything up.

For more home-building ideas, visit Amazing Homes at our Burbank, California office. Call (888) 409-0091 to schedule an appointment today.