The homebuilding process can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, some of which you can control and some that you cannot. In general, you should assume that it will take at least nine months to a year from the time you select a custom home plan until the day you move in. Of course, this depends on timely decision-making, a reliable builder, and a clear process in which everybody, including you as the homeowner, sticks to the schedule.
The Elements That Are Predictable
As a homeowner, you want the process to go as quickly and smoothly as possible. After all, the longer it takes, the more the costs can add up, especially if you are temporarily renting while you wait to move in. Use the following estimates to help calculate how much time you will need to set aside for the homebuilding process:
- 4–5 weeks – Floor-plan selection and customization
- 4–6 weeks – Drafting the drawings
- 1–2 weeks – Pre Construction
- 1 week – Permit submission
- Variable – Permit approvals
- 3–4 months – Site development
- 4–6 months – Building
The first phase—floor-plan selection and customization—is a process that can take much longer when clear decisions are not made or when homeowners change their minds along the way. Of course, you want to get every detail right, so it’s okay to take as much time as you need—just remember that every additional week pushes the target date back as well.
Site-development time can also vary depending on the conditions of your site. For example, excavating for a foundation will take less time if the ground is made up of soil rather than bedrock. Other factors that can influence the timeline include the length of the driveway, tree removal, septic-system installation, and well drilling. Your construction superintendent can help you estimate the time required based on his or her experience with similar sites.
The remaining phases are largely handled by the builder, which should be able to provide estimates based on your floor plan. For example, a two-story house takes longer to build than a single-story home. Based on his or her experience with the design and the local area, your construction superintendent should be able to give you a realistic range.
The Elements That Require Flexibility
Although the homebuilding process is fairly well-known, especially to an experienced builder, there are always a few things that simply cannot be controlled, such as:
- Financing approval
- Permit approvals
- Weather delays
Expect to have some flexibility around these parts of the process, and be proactive when you can to help keep the project on track. For example, you can:
- Have all of your financial documents prepared before you start the process.
- Research your local permitting process so that you know how long it typically takes to get approvals.
- Be prepared for indoor projects you can do in inclement weather.
New Homebuilding vs. Existing Homes or Remodeling
Despite having a few unpredictable elements, it is still easier to put a timeline to the homebuilding process than it is to estimate how long it will take to purchase a new home or remodel an existing one. Purchasing an existing home can take anywhere from weeks to years, because you never know what will be available on the market in your price range. Major renovations to an existing home often present problems you didn’t even know existed until you open up the walls. These unforeseeable issues can add significant time to the remodel process that you didn’t expect.
If you’re ready to start exploring the possibility of building a new home, contact Adair Homes today to speak with a Home Ownership Counselor. We will work closely with you to determine a realistic timeline depending on the custom floor plan you select and the unique circumstances of your lot.
