How Long Does it Take to Build a House?

The time it takes to build a house will always vary based on several factors. The size and complexity of the home is by far the most important factor.

A growing number of people are choosing to build their own homes, which can take anywhere from several months to a year or more.

As indicated before, the timeline for building your house can be affected by a number of factors. In this article, we will focus on factors that can influence how long it takes to build a house.

Average Time it Takes to Build a Home

Building a home from start to finish normally takes around half a year.

This timeframe includes the time it takes to obtain a building permit, which can range from a few weeks to a couple of months.

The actual construction process usually takes between four and six months. So in cases where you have already obtained building permits and your building plans have been approved, you could have your new home built in as little as five months.

Of course, this is just an average and several factors can influence how long it will actually take to build your house.

Timelines per Type of House

The type of house you are building will have a big impact on how long it takes to construct. For example, a simple ranch style home can usually be built in a shorter amount of time than a more complex home like a two-story modern house.

The following is a breakdown of how long it takes to build different types of houses:

–3 Bedroom, Ranch style homes (Single Story): 4-6 months

-3 Bedroom, Two-story homes: 6-9 months

-3 Bedroom, Two-story Modern or contemporary homes: 8-12 months

As you can see, the type of house.

Ranch style homes tend to be less expensive and require less manpower to build while more complex homes take longer to construct and cost more money.

Owner-Built Homes

As more and more people are opting to build their own homes, there is even an increasing number of people who opts to owner-build.

Owner-building is when the homeowner takes on the role of the general contractor and manages the construction of their own home.

This option can save money but it will also add to the timeline as most people who owner-build are not professional builders and do not have a lot of experience in managing a construction project.

As such, it is not uncommon for an owner-built home to take up to a year or more to complete.

Contractor-Built Homes

With contractor-build homes, the homeowner hires a professional builder to manage the construction of their home.

This option will usually add to the cost of the project but can save time as most builders are experienced in managing construction projects and they already have a team of workers that they can rely on.

It is not uncommon for contractor-built homes to be completed in as little as four or five months.

It is also important to note that the end result of a contractor-built home is usually of a higher quality than an owner-built home as well.

Things that Affect the Timeline of a Project

The Size of the House

As mentioned above, the size of the house is one of the most important factors that will affect how long it takes to build the house.

Larger homes will obviously take longer to construct than smaller homes as there is simply more work that needs to be done.

For example, a 3,000 square foot home will take longer to build than a 1,500 square foot home.

The number of bedrooms and bathrooms will also have an impact on how long it takes to build a house as these rooms require more plumbing and electrical work.

Complexity of the Design

The design of the house can also have an impact on how long it takes to build your house.

Homes that have a more complex design will obviously take longer to construct than simpler designs.

This is because more time will be needed to cut and install the custom pieces that are required for the home.

An ultra-modern home with a lot of aluminium and glass features, for example, will take longer to build than a more traditional home with brick walls.

Cash Flow

One of the most important factors that will affect how long it takes to build a house is cash flow.

If you are building your own home, you will need to have the money available to pay for materials and workers as the project progresses.

If you are working with a contractor, they will usually need to be paid in installments as the project progresses.

Either way, a lack of money can delay a construction project as work will need to be halted until more funds are available.

Permits and Inspections

Another factor that can affect how long it takes to build a house is the permitting process.

In most jurisdictions, you will need to obtain a building permit before you can start construction.

The process of applying for and obtaining a permit can take several weeks or even months in some cases.

In addition, the house will need to pass various inspections at different stages of construction.

This can also add to the timeline as the work will need to be halted until the inspection is completed and the necessary repairs are made.

Weather Conditions

Finally, weather conditions can also have an impact on how long it takes to build a house.

Construction work can obviously not be done in the rain or snow and extreme heat can also make it difficult to work.

As such, construction projects will usually be delayed in the winter months and during periods of bad weather.

Changes in the Plan

Another factor that can affect how long it takes to build a house is changes in the plan.

If you make changes to the design of the house during construction, this will obviously add to the timeline as the work will need to be adjusted to accommodate the new features.

Similarly, if you decide to add or remove any features from the house, this will also add to the timeline.

For example, if you decide to add a second story to the house after construction has already begun, this will obviously take longer than if you had planned for a two-story house from the beginning.

Material Supply Delays

One other factor that can affect how long it takes to build a house is delays in the supply of materials.

If the contractor has to waiting for a shipment of bricks, for example, this will obviously delay the construction process.

The location of the building site can also affect the supply of materials.

If the site is located in a remote area, it can be difficult to get the materials that are needed and this can cause delays.

Shortage of Skilled Labour

One last factor that can affect how long it takes to build a house is the shortage of skilled labour.

If there are not enough carpenters, electricians, or plumbers available to work on the project, this will obviously cause delays.

This is often the case in smaller communities where there is not a large pool of skilled workers to choose from.

In conclusion, there are a number of factors that can affect how long it takes to build a house.

The complexity of the design, the permitting process, weather conditions, and the availability of skilled labour can all have an impact on the timeline.

How long it takes to build a house may also be affected by changes in the plan, delays in the supply of materials, or a lack of cash flow.

All of these factors need to be considered when planning a construction project.

If you are unsure about how long it will take to build a house, it is always best to consult with your architect or get a professional contractor to get a more accurate estimate.

Keep all of these factors in mind when planning your construction project and factor in some extra time to account for any delays that may occur. This will help to ensure that your project stays on schedule and is completed on time.