How Long Does It Take to Build a Home?
The average custom home takes 7-12 months to build from groundbreaking to move-in. Add 2-4 months for pre-construction (planning, permits, financing). Total timeline: 9-16 months from plan purchase to moving day.
Factors that affect timeline:
- **Home size and complexity**: Larger, more complex homes take longer
- **Weather**: Severe weather can delay exterior work by weeks
- **Material availability**: Supply chain issues can cause delays
- **Builder schedule**: Good builders are booked months ahead
- **Permit processing**: Can take 2-12 weeks depending on jurisdiction
Pre-Construction Phase (Months 1-3)
**Month 1: Planning**
- Purchase and review home plan
- Get plan modifications if needed
- Interview and select a builder
- Begin financing process
**Month 2: Approvals**
- Submit plans for permits
- Finalize construction loan
- Select and lock in major materials
- Sign builder contract
**Month 3: Site Prep**
- Survey and stake the lot
- Clear trees and grade the site
- Install temporary utilities
- Dig the foundation
Construction Phase (Months 4-10)
**Month 4: Foundation & Framing Start**
- Pour foundation
- Begin framing
- Order windows and doors
**Month 5-6: Framing & Exterior**
- Complete framing
- Install roof
- Install windows and exterior doors
- Apply house wrap and siding
**Month 7: Rough-Ins**
- Plumbing rough-in
- Electrical rough-in
- HVAC rough-in
- Insulation
**Month 8-9: Interior**
- Drywall
- Interior trim and doors
- Cabinets and countertops
- Flooring
- Paint
**Month 10: Finishing**
- Fixtures and appliances
- Final electrical and plumbing
- Punch list items
- Final inspections
Post-Construction (Month 11-12)
**Month 11: Final Steps**
- Certificate of occupancy
- Final cleaning
- Landscaping
- Driveway and walkways
**Month 12: Move-In!**
- Final walk-through
- Closing on permanent mortgage
- Move in and enjoy your new home
- Schedule 1-year warranty walk-through