How Long Does It Take to Build a House?

Let’s face it: Building a home is an expensive endeavour. In some Canadian housing markets, the cost can be as high as $1,000 per square foot, while in other locations, it could be a few hundred dollars a square foot. Elevated homebuilding costs have been well documented in the current above-trend inflation environment.

But what about time?

Indeed, the latest roadblock in the Canadian real estate market has been the length of time it takes to construct a single-family home. There are many reasons why it is taking longer, including a shortage of construction workers, supply chain snafus, and costs.

At a time when millions of new homes are needed over the next several years to restore some semblance of housing affordability, the entire industry could likely see this goal being delayed.

So, what does the homebuilding process even look like anyway? Let’s find out.

How Long Does It Take to Build a House?

The time it takes to build a house depends on several factors. The process typically starts with land acquisition. Once that is complete, additional time is spent designing and planning. Then, there is site preparation and foundation work.

Factors like the house’s size, the design’s complexity, the type of materials to be used, and the type of construction techniques that will be applied also impact completion time. Timeframes can be affected by permits and fulfilling zoning regulations. Weather conditions can always hinder construction efforts. The availability of labour and resources is also an element that should be considered when estimating the time it would take to build a house, especially in today’s economic climate.

Typically, building a two-story home could take several months to a year.

Once the project is underway, all the documentation is complete, inspections have been done, and permits have been obtained. Remember that getting designs and permits approved by the local municipality could take six weeks to three months.

Construction for the house can begin with approval from the local authorities. Similarly, inspection can also take time. These inspections are conducted at different stages of the construction process. They include inspections for plumbing, electrical wiring, footings, and framing. You can only move forward with the building once you have approval at every stage. You should estimate approximately two months or more for this step.

Considering the time difference between building a simple family home and something a little more complex is also essential. For example, if the house has a deck, a fireplace, and other amenities, it could take a year or more to complete. In contrast, homes built using prefab construction methods are much quicker and could be completed in four to six months.

Weather is another factor to consider. While the spring and summer months are ideal for building a house, winter weather can delay the construction process. Construction will have to stop in case of snowstorms and excessive rain. When estimating a timeline for the completion of construction, always keep some extra time for delays due to inclement weather.

House construction involves demolition and excavation. Homeowners usually need to consider these when estimating the time to completion.

Here is a rough breakdown:

• The initial design phase of the house should take about one to two months.
• Securing permits could take up to three months.
• Once the construction phase begins, site preparation could take about two weeks, and foundation work should ideally be completed in a month.
• Framing should take about one to two months.
• Plumbing and electrical elements should be completed in another two months.
• The finishing of the interior and exterior of the house should take about two to three months.
• Final inspections and any adjustments required should take about two weeks.

These are average timelines and can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.

What Can You Do to Speed Up Building a House?

In the end, building a home takes a lot of work, time, and patience. This is especially true for custom-designed homes. Each room possesses its separate look and requirements. Materials are meticulously chosen, and every little detail is outlined. This type of home will take longer to build than one with a standardized design.

Working with reputable and experienced industry professionals, whether homebuilders or plumbers, is the best way to ensure your house is built within a reasonable time. This can save you time and energy and provide mental peace during construction.

Additionally, it is a good idea to account for unforeseen circumstances. These types of projects can be affected by unpredictable events, such as unexpected weather conditions or the need for more materials. Ultimately, it is always a good idea to have a contingency plan.

While a good team will try to ensure the project stays on track, this objective is not guaranteed to be achieved.

Hiring skilled builders is imperative; this can make or break your timeline. Experienced workers will take less time and will likely make fewer mistakes. They are well-versed in processes related to permits and inspections. They are also better able to handle suppliers and manage any shortages if they occur.

Overall, planning is the key, and hiring the right builders is necessary. Home building requires proper project management skills.