Between 2010 and 2019, there were more than 6.8 million new homes built in the U.S.
Building your dream home from scratch seems like the ultimate home project. It’s rewarding because you
The same project has the potential to become a nightmare, too. You could go over budget or underestimate the time it really takes to build a house.
That could leave you in a stressful situation where your life is on hold because you’re waiting for the home to be completed.
Are you ready to find out how long it takes to build a house?
Keep reading to learn the timeline to build a home and what the process looks like.
How Long It Takes to Build a House
How long does it take to build a house? It depends. It will vary by location, how well you planned the home, the contractor, your budget, and how fast you can get the permits approved. It also depends on the number of customizations you have.
There are some statistics you can use as a guideline, though.
The U.S. Census tracks how long it takes to build new homes and has done so since 1971. In 2019, it took a little over 12 months for owner-built single-unit homes from start to finish.
Contractor-built homes took almost 9 months. Take a deeper look at the different regions of the country. You’ll notice that it takes owners about 15 months to build a house in the Northeast, but it only takes 11 months in the Midwest.
Learn the Home Building Process
What does it take to build a home? By understanding the steps involved, you’ll be able to gauge how long it can take to get the job done.
Your home starts off with an idea. You can flesh out that idea and figure out what you want your home to be like. It’s a good idea to look at other new builds to see what’s possible.
More home shows are available online, like Boise Parades, so you can see homes across the country.
You can turn your inspiration into a list of needs and wants. You have to decide what you have to have in your home, and what would be nice to have if it fits in the budget.
For example, an open concept kitchen with room for 2 people to cook at the same time is a must-have, as is the number of bedrooms. A wood-burning fireplace is nice to have, but not really a deal breaker.
Get Your Financing in Order
Unless you are flushed with cash, you’ll need to work on financing the construction of the home. Lenders offer new construction loans. These loans usually ask for at least 20% down and they’re at higher interest rates than conventional mortgages.
You should shop around at different banks to get the best terms possible.
Hire an Architect
Assuming that you already have a lot picked out, you’ll need to finalize the design of your home. This is best done by working with an architect.
An architect creates the designs that contractors will follow. They’ll help you develop an architectural style that suits your personal style.
If you don’t have the land picked out, secure the land before you hire an architect. Work with a real estate agent that can help you get land that meets the zoning laws to build your new home.
Let the Professionals Do the Work
You’re not a home builder. At most, you’ll be a project manager, working with the various professionals who build your home.
If you’re smart, you’ll hire a home builder that does all of the work for you. You work closely with the builder, and they manage the plumbers, electricians, landscape contractors, and flooring installers.
The contractor will review the plans with the architect and make sure that the specs meet all engineering standards. They’ll also get the permits for the project.
They’ll prep the land for building, build the foundation and the frame of the home. They’ll move on to the bones of the home – plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Next, the installation and drywall will be installed. The contractor will oversee the painting contractors responsible for the interior paint. You’re going to have to choose the colors for each room.
Don’t forget about the fixtures of the home. These are the minor details that come to life later on in the home building process. You may decide to work with an interior designer to help you make the most stylish choices.
The landscaping is worked on and the flooring gets installed. At that point, you have a home.
Final Inspection and Walkthrough
At the end of the project, you need to have the local building inspectors check out the structure to make sure it meets all building codes. The inspector will hand over a certificate of occupancy, which means you can live there.
You’ll do a final walkthrough with the general contractor. Make sure you test all outlets, faucets, light switches, and inspect every part of the new home.
You and your contractor will create a final list of items that need to be fixed before the job finishes.
How Long Does It Take to Build a House?
There’s no easy answer to determine how long it takes to build a house. There are a lot of factors at play, but you can use other people’s experiences as a guideline.
It can take anywhere from 8-15 months to build a house. If you want to make the process to build a home go quickly, build a team of professionals that do the work. They have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right and they’ll get it done quickly.
Do you want design ideas and inspiration? Head over to the home improvement category of this site for more great content.
