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 finish your custom home plan until the day you move in. Of course, this depends on timely decision-making, 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:

• 1-2 months – Land selection and purchasing
• 4–6 weeks – Floor-plan selection and customization
• 2–4 weeks – Drafting the drawings
• 1 week – Permit submission
• Variable – Permit approvals
• 3–4 months – Site development
• 4–6 months – Building

The first phase – land selection and purchasing might be quick, or it might take a while, depending. You not only need to find land in a location that you want to live, but you also need to make sure it is buildable. This involves hiring a Survey and Engineer company to first do water percolation tests on the land to make sure it has adequate water drainage. Then you need them to create drawings of the property and set back lines to make sure there is enough room on the land to build within based on its zoning regulations.

The second 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 Project Manager can help you estimate the time required based on his or her experience with similar sites. 

The remaining phases involve the Construction of the Building. Your Project Manager will be able to estimate the time required for that. For example, a two-story house takes longer to build than a single-story home of the same footprint. Based on his or her experience with the design and the local area, your Project Manager 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 your property purchased, surveyed and ready to go.
• Have all of your financial documents prepared before you start the process.
• Research design ideas and be ready to make decisions.
• Be prepared to work closely with your Project Manager to manage your Custom Home Build.

 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 Harris Home Builders today. 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.