How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home?

One of the main questions our clients ask us before taking on a new project is, ‘how long does it take to custom build a home?’

It can be a loaded question – many things go into building a home. From the pre-construction and design phases of the project, permits, to the final finishing touches, it’s a long process that takes a whole team, excellent communication, good scheduling, and more.

If you’re thinking about starting a new custom home build but aren’t sure how long the process is, or what the process involves, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to give you the ins and outs of the building process, how long it will take, and everything in between.

how long does it take to build a custom home?
Custom backsplash

How Long Does it Take to Custom Build a Home?

Many different factors go into building a custom home, which is why we’re happy to give you some general guidelines about what to expect during the process.

Generally, the building process can take anywhere from 1-2 years. A lot of factors go into how long a project will take. Please review some of these factors below.

Before You Break Ground

Most homes take about 1 to 2 years to construct, depending on sizing and details – that said, the pre-construction and design phases take roughly 2 to 10 months before the construction even begins. Of course, this timing depends on different things, including your builder’s workload and efficiency, how long the permit process will take, and more.

Sizing

A custom-built home has variable sizing and complexities – these complexities affect how long it will take to build. For example, a more petite home build will take much less time than an entire estate. Homes with more complex designs and details also take much longer to complete.

Your Builder

Many companies cut corners to save time and building costs. A reputable professional custom home builder will never cut corners. Still, an experienced company will take time and labour to ensure everything meets expectations and budget and meets all construction codes.

Scheduling Issues

All sorts of things can cause scheduling issues in a build, prolonging the process and delaying different aspects of the build. Some things that can cause delays include:

  • Material shortages
  • Labour shortages
  • Weather delays
  • Permits
  • Delayed inspections

How Can I Make the Project Move Along According to Schedule?

You can do all sorts of things to keep a build going according to schedule. The best way to make a home build move along faster is by having a constant open line of communication with your builder. Most buyers underestimate the role and the impact they can have on a project.

Your budget also plays a significant role in scheduling. Be sure to leave some wiggle room in your budget so that if something comes up that requires last-minute changes, it doesn’t throw the whole project off schedule.

Hiring the right builder will also impact a build’s timing. When hiring a builder, look for the following things:

  • Experience
  • Expertise
  • Good reviews
  • Reliable subcontractors
  • Proven track record
  • Reliability

A good custom home builder will also schedule site walks with you to visit the construction site to ensure everything looks good and is running according to schedule. Regular site walks also allow you to see if you want to make any changes to avoid delays.

Timber Haus is a custom house builder you can trust.

Our award-winning Edmonton home designers team is here to help you build your dream home. We provide our clients with a trusted and reliable level of service. As a result, we can design an energy-efficient home that fits your needs and lifestyle while enhancing your overall life and well-being.

We will work with you every step of the way to build the home of your dreams. Contact us today. We build homes we would be proud to live in ourselves. So let’s talk about your dream.

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