What You Can Expect During Your Home Build
The home building timeline has many different stages and factors involved with it. And how long your home build will take depends on various factors – such as budget, weather, availability of materials and labour, and more.
If you’re thinking about building a home, it is critical to understand every aspect of the timeline, the costs involved and how to pick the right contractor for the build. If you’re wondering how long it takes to build a home, you’ve reached the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the home-building timeline.



A Step-By-Step Guide to a Home Building Timeline
The average time to complete a home build is one year from design to construction. Of course, this timeline can vary depending on the housing type, the geographic region, the current real estate market, and more.
Most home builds begin within roughly one month after obtaining permits. The first step is to work with a builder or realtor to purchase property, design your house, and get the correct licenses and permits. Once that is all done, the construction of your home can begin.
Groundbreaking and Site Preparation
The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new home build and is the first step in the home-building timeline. Your contractor will start to level the site, demo the house, map the property, and get ready to start the build.
Your contractor will also excavate the land by clearing trees and preparing it to set up the foundation. Your contractor will begin to prep your home site during this stage. You will start to see the rough outline and shape of what your home will look like
Foundation and Footing
Workers will put the footers in place to support your home’s foundation.
Once the footings pass inspection, workers will pour concrete into the foundation. This process takes a few weeks because the concrete must cure.
Framing
After the foundation is set and backfilled, the framework begins. The framework comes from your floor plan and is essentially the skeleton of a home. Your contractor will frame your walls, floors, and roof with wood. Once the workers complete framing, an inspector will review the work and ensure everything meets code.
Mechanicals
After framing comes mechanicals: roofing, wiring, plumbing, etc., your contractor will install water heaters, the HVAC system, and electrical systems.
Insulation & Drywall
During this time, your contractor will install insulation in the walls, cover the interior walls with drywall, and then sand and prime the drywall. They may also apply the first coat of paint at this time.
Flooring, Trim, & Paint
Your contractor will install flooring and other carpentry pieces like cabinets and interior doors. They will also complete the trim work and apply a second coat of paint to the drywall.
Fixtures/appliances/interior finish
Your contractor will install the light fixtures, bathtubs, toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances at this time.
Exterior Work and Landscaping
At this time, your contractors will be ready to complete driveways, exterior doors, and other exterior work. They will also complete landscaping, including trees, flowers, gardens, grass, and other attractive outdoor elements that enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Inspection, Walk Through, and Closing
A code official will inspect the home to ensure everything is up to code and meets all building regulations. Once the official completes the inspection, it’s your chance to review the entire home. Inspect the house from top to bottom, examine the systems and features, and watch for any damages or defects.
Please take note of any issues and point them out to your contractor before closing the deal. Your home is now complete – you are ready to move in and start your life in your new home!
While the above home building timeline is a rough picture of your home build, remember that all home builds are different. Many factors can delay your home build, but as long as you communicate with your home builder and stay patient, it will all come together in the end.
Are you interested in biophilic design? 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. Learn more about biophilic design here!
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.
Did you enjoy this article? Here are three more just for you: