HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A HOUSE?
Building a new home is an exciting experience, and it normally comes with many important questions. Foremost, people want to know, “How long will it take to build my house?” The truth is the amount of time it takes to complete a home depends on various factors. But a responsible home builder will strive to minimize delays and get you into your dream home as soon as possible.
According to the 2015 Survey of Construction from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average time from start to completion of a single-family residence in the Northeast region is almost 10 months.¹ At Fine Line Homes, the average building time—from pouring the footers to the final inspection—is about 120 to 180 days. Our dedicated team works hard to hand you the keys to your brand new home within six months.
Since building a home is a significant decision, it’s important to find an honest builder who will tell you what to expect. The following describes a few factors that may slow down the construction process.
Five Factors That Can Delay a House’s Building Time
1. The Pre-Construction Period
A lot of important things must happen before you can break ground. First, you need to secure your mortgage loan and choose your floor plan. After you select a plan and request any necessary changes, the modified drafts must be updated and approved.
Next, you’ll select the exterior and interior materials for your new home. Once all plans are finalized, you apply for all of the necessary building permits and hold a Pre-Building Conference. The final phase of the pre-construction period involves lot preparation. The land the home will be built on must be cleared of trees, and then prepare for the foundation.
The homeowner needs to make many decisions before construction can begin. And if they are not completed in a timely manner, permits and materials may not be available when needed, causing construction delays. To help make the pre-construction process easier, one of our experienced Housing Consultants will provide you with a checklist and walk you through each item.
2. The Climate
Clear blue skies are ideal building conditions, but not every day will have picture-perfect weather. Factors beyond a builder’s control, such as inclement weather conditions, can affect the home’s construction timeframe, especially in the Northeast.
3. Availability of Workers and Supplies
The summer months are generally the busiest time for the building industry. Therefore, a new home’s construction may be delayed due to high demand for specialists such as excavators, electricians, and plumbers.
In addition, customizations and changes may mean the builder must special-order materials. If the feature is something you have your heart set on, the upgrades may be worth the wait. You just want to remember that those items may cause your project to take a little longer.
4. Customer Design Changes
Because the building process involves homeowner participation, the biggest factor affecting the timeframe is the buyer. Not making decisions in a timely manner or changing their mind during the construction phase, which requires a change order, will extend the build time. A “change order” is the technical term for an amendment to the original contract.
5. Size and Complexity of the Home Plan
Lastly, the style of your home will influence construction time. It makes sense that a larger, more ornate home will take longer to build than a simpler home style. But, ultimately, you should choose a home plan that fits your family’s needs, matches your lifestyle, and that you can afford.
Do You Have Building Questions?
In conclusion, we hope this article sheds light on the new home construction timeline and the main reasons building can be delayed. Some variables, such as bad weather, cannot be foreseen. But other factors, such as material delays, can hopefully be avoided with the help of caring professionals.
Building a home shouldn’t be an ordeal. It should be fun and exciting with a team focused on helping you realize the vision you have for your dream home. Homeowners don’t have time to micromanage the process and shouldn’t have to. This is where Fine Line Home excels. We focus on the big picture for your home while maintaining diligent attention to the details: plan, materials, construction, and budget.
With over 40 years of building homes in Pennsylvania and New York, we have the expertise to get the project done. We have developed a streamlined process and know what factors can cause problems. Our team works hard to minimize delays to the best of our ability.
If you have any questions about the home building process, please contact one of Fine Line Homes’ friendly housing consultants. Our mission is to make it easier to build the home of your dreams.
To get a firsthand view of the products and processes we use, please visit one of our five conveniently located Design Centers/Model Homes in Harrisburg, Lewisburg, Hazleton, Sayre, and State College. We look forward to meeting you.
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