How Long Does Construction of a New Home Typically Take?

The 2014 Census Bureau Survey of Construction reports that the average construction time to complete a single family home is seven months. Of course there are many factors that can affect project timelines such as the location of the jobsite, weather conditions, and complexity of the project. Other factors that affect the timeline are pre-construction preparation, permitting, availability of workers and supplies, construction style and changes to the approved plans. (See our earlier blog post, 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Home in Colorado, which outlines common mistakes that cause delays.)

At Sheffield Homes, the timeline for new construction typically proceeds as follows:

Design Process: 4-6 weeks

In many ways, the design process is the most important phase of building a home. It is during this time that you communicate your preferences, set your priorities, develop your budget, and make all the important decisions about the layout, design, and location of your home. Whether you hire an architect or use a pre-designed plan, there are many decisions to make. Taking time up front to ascertain that you have addressed everything to your satisfaction will avoid changes and subsequent delays down the road.

Permitting Time: Approximately 3-6 weeks

The permitting process and requirements vary by municipality. When there is a lot of new construction in an area, permitting and inspections can take longer.

Construction: 6-8 months

The construction timeline depends on the complexity of the design, weather and environmental factors, and the materials being used. Denver is fortunate to have plenty of year-round sunshine and stretches of mild winter weather when some construction tasks can be done. Nevertheless, rain and snow, freezing temperatures, and excessive wind can prevent work from getting done throughout the year.

What can you do to make sure the construction of your new home is as painless as possible?

Collaboration and communication between you and your builder are vital to a smooth home-building experience. Working closely with your builder at every stage, making sure that your wishes and concerns are communicated and that you are getting satisfactory answers to all of your questions, will greatly reduce the likelihood of mistakes and delays.

Choosing the right builder goes a long way toward ensuring a good outcome. Let Sheffield Homes show you how we make new home dreams come true. Contact us today for a free consultation.