Did you know that the U.S. Census Bureau estimated in August 2020 that around 1.4 million housing starts would take place this year? Popular reasons for having a new house built range from a need for customization and value to an interest in new architectures and the building process.
However, building a house will take a lot of planning and waiting. Not only do you have to think about the type of house you want, but you need to consider the location, building method, and risks that can delay the process.
Are you wondering, “How long does it take to build a house exactly?” Read on to learn what you can expect.
So, How Long Does It Take to Build a House Generally?
As a general rule, you can expect it to take around nine months to a year for building a house.
However, this can be a shorter six months if you’re having a mass-produced home built. You may need longer if you want a home with a special style like eco-architecture.
Further, homes in the South and West usually take a shorter time to build than in the Northeast and Midwest.
Considering the Steps to Build a House
To get a better look at why it can take so long to build a house, consider all the steps involved.
Before any work can take place, you have to go through the process of finding land and getting a permit, which can take a month on its own. That doesn’t even count the months you may spend searching for your dream home plan.
Once you have permission for building a house, you’ll need to find contractors or a building company unless you go it alone. This can take a month or two. Then, the contractors can spend up to a month simply preparing the land for building.
Once building begins, processes like building the home’s foundation, installing framing, putting in mechanical systems, and insulating the house can take a few weeks each. After all interior and exterior work gets done, you can expect another few weeks for inspections and closing.
Knowing What Can Slow the Process Down
While you can expect most homes to get completed within a year, delays can unfortunately occur that extend the time to build a house. For example, you may have issues finding contractors, dealing with bad weather, or requiring an especially complex design.
Even before you start, there may be a backlog of people seeking permits, or the inspector may find your land not suitable for the type of house you want to build. Also, consider quality issues that can require things to get rebuilt or repaired during the process.
Prepare for a Quicker Home Building Process
To get your home completed in the fastest time possible, it pays to start planning long before you want the building to start.
This means researching the land, understanding building rules in the community, and deciding on exactly which home design you want. It also means considering your budget and weighing the pros and cons of building options.
Now you know the answer to the question, “How long does it take to build a house?” So, check out our other posts for some ideas for home designs!
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