How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom House?

Hello World! Welcome Friends!  Building a custom home is a dream come true for many home-owners because you get to have your hands in all the details. From construction to design, you can custom build a home exactly the way you want it.

However, the custom home process isn’t always a fairytale. It comes with its challenges, and the number one thing that deters people from building a custom house is thinking it will take a long time to build.

Let’s break down how long it really takes to build a custom house so you can understand the whole process better.

How Long Does it Take to Build a Custom House?

On average, it can take four to seven months to construct a new home. Obviously, this is largely dependent on factors such as whether you do the majority of the work yourself or whether you leave all of the work to custom home builders like Berks Homes. Understandably, the latter will be much quicker. However, there’s more to the process than just the building timeline.

First, you need to think about the planning time. Expect it to take one to four months for your architect to draw up the plans for your home. Next, you need all the correct permits and authorizations to start building. Depending on any extra complications, that can add a few months to the timeline too.

A few things can get in the way of getting your permits quickly, like:

• Not planning ahead
• A neighbor with oppositions
• The building department is behind on processing permits

Once you’re completely approved and can break ground, you can get back on track with your building timeline. However, a number of things can delay that process too.

Environmental Factors Can Cause Delays

For instance, weather and environmental factors can slow down construction. In fact, according to the 2019 census report, it takes longer to build custom homes in the northeast because of snow and rain delays.

It can take an average of 11 months to build a home in colder states, whereas it takes an average of six months in southern states that get more sunshine.

Other environmental factors include the health of your soil and topography. If you don’t have well-draining soil, it will take extra time to treat it. There are also added complications if you’re building on a hilly lot.

You can also run into delays if your home is in an earthquake, fire hazard, or mudslide zone.

You can speed up the process and avoid these environmental delays if you already have a lot that’s ready to build on. Check out programs like the build on my lot option from Jeff Watson Homes.

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Shipping Delays

When you build a custom home, you get to pick out everything from the countertops to the doorknobs. This is the fun part for most homeowners. However, it can also add to the delays.

If you pick something that needs to be transported in or shipped from somewhere far away, expect it to add a few weeks to your timeline. Oftentimes, the construction crew is ready to go but waiting on something like the custom hard-wood floors to come in before they can continue working.

Let’s go over how to avoid delays like this next.

How to Avoid Delays

When it comes to building a house, delays are inevitable. You can’t control the weather, and you’re at the mercy of the building department to approve all of your permits.

However, there are some ways to minimize the number of setbacks. First, make sure you hire a highly-skilled and recommended contractor that you trust.

If you can, get a referral from a friend who had a good experience. You can also check out online reviews. Look for a contractor with enough experience and a full team. You want a contractor who won’t cut corners but also knows how to get the job done on time.

Another way to minimize delays is to finalize your design plan before construction starts and stick to it. A lot of delays can happen because the homeowner decides they want to make changes after construction has already started, which means the crew has to backtrack and redo their work.

As much as possible, stick to the original plan that you decided on with your architect at the beginning of the process. Of course, your needs could change, you could get new ideas, or you could change your mind about the plan once you see it being built.

This is your dream house, so you should get what you want. Just make sure any changes you want to make are worth the delays that will inevitably happen. If they aren’t worth it, stick to the original plan that you already loved.

To avoid shipping delays that halt the construction process, make sure you and your architect research the lead times for everything you need so that they get ordered at the right time. The last thing you want is for the construction crew to stop working because they are waiting on doors or windows to arrive.

Sourcing materials locally can also speed up the process, and it’s great for your local economy took.

Finally, scheduling a weekly walk-through with your contractor can help hold them accountable to the timeline you agreed on.

Custom Home Benefits

Despite the unknowns and potential delays, building a home can still be a dream come true. When you’re finally all moved in and settled, you’ll be so happy you chose to do it.

Here are a few benefits to building a custom home:

• You have a say in the layout and design of the home
• Build on your own lot
• You can get top-of-the-line tech and appliances
• Before building starts, you can change the design as much as you want
• You get to pick out everything
• Brand new homes require less maintenance

A custom home also has more sentimental value since you get to make decisions based on what your family wants and needs, and in the end, you have a house that works perfectly for you.

Build Your Dream Home

There’s no perfect answer to the question, “how long does it take to build a custom house?”

Several factors will determine your timeline and any potential delays, but in the end, the whole process will be worth it. Your brand new home will bring you and your family joy, and you’ll make memories there that will last a lifetime.

For more home design tips and resources, check out the rest of the blog.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

6 Important Landscaping Tips for Homeowners

How to Safely Handle Forklifts at Home

What Services Does a Security Company Provide

Best Home Builders

How to Operate your Lawn Tractor Safely

Advanced Neurology Stressless Life

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