Many people dream of having their own custom-built home. There are several key benefits to this approach. As a home builder, you get to choose every feature and amenity that you prefer in your new home. One factor that gives some home buyers pause is the issue of time. After all, when you buy a pre-existing home, you can simply move in. A custom home, on the other hand, needs to be planned and built from the ground up. You may be wondering how long the process takes. In this article we will explore the average timeline of a custom-built home and share some estimated times – these are simply estimates to give you an idea of the timeline.
The Average Timeline For a Custom Home
A custom home is, by definition, unique, so there’s no single answer to how long construction takes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, custom homes where the builder is working from an existing plan, typically take between six and seven months to complete. If you’re planning the entire project from scratch, it will be closer to one year. Now let’s look at factors that will affect the timeline.
Factors to Consider During Custom-Built Home Process
Building Season
The time of year you arrange to have your home built will influence how long construction takes. In general, spring to early summer is the ideal time for construction. Days are longer and the weather is usually mild. In winter, it gets dark earlier, which limits the length of the workday. In mid-summer, the heat can be a factor in warmer climates, such as Florida and Georgia.
Unpredictable Weather
Regardless of what season you’re building in, weather can be unpredictable. If there are unexpected issues such as unusual rainfall or an extreme heatwave, construction may be delayed and your timeline could get pushed. It’s common for some weather delays to happen, so try to be patient during this time.
Building Permits and Inspections
When building a home, it’s important to fill out the proper paperwork and make sure the project is compliant with local laws and regulations. It can take time to apply for and get permits approved. It helps to work with an experienced builder who can help you handle the paperwork and make sure all permits and inspections are performed as needed.
Amenities and Details
The amenities and materials you select for your home will affect the construction time. The larger the home and the more specialized features, upgrades, flooring options and customizations you want, the longer it will take. For example, if you want appliances or design features that are less common, you’ll have to wait for them to be located and delivered.
Last-Minute Changes
If you ask for changes once the building process has begun, this will cause the project to take longer. To avoid this, it helps to be as clear as possible about every aspect of the design and to communicate all of your wishes with the builder.
A Custom Home is Worth Waiting For
While the process of having a custom home built takes a little more time than moving into an existing home, you should keep the benefits in mind. Waiting a few extra months allows you to have every detail of your home created to your exact specifications. You can do your part to accelerate the process and avoid delays. When you work with a reputable builder and communicate closely with them, the construction process will proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Why Work with Covenant Homes
If you want a home that truly expresses your vision and uniqueness, your best choice is to work with a custom home builder. If you’re looking to design a completely custom home, Covenant Homes is a flexible custom home builder with Christian values serving the Tampa Bay and North Georgia areas. To schedule a free consultation, contact Covenant Homes.
*This blog was originally published in 2021 and has been updated for 2024
