How Long Does It Take To Build a Custom Home?

December 10, 2024

10 min read

Type of Home

The kind of custom home you’re building plays a significant role in the timeline.

Semi-custom homes generally take between 8 to 10 months to complete. These homes are partially pre-designed, allowing for a quicker build.

On the other hand, fully customized homes, which are tailored to specific client specifications, require much more time, ranging from 10 months to 1.5 years depending on the size. The degree of customization significantly extends the construction period as each detail is crafted to perfection.

Regional Differences

Where you’re building your home also affects the timeline. Urban areas often have better access to supplies and labor, potentially speeding up the construction process. Conversely, rural areas might face delays due to the limited availability of materials and skilled workers in the area, which can prolong the construction time due to gathering materials and scheduling trips.

Home Size and Complexity

Larger homes with intricate designs and features will naturally take longer to build compared to smaller, simpler homes. Project complexity, including the level of detail in finishes and the inclusion of unique features, requires more time and effort.

Examples that can make a home more complex:

Floor plan layout
Roof design
Home features beyond the standard
- Custom garages, home spas or in door pools
- Mother-in-law casitas or man cave casitas | attached or detached from main home
- Landscaping / hardscaping and exteriors | features such as pools

Design Phase & Pre-Construction

The initial stages of designing your home and planning the construction can add considerable time. Depending on the complexity of the architectural design and the architect’s current workload, these phases can extend the timeline by 3 to 6 months. Detailed designs require meticulous planning and coordination, which naturally lengthens the process.

Once a design is completed, the next big phase is pre-construction and within that is engineering. Based on the engineer’s frame and foundation design, the architect’s design may have to revised, but this isn’t always the case. An engineer’s design can take up to 3 months.

The Permit Process

Another critical factor is acquiring the necessary permits. Local regulations and permit processing times can vary widely and significantly impact the build timeline. Navigating through the bureaucratic procedures can sometimes be time-consuming, depending on the efficiency of local authorities.

A typical timeline is at least 30 business days due to the cycle process the city goes through to verify all the information submitted meets regulatory requirements. With the increasing detail city reviewers are applying to the permit process, up to 3 months is normal.

The Builder’s Efficiency and Expertise

The chosen builder’s experience and the current workload are crucial. An experienced builder with a well-coordinated team can work more efficiently, reducing construction time. However, if the builder has multiple ongoing projects or lacks experience, it could lead to delays.

Homeowner Involvement and Decision-Making

Keep in mind that the involvement of the homeowners, along with the speed at which they make important decisions regarding design choices and material selections, can significantly influence the overall timeline of the project. Any delays in reaching critical decisions or adjustments to the original plan during the design phase, selections, and construction process can lead to unforeseen extensions in the completion time, potentially impacting both the budget and the anticipated move-in date. Therefore, homeowners need to be proactive and engaged throughout the decision-making process to ensure a smoother and more efficient construction experience.

What Factors Cause Delays in Home Building?

Change orders – Making a lot of changes during the construction process that deviate from the original scope of work will push your overall timeline.
Selection shortages – Sometimes materials are on back order or it may take a longer time to receive a certain appliance than a typical 2-3 week period depending on where it is being sourced.
Labor delays – Many home builders rely on sub-contractors to complete their projects and many contractors have multiple jobs they are responsible for. Knowing this information, being flexible with the scheduling of contractors is important.
Holidays – During November and December, production can slow down due to contractors taking holiday vacations to see loved ones. Be mindful of this potential circumstance.
Weather delays – Rainy days and the random Snowmeggedons can happen in Central Texas. When they do, expect your timeline to be potentially effected based on what phase of construction your home build is in at the time.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is building a custom home is a multifaceted endeavor that varies significantly based on these factors. Each element adds its own layer of complexity and time to the construction process, resulting in a unique timeline for every project.

At the initial start of breaking ground, production typically takes between 8-10 months to build a custom home. With the design and pre-construction processes, this will increase the overall timeline to 10-12 months. So a good timeline to expect is 1 year to build your custom home without any delays. For a healthier perspective that includes delays or greater complexity in your design, we suggest being prepared for 1.5 years to finish a custom home.

At DMJ, we take immense pride in our ability to transform your vision into reality by building your dream home with meticulous precision and attention to detail, all while ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from the initial consultation to the final touches.