Thinking about building a home from the ground up? It’s an exciting journey—choosing the location, layout, finishes, and even the little details like drawer pulls in the kitchen. But one of the biggest questions I hear is: “How long is this going to take?”
The short answer: it depends. A typical home build in the U.S. takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months once construction starts. But there are a lot of moving parts, and things like weather, labor shortages, or custom features can either speed things up or slow things down.
Let’s walk through the process step by step so you know what to expect—and what could impact your timeline.
🏗️ Pre-Construction (1 to 3 Months)
Before the digging starts, there’s groundwork to cover. This includes:
- Finding and buying the land
- Choosing a builder or contractor
- Finalizing design plans
- Securing permits
- Getting construction financing
This phase is often underestimated. Delays with permits, zoning, or closing on the land can set you back weeks—or even months.
🔨 Foundation (1 to 3 Weeks)
Once your lot is prepped, the crew digs and pours the foundation.
- Slab foundations are quick—just a few days.
- Full basements take longer due to excavation and extra structure.
Weather and soil conditions are the biggest wildcards here.
🏠 Framing & Roofing (1 to 2 Months)
This is when your house starts to look like a house!
Walls go up, floors go in, the roof is framed, and windows and doors are roughed in.
- Rain, snow, or cold temps can cause delays
- Material shortages can also slow things down
The roof itself usually takes just a day or two to install.
⚙️ Electrical, Plumbing, & HVAC (1 to 3 Months)
This is the “behind-the-walls” work—plumbing, electrical wiring, ductwork, etc.
This phase can move quickly if your contractor has a solid schedule and the trades are available.
You’ll also need inspections at this stage before walls can be closed up. It’s smart to build in a buffer here just in case.
🧱 Interior & Exterior Finishes (1 to 2 Months)
Now it gets exciting again—this is where your vision comes to life:
- Drywall, flooring, cabinets, counters, trim, doors
- Siding, paint, appliances, landscaping
There’s a lot happening, and coordination is key to keeping things on track.
✅ Final Walkthrough & Inspections (2 to 4 Weeks)
This last phase includes:
- Touch-ups
- Final inspections
- Any last-minute adjustments
Once the final sign-off is done, it’s move-in time!
⏳ What Can Delay the Timeline?
Even the most well-planned projects can hit snags. Here are the common culprits:
- Weather: Rain, snow, freezing temps
- Permits & Inspections: Bureaucratic slowdowns or special zoning requests
- Labor Shortages: Skilled trades can be booked solid
- Supply Chain Issues: Delays in materials like windows or appliances
- Change Orders: Changing your mind mid-build is normal—but it usually means delays and extra costs
🏡 Should You Build or Buy?
Here’s how the timelines stack up:
- Buying an existing home: 1–3 months
- Buying a spec home that’s under construction: 3–6 months
- Building from scratch: 6–12+ months
So how long does it take to build a house? Realistically, plan for at least 6 to 12 months, knowing that custom homes may take longer. It can feel slow at times, but when it’s all said and done, you’ll have a home that’s truly yours—and that makes the wait 100% worth it.
Liz Walker Real Estate 