Tag: home

Posted in Buyers, Homeowners

How Long Does it Take to Build a House?

Posted on by Liz Walker

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.

Posted in Homeowners, Remodeling, Sellers

5 Home Improvements That Will Add The Most Value When Selling Your Home

Posted on by Liz Walker

Thinking About Selling? These 5 Home Improvements Will Add the Most Value

If you’re a homeowner considering putting your house on the market, you’re probably wondering how to get the highest possible return. The good news? You don’t need a full renovation to make a big impact. Strategic updates—especially in key areas—can significantly increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers.

Here are the top 5 improvements that typically deliver the most value before selling:

1. Kitchen Refresh or Remodel

Why it matters: The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home—and buyers agree. An updated kitchen can make or break a sale.

What to do:

  • Repaint or refinish cabinets and countertops for a modern look.
  • Replace outdated hardware, faucets, and light fixtures.
  • Consider stainless steel appliances if yours are dated or mismatched.

ROI: A minor kitchen remodel can recoup 70–80% of its cost, and often more in hot markets.

2. Bathroom Upgrades

Why it matters: Buyers want clean, functional, and modern bathrooms. Even small improvements can make a big difference.

What to do:

  • Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks.
  • Replace old vanities, mirrors, and light fixtures.
  • Install new faucets and towel bars for a fresh, cohesive look.
  • Ensure plumbing and ventilation are in good working order.
  • Paint a dated, colored cast iron tub or sink white

ROI: Midrange bathroom updates typically recoup 60–70% of their cost.

3. Curb Appeal Enhancements

Why it matters: First impressions count. Buyers often form an opinion before they even step inside.

What to do:

  • Paint or replace the front door.
  • Clean up landscaping, trim bushes, and plant seasonal flowers.
  • Power-wash the exterior, walkways, and driveway.
  • Fix cracked concrete or damaged siding.

ROI: Basic landscaping and exterior upgrades can return 100% or more in perceived value.

4. Fresh Interior Paint

Why it matters: A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home a clean, updated look.

What to do:

  • Use neutral, light colors to appeal to the widest range of buyers.
  • Paint over bold or personalized colors that might turn off buyers.
  • Don’t forget to touch up baseboards, trim, and ceilings.

ROI: Painting can yield a 100%+ return, especially when covering outdated or damaged surfaces.

5. Flooring Updates

Why it matters: Old carpet, scratched hardwood, or outdated tile can drag down your home’s appeal.

What to do:

  • Replace worn carpet with midrange options or consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which is affordable, stylish, and durable.
  • Refinish hardwood floors rather than replacing them.
  • Fix squeaks, stains, and loose boards.

ROI: Flooring updates can deliver 70–80% ROI and drastically improve the overall feel of the home.

Bonus Tip: Declutter and Stage Smartly

Beyond physical improvements, a clean and well-staged home can help buyers envision themselves living there. Remove excess furniture, personal items, and clutter to make spaces feel larger and more inviting.

Want to Know What Your Home is Worth?

Before you invest in any upgrades, it’s a smart idea to understand your home’s current market value.
👉 Click here to use my free home valuation tool and get an instant estimate!

Final Thoughts

Every market is different, so it’s a smart idea to talk with a local real estate professional before making major upgrades. But generally, these five improvements offer some of the best bang for your buck. A few smart investments can lead to a quicker sale—and a higher price.

Ready to make your move? Start with a plan, prioritize these upgrades, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.