How Long Does It Take to Build a House?

If you're building a new house, expect it to take about seven months, but don't be surprised if the process takes up to 12 months (or more)!

How long a house takes to build will be specific to your circumstances, such as where you live or what type of builder you're working with. But there are also a few other variables you can account for early on that will save you time, and maybe even money, down the road.

To help you prepare to build your new home, here are some things to consider: a general timeline for new constructions and other important information you'll need to know when you build your new home.

How long does it take to build a house?

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, your home's construction will take anywhere from six to 12 months depending on two big variables: the type of build and which region of the country you live in.

Type of build

Hiring a contractor or buying from a production builder can mean a month difference in your timeline. Based on various build types, the average time it takes to build a house can be:

Region

Some U.S. states might have better or worse weather, which can impact your timeline. Or, different municipal bureaucracies can impact how long it takes to go through permitting and inspection processes. Unfortunately, these elements are out of your control when considering how long it takes to build your new home.

Additionally, labor markets are different everywhere. If subcontractors are in high demand where you live, you will have to work with their schedule and could wait longer for certain types of work, such as your electrical wiring or plumbing, than you originally planned.

Where you live also affects how long it takes materials to get to your build site. For example, if you're building in the suburbs of a large city, it might be quicker because your local industrial hubs are relatively close. If you're building in a mountainous area that's more isolated, materials might need to travel further to get to you.

U.S. Census Bureau data gives us a general idea of what to expect based on the region of the U.S. you're building in.

Things to consider when building a house

Building a new home can be exciting — you have the power to build the home of your dreams, right on the lot you want! But that also means there are a lot of details and steps that need your attention.

First, you'll meet with your builder to decide on floor plans, sign a sale contract, and communicate your needs and expectations.

After your meeting, you'll work with your builder to negotiate and fine-tune the specifics, such as the floor plan and material specifications. Then, your builder will probably require a deposit upfront to start construction.

If you want to start this process on the right foot, these are a few things you should consider before you get to that initial meeting:

Your budget

Like you would for a traditional home purchase, you'll want to get prequalified with a mortgage lender before talking to a builder. Once you're prequalified, you'll know what you can afford to spend on your new home.

Giving yourself at least 10% of the total price in extra funds is also a good idea. This way, if the cost of materials increases while you're building or some unexpected weather patterns lead to increased costs, you're prepared for it.

Also, factor in that you'll likely have a few additional financing costs, like your builder deposit and construction loan, if applicable.

How much space you need

Planning the square footage you'll need helps you anticipate the cost of the build and makes it easier to set expectations with your builder right from the start.

When thinking about space, consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Do you want a single-story or multi-story home?

The size of your lot will also impact how much space you actually have to build, so knowing how much space you want can help you decide where to build.

These are all important questions to answer early in the planning process, and answering them might even help you narrow down your list of potential builders.

Unique design choices

Deciding early on unique aspects of your home means you can share your vision with your builder from the get-go, and they can order hard-to-find materials as early as possible.

For example, maybe you want an exposed beam and high ceilings in your living room. Large, sturdy pieces of wood long enough to fit the length of a room might be hard to find and take a while to arrive. Or do you need wheelchair-accessible door frames and bathrooms? Your builder will want to know about those needs ASAP to incorporate them into your blueprint.

This means it's crucial to decide on unique design choices as early as possible and communicate them to your builder so they can start working on your order.

Ability to compromise

Likewise, planning a list of must-haves versus what you're willing to leave behind helps save you time when you sit down with your builder to sign a contract and commit to a timeline.

Out of your list of design and floor plan options, what are you willing to compromise on with your builder to meet your timeline? What part of your vision for your new home are you willing to compromise on if it comes down to cost?

A real estate agent is also a useful expert who can guide you through what changes can be made at your discretion after your build is complete. Having this information ahead of time could potentially save you tons of money and time.

>>SAVE: If you're looking for an agent with experience in new construction, Clever can help!

Average timeline to build a house

These are the typical steps a builder will take to construct your home:

It's important to note that many steps to build a house can happen simultaneously. Since each stage requires different subcontractors or specialists for installations, they can often work simultaneously on different parts of the site.

Let's break down the details of each step to prepare you for how long it takes to build a house.

Permits and inspections

Most cities will require you to apply for permits and have inspections conducted of the construction site.

Once these are complete, construction can take a month or more to begin. If you're working with a production builder, though, they'll likely already have this step taken care of before you approach them.

No matter what type of build you're doing, inspections will be required periodically throughout the construction process and typically after key stages, like checking the foundation or the quality of the electrical work.

These add time but are important for your safety. Inspectors ensure features are up to code and don't present current or future hazards.

Every city will have different permitting and inspection requirements. Check your city government's website for more information.

Foundation

Every home needs a solid foundation! Whether it's just a slab or a full basement, your foundation will need anywhere from two to four weeks to cure before it can support your home.

Weather will also affect this step a lot. If temperatures fluctuate, it could take your foundation longer to cure. So, depending on your local climate, it might be a bit longer before you're ready for the next step of your build.

Your city will also want to inspect your foundation before the builder moves onto framing, so account for this time, too.

Framing

Next, it's time to put in the bones of your home! On average, framing takes around a week or two. However, the time it takes depends on factors like square footage and the number of floors.

If you're working with a general contractor or production builder, they'll probably be more efficient when doing your framing. If you're working directly on a custom build, be prepared for framing to take longer.

After your framing is complete, an inspector will ensure the frame is secure and that it's safe to move forward with the next steps of your build.

Technical and mechanical

Now it's time for your essential systems, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC.

Installing these different components requires specialists, so it could take a week or more to complete. It might take longer if there is high demand for these services in your area and you have to work around a specialist's schedule.

During this time, your builder will likely also start on the roof and windows and add a house wrap to protect your home from water.

Walk through with your builder before the next step to ensure you're not missing any essentials, like HVAC vents or ethernet ports. After all these systems are in place, an inspector will usually also check that everything is installed safely.

Walls and insulation

Here is where the house starts to become a home! After your essential systems are installed, your insulation and walls go up. Installing your insulation and walls will probably take just a few days but won't begin until all of your mechanical elements are in place.

Insulation is crucial to creating a livable home and reducing energy usage, which can help you save on utility bills. The most common type of insulation is fiberglass batting rolls, but what your builder uses will depend on your local climate.

Exteriors

Now it's time for your house to take on some character. You'll see your siding and other exterior features installed at this stage, such as brick or stucco.

This will probably take several days to a week and possibly happen concurrently with your details and finishes. Some landscaping might also occur, including planting trees or shrubbery.

Details and finishes

Now it's time for your trim and finishes, which includes a lot more than you might expect!

Since some of these features require different subcontractors, this process can take up to a month or more. However, many of these elements are installed simultaneously, so again, expect some overlap between steps.

You'll also see your floor go in around this time, too — probably after things like cabinets and appliances are installed to prevent dirt tracking onto your new carpet or damage to your new hardwood floors.

Final walkthrough

You're almost there! Now that everything is installed and constructed, it's time to do your final walkthrough with your builder, sometimes called the "punchout."

At your punchout, you're encouraged to bring a punch list, or a list of things to go over in detail, to ensure that your new home meets the requirements laid out in your contract. If you have one, your real estate agent will also be a great resource when checking for errors and potential problems, so be sure to bring them along! You may also choose to hire your own inspector to help, too.

During your punchout, note anything you'd like fixed or any errors you notice. The following new construction punchout list example can get you started.

After your builder makes whatever fixes necessary, your city may need to inspect your new home to ensure everything is up to code before you close and move in.

Do you need a realtor for new construction?

You don't need to use a real estate agent if you're building a house, but if you're buying from a production builder, bringing an agent along is a good idea! An agent can help you navigate your sale contract, ensure your package is priced fairly, and help you keep track of the build process.

Plus, having an agent costs you nothing because most builders account for a buyer's agent fee in their marketing budgets! So, there's usually no discount if you choose to go it alone.

While your builder will probably encourage you to use their representative instead, it's important to note that their agent represents them — not you.

FAQs about new construction timelines