A very common question customers ask is “How long will my project take to build?” The answer, unfortunately, isn’t an easy one to answer without digging into some details first. If you have a desired completion date in mind, you’ll be able to work backward in developing a timeline, however, there are many factors to consider.
Complexity and size are the most important factors in estimating a build time. A simple residential garage or agricultural project can be built in just a few days, whereas a large, complex project like a complex horse barn or a post frame house can take longer, several weeks or even several months.
Additionally, there are many things to consider apart from the actual physical build time that can impact the overall time it takes to complete a project:
Build location & site condition.
Is the site level? Is there a dirt or gravel pad prepared that the building will sit on? Is the location you have selected attached to any building covenants? How well does the site drain? Are there overhead obstacles like power lines and trees? Is there an existing safe working area around the site? Just getting the site ready for construction will take time. We recommend hiring a professional excavator to prepare your site.
Crew availability.
Your potential contractor or building company will have an existing schedule of current and upcoming projects they are busy working to build and will have to fit your new project into that schedule. If subcontractors are needed for items like concrete, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, your project schedule will have to incorporate them as well.
Weather.
Of course, you will have to take weather into consideration. Ice, snow, rain and mud can all add to the overall timeline of your project, as construction crews cannot always safely or effectively work in these conditions. If you’re curious as to what ideal building weather is – most crews like to work in 60 – 70 degrees on a partially sunny day with a minimal breeze but our amazing building crews will build in any condition they safely can.
Material delivery schedules.
Most likely, if you hire a general contractor, they will set up a schedule for material to be delivered a couple weeks or days before the building is about to begin. This doesn’t mean that a delay can’t happen, but because a contractor is experienced in the art of scheduling and works closely with trusted suppliers, delays rarely happen.
Design services.
Working with your builder to make all the decisions necessary to start a project will take some time. Developing the initial design, choosing your colors and finishes, and completing a final architectural layout can take a few days or even weeks. Making any changes to the design by adding features like doors, windows, porches or changing major details will require a Change Order and will also add to the overall timeline.
Architectural and engineering approvals.
If your project is a home or commercial space, you’ll need to get stamped plans. This process can take several weeks to get completed. You also want to be aware of any covenants or county/city requirements that can affect the design of your building.
Permitting & inspections.
The type and number of permits and inspections required for your project will obviously depend on your local codes and building authorities. You’ll want to get started early to understand the rules governing your location and avoid construction delays. If you live in city limits, contact the city building and zoning department. If you plan to build in a rural area, contact the county building and zoning department.
Financing.
If you need to finance your project with a loan, it can take a few weeks to several months selecting and working with a bank to secure the funds. Most banks will want to see a building plan or estimate. Your contractor or engineer can help provide you with those building plans.
In the end, there are many factors to consider beyond the actual physical work of building your project. Working through the process with your builder means getting started sooner than later if you want to meet a desired completion date.