The time it takes to build a home can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the project, the size and design of the home, the location, weather conditions, who you hire to build it and how organized they are with their plan, and other various considerations. There are many Okanagan home builders to choose from, and each will work a bit differently. On average, a typical single-family home can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to complete. Keep in mind this is just an average. Homes can vary anywhere from simple to ultra-luxurious and complex. Here’s a general breakdown of the construction timeline:
Pre-Construction Phase (2-6 months):
- Planning, design, and architectural work: This phase involves designing the home, obtaining permits, and finalizing plans. It typically takes a few months but can vary depending on the complexity of the design, how many changes you request and the permitting process in your area.
Site Preparation (2-4 weeks):
- Site prep includes clearing the land, grading, excavating, and preparing the site for the foundation. The duration can vary based on site conditions. For example, finding a giant hidden rock underneath the soil can cause delays.
Foundation (2-4 weeks):
- Pouring the foundation and allowing it to cure is a critical step. The timeline can vary based on the type of foundation (e.g., slab, crawl space, basement) and of course, the builder you hire to do this. If you want more information on why hiring a design-builder is a good choice, click here.
Framing (2-4 months):
- Framing involves constructing the basic framework of the home, including walls, floors, and the roof. The duration depends on the size and complexity of the home. More walls, and especially walls of different shapes and sizes, means more time to build them properly.
Rough-In (2-4 weeks):
- During this phase, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other rough-in work is completed. This includes running wiring and pipes before walls are closed up.
Exterior Work (1-3 months):
- Exterior finishes such as siding, roofing, windows, and doors are installed. The timeline can be influenced by weather conditions and the complexity of the exterior design. For example, metal siding is time-consuming to install whereas vinyl siding is quick.
Interior Work (2-6 months):
- Interior work includes insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and interior finishes. If you have more walls, you’ll need more drywall which will increase the drywalling, taping and painting time. The bigger your kitchen, the more time it will take to complete the cabinetry and finishings. It all depends on what you’ve chosen in your selections!
Mechanical Systems and Fixtures (2-4 months):
- Installation of HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and other mechanical systems is completed.
Final Inspections and Testing (2-4 weeks):
- Local building authorities conduct inspections to ensure the home meets safety and code requirements. Testing for systems like HVAC and plumbing may also be performed.
Final Touches and Landscaping (1-3 months):
- Finishing touches, like painting, installing appliances, and landscaping the yard, are completed during this phase.
Final Walkthrough and Occupancy (1-2 weeks):
- A final walkthrough is conducted to identify any remaining issues. Once any outstanding items are resolved, you can move in and occupy the home.
Keep in mind that these timeframes are general estimates, and actual construction timelines can vary widely based on who you hire to build, weather, labour availability, and the complexity of the project. Custom-designed homes or those in areas with stringent permitting processes may take longer to complete. It’s essential to work closely with a professional builder to establish a realistic timeline for your project.
Whenever you hire a builder, it is imperative that you make sure they have a plan. I’m not talking about floor plans either, I’m talking about the construction plan. What is happening when, who is doing, and how long it will take. Remember – if your searching through the Okanagan home builders and find one that does not have a plan, there’s a very high chance that your home will not go according to plan.
If you’re curious how we do things differently here at LUX Homes, contact us for a commitment-free chat! If you want to just learn more about building or renovating a home on your own, check out our Resource Library for a wealth of knowledge.
