We were recently asked this question: "We want to build a new home. What is a standard construction time?"
To answer this question, your builder will have to ask you some questions first:
- Have you chosen a floor plan?
- Do you own a lot, or have you made a final decision on which lot or piece of land you want to purchase?
- Have you decided on any changes to be made to the floor plan?
- Have you made a final decision on which builder you will use?
Construction times can vary greatly by price point and by builder.
In our case, if a lot has been purchased, home plan has been selected, all options and changes determined ahead of time, and permits applied for and approved, the building time can then be as short as four months for a typical home in the $250-350K price range.
That time can increase if multiple changes are requested during the process.
In general, the more expensive the home, the longer the build time. Custom built luxury homes do not have a standard build time - however, in most cases 8-18 months should be sufficient, and the build time can be heavily determined by the number of changes requested.
Once you've approved the big decisions like floor plan, type of financing, and location, here are some of the basic steps in the building process. The order can change slightly, and in some cases the steps are also overlapping.
1. Apply for permits.
2. Clear and grade the lot in preparation for foundation.
3. Build foundation (may be slab on grade, crawlspace, or basement - add more time for a basement).
4. Frame the home and install windows and doors.
5. Install the initial HVAC, plumbing, and electrical lines and fixtures.
6. Add siding and some of the exterior details.
7. Paint the home - if using Hardiboard or other sidings, paint the exterior too.
8. Pour concrete: the driveway, garage floor, patio, front porch and walkway are most common.
9. Install cabinets.
10. Finish the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
11. Install floor coverings: Carpet, hardwood, and tile are the most common choices.
12. Finish all the interior and exterior details - often called working a "punch list".
13. Install septic system and well, or hook up to local sources (this step can happen early or late in the process).
14. Finish landscaping and clean up.
Ask your builder what the build time will be. Take them the floor plan you're considering, and discuss your budget, lot, and the interior and exterior finishes you'd like, as well as the number of changes you're planning to make. The more changes you make at planning stage, the less expensive and easier they will be.
You may also be interested in:
Wake County New Home Communities
Wake County NC Property Tax Rates 2011
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
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Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
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Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Well said. Have you tried Modular components yet. It can take the build tome down to mere weeks sometimes.
Penny, you forgot to add have the framing inspected by an independent home inspector. I find too many framing issues that will relate to structural failures in the property. Once the drywall goes on, a multitude of sins are covered.
Michael - We're more than happy to have a home inspector involved, as is any reputable builder! We also build Energy Star homes, which as you know are inspected by a third party agency at framing stage. Not quite the same as a standard home inspector, but it is another advantage of buying an Energy Star home! (It is tough to summarize the entire building process - I just wanted to highlight the basics).
Chip - We do use modular components by request, but in general we work with traditional stick-built framing, which allows us to include many custom touches to each home, such as changing the size of a room, adding a bay extension, working in unique built-in display areas, and much more. No two homes are built exactly the same, and we are able to accomodate nearly any change that a homebuyer desires.
This is great information for anyone considering buying a home that needs to be constructed. Way to often I see people only lock in their construction loan for six months and then sometimes the construction would take longer than expected and they would end up paying horrible rates on the loan to continue it for a longer period of time.
PENNY - I've only purchased one new home for myself, but one thing that I learned is that deadlines are often missed for one reason or another. People purchasing new homes should give themselves a bit of a buffer just in case the dealine is met. You've given some great information here for new home buyers.
Todd - We have some excellent lenders who specialize in construction and construction to permanent financing, who are great with advising homebuyers on the best route and making sure they're taken care of. And, in general, our construction times are very competitive. As we are a smaller builder with internal crews and hands-on superintendants, we are able to control the quality and the process very tightly.
Adam - Some of the larger delays in custom building can be caused by changes. Try to make selection decisions carefully and by deadlines given - you'll avoid restocking fees, extra labor charges, and time delays. Weather can be a factor too, but we're used to rain year round here!