The typical new home takes around 7 months to build from start to finish. That’s the typical time frame of a new home build that most people use when trying to time their move to a specific date like the start of a new job or the beginning of the school year.
However, there are a few factors that could affect how quickly you can get the keys to your new home. Keep these things in mind if you’re on a tight deadline.
Brand New Home Build vs Spec Homes
Naturally, when you choose to build a home from the ground up, the process takes longer than it would if you were buying a resale home. After all, the builder has to make everything from scratch. However, this isn’t the only option for those who want a brand-new home.
First up? Builders often have spec or “quick possession” homes for sale. In most cases, these homes are under construction, but there are sometimes quick possession homes available that are finished the building process. You won’t be able to make changes to the floor plan, but you could still have the opportunity to make design choices about the interior if the home is early enough in the construction process.
Now, if you’re a patient person and have the time, you can go with a brand-new build. The customization involved with designing your own home takes longer than letting someone else make the choices but you get a home tailor-made for you.
Whichever option, you need to consider your personal preferences and time restrictions to decide whether a spec home or new build is best for you.
Size and Style of the Home
Certain types of home styles simply take less time to build. Smaller homes take less time than larger homes. Single-storey homes tend to take less time than two-storey homes. Homes that have simple, basic designs take less time than homes with intricate details on the interior and exterior.
In most cases, the difference is in days rather than months, but if you’re concerned about the time frame, you can talk to the builder about how your choices can affect the amount of time it takes to complete your home.
Mother Nature
Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can affect how long it takes to build a home, but it’s not the problem that you might think. Most builders can continue work while it’s raining and are used to working in the cold Saskatchewan winters. The main problems occur when the ground is too frozen to safely create the foundation or conditions are unsafe for workers to continue. This is usually when we have extreme cold days or snowstorms.
Additionally, certain things like landscaping, driveways, and exterior finishes like stucco can’t be done in the winter. In these cases, the homeowner can move into their home in the winter when the interior is complete, and the builder will come back in spring or summer to finish up the exterior details.
Waiting for the Perfect Lot
Builders complete neighbourhoods in phases, filling up all of the lots in one area before moving on to the next. At the end of a phase, there are limited lot choices, and you might not find the lot style you like. Taking the last lot on the street can also limit your design choices for the exterior of the home. This is part of the advantage of getting into a development early.
Many people who have strong preferences about the lot style choose to wait until the next phase opens up. This can take a few months, depending on how close the first phase is to completion, but it allows you more freedom in selecting the right lot for your family.
Special Products or Materials
Builders typically have to order products through suppliers. This is often done as needed on an individual home basis, so the timing is synced with your specific building timeline. As is the case with ordering anything, though, there’s a chance for delays beyond the builder’s control.
Furthermore, if you’ve chosen something that’s less common and not in stock, it can take longer for the product to arrive. Either of these can delay the home build. A good builder will stay in touch with you throughout the process. They’ll let you know if something is taking longer than expected, and will offer you an alternative that could mean the home is finished sooner. The choice will be yours.
Unusual Home Designs
Our basic home designs have already passed muster, but if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, it can take longer to get approval. Big changes to the floor plan, for instance, will add to the total time it takes to build the home. Again, talk to your builder about how your choices can affect the time frame. If it matters, stick with choices that can ensure a fast build.
Most home builds proceed without a hitch, but the occasional problem can delay a build. A good builder will always let you know what’s going on so that you know what to expect.