Finding an answer to the question ‘how long does it take to build a house’ is more so a matter of counting months rather than weeks. For this reason, going into it prepared for everything will make the process less rough around the edges.
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The timeframe for how long it takes to build a house
One of the most important things to consider when diving into the house building process is figuring out the estimated timeframe. For the next few months, you will live and breathe by this timeframe.
On average, an Australian home takes between four to 12 months to construct. This is only after the land is purchased and the design is approved.
According to industry experts, 10 to 12 months is considered the norm for building a quality, two-storey home. The fast-paced, reality tv shows that insist otherwise should not be referred to as reliable depictions of the house building timeline.
There is a common misconception, due to reality television, that building a home can be completed in up to six weeks. To build a quality, withstanding home, six weeks is too little time.
Deciding how to build a home
Asking yourself ‘how long does it take to build a house’ isn’t the only question you should be asking yourself. Deciding how you want to build it is just as important!
Buying a plot of land
Once you have purchased the plot of land that will hold up your future home, you should make a list of priorities. Sometimes design is people’s major concern while affordability may be at the top of the list for others.
Use the pick a plan method
Whatever it is, you should “pick a plan” with your builders. All builders know the answer to the question ‘how long does a house take to build’ because all builders use the same method.
The “pick a plan” approach allows builders to have similar economies of scale as well as predictable ordering patterns. This gives you a good idea of what you will need to invest in and manage any extra costs.
This method of construction means that you will not have to go through the gruelling process of honing on one particular part of the house or fine-tuning because many things come pre-built. Construction workers can work exponentially faster with the ”pick a plan” method.
Set a construction schedule
The typical house construction schedule is usually set from the beginning. Once all decisions are made, you can essentially dive into the process headfirst.
Although this schedule might be set in place, approach it as more of a guideline than anything. If you put all your eggs in one basket, you may be disappointed about conflicts, roadblocks, or other extraneous factors that can result in a wonky schedule.
Stay active in the home building process
In deciding how to build your home, you must also prepare for heavy involvement in the process. If you were hoping to leave your keys at the construction site and take a well-deserved hiatus, I hate to break it to you.
Simply asking and wondering ‘how long does it take to build a house’ won’t hurry along the process.
Occasional on-site involvement along with an understanding of what is happening every step of the way allows you to have a hand in fixing mistakes, changing plans, or even just overseeing things. You’ll be glad you stuck around by the end of the process.
Disadvantages of the house building process
Along with ‘how long does it take to build a house,’ you may also be concerned about possible delays and barriers to your dream home.
There are a few disadvantages that can arise during the process other than continually asking the question of ‘how long does it take to build a house?’ For one, you cannot predict everything that will happen.
Unpredictability
Even if you try your best to plan the construction process down to the last minute, there will most likely be continuous disruptions or problems.
These may take form in unpredictable weather or a complex building plan that has the construction workers working overtime. Much of the reason it takes so long to build a house is because of the details of the construction plan.
The complexity of construction
The more complex it is, the longer it will take. The more storeys need to be built, the longer it will take. Even if there is a slope of the land, you can guarantee a longer timeline.
If an easement is involved or if there are trees on the property that need to be removed, the timeframe of building your house will vary.
So how long does it take to build a house?
Four to 12 months is the usual build time, but things like the tilting of the land can delay the entire process. This is why a buyer needs to ensure that their piece of land is ready to be built on as soon as possible.
Industry experts have said that a standard, single storey home with no modifications, built on a perfectly flat slop, will probably take about 18 weeks (41/2 months) to complete.
On the other hand, a two-storey home will most likely take an average of 24 weeks (6 months) to build. Again, though, the complexity of your home’s design and other factors can impact construction time.
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