How Long Does Building a Home Really Take?

June 16th, 2021

how long does building a home really take

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Working With New Home Builders in Colorado

Buying a new home in Colorado can be very exciting, especially for first-time homebuyers. But today’s real estate market has some buyers, both new and experienced, in a tizzy. It takes a considerable amount of time to search out and visit existing houses that look like they’ll meet a buyer’s needs. It’s very frustrating to settle on one, only to be outbid by someone with deeper pockets or who’s willing to forgo the typical prerequisites such as inspections and final walk-throughs.

This is the situation that most homebuyers face today, and it has driven many consumers to look seriously at new homes in Denver and the surrounding region. Working with one of the area’s new home builders to create the home of their dreams is a viable solution to today’s crazy real estate market. At Oakwood Homes in Colorado, we help homebuyers build the home they’ve been searching for while minimizing the timeline to moving day.
Oakwood Homes offers quick-move-in homes in beautiful neighborhoods that satisfy the lifestyle needs of homebuyers in the Denver area, whether they’re buying their first home, need to upgrade, or are looking to downsize. As one of the area’s premier home builders in Colorado, we know what buyers are looking for, and we know what it takes to deliver.

Planning Ahead

One of the questions we get most frequently has to do with how long it takes to build a house. Buyers are understandably concerned because they’re often selling another house at the same time. Ideally, the sale of the old house and the purchase of the new one would be timed so that the buyer is not left living with relatives or renting an apartment for any length of time. It’s helpful to set expectations upfront when talking with someone who’s buying a new home in Colorado. That way, there’s no misunderstanding or frustration on the back end.

The typical time frame for building a new home is around six to eight months, on average. True custom homes may take longer. That being said, there are several factors that must be considered when building a new home. Any one of them, if not anticipated and allowed for in the schedule, may impact the final move-in date. Here are a few of the most common issues that impact the length of time it takes to build new homes in Denver.

Geography and Environment

The physical location of the neighborhood plays a significant role in the timeline when building a new home. Climate comes into play here in a big way. Homes being built in rainy or very cold climates are more apt to be interrupted by inclement weather. When that happens, timelines get pushed out to what can feel like the unforeseeable future. Not only does the move-in date on that one home get delayed, but the build schedule for all the homes in line after that slip as well.
The terrain is another factor. Homes being constructed on a mountainside may have challenges that flat-terrain projects would not. Contractors may have trouble getting equipment onto the job site. There may not be as much room to park work vehicles or maneuver equipment as needed. All this can slow a job down.
One more note about location: A job site near a large city will probably have an easier time getting resources such as building materials and contractors than a home being built in a rural location.

Job Site Prep Work

Before the foundation can be poured, the job site needs to be prepared for construction. This involves clearing the site of any obstructions such as trees, other foliage, and large rocks that will be in the way. The lot also has to be leveled. Even before that occurs, though, most cities require a construction permit. Reputable home builders in Colorado know which cities require permits before construction starts and which ones don’t. They’ll handle this for the buyer, but it often takes time to obtain the necessary permits and licenses.

Resource Availability

Another factor that plays into the timeline for building a new home is the availability of building materials and construction resources. If supply chains have been impacted for items such as lumber or concrete, the timeline may be delayed while the home builder awaits these materials. Additionally, if skilled tradespeople are in short supply, overworked, or unavailable, or contractors are having trouble finding and keeping reliable workers, the timeline for completion may be impacted — along with the homeowner’s move-in date.

Level of Customization

One of the most exciting prospects for homebuyers when building a new home is the idea of choosing features and finishes, customizing the home to their personal tastes and preferences. However, these choices often impact the move-in date. If buyers select cabinets that must be custom-built taking eight weeks to deliver, and that lead time was not factored into the original scope of the project, the overall timeline will be jeopardized. Buyers are advised to plan ahead on custom items to help keep the timeline from slipping. Working with experienced new home builders such as Oakwood Homes will help new homeowners mitigate this type of delay when possible.

Buying a New Home in Colorado? Oakwood Homes Can Help!

If you’re tired of engaging in bidding wars for existing homes, why not build your own? Oakwood Homes offers quick move-in homes customized to buyers’ personal tastes. As one of the most experienced new home builders in Denver, we’ll walk you through the process of building a new home, getting you into it in the shortest amount of time possible. You’ll love your new place and will wonder why you didn’t consider building a new home sooner!