Building a house in Texas can be a daunting task that comes with various challenges that might affect its timeline.
From legal procedures to weather issues, various factors can determine how long it takes to build a house in Lone Star State.
Let’s take a look at the timeline for building a house in Texas and provide useful solutions to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
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How Long Does It Take to Build a House in Texas?
If you’re wondering how long it takes to build a house in Texas, the answer is typically 6-8 months once you’ve broken ground. However, when you factor in the preconstruction process, the total time to build a house from start to finish is usually around 10-12 months.
Keep in mind that this timeline can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the home, the availability of skilled labor, and weather conditions.
If you’re building a home with pre-planned floorplans, the build time is typically shorter, taking approximately 4 months from start to finish.
Custom-built homes may take longer, with an average build time of 10-16 months.
It’s important to note that the national average completion time to build a single-family home is around 7 months, according to the Census Bureau.
What Is the Home Construction Process in Texas?
Before we dive into the average time it takes to build a home in Texas, let’s first review the home construction process.
The construction of a home follows a standard process.
The first step is building the foundation, which takes about two weeks. After the foundation is completed, the frame of the house is built, and this usually takes around two to three weeks. During the construction process, there will be meetings with your Construction Manager to sign off on different stages of the process.
Once construction is complete, you’ll have your Closing.
This usually takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours but usually lasts about 1 hour.
During the Closing process, you will sign all the paperwork and receive the keys to your new home.
From contract to construction to closing, your new home will be ready to move into in 6 months or less.
Factors that Affect the Building Timeline in Texas
Several factors can affect how long it takes to build a home in Texas.
These factors can include the location and environmental conditions of the construction site, the availability of skilled labor and subcontractors, obtaining building permits and approvals, supply chain issues, and weather conditions.
Additionally, the owner’s decisions, such as design features or changes in plans, can also increase the average time of construction.
The location and environmental conditions of the construction site are significant factors that can affect the building timeline. Texas is a diverse state with various soil types, site topographies, and terrain, which can impact construction.
For instance, leveled lots may require grading, which can add additional time to your build. Trees and rocks on the lot may also require removal or relocation, which can interfere with the construction process.
Obtaining necessary building permits and approvals is another significant factor that can affect the building timeline.
Due diligence, neighbor opposition, and backlogs at the building department can all cause delays in obtaining the proper permits, which can increase the construction timeline. In Austin, there are more municipality-driven engineering requirements, which can cause additional delays in the permit process.
The availability of skilled labor and subcontractors is another factor that can affect the building timeline. Austin and the rest of Texas have experienced high housing demands, leading to a shortage of skilled laborers and subcontractors.
This shortage can cause delays and increase the average time of construction. David Weekley Homes in Austin also reports that labor shortages can cause delays to their build timeline.
Weather conditions are a factor that can sometimes be out of our control. Texas is known for its diverse weather patterns, from intense heat waves to major rain and lightning storms.
These weather events can cause construction delays by affecting the building process, damaging equipment and materials, and endangering workers.
Finally, owner decisions such as customizations, changes in design, and delays in decision-making can increase the average time of construction. Custom-built homes typically take longer to construct than pre-planned design packages.
Personalized production plans fall in the middle ground.
Tips for Saving Time in the Building Process
Proper Planning
One of the most important ways to save time in the building process is through proper planning.
This includes everything from choosing the right builder and floor plan to ensuring that you have all necessary permits and approvals before breaking ground.
Choosing the right builder is crucial to a successful building process.
Look for a builder with a solid reputation and experience building in your area, such as M/I Homes, which builds in the major cities of Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.
M/I Homes offers a variety of pre-planned floor plans, such as their Smart Series Home Plans, which can take as little as 4 months to build from start to finish.
In addition to choosing the right builder and floor plan, it’s important to ensure that you have all necessary permits and approvals before breaking ground.
Building permits can take a long time to obtain, so it’s important to start the process as early as possible. Poor due diligence, neighbor opposition, and backlog at the building department are common obstacles that can cause delays.
Holding the Builder Accountable
Another way to save time in the building process is by holding the builder accountable.
This can be done by including a penalty in the contract if the builder does not meet the agreed-upon timeline. By doing so, you can help ensure that your builder stays on track and on time.
Avoiding Changes and Delays in Decision-Making
Changing your mind or delaying decisions can significantly delay construction. To avoid delays, it’s important to be clear about your design style and preferences from the beginning.
Work with your builder to make all necessary decisions in a timely manner and avoid making unnecessary changes.
Preparation of the Lot
Preparation of the lot can also add additional time to your build. Make sure to consider the terrain, trees, rocks, and grading/leveling needed to prepare your lot.
Builders such as CalAtlantic Homes offer a design center experience to personalize your home with structural options and cabinet choices.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your building process stays on track and on time, and that you move into your new home in Texas as soon as possible.
