How Long Does it Take to Build a Custom House if Things Go Right

As a leading custom home builder in Seattle, one of the most common questions we receive from current and prospective clients is “how long will it take to build a custom home if everything goes as planned?” While every project is unique, a general rule of thumb is anywhere from 10 months to two years.
Of course, a smaller home with a simple floor plan won’t take as long as a larger home with a more complex floor plan, intricate details, and special materials. Once we learn more about your particular location, site plans, design, and materials, we can provide an accurate timeline.

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE LENGTH OF A CUSTOM HOME BUILD

There are a number of factors that can cause a custom home project to stay on track or get thrown off schedule. Some of the most common factors include:
Size of the Project
If your custom home is 5,000 square feet, you can expect it to take longer than a smaller custom home that’s 2,000 or 3,000 square feet. Oftentimes, however, the larger home won’t take too much extra time to build because we have the resources to bring on more skilled labor to the site as needed. Don’t think that just because your home is larger that it is impossible for an experienced team to build in a timely manner.
Complexity of the Design
Some custom homes are more complex than others. If you choose a simple, two-story design, it will likely be built sooner than a one-of-a-kind home with a pool, big backyard, and plenty of custom features throughout. We recommend that you opt for the design that works best for your budget and lifestyle, rather than the one that takes less time to design & build. After all, if you are in the market for a custom home, you are probably seeking customized elements, and know it's going to take some time.
Pre-Construction Steps
In a perfect world, our team would get to work as soon as you sign the contract and commit to your custom home. The reality, however, is that we must take several important steps before we break ground.

For example, before construction begins, our team at Eakman will work with your architect, engineer and interior designers to ensure that your home plans and design aligns with what was discussed during your initial consultation. We also discuss and finalize aspects of your project relating to sustainability, value engineering and custom features.

In addition to finalizing things with your design and building team, we’ll also need to obtain all building permits and proper documentation. It is very important to have all these aspects in place before construction begins so all sets of teams are on the same page and everything is in place for a smooth project execution.
Home Builder Expertise
As you look around for custom home builders in Seattle, you’ll notice that they’re not all created equal. While some home builders are new to the industry, others have been in it for decades. At Eakman Construction, we have years of experience building custom homes for clients in the Seattle area. This has allowed us to develop strong relationships with reliable personnel that consistently meet our rigorous standards and understand our deadlines. These relationships make it easier for us to stay on schedule when building custom homes.
Weather Conditions
There’s no denying that Seattle weather can be unpredictable. While Eakman Construction works hard to meet deadlines despite Mother Nature, we’re not always able to do so. For example, we won’t excavate the lot if it’s very wet outside as concrete won’t set properly in rainy conditions. While we’ll do our best to limit weather-related delays as much as possible, we’ll ask you to be understanding as we don’t have complete control over the outdoor temperatures and conditions.
Material Availability
The building and design materials you choose will also play a role in how long it takes to build your Seattle custom home. If most of your materials are common and readily available, you can expect shorter lead times. However, if you select more selective, premium materials, your project will likely take longer. Fortunately, Eakman Construction has exceptional, longstanding relationships with reputable suppliers and craftsmen that have your best interest in mind. We recommend you choose the materials you truly desire rather than those that will get here the quickest.

How to Expedite Your Custom Home Building Process

At Eakman Construction, we believe that custom homebuilding is an ongoing collaborative process. That being said, there are several ways you can reduce the time it takes for your dream home to come to life.
Choose the Right Builder
There is no shortage of custom home builders in Seattle. Do your research and choose an experienced builder with a track record of proven success. Ideally, they would have plenty of positive reviews from current and former clients, as well as a streamlined process. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that they have extensive contacts with design professionals, contractors, suppliers, and vendors. If you’re in the market for a quality builder with an excellent reputation and a large industry network in Seattle, you can’t go wrong with Eakman Construction for this reason.
Be Flexible with Your Budget
Even though a reputable builder will give you an accurate price quote on your home, unexpected expenses are bound to pop up. Economic factors as well as issues with labor and materials often can cause your project costs to change. With a buffer at your disposal, you’ll be able to absorb the costs and keep building your custom home. A tight budget with no wiggle room can delay your project and even put it to a halt. If possible, adding 20% to your initial budget is ideal.
Understand Material Lead Times
Before you commit to any material, make sure you know it’s lead time. Some custom designed items, such as windows or floors may take weeks or months to arrive, especially if there are already supply chain issues. Also, avoid making last minute changes to your materials as doing so can further prolong your custom home building project. You might also want to leave wiggle room in your building timeline for unforeseen waits on certain materials.
Stick to Your Home’s Original Design
During the early stages of your project, it’s important to explore various design and layout options. This way you can choose the ideal one for your current and future lifestyle. It’s important to fine tune your design early on and do your best to refrain from changes late in the game. The more you can stick to your original design plan, the faster your custom home will come to life.
ARE YOU READY TO BUILD YOUR SEATTLE CUSTOM HOME?

Eakman Construction is a premier custom home builder in Seattle. We invite you to reach out so you can ask these important questions and determine whether we’re a good fit for your project.

For more information about Seattle custom home building and how you can get started, contact Eakman Construction today!

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