New Construction Timelines - What to Expect and How to Plan
So you have decided to proceed with your new build; Congratulations!
Everyone is excited to get their project rolling! The first question we often receive is, "What is the project timeline?" or "What does the schedule entail?" This is a critical question that you should raise with your contractor for every project you begin.
A reputable contractor will provide a realistic schedule for your new build. This schedule should cover design and planning, permit acquisition, site preparation, construction, finishing, cleanup, and final hand-off.
Typical timeframes for new construction consist of:
Design, Selections, and Permit-Ready Plans: 3 months*
Permit Review: 2-3 months*
Construction: 6-9 months, depending on size and complexity*
*These numbers are based on typical times for the Nanaimo area.
Your contractor should also be following up with you at 12 and 24 months post-construction to ensure there are no issues that require their attention. They are responsible for making sure your home’s systems are working properly and all finishes are holding up as expected.
Many contractors will use project management software to assist with this. Products like Buildertrend, Procore, and Jobber can have your schedule in one place, help contractors keep your project organized, and offer a one-stop shop for all communication with your project. This can be very beneficial for keeping things on time and on budget. It is a fantastic way to keep you engaged and a part of the process. Imagine an app on your phone that you can use to see project progression in real time. Your own website for your home, where you can review the complete schedule. These tools exist, and your contractor should be utilizing them.
One important thing to remember with a schedule. If your contractor takes the time to build a detailed schedule, everyone needs to work together and do their best to stick with it! Things will come up: weather delays, material issues, labour delays. Some of these should be mitigated by a contractor that is managing the project properly, but sometimes things come up beyond anybody's control. Be prepared, and your contractor should be regularly communicating with you regarding your project schedule.
Having a complete schedule set up for your project from the get-go is an excellent way to start your project off right and will help keep you involved. Check out the sample month schedule attached, and the checklist you should review to make sure your contractor has all the important items on your project schedule.