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Timeline for a Building Project
By Robert C. Foreman, Architect

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If you are not regularly involved with construction, you might not realize how much time it takes for a project to work its way through the process of site selection, design, permit review, pricing and construction.  The following chart is a guideline which is intended to suggest common times required to get a typical new building completed.

The time required for some steps is essentially the same no matter the location.  However, in metro areas, some permitting and code review can take much longer compared to smaller cities or rural areas.  Total project time in metro areas can take many more months than outside the metro areas.

From the time you begin your first steps, a typical project can take two and a half to three years to complete.  Construction time will depend on building size and complexity and the Contractor performing the work.

Don't wait until the last minute to start the process.  Your Architect should help you come up with a reasonable schedule based on your situation.  Every project is different.  It would not be unusual for a project to take more time due to problems in site acquisition, zoning, site engineering, or weather during construction.

For more information on the detailed steps in a building project, see Steps in A Building Project.

This project is typical of small to medium projects.  Actual project schedule will depend on many factors such as project size / budget, complexity, location and the capabilities of the contractor.