What Comes Next? What to Expect When You’re Building a Home from the Ground Up
From Permits to Closing: A Realistic Timeline for Building a New Home
Building a new home takes time, and the schedule often depends on where you live and how the house is built. U.S. Census Bureau data from 2024 shows that the average singlefamily home requires almost eight months from permit to completion. That includes nearly 40 days from authorization to start, followed by roughly 6.3 months of construction. These timelines reflect typical U.S. single-family home construction and may vary based on location, design, and build method.
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At a glance: Most single-family homes take 8-9 months from permit to completion, but owner-built homes can take over a year, depending on region and method. |
Construction timelines can vary widely. Factors to consider include geographic region, housing type, and the construction process itself. The current real estate market can be a factor; in a busy market, the process could take a bit longer. Supply chain issues, labor shortages, and weather can add additional time delays.
Fortunately, data collected from the Survey of Construction provides us with detailed insight into construction timelines. Homes built for sale are usually the fastest, averaging 7.6 months. Ownerbuilt homes take the longest at 15.5 months, while contractorbuilt homes fall in between at 11.9 months. Across all singlefamily homes — including those built for rent — the average timeline in 2024 was 9.1 months, a 12.3% increase from 2019.
The vast majority of single-family homes began construction within one month of obtaining permits. Those homes built on owners’ land, either by hired contractors or by the owners themselves, took 1.3 and 1.8 months, respectively, to start after obtaining permitting authorization.
In 2024, the Northeast recorded the longest build times at 13.5 months, while the South was the fastest at 8.1 months. The Midwest and West averaged 9.1 and 10.2 months, respectively.
Even the average number of days from the issuance of a building permit to the start of construction of a single-family home varied across the country by region. The Northeast had the longest duration from permit/authorization to start at 60 days, while the Midwest had the shortest average duration at 27 days.
National data helps set expectations for the overall home-building timeline, but it’s only part of the story. The full process includes pre-construction steps such as permits, planning, and scheduling. The week-by-week timeline below focuses on what happens once construction begins, from groundbreaking through closing, so you know what to expect as your home takes shape.
If you’re still in the early planning stages, understanding what to look for when buying land for your new home can help prevent costly surprises later on. Selecting the right professional is equally important, and taking time to learn about choosing the right contractor can set the tone for the entire build.
Constructing Your New Home — A Week-by-Week Timeline
Building a new home involves more than design choices and permits. It’s a structured process with clear milestones along the way. Once planning and permits are in place, construction typically moves through a predictable sequence from excavation and framing to inspections and closing. While weather, labor availability, and other factors can affect timing, the overall order of steps remains essentially the same.
The timeline below reflects a typical build and is meant to serve as a general guide, not a fixed schedule. Use it as a roadmap to follow your home’s progress and understand what comes next at each stage.
Site & Structure (Weeks 1-5)
This phase lays the groundwork and creates the home’s basic form.
- Week 1: Groundbreaking / Site Excavation / Footings
- Weeks 2–3: Foundation
- Weeks 4–5: Framing
Systems & Enclosure (Weeks 6–13)
With the structure in place, the focus shifts to systems, insulation, and closing in the home.
- Weeks 6–7: Mechanicals (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
- Weeks 7–8: Insulation and Drywall
- Weeks 9–11: Flooring, Trim, and Paint
- Weeks 12–13: Exterior Facade
Finishes & Close-Out (Weeks 14–20)
This final stretch brings the home together and prepares it for move-in.
- Week 14: Fixtures, Appliances, and Interior Finishes
- Week 15: Exterior Work (Driveways, Walkways, Doors)
- Week 16: Interior Clean Up
- Week 17: Landscaping
- Week 18: Final Inspection
- Week 19: Walk-Through and Review
- Week 20: Closing
Below is a closer look at each stage, starting with site preparation and groundbreaking.
Week 1: Groundbreaking, Excavation, and Footings
Botom line: The site is cleared and graded, and concrete footings are installed below the frost line to support the home’s foundation.
Just think of all the images of groundbreaking events you’ve seen — but this time, this exciting moment belongs to you. Your contractor lays out the home’s footprint using survey stakes, then clears trees, rocks, and debris from the site. Excavation equipment is used to level the ground and shape the land so water will drain away from the future foundation.
Once excavation is complete, crews form and pour the footings. These thick concrete bases sit below the frost line, typically around four feet deep, to help prevent movement caused by freezing and thawing. Footings distribute the weight of the home evenly and are inspected before the next phase begins, ensuring the project is off to a solid start.
Week 1: The first phase in building your home: site excavation – excavators and/or bulldozers and other heavy equipment arrive to level the land and clear trees and debris (photo by Luke Besley on Unsplash).
Weeks 2–3: Foundation
Bottom line: The foundation is formed, poured, cured, and inspected, creating the structural base of the home.
With the footings approved, work begins on the foundation itself. Crews set forms for the foundation walls or slab, install reinforcement such as rebar or wire mesh, and pour the concrete. Depending on the home’s design, this stage results in a full basement, crawl space, or slab foundation.
During the curing process, it is essential for the concrete to remain dry and stable to avoid cracking. Anchor bolts are embedded in the concrete to secure the framing above, and waterproofing or drainage systems may be added to manage moisture. Once curing is complete, the foundation is inspected before framing can begin. Including curing time and inspections, this phase typically takes about two weeks.
Weeks 2-3: A view of a poured-concrete house foundation, showing the rebar reinforcement, wooden forms, and concrete poured into the forms (photo: © Bogdan Hoda | Dreamstime.com).
Weeks 4–5: Framing
Bottom line: The home’s structural framework is built, wrapped, and inspected, making the house recognizable for the first time.
Framing begins after the foundation cures, and your house starts to take shape. Carpenters build the structural framework based on your floor plan, starting with the exterior walls, followed by interior walls, floors, and roof framing. Depending on the design, this may involve stick-built or truss-built roof systems, each with different cost and structural considerations. During this phase, you’ll see the full outline of the home emerge, including window and door openings.
After the framing is complete, sheathing is installed on the walls and roof to add strength and stability, using materials selected from several common wall sheathing options. A protective barrier known as house wrap is then applied to help prevent water from entering the structure while still allowing moisture vapor to escape. At the end of this stage, an inspection is typically required to confirm that the framing meets structural and code requirements before construction can move forward.
Weeks 6–7: Mechanicals
Bottom line: Major systems are installed inside the framed walls, floors, and ceilings before everything is closed in.
After framing, the crew begins installing the home’s core systems. You may often hear them referred to as “mechanicals.” This includes rough-in installation of plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating and cooling components. You’ll see pipes, ducts, vents, and wiring running through walls, floors, and ceilings as these systems are put in place according to the home’s layout.
During this phase, major equipment, such as the HVAC system and water heater, is installed or partially installed, and exterior work, including roofing and siding, may also continue. Because these systems will soon be hidden behind drywall, they must be installed carefully and inspected before the next stage can begin. Separate inspections for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work help ensure everything is positioned correctly, safe, and ready to support the finished home.
Weeks 7–8: Insulation and Drywall
Bottom line: Insulation is installed, and drywall goes up, closing in the walls and making the home feel much more finished.
As construction reaches the midpoint, insulation is installed in exterior walls (and sometimes ceilings) to regulate temperature, improve energy efficiency, and reduce noise. Before drywall is added, this work is typically inspected to confirm that insulation is placed correctly and meets local code.
After the inspection is completed, drywall is installed on the interior walls and ceilings. The seams are taped, sanded, and smoothed to create finished surfaces, then primed in preparation for paint. In some cases, the first coat of paint is applied during this stage. With the walls closed in, rooms begin to feel defined, and the home quickly starts to resemble the finished space you envisioned.
Weeks 9–11: Flooring, Trim, and Paint
Bottom line: Interior finishes are installed, bringing color, texture, and detail to the home.
In this phase, work moves from construction to finishing work. Hard-surface flooring, such as wood, tile, or vinyl, is typically installed first, followed by interior doors, cabinets, baseboards, moldings, and other finish carpentry. Built-in shelving and stair components may also be added during this time.
As the rooms take shape, some homeowners begin to second-guess layout choices, which makes it helpful to understand common floor plan mistakes before you start your build. This stage can also prompt a second look at how much square footage you really need, especially as rooms take on their final proportions.
Once the trim work is in place, walls receive their final coats of paint. Carpeting, if included in the design, is usually installed later to protect it from damage during the remaining work. As these finishes come together, your home begins to reflect your design choices, and individual rooms start to feel complete.
Weeks 12–13: Exterior Facade
Bottom line: Exterior finishes are installed, giving the home its finished look and added protection from the elements.
During this phase, contractors install exterior materials, such as siding, brick, stone, or stucco. These finishes do more than define the home’s appearance: they also help protect the structure from weather and moisture. Trim, flashing, and other exterior details are added to ensure a tight, finished envelope around the home.
The house starts to look complete from the outside for the first time, matching the vision shown in the original plans. By the end of this stage, the home is typically weather-tight, allowing interior work to continue without exposure to the elements.
Week 14: Fixtures, Appliances, and Interior Finishes
Bottom line: Fixtures, appliances, and final interior details are installed, bringing the home close to completion.
At this point, trade professionals move in and out of the house to install key components. Electricians and plumbers set light fixtures, outlets, switches, faucets, sinks, tubs, toilets, and shower units. Cabinets and countertops are secured in kitchens and bathrooms, and major appliances are installed and connected. Before everything is finalized, some homeowners consider features worth including before move-in, when changes are still easier to make.
If carpeting is part of the design, it is typically installed at this point, after most heavy work is complete. With fixtures and finishes in place, the home begins to feel fully functional, and attention shifts from construction to final details and readiness for move-in.
Week 14: The interior finishes, including appliances and lighting, have been completed in this new home's kitchen. (Plan #142-1438)
Week 15: Exterior Work — Driveways, Walkways, and Doors
Bottom line: Final exterior access points are completed once heavy interior work is finished.
At this stage, driveways, walkways, and exterior doors are installed or finalized. Waiting until most interior finishes are complete prevents damage from construction traffic and the movement of appliances and furniture in and out of the home.
Completing these exterior elements now also allows contractors to fine-tune grading and drainage around the house. With safe access points in place, the focus can shift toward final cleanup, inspections, and preparing the home for move-in.
Week 16: Interior Clean Up
Bottom line: The home is cleaned and prepared for final inspections and move-in.
With fixtures, appliances, and interior finishes in place, the focus turns to cleaning up the construction site. Crews remove dust, debris, and leftover materials, and surfaces are wiped down so the home is ready for inspection and walkthroughs.
This step helps transition the space from an active job site to a livable home. You’re almost there!
Week 17: Landscape Work
Bottom line: Basic landscaping is completed to finish the site and enhance curb appeal.
At this point, landscapers complete the final grading, install walkways, lay sod or seed, and plant shrubs or trees that frame the home. These steps help manage drainage, protect the site, and give the property a finished appearance.
While flowers, gardens, and decorative plantings can always be added later, completing the core landscaping now establishes the overall layout of the yard. Importantly, it provides a strong starting point for future updates.
Week 18: Inspection
Bottom line: A final inspection confirms the home meets building requirements and is approved for occupancy.
A local building code official conducts a final inspection to confirm the home meets safety and building requirements. The inspector reviews key systems, structural elements, and overall workmanship to confirm everything has been completed correctly. If you want a deeper understanding of how this process works, it helps to review how permits and inspections factor into residential construction from start to finish.
If the home passes inspection, a certificate of occupancy is issued. This document indicates that the home is safe to live in and allows the process to move forward to the final walk-through and closing. If any minor issues are identified, they are typically addressed before approval is granted.
Week 19: Walk-Through and Review
Bottom line: You review the home with your builder and take note of any final items that need attention before closing.
After the final inspection, your builder will walk you through the home to review its features and systems. This pre-closing walk-through is your opportunity to learn how everything works and confirm that fixtures, appliances, and finishes are installed correctly and free of damage.
Take your time during this review. Open cabinets, test switches and faucets, and take note of anything that needs adjustment or repair. You should raise questions or concerns now so they can be addressed before the closing.
Week 20: Closing
Bottom line: Paperwork is finalized, ownership is transferred, an you receive the keys to your new home!
Closing is the final step in the homebuilding process. During this stage, you’ll complete the remaining paperwork, finalize financing, and officially take ownership of the property. Once everything is signed and recorded, the home is yours.
Months of planning and construction have come to an end. You can finally step into your finished home, ready to move in and make it your own.
Week 20: The closing has arrived. Welcome to your new home. (Plan #108-1789)
A Few Final Details Homeowners Often Overlook
Even as construction wraps up, there are a few practical details that don’t always show up on a week-by-week timeline — but still matter before move-in.
Utility Hookups
While your builder coordinates temporary utilities during construction, homeowners are typically responsible for setting up permanent utility accounts in their own names. This includes electricity, water, gas or propane, sewer, and telecommunications such as internet and cable. Arranging service to begin at closing helps avoid interruptions once you move in.
Insurance Timing
Insurance requirements can vary depending on the type of building process. Builders usually carry builder’s risk insurance to protect the site during construction; however, homeowners should verify whether additional coverage, such as a dwelling-under-construction endorsement, is needed. By closing, a standard homeowner’s insurance policy must be in place, especially if a mortgage is involved.
Final Lien Waivers
Before final payments are made, ensure all required lien waivers are collected. These documents confirm that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid and help protect you from future claims made. Lenders and title companies typically require them before closing.
Builder Clean vs. Move-in Clean
Most construction contracts include a basic builder clean clause, which requires the removal of debris and leftover materials. This is different from a deep, move-in-ready clean. Some homeowners choose to handle this themselves, while others hire a professional cleaning service before moving day.
Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together
A construction timeline is a helpful guide, but it’s not a guarantee. Weather conditions, such as rain, extreme heat, snow, or cold, as well as last-minute changes, can add days or weeks to the schedule. When that happens, staying flexible and keeping an open line of communication with your builder can make all the difference.
If you’re just getting started, exploring architectural house styles can help you narrow down the look and feel of your future home. If you’re further along, understanding the cost to build a house can bring clarity as budgets take shape and final decisions are made. At the same time, learning about ways to save money when building a home can help you balance design goals with long-term affordability. And if you’re deep into the process, having a clear picture of permits and inspections can help you navigate the final steps with fewer surprises.
No matter where you are in the journey, knowing what comes next makes the process easier to manage — and the moment you step into your finished home that much more satisfying.
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