What Is the Average Time To Build a House in Texas?
The timeline for building a house in Texas depends on several factors, including the weather, design complexity, size, and local regulations. Understanding what affects the construction timeline in Texas can help you be better prepared when you start your construction project. Here are a few factors that influence the time it takes to build a house in Texas:
Size and Complexity of the House
Larger houses with more square footage or many rooms naturally take longer to build. Before construction begins, the construction company must plan the project and prepare the site for construction. These activities take longer for larger houses with complex designs. Multi-family homes also take longer to construct than single-family homes because they require more plumbing and electrical work.
Local Regulations
In Texas, the city where you plan to do construction will issue all the necessary permits. Most cities have their own building regulations, so it is essential to visit the planning office or local building department to find out what you need. Before you build a house in Texas, you need permits for the new construction and may require electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits. Delays may occur if your building plans do not comply with local regulations.
Weather
Texas may experience extreme weather, particularly in spring and summer. Springtime in Texas may bring thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, and hail. In summer, Texas may experience heat waves. These extreme weather conditions may force the construction crew to break on some days, which can cause delays.
The Average Construction Time in Texas
According to 2021 reports from the Census Bureau, construction for a single-unit house takes roughly 7.2 months. When you add the time it takes for the architect to draw up the building plan, the construction timeline adds up to approximately one year. Here is a breakdown of the general construction timeline:
Planning and Permits
Drawing out plans and acquiring the necessary permits are compulsory in construction. Depending on the complexity of your project and the time it takes to obtain permits, this phase can take a month or more.
Site Preparation
Preparing the construction site includes clearing, excavating, and laying the foundation. Factors such as soil condition, land topography, and the weather can influence this phase. The minimum time for site preparation is a month. It may take longer to work on rough terrain or forested areas, which are typical in Texas.
Framing
The framing phase involves building the skeleton of your house. The timeline for framing depends on the size and complexity of the design.
Roofing and Exterior
Installing the roof, siding, and other exterior features takes a few months if you can get the supplies you need on time. Weather conditions can affect this phase, particularly when roofing the house.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Installing plumbing and electrical systems in a house is another construction phase that takes a few months. You may also have your HVAC system installed at this phase. This part of construction requires coordination between your plumber, electrician, and HVAC technicians to avoid delays and interferences.
Interior Finishing
The interior finishing stage includes installing drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and insulation. The time it takes to complete interior work depends on the level of customization you want for your house. This phase takes a few months and is typically the longest part of your construction project.
Final Inspections
Once construction is complete, the construction team conducts final inspections to check whether everything is in place. The crew also addresses any other issues on the plan at this stage. You can move into your house once the crew completes this construction stage.
Build a House in Texas
Building a house in Texas takes a few months to a year, depending on the abovementioned factors. It is advisable to work with a contractor for faster project completion. Contractors know all the requirements for building a home and have suppliers in their contacts, which takes the guesswork out of construction. As a result, it takes them less to build a house than an inexperienced person.
