ᐅ Approximate Time Requirements for Building a House

Hello everyone,

I’ve already thoroughly searched through the forum but unfortunately couldn’t find more information regarding my question. So, I’m posting it here and hope for your answers.

My husband and I are (almost) at the very beginning of our property search. After viewing several existing homes, we’re now leaning towards building a house. A single-family home, about 120 sqm (1,290 sq ft), in a new development area (although the plot still needs to be purchased).
What I’m really curious about is how much time you realistically need to plan for building a house—from the initial idea for the layout to moving in. Background: My husband and I both work (he full-time with multi-day business trips abroad 1-5 times per year, I work 75% in an office job), and we have a toddler (over 1 year old). Possibly number two is on the way. I’m already glad that everyday life runs somewhat smoothly, but I can hardly imagine how we could fit building a house into our routine.
We’d prefer to build with an architect, but I understand that means even more time for planning and managing the process, right? We don’t see ourselves doing much work ourselves—maybe just some flooring or painting, if that.
What experiences do you have and what tips can you share? And what should be absolutely avoided if you don’t want to end up living alone in the house later? 😉
Oh, and grandparents for childcare are not nearby.

I’m looking forward to your answers!

Hello,

I think you won’t find a definitive answer to this question, as everyone approaches the topic of home building a bit differently.

For example, we started looking for a company to build our dream home in September 2012.

Exactly one year later, in September 2013, we signed the construction contract, and we expect to move in by February 2015.

Granted, we invested a lot of time and energy into choosing the “right” partner, but so far, we haven’t regretted our decision for a second.

If you’re interested, I can share a link to our building blog—where we’ve documented the decision-making process and everything else we encountered quite thoroughly.

Regards,

Dirk

I would also simply estimate two to three years.

Hmm, for us it actually went quite quickly. On a whim, we decided to build in late summer 2013. We found a plot of land in late autumn and bought it in January 2014. Now we are close to completion and expect to move in at the end of January/beginning of February 2015.

We purchased the plot of land 2 years ago (autumn 2012). About 1 1/2 years ago (February 2013) we started looking for an architect and working on the floor plan. We submitted the building permit / planning permission application half a year ago (April 30, 2014). Currently, the shell construction is in progress. Moving in is planned between August and December 2015. So, there is no time pressure.
All in all, it will take about 3 years. However, it can certainly be done faster if desired.

With us: From initial interest in the plot (the idea to build a house) to moving in: 16 months.
But that’s a matter of personal luck or misfortune 😉

In your case, a timber frame house would be suitable – the house is first chosen and planned in detail, including all electrical outlets and everything else, then manufactured in a factory and assembled on site within 2 days. The selection of finishes also takes place in advance over about 2 days. After that, the interior work follows, which is also carried out according to a predetermined schedule. (So you should know what you want beforehand, then everything is completed within about six months (ideal) without your presence.

Regards, Yvonne