How Long Should a Home Design/Build Project Take?
This is likely the main question on everyone’s mind when starting this process. At Sharp Design Studio, we’ve worked with various designs and clients, and one of the most common misunderstandings we encounter is the expected duration of a project. The timelines portrayed on home renovation shows are not realistic. We know that you are super excited to get your project going and we wish we could do the whole thing for you in a month, but unfortunately, we can’t. There are numerous factors that influence how long a design will take, so let’s explore those and establish a general timeline for most designs/builds.
Planning & Programming Phase: 1-2 Months
Planning is crucial, as it sets the foundation for your entire project. Also known as Schematic Design, during this phase, you will:
- Define the budget and goals
- Pick an architect or a designer (we would be honored)
- Understand programming needs (how many rooms, how do you use the space, etc.)
Setting a budget is crucial. It is important that the budget is realistic and has room for unexpected expenses (changes in material cost, weather-related delays, etc.). In the planning phase we determine the scope of work, which is the biggest factor in estimating your design timeline. A 4,000-square-foot home compared to a 10,000-square-foot home will naturally require a significantly different amount of time.
Design Development and Finalization: 2-6 Months
Once the programming phase is finalized, our team would have the required information to start designing! Our office follows the architectural standards for project phasing. During each of the phases the project will continue to evolve, providing milestones in which you will have the opportunity to review the drawings for progress and seeing your dream come true. The architectural phases are as follows:
- Schematic Design
- Design Development
- Construction Drawings
In the Schematic Design phase, we develop the initial design concepts, including a preliminary floor plan and 2-3 elevation options. This stage focuses on exploring ideas and setting the foundation for the project.
During Design Development, we refine the floor plan and elevations from Schematic Design, working out key details and coordinating essential elements. This phase includes integrating construction details, electrical layouts, and more to ensure the design is functional and cohesive.
In this final phase, we complete all the documentation necessary for construction. Design adjustments are typically not made at this stage, as we focus on finalizing structural engineering and interior design specifications. The completed construction drawings provide a comprehensive guide for bringing the design to life.
We want your design to be exactly as you envisioned, so there will be some back and forth to refine the design and ensure it aligns with your vision. However, more revisions mean more time. Decisiveness keeps the momentum going.
Construction Phase: 12-24 Months
While the length of this phase will vary based on your selected General Contractor, this is typically going to be the longest part of the process. This phase is where the home of your dreams will begin to take shape. This phase includes:
- Site preparation and foundation work
- Framing and structural work
- Installation of systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
- Interior and exterior finishes
The time required for this phase can vary depending on weather, time of year, and availability of materials, to name a few. While we are not involved in this part of the process, our experience tells us, this is typically the timeline you can expect. It is important to maintain good communication with your contractor and visit the job site regularly to monitor progress.
Tips on Design Timelines
Keep in mind that every timeline varies, and depending on the size of your design, time of year, and weather, the project could be completed sooner or later than these estimates. If you are flexible with your timeline and trust in your designer and contractor, the process will be much easier and more enjoyable. (Click HERE to see our process at SDS.)
It all starts with selecting a design team you feel comfortable with and can trust with your ideas—if you have any questions or are ready to design your dream home, please reach out . We would love to guide you to your dream home.