Project Timeline Estimator
Plan your construction project with realistic timelines. Understand phases, dependencies, and seasonal considerations.
New Home Construction
Building a new single-family home from ground up
Estimated Duration
25 - 60 weeks
Permit Timeline
2-6 weeks for all permits
Project Phases
Planning & Design
Architectural design, engineering, and plan finalization
Tips:
- • Get soil testing early
- • Consider future needs in design
- • Review plans with contractor before finalizing
30 - 90 days
~9 weeks
Permitting
Submit plans, obtain building permits and approvals
After: Planning & Design
Tips:
- • Apply for septic/sewer approval first
- • Address zoning questions before submitting
14 - 45 days
~5 weeks
Site Preparation
Clearing, grading, and excavation
After: Permitting
Tips:
- • Weather dependent
- • Utility locates required
7 - 21 days
~2 weeks
Foundation
Footer, foundation walls, and waterproofing
After: Site Preparation
Tips:
- • Concrete curing time varies with temperature
- • Schedule inspection before backfill
14 - 28 days
~3 weeks
Framing
Floor, wall, and roof framing
After: Foundation
Tips:
- • Protect lumber from moisture
- • Schedule rough inspections
21 - 45 days
~5 weeks
Roofing & Exterior
Roof installation, windows, doors, siding
After: Framing
Tips:
- • Must be weather-tight before interior work
- • Window lead times can be 4-8 weeks
14 - 30 days
~4 weeks
Rough Mechanical
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC rough-in
After: Framing
Tips:
- • Coordinate all trades
- • Schedule rough inspections before insulation
14 - 28 days
~3 weeks
Insulation
Insulation installation and energy inspection
After: Rough Mechanical
Tips:
- • Must pass energy inspection before drywall
3 - 7 days
~1 weeks
Drywall
Hanging, taping, and finishing drywall
After: Insulation
Tips:
- • Dust management is critical
- • Allow proper drying time between coats
14 - 28 days
~3 weeks
Interior Finishes
Trim, cabinets, flooring, painting
After: Drywall
Tips:
- • Custom cabinets have 6-12 week lead time
- • Paint after floors if possible
30 - 60 days
~7 weeks
Mechanical Finish
Fixtures, outlets, HVAC equipment
After: Interior Finishes
Tips:
- • Coordinate with appliance delivery
7 - 14 days
~2 weeks
Final Punch & Inspection
Final touches, cleaning, CO inspection
After: Mechanical Finish
Tips:
- • Create comprehensive punch list
- • Schedule final walk-through
7 - 21 days
~2 weeks
Visual Timeline
Get an Accurate Timeline
These are estimates. Get specific timelines from local contractors who know your project.
Seasonal Considerations
Exterior work slows significantly in winter. Best to break ground in spring for full construction season.
Planning Tips
- •Add 15-20% buffer for unexpected delays
- •Material lead times can extend timelines
- •Weather delays are common in PA
- •Permit processing adds to pre-construction
- •Schedule critical inspections early