How Long Does It Take to Build a Home or Addition?

If you're planning to build a new home—or add a major expansion to your existing one—you've likely asked the most common question we hear at Yelinko Builders:

“How long is this going to take?”

While the timeline for any construction project depends on several factors, understanding the general phases and what influences them can help you set clear expectations—and avoid surprises.

Let’s break down the average construction timeline for a custom home build or major home addition, and what you can expect at each step.

Pre-Construction: Planning, Permits & Prep (1–3 Months)

Before we ever pick up a hammer, there’s essential groundwork that needs to happen:

• Site evaluation & surveys

• Architectural drawings and design approvals

• Permit applications and reviews

• Budget finalization and contracts

Working with an experienced builder like Yelinko means we handle permits and paperwork, so you don’t have to chase city departments or figure out zoning rules yourself.

Foundation to Framing (1–2 Months)

Once permits are approved and materials are ordered, we begin with site work:

• Land clearing and grading

• Foundation pouring (slab, crawlspace, or basement)

• Framing the structure (walls, floors, roof)

This phase starts to bring your project to life and goes relatively quickly if weather and materials cooperate.

Systems Installation: Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC (1–1.5 Months)

After the shell is built, we install what we call the “rough-ins”:

• Electrical wiring and breaker panels

• Plumbing lines and venting

• HVAC ductwork and furnace or AC unit installs

These critical systems are inspected before moving forward.

Interior Finishes & Details (1.5–3 Months)

This is the longest and most detailed phase of your build. It includes:

• Insulation and drywall

• Flooring and cabinetry

• Painting, tiling, and trim

• Fixture installation (lights, sinks, hardware)

Because this is where your personal design preferences come to life, it often requires more collaboration and on-the-fly adjustments.

Final Touches, Inspections & Walkthrough (1–3 Weeks)

We wrap up the project with:

• Final building inspections

• Punch list repairs or touch-ups

• Deep cleaning

• Final walkthrough and handoff

🕒 So, How Long Does It Take Overall?

Project Type	Average Timeline
Custom Home Build	6 to 12 months (from permit approval)
Major Home Addition	4 to 6 months (from permit approval)

Delays can happen due to:

• Weather (especially in exterior or foundation stages)

• Permit holdups or inspection scheduling

• Material or product backorders

• Scope changes during the project

At Yelinko Builders, we create realistic timelines from the start and keep you updated throughout the process. No surprises—just steady, honest progress.

Ready to Get Started?

We understand that your time is valuable—and so is your investment. That’s why our construction process is built around transparency, communication, and expert project management.

Contact Yelinko Builders today to schedule your free consultation or site visit. We’ll walk you through the steps, provide a personalized timeline, and help you build with confidence.