If you have built a custom home, I have a question!

[silvercrayon]

We signed our contract with the builder/contractor at the end of February (2022). Closed on our building loan on March 8th. We ordered windows and doors the week we closed on the loan. The contractor took us to look at plumbing fixtures and bath and kitchen stuff.  However, they have not dug the first shovel of dirt on our lot yet.  We are so frustrated. It is in the contract that he will start the house within 2 weeks after purchasing the permit. He has not gotten the permit. We so wish we had put something in the contract about a start date, but hindsight is 20/20. 

My question, how long did it take for them to start your home after the contract and bank loan approval? Like clearing the lot, etc.  

[maudefindlay]

We had our home built 11 yrs ago, but I don't recall having deadlines for specific things like that in a contract. Our builder gave us an estimate of 8 to 9 months from beginning to end. We'd have talks along the way about where we were at and what still needed to be done. Overall time lines were pretty accurate.

[InBetweenDays]

We did a complete gut and remodel 14 years ago which was almost like a new build (took it down to 1.5 exterior walls then rebuilt and went up). We too didn't have anything in our contract about that. It was 8 months from the time they started demo to the time we moved in, but that was right after the housing bust so subs were itching for work. And there were about 7 months before that where we were working with the architect and getting permits set.

Have you asked them what the delay is? Do you know if they've submitted anything or not? Could the delay be due to the city's permit review (I know that's been delayed here because of the shear number of permit applications). I would ask him about the delay and to clarify the overall timeline.

[ssmjlm]

Our lot was already clear, but they put up the silt fence and the rock drive I would say a couple weeks after we finalized everything. They were ready to request permits a day or two after we closed.

I will say, windows are taking FOREVER right now. Houses in my parents neighborhood are basically being boarded up so they can keep doing interior work until the windows come in.

[bittybomb]

I didn't do a new build, but a gut reno.  We live in an incorporated village, and once our permit was issued the building department called us to let us know.  I then called the contractor for his start date.  Have you checked to see if the permit has been issued yet, or what stage its in?  I would do that first.

[aprilsails]

We were working with a builder who owned the lot, so it was a bit different. We were given a very tight timeline to get our deposit in once we decided to move forward as his crews could only manage one more house that building season. That being said, our house was started within 1 month but in lockstep with the house next door at every stage. So he already had his crews booked to build their home.

I would reach out to the contractor and see if he can give you an updated schedule. A lot of sub trades are very booked up right now in my area. It’s been a wild ride the past two years.

[brooke77]

We are building semi-custom in a developed community. Our timeline is similar to yours - we signed our contract at the end of February. We have 1/3 permits. Currently waiting on the grading permit so they can start clearing the land. Our builder did let us know that permitting could take 3-4 months.

[atarianna]

We got our loan in mid-September, temporary drive was in late September and dug and poured footers in mid to late October. Foundation was early December, framing in January. We were happy with the timeline but then framing had all kinds of issues that needed addressed before we could do almost anything else, so we didn’t move in until almost the next September.

I understand it’s frustrating but I would temper your expectations or unfortunately you’re going to be in for a long and painful road with a custom build. My builder is my dad, and it was still incredibly frustrating at times just due to things completely outside his/our control.