How Long Does It Take To Construct A Building?

How Long Does It Take to Construct a Building?

When estimating construction timelines, there’s more to consider than just averages. In this blog, we’ll explore the average timelines for different types of buildings, key factors that influence construction durations, and a reliable method to forecast project timelines accurately.

If you’re curious about how long it takes to construct a building and want to ensure your estimates are accurate, this blog is for you.

Key Averages for Construction Timelines:

Here are the average durations for different building types:

• Residential buildings: 6 to 12 months.
• Multi-family buildings: 12 to 18 months.
• Commercial buildings: 12 to 18 months (mid-sized commercial: 18 to 24 months).
• Large commercial projects: 2 to 5 years.
• Industrial buildings: 9 to 18 months.
• Manufacturing plants: 1 to 2 years.
• Schools and universities: 1 to 2 years.

These durations can vary based on complexity, region, and project-specific challenges.

Factors That Influence Construction Durations:

Several factors can significantly impact how long a construction project takes. Let’s dive into the most critical ones:

1. Type and Complexity of the Project:

The complexity of a building dramatically affects timelines. For example:

• A simple multi-family project with standard finishes and minimal features will take less time.
• High-end multi-family projects with advanced MEP systems, solar panels, and architectural features can extend the timeline. Similarly, a basic laboratory might take 18–20 months, while a high-end laboratory designed to attract top researchers could take 23–26 months.

2. Permits and Approvals:

The location and type of project can either expedite or delay permits. In high-demand areas with overburdened permit departments or strict design requirements, the process can take significantly longer.

3. Site Preparation:

Preparing the site is often overlooked but can add considerable time:

• Soil stabilization.
• Rerouting utilities.
• Preserving historical site elements.

4. Weather Conditions:

Weather plays a vital role. For instance:

• Rain and snow can cause delays of weeks or months.
• Frozen ground in colder regions can halt foundational and utility work.

5. Additional Factors:

Other elements to consider include:

• Labor shortages.
• Material supply chain issues and lead times.
• Unique structural components (e.g., stadium roofs, dams, or bridges).

The Best Way to Forecast Timelines: Reference Class Forecasting:

The most reliable method for estimating project durations is reference class forecasting. By analyzing historical data from similar projects (e.g., program type, region, size), you can create a realistic forecast for future projects.

Key steps include:

• Building an internal database of past projects for reference.
• Considering averages and specific risks for each project.
• Anchoring timelines to realistic expectations rather than wishful thinking.

Tips for Accurate Planning:

To get the best results:

• Go through the design and Pre-Construction process thoroughly.
• Develop a Macro-level Takt plan with multiple iterations and team reviews.
• Assume the worst-case scenario to create a more realistic timeline.

Final Thoughts:

Determining how long a construction project will take requires a mix of averages, reference data, and an understanding of site-specific challenges. By following these best practices, you’ll be better equipped to create accurate timelines and set realistic expectations.