{"id":938,"date":"2026-10-21T12:42:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T16:42:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carreyconstruction.ca\/?p=938"},"modified":"2026-10-26T09:19:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T13:19:31","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-custom-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carreyconstruction.ca\/en\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-custom-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home?"},"content":{"rendered":"

To<\/span> build a custom home<\/span><\/a>, you generally need to allow several months for planning and preparation, followed by a construction phase that can last a year or longer. In Ottawa-Gatineau, <\/span>a complete custom home project can take 12 to 24 months<\/b>, sometimes longer depending on its complexity. This range is an estimate, not a guaranteed timeline.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike a house built from a standard design, every custom home requires architectural and technical decisions specific to the project. <\/span>Carrey Construction<\/b> explains how this timeline breaks down, from designing the plans to moving into your new home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Designing the plans: several months before construction begins<\/b><\/h2>\n

Building a custom home starts well before construction crews arrive on-site. The home’s dimensions, room layout, materials, and architectural features must all be defined. This phase can take <\/span>two to several months<\/b>, particularly when the plans are developed entirely from scratch.<\/span><\/p>\n

The characteristics of the lot also influence the design. A steep slope, difficult access, or certain building placement constraints may require adjustments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every major change to the plans can extend this stage. For example, relocating a staircase or modifying the structure after the plans have been approved may require revisions to several technical documents.<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal is therefore to finalize major decisions before moving on to permits and construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Permits and approvals: timelines vary by project<\/b><\/h2>\n

Once the plans are sufficiently developed, the project must meet applicable municipal requirements. <\/span>Allow approximately 2 to 4 months for administrative procedures<\/b> as a general estimate. This period may be longer if the project requires special approvals, additional documents, or changes to the plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Ottawa, the City has a target of<\/span> 10 business days<\/span><\/a> for the initial review of a complete building permit application<\/b> for a house. However, this timeframe does not necessarily mean the permit will be issued within 10 business days. If documents are missing or revisions are requested, processing takes longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Gatineau, requirements and processing times must be confirmed with the municipality.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is therefore best not to set a construction start date until the necessary approvals have been confirmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The construction phase: which stages take the most time?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Once permits have been obtained, <\/span>building a custom home can take approximately 8 to 14 months<\/b>, depending on its size, architectural complexity, and selected finishes. This estimate covers construction only, excluding the design phase and administrative procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Construction generally involves several stages:<\/span><\/p>\n