What No One Tells You About New Construction Timelines

by Brent Blay

New construction homes are exciting. Everything is brand new, you can often choose finishes, and there’s a sense of starting fresh. But one thing buyers are rarely prepared for is the timeline and more specifically, how often it changes.

Most builders will give you an estimated completion date. What they don’t always explain clearly is that “estimated” does a lot of heavy lifting.

Here’s what no one tells you about new construction timelines — and what you should know before you sign.

The Timeline Is a Moving Target

When a builder says a home will be ready in “6 months,” that’s based on best-case scenarios.

In reality, timelines can shift due to:

Permit delays
Weather conditions
Material shortages
Labor availability
City inspections
Changes or upgrades you request

Even small delays can stack up, turning a 6-month build into 7, 8, or even 9 months.

The Clock Doesn’t Start When You Think It Does

Many buyers assume the timeline starts once the contract is signed. In most cases, it doesn’t.

The real clock often starts after:

Your loan is fully approved
Your deposit is received and cleared
Plans and options are finalized
Permits are issued

Any delay in these steps can push the build start back before construction even begins.

Upgrades Can Slow Things Down

Design center appointments are exciting — but upgrades can impact timelines.

Custom selections, special-order materials, or changes after construction has started may:

Require revised plans
Delay inspections
Push back installation schedules

While upgrades can be worth it, buyers should know they sometimes come with time trade-offs.

Inspections and Appraisals Don’t Always Line Up

Your lender, appraiser, and the builder all operate on different schedules.

A home may be structurally complete but still waiting on:

Final inspections
Certificate of Occupancy
Utility connections

Until those are complete, you can’t close — even if the home looks finished.

Rate Locks Matter More Than Buyers Realize

One of the biggest risks with timeline shifts is your interest rate.

If your build takes longer than expected:

Your rate lock may expire
Extension fees may apply
You could be exposed to higher market rates

This is why it’s critical to understand your lender’s rate lock options early.

Temporary Living Plans Are Often Overlooked

Buyers selling a home or ending a lease often plan their move based on the original completion date.

When timelines shift, this can mean:

Short-term rentals
Storage costs
Temporary housing with family
Added stress and unexpected expenses

Having a buffer plan can save both money and sanity.

How Smart Buyers Stay Ahead

The goal isn’t to avoid new construction — it’s to go in prepared.

Smart buyers:

Treat timelines as estimates, not guarantees
Build flexibility into move-out dates
Stay in close communication with their lender and sales rep
Work with an agent who monitors progress and advocates for them

Final Thought

New construction can be an incredible opportunity but only when expectations match reality.

Understanding how timelines really work helps you plan better, stress less, and avoid costly surprises.

If you’re considering new construction and want help navigating the process from contract to keys, I’m always here to guide you every step of the way.