Approximate time required for house construction

Hello everyone,

I have already diligently searched through the forum but unfortunately found no further information on my question. So I'm posting it here and hoping for your answers.

My husband and I are (almost) at the very beginning of our property search. After some viewings of existing properties, we are now leaning towards building a house. A single-family house, about 120 sqm in a new development area (where the land still has to be purchased).
I would be interested to know how much time one realistically has to plan for the construction of the house. From the initial idea of the floor plan to finally moving in. Background: My husband and I both work (he 100% with several business trips abroad (1-5 per year), I 75% office job), and we have a small child (over 1 year old). Possibly a second child will come. I am already glad that everyday life runs reasonably smoothly, but I can hardly imagine how we can fit building a house into our daily routine.
We actually want to build with an architect, but that usually requires even more time regarding planning and execution, right? I don’t see us doing any own work – perhaps flooring or painting at most, if at all.
What experiences do you have and what tips can you give? And what should one definitely avoid if one doesn’t want to live alone in the house later on? ;)
Oh yes, we don’t have grandparents nearby for childcare.

I’m looking forward to your answers!

Hello,

I think you won't be able to find a concrete answer to this question, as everyone approaches the topic of building a house a little differently.

We, for example, specifically started looking for a company to build our dream house in September 2012.

Exactly one year later, in September 2013, we signed the construction contract and we are expected to move in February 2015.

Well, we invested a lot of time and energy in choosing the "right" partner, but so far we have not regretted our decision for a second.

If you are interested, I would be happy to link you our building blog – there we have documented quite thoroughly how our decision-making process went and what else came our way.

Best regards,

Dirk

I would also simply estimate two or three years.

hm, it went quite quickly for us after all. On a whim, we decided to build in late summer 2013. We found the [Grundstück] in late autumn and bought it in January 14. Now we are close to completion and expect to move in at the end of January/beginning of February 15.

We bought the plot 2 years ago (Autumn 2012). 1 1/2 years ago (February 2013) we started looking for an architect and working out the floor plan. Half a year ago we submitted the building application (30.4.2014). The shell construction is currently in progress. Moving in is planned between August and December 2015. So no time pressure.
All in all then 3 years. But it certainly can go faster if you want.

With us: From the interest in the property (= idea of building a house) to moving in: 16 months. But that is personal luck or misfortune ;)

In your case, a timber frame house is suitable - the house is first (selected and) planned including all sockets and whatnot, then manufactured in a factory and assembled within 2 days. The selection process also takes place beforehand within about 2 days. Then the time for interior finishing is added, which also takes place according to a set plan. (So you should know in advance what you want, then everything is completed within half a year (optimum) without your presence.

Regards Yvonne