So you’re finally ready to take the plunge; build your dream home, expand with a much-needed addition, or overhaul the entire house. You’ve got the ideas, maybe even a Pinterest board or two, and now you’re wondering… how long is this going to take?
When it comes to a large-scale home renovation in MI, understanding the timeline isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. It affects where you’ll live, how you’ll plan around work and family, and whether you’ll be hosting Thanksgiving in a finished kitchen, or not.
Whether you're tackling a whole home remodel in Oakland County, MI, starting from scratch with a new build, or adding square footage, there are a few consistent phases you can expect and some surprises you’ll want to avoid. Let’s walk through what those timelines really look like here in Oakland County and what you can do now to make things smoother down the road.
How Long Does It Take to Build A Custom Home?
If you’re starting from the ground up with a custom build, you're not just picking paint colors; you’re planning every inch of your future home. That’s exciting! But also… It's a process. A very detailed and layered process.
So, how long does it take to build a custom home in Oakland County?
On average, 12 to 18 months from your first design meeting to move-in day.
Now, could it take less time? Sure. Could it take more time? Also sure. The actual custom home timeline depends on a few key things:
The Planning Phase (3–6 Months)
Before anyone breaks ground, there’s a lot of homework to do. This phase includes:
- Design and architecture
- Engineering and site analysis
- Budget refinement
- Permitting
Many homeowners think construction starts right after choosing a floor plan, but this pre-build stage can take months, especially if you're working with an architect for a truly custom design.
The Build Phase (8–12 Months)
Once everything is approved and scheduled, the actual build begins. This part can be really fun to watch! Framing goes up, rooms take shape, and your vision starts to look like a house.
A typical new home construction in Oakland County includes:
- Site prep and foundation work
- Framing and structural inspections
- Mechanical rough-ins (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
- Insulation, drywall, and flooring
- Cabinets, finishes, fixtures
- Final inspections, walkthrough, and keys in hand
Pro tip: Weather, permit delays, and material selections can all impact your timeline. A good Oakland County home builder will keep things moving, communicate often, and help you make decisions on time, so you’re not the one holding things up.
How Long Do Home Additions Take?
You love your home, your street, your mortgage rate, but you could really use another bedroom, a bigger kitchen, or just a little breathing room (especially if everyone’s been working and schooling from the same space). Enter: the home addition.
Most home additions in Oakland County take 4 to 8 months.
That includes everything from design to permitting to the final coat of paint.
Of course, that timeline depends on how big and complex your addition is. A simple bump-out off the back of the house won’t take as long as a full second-story addition over the garage. And if your project includes plumbing, HVAC rerouting, or tying into the existing roofline? Add some time.
Planning + Permits (1–3 Months)
Just like with a custom home, there’s homework to do up front. You’ll need:
- A solid design (either from an architect or designer)
- Surveys and site checks
- Permits from your city or township
- A realistic budget (and a plan for staying close to it)
Pro tip: Start planning as early as possible. Some municipalities in Oakland County, MI, have longer permitting lead times than others. And if you want to build in spring or summer? You’ll need to start those conversations in the fall or winter.
Construction (3–6 Months)
The construction phase for home additions in Oakland County, MI, can vary quite a bit. Here's a rough breakdown of common timelines:
- Small additions (like a single-room bump-out): 3–4 months
- Medium additions (bedroom suite + bathroom): 4–6 months
- Large additions (second stories or multi-room expansions): 6–12 months
One thing we always try to do is minimize disruption to your daily life. Depending on the layout, some residential additions in Oakland County, MI, can be completed while you stay in the home.
How Long Does a Full Home Remodel Take?
Thinking of a complete transformation? If you’re looking to rework the layout, update outdated finishes, or finally create the open-concept kitchen-meets-living-room space of your dreams, a whole home remodel in Oakland County, MI, might be just what you need.
But let’s set some expectations upfront regarding timelines…
A full home remodel in Oakland County, MI, generally takes 6 to 12 months, depending on how deep you go.
A light cosmetic update on a smaller home? Maybe you’re looking at the 6–8 month range. But a large-scale home renovation in MI, especially one that includes an addition, structural changes, or major systems upgrades, will push closer to 10–12 months (and sometimes more).
What's Included in a Whole Home Remodel?
Every project is unique, but many whole home remodels in Oakland County, MI, include things like:
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations
- Removing or relocating walls
- Updating flooring, trim, doors, and windows
- New HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems
- Exterior updates like siding, roofing, or porches
- And sometimes an addition or two to really make it work
It’s like building a new home, just with the original bones still in place.
Timeline Considerations
What makes these projects take time?
- Planning: Design, drawings, permits—same deal as a custom home or addition.
- Logistics: Working around existing structures and systems takes extra care.
- Living in the home: If you’re staying during construction, we may phase the work so you have at least one working bathroom!
One of the big benefits of a remodel vs. building new? You get to stay in the neighborhood you love, and if your home has good bones and layout potential, it can be a smart investment.
Can I Stay in My House During a Large Remodeling Project?
Here’s the honest answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no.
It all depends on the scope of your project and your tolerance for dust, noise, and temporarily living without a kitchen.
Let’s break it down project by project:
- Custom home? You’ll need to live elsewhere.
- Home addition? Maybe! If the work is happening in a part of the house that can be closed off, many families stay put.
- Whole home remodel? If your project touches all the major systems, like HVAC, bathrooms, kitchen, and electrical—it’s usually best (and faster!) if you find temporary housing.
We’ll always be up front with you about what makes the most sense, both for your comfort and the schedule. And if staying is an option, we’ll help make it as livable as possible while keeping things moving.
How Far in Advance Should I Plan a Custom Home or Addition?
Here’s something most people don’t realize: by the time you’re ready to break ground, you’ve already been in “project mode” for months. Between design, permits, and scheduling, planning takes longer than most homeowners expect.
So, how far in advance should you start?
- For a custom home timeline, aim for 12–18 months before you want to move in. That’s because design + permitting alone can take 4–6 months, and construction is another 8–12 months. If you want to be unpacking boxes by next holiday season, it’s smart to start conversations now.
- For home additions in Oakland County, MI, give yourself 6–12 months. Smaller additions can move faster, but design approvals and township reviews can eat up precious time.
- For a whole home remodel, plan for 6–12 months ahead as well. These projects often require extra planning around existing structures, systems, and phased construction, especially if you’re living in the home during part of it.
The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have. You’ll get a better spot on a builder’s calendar, more time to make thoughtful design decisions (instead of rushing), and less stress overall.
Big Projects, Real Timelines
At LL Custom Contracting, we know that timelines aren’t just numbers on a calendar; they’re tied to real life! That’s why we’re known in Oakland County for our construction timeline guarantee and for treating every client like family. We don’t just build homes; we build trust that the process will go smoothly from start to finish.
Whether you’re planning a new home construction in Oakland County, a whole home remodel, or a home addition, we’d love to help you understand what’s realistic. Let’s start the conversation!
