- Around here, 18 months is definitely becoming the standard—banks seem way less rigid about the old 12-month timeline.
- Even then, I’ve seen folks need extensions, especially if you’re DIY’ing or running into those “surprise” delays (our trusses showed up six weeks late last fall…).
- If you’re doing anything custom or working with smaller subs, I’d budget extra time. The lenders I’ve talked to are pretty understanding as long as you’re communicating.
- Short version: 12 months feels pretty rare now unless you’re building a basic plan and everything just lines up.
Yeah, 18 months seems to be the new normal from what I’ve seen, too. We went in thinking a year would be plenty, but between waiting on custom windows and a couple of weather delays, we were scrambling for an extension. If you’re trying to save money by managing some of it yourself or picking unique finishes, definitely pad your timeline. It’s wild how fast those “little” delays add up.
- Totally get this. We thought we were being super conservative with a 14-month loan—nope, ended up begging for a 6-month extension.
- Did a bunch of the finish work ourselves to save cash, but wow, sourcing unique tile and fixtures ate up weeks I didn’t expect.
- Weather was a curveball, too. Lost nearly a month to back-to-back rain delays last spring.
- If you’re customizing anything or DIY-ing parts, I’d tack on at least 3-4 months just for the “unknowns.” It’s wild how fast time disappears when you’re waiting on one little thing...
We ran into a similar situation—had a 12-month loan lined up, thinking we’d padded in enough time, but between permit delays and a few design changes, it just wasn’t enough. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected, especially if you’re trying to save by DIY-ing or sourcing materials yourself. It’s tempting to rush, but honestly, building in extra months from the start saves so much stress (and money) down the road. Even the weather can throw everything off... It’s wild how much those “little” things add up.
Title: What’s a “Normal” Length for Construction Loans These Days?
Twelve months always sounds like plenty—until you’re knee-deep in mud waiting for the inspector who’s “just running a little behind.” I thought I was being clever by ordering my own windows to save cash, but one backorder later and suddenly I’m staring down the loan deadline. If I ever do this again, I’m tacking on at least 3-4 extra months, no matter what the bank says is “standard.” The universe just loves to mess with construction schedules...
