Let's Talk Timelines

A note from bill: let's talk timelines

So, you want to be done by Christmas?
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The winter holidays may seem far off while we’re in August, but when it comes to my topic of interest this month, you can never start planning too early. Let’s talk about timelines.

What’s so important about timelines that you want to write an entire article about it? I am so glad you asked! First, everybody cares about their project’s schedule; it’s generally second only to the budget. You could be the most patient person in the world, and it will still matter a lot to finish your project on your anticipated schedule. A project’s timeline also has an intrinsic relationship with other top-priority factors like budget and quality. Pushing the limits of a timeline for the sake of an earlier completion might seem like an attractive prospect on its surface, but something will always come at the expense of speed—usually quality or proper research. As far as budget is concerned, rushing through the planning process can lead to incomplete cost projections and, in turn, put stress on your pocketbook.
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While timelines are hugely important for a project, they tend to receive a significant lack of consideration in the planning stages. Over my career, an endless number of people have approached me with unrealistic expectations of how long it takes to design and construct a project. I enjoy many challenges in my life, but I can’t perform miracles when it comes to unrealistic schedules.
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I caution you to adopt the right mindset regarding scheduling; pushing for speed will lead to a pull away from other important factors. Turn your focus to a smooth timeline, rather than a quick one. For that, you need to look at the big picture. What are your goals for completion? Are you hoping to get into your new home in a new school district before school starts? Are you relocating because of a job change? Do you want to start your project to avoid winter excavation? I usually look at these goals and then work backward to see how we can achieve these milestone deadlines.
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As you can see, the entire process can take considerable time. Given the magnitude of the construction cost involved, you owe it to yourself to take the time to do it right so you can feel satisfied with the final result, in other words, Exceptional Design Where you Wouldn't Change a Thing.

​So, as they say, “I can promise you can move in by Christmas, I just can’t promise what year!”

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before you begin...

1.  Establish the vision for your project. What is driving your desire for a new house or addition? Start filling out your Wish List to understand your needs.

2. Learn about the various architectural processes so you can choose the path you feel most confident with. The traditional method of working with an architect and then bidding to contractors could be your best fit, or it could be a Design+Build method, where one firm manages the whole process.

​3. Do your research and plan accordingly; our Design Discovery Review can be used as a resource to evaluate the property you own or plan to purchase.

design phase: 2-4+ Months*

Schedule enough time for design. It may seem like you can breeze through this phase, but you may be underestimating the sheer  

number of decisions that need to be made. Remember: making changes on paper will always be easier than changes during construction!

construction documents: 2-4+ Months*

In the Construction Documents Phase, everything from lighting design, to cabinet layout, and dozens of other selections are made. Engineering and architectural plans are both finalized.

bidding phase: approx. 1 month

Your path can affect your timeline. With our Design+Build process, we can generally cut down on time in this phase.

permitting: approx. 2-3 months

Nothing moves forward without permits. You may also need to make submissions to your Home Owners Association before submitting for permits, which can add another month or two to this stage.

construction phase: 8-10+ months*

Finally, you are ready to start construction. A good building professional will provide a detailed construction schedule as a starting point, which should take weather delays, holidays, inspection delays, and—as of late—supply chain issues into account. If the builder has built in some time contingencies, the less likely you will be disappointed with the final delivery date.

*dependent on size, complexity & project scope

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written by: bill styczynski

Bill Styczynski is the president of Studio21 Architects, as well as an architect in his own right. Every month, Bill writes an article for the Studio Pages newsletter about design topics that he believes will be informative, helpful reads for all of our clients, established and potential. ​