How long does it take to design a house? Our timeline from first sketch to construction
For a house of about 200 m², it takes about 8–10 months from the start of design until construction can begin: 4–6 months of design (unlimited revisions at the preliminary stage, three at design development), one month of architectural construction drawings (three revisions), one month for the engineers’ structural and building-services drawings and calculations, about one month for the building permit, and one month for a tender in which at least 2–3 contractors price the drawings. How long construction takes depends on the size of the job and the contractor chosen, and we stay on as consultant until it is finished.
At a glance
| Stage | About how long | Revisions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preliminary design | 4–6 months together | Unlimited |
| 2. Design development | 3 | |
| 3. Architectural construction documents | 1 month | 3 |
| 4. Engineering (structure, building services and calculations) | 1 month | – |
| 5. Building permit | About 1 month | – |
| 6. Contractor tender | 1 month | – |
| Total before construction | About 8–10 months | For a house of about 200 m² |
| 7. During construction | Depends on the job and the contractor | – |
1. Preliminary design
We study and analyse the site, visit it once and simulate the sunlight on the actual site, then present the concept, reference images and a draft plan with the areas.
Revisions at this stage are unlimited, because a plan that works is the base for everything that follows.
2. Design development
Once you approve the preliminary design, we develop it into floor plans, elevations and 3D perspectives from every side, with initial materials and fittings, and coordinate with everyone involved in the construction. Three rounds of revisions.
The first two stages together take about 4–6 months, depending on the size of the job and how quickly decisions are made.
3. Architectural construction documents
A complete set of architectural drawings for construction, material specifications and the positions of building services, checked for accuracy. About one month, with three rounds of revisions.
4. Engineering
Once the architectural drawings are done, we find the engineers and coordinate with them on the structural and building-services drawings and the calculations until the set is complete. This takes about a month, and these drawings go into the permit application with the architectural set. Engineering is not included in our design fee.
5. Building permit
The drawings are submitted to the district or local authority. This takes about a month, depending on the area. Permit fees are not included in the design fee.
6. Contractor tender
We recommend experienced contractors with a good track record, at least 2–3 of them price the same drawings, we answer their questions on the drawings and advise you on the choice. About one month.
7. During construction
How long construction takes depends on the size of the job and the contractor chosen. Throughout, we are your consultant:
- Construction meetings and following the work
- Advice on material samples, and answers to questions from everyone involved
- Choosing sanitary ware, tiles and decorative lighting with you, once each
- Site meetings when needed
- A defect inspection when the contractor hands over
How to keep the project on time
Settle the plan at the preliminary stage. If the design needs substantial changes after a stage has been approved, for example a new plan once the construction or engineering drawings have started, the work goes back several steps and we propose an additional fee for the extra work.
Renovation starts with a survey of the existing structure
Before we design a renovation, we survey the existing building’s structure, so the new design rests on the real condition of the building. How long a renovation or interior project takes depends on the size and condition of each one.
How to start
Send us the plan or the floor area, the spaces you need, the style you like and a rough budget on LINE, and we will draft a proposal with a timeline for your project first, at no charge. See our design fee for the rates.