How long a new construction project takes depends on the complexity of the building, municipal regulations, and administrative efficiency. In general terms, the process from the first sketch to the license can take between 6 and 18 months. Understanding each phase and its potential obstacles allows for careful planning and reduces avoidable delays.
When you ask yourself how long a new construction project takes, you are considering a process that involves preliminary studies, technical development, and administrative procedures until a license is obtained.
Phases of a new construction project before the license is granted
The process can be divided into five main blocks:
Study and preliminary design
Basic and implementation project
Internal review and validation
Municipal processing
Corrections and concessions
Each phase has approximate deadlines, but these may vary depending on the complexity of the task and the functioning of the city council.
1. Study and preliminary design (1–3 months)
This is the strategic phase. Here, we determine whether the idea is viable and under what conditions.
Includes:
Terrain analysis
Urban planning study
Geotechnical report
Conceptual proposal
Meetings to define scope and requirements
It can take between 4 and 12 weeks if there are no significant changes. It takes longer if the client modifies the program or if the site has technical constraints.
What can delay it:
Uncertainty in scope
Continuous adjustments to surfaces or layout
Urban planning restrictions detected late
A well-defined architectural project allows each phase of the work to be planned and construction times to be optimized.
2. Basic design and detailed design (2–6 months)
Once the preliminary design has been approved, the complete technical documentation is developed.
Includes:
Main report and plans (basic project)
Construction details (execution project)
Structural calculation
Facilities
Regulatory justification
In residential projects of medium complexity, it can take between 2 and 4 months, although this may be extended if the building is large or technically demanding.
What determines the duration
Level of definition required by local regulations
Number of construction systems
Coordination between technical disciplines
Changes requested during development
3. Review and administrative preparation (≈1 month)
Before submitting the file, an internal review is conducted:
Regulatory compliance verification
Final technical adjustments
Integration of customer feedback
Preparation of administrative documentation
This step avoids subsequent corrections. If incompatibilities with municipal regulations are detected, it can be expanded.
4. Municipal processing (initial 1–3 months)
With the file submitted:
The request is registered.
Fees are payable
Technical review begins
Urban planning studies regulatory compliance
Legal deadlines are often shorter than actual deadlines. In municipalities with a high administrative workload, the actual time required can be significantly longer.
5. Corrections and license granting (1–3 additional months)
During the review, the city council may request corrections:
Provision of additional documentation
Technical adjustments
Regulatory clarifications
Each request partially restarts the validation circuit. If the responses are quick and complete, the impact is reduced; if they are partial or delayed, the process is prolonged.
Overall estimate of the timeframe
As a guideline:
| Project type | Approximate time frame |
|---|---|
| Simple project in an agile municipality | 6–9 months |
| Standard case | 9–12 months |
| Municipality with high demand or special requirements | 12–18 months or more |
It depends mainly on the technical complexity and the pace of administrative processing.
Factors that most influence how long a new construction project takes
Delays tend to occur at the following points:
Complex urban planning regulations
Frequent changes in design
Files in areas with specific restrictions
High workload at the town hall
Incomplete documentation
Repeated corrections
If a project "drags on," it usually depends on the interaction between design and administration rather than the technical writing itself.
How to reduce deadlines without compromising quality
These practices help optimize time:
Conduct a thorough preliminary study
Define the program clearly from the outset
Anticipate municipal requirements
Coordinate all technical disciplines from early stages
Submit a complete and organized file
Respond to corrections quickly and accurately
The key is not to speed things up artificially, but to avoid redoing work.
Common mistakes that complicate execution
Begin planning without confirming urban parameters
Changing surfaces or layout at an advanced stage
Submitting incomplete documentation
Underestimating administrative time
Not anticipating possible technical requirements
Small initial misalignments can add up to extra months at the end.
Difference between project and construction time
It is important to distinguish between:
Project: technical and administrative phase up to licensing.
Construction: subsequent material execution.
The construction period begins once the license has been granted, so it should not be confused with the project deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a new construction project?
The time required may vary depending on the complexity of the project, but normally the development of the architectural project can take between several weeks and a few months.
What are the phases of a new construction project?
It generally includes the initial design phase, the development of the basic project and the execution project, as well as the processing of licenses.
What factors influence the duration of an architectural project?
Factors such as design complexity, urban planning regulations, project area, and administrative timelines all play a role.
Is an architectural design necessary to build a house?
Yes. To build a house, you need to have a plan drawn up by an architect and approved by the relevant local council.
Are you thinking about building a house?
Author
Cabana Team
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