How long does a project really take?

How long does a project actually take?

Most home projects don’t begin with drawings or planning applications. They begin with a daydream. A sketch on the back of an envelope, a conversation over coffee, a sense that your home could work better for you.

This may come after months of building frustrations as you bump your shin on a coffee table,

or squeeze into a desk squashed onto a hallway for a WFH conference call, or it may be an

overnight decision borne from an unexpected new arrival, or change in circumstances.

However, you arrive at the start of the journey, once you decide to turn that spark of an idea

into reality, the big question is always the same: ‘How long will this actually take’?

The Triangle

The truth is that a well-designed, well-planned project doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s a

good thing. We discussed the holy trinity of time, cost and quality in more details here.

Rushing leads to mistakes, delays and costly surprises, whereas a thoughtful process gives

you clarity, confidence and a home that genuinely improves your life.

Yes, yes, but how long?

Using a typical project timeline as a guide, here’s what we think the journey generally looks

like.

Phase 1.

Feasibility, surveys and first design stage: Week 1–8

Once you appoint your architect, the first couple of months are all about understanding your

home, your needs and the possibilities.

This stage usually includes:

• A feasibility study

• A measured survey by a digital surveyor

• Existing plans and elevations

• Early sketch design options

• A design review meeting

• An initial budget estimate

This is the moment where ideas become real. You start to see what’s possible, what’s

practical and importantly, what’s feasible within your budget.

Typical timeframe: 1–2 months

Phase 2.

Refining the vision stage: Month 2–4

With initial ideas agreed, the design is developed in more detail. This is where the project

begins to become clear, and really starts to gain momentum.

This stage usually includes:

• Refined layouts and elevations

• Material considerations

• Discussions about light, flow, and function

• A second design review

• A budget update to keep everything aligned

By the end of this stage, you have a clear, confident design ready for planning.

Typical timeframe: 1–2 months

Phase 3.

Planning application stage (the first scary bit): Month 4–7

Once the design is ready, your architect prepares the planning application, or applies for a

Lawful Development Certificate.

This includes:

• Drawings

• Design statements

• Supporting documents

• Any required reports (heritage, ecology, drainage, etc.)

After submission, the waiting begins. Most councils take 8–12 weeks to make a decision,

though complex or rural Sussex sites can take longer. There’s nothing we can do to hurry

the process along, although we are able to make it as seamless as possible, which is

helpful.

Typical timeframe: 2–3 months (sometimes more, which is frustrating, but unavoidable)

Phase 4.

Turning project ideas into buildable plans phase: Months 7–10

Once planning is approved, the technical stage begins. This is where the project becomes

construction ready.

This stage includes:

• Detailed technical drawings

• Structural engineer design

• Building Regulations checks

• Coordination with specialists (drainage, energy, glazing, etc.)

This is the most detailed part of the process, and the one that ensures your builder can price

accurately and build safely.

Typical timeframe: 2–3 months

Phase 5.

Finding the right team phase: Months 10–12

With technical drawings complete, you can approach builders for quotes.

This stage includes:

• Sending out tender packs

• Reviewing quotes

• Meeting contractors

• Making a final selection

• Builder lead-in time (often several weeks)

Good builders are in demand, so it’s normal to wait for availability.

Typical timeframe: 1–2 months (plus lead-in)

Phase 6.

The build begins! Hooray!: Month 12 onwards

Only now - roughly a year after the initial idea - does construction typically begin. It feels like

forever, but without getting the foundations right (the technical foundations, not the actual

ones!) you will end up in real hot water. The day you break ground on your project is a great

day, it’s worth waiting for.

The build length varies depending on the project. Typically:

• Small extension: 3–4 months

• Medium extension: 5–7 months

• Large renovation: 8–12 months

• Whole house transformation: 12+ months

In total, a realistic timeframe to work towards is 14–24 months. This may be surprising, but

that’s the reality of thoughtful design, careful planning and high quality construction.

A home project is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right team, it’s a deeply rewarding

journey.