If you’ve seen construction start on a lot nearby, you might be curious about what’s being built. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that permits pulled for multifamily construction rose 25.5% year-over-year, so expect to see more multifamily units popping up. Since the housing deficit will likely cause an increase in multifamily construction in Dallas, TX, an apartment buildout may be underway on that once-vacant lot.
How Long Does It Take to Construct a Multifamily Building?
When you look at an empty piece of land, it can be challenging to envision a bustling multifamily housing complex in its place. After all, multifamily construction in Dallas, TX, is complex, and it takes quite a bit of work to transform an empty lot into a stunning multifamily living community.
In addition, the time frame for completing a multifamily construction project will vary based on numerous factors.
Checking the Numbers
The U.S. Census reports the average time to build a multifamily project as just over a year. This time doesn’t include permitting and getting authorization, which will add time. Predicting how long it will take to approve build permits can be challenging.
However, data shows 39% of multifamily construction of buildings with 10-19 units receive their permits within a month of applying. Where your project is located, the season and the complexity of your build can all affect the amount of time it takes to gain approval.
Still Curious? Ask Your Builder
The best thing you can do to get a projected timeframe is talk to your builder. Industry professionals can gauge approximately how long a project will take based on their experience completing other jobs. They will be able to offer an idea of how long you can expect the project to take, and they’ll be familiar with the specific variables of this build that impact its progression.
Factors Impacting Your Multifamily Construction Timeline
Securing Financing
If your project is financed, this step can add substantial time to your timeline. Securing financing will require you to fill out dozens of forms and provide financial information. Depending on the type of financing you’re getting, this process could take weeks or months.
Getting Permitted
If you’re attempting to file for permits yourself, you’ll want to plan on it taking some extra time. When the average individual applies for a permit, they may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of forms and blueprints they expected to submit. Where your project is located will also impact the speed you get your permits because some areas have such extensive backlogs that it may be several months before anyone can handle your request.
Working with an experienced construction company can streamline this process, as they will be familiar with the paperwork and plans required to get permitted. In addition, their expertise can keep you from having to reapply by preventing you from making a mistake during your filing, as they’ll be familiar with local rules and regulations.
Supply Availability
The Covid-19 pandemic caused supply chain problems that many major industry suppliers are still working to resolve. Unfortunately, that means your project may be delayed due to the materials you need being unavailable.
While this is understandably frustrating, little can be done to resolve the issue, no matter how eager your builders are to get started. If you are desperate to speed up your build, your best option is to ask your builder whether the back-ordered materials could be replaced with something more accessible. Otherwise, the increased time it takes to get supplies must be accepted.
Weather
Texas-based builders face fewer weather-related speedbumps than builders in Northern states, but our relatively warm weather doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing. On the rare occasion when frigid temps and ice storms do hit Dallas, communities often struggle. Unlike Northern states, our state doesn’t have experience dealing with inclement cold weather, so road closures and safety issues make it difficult for your builders to make it to the job site.
Plan Ahead
While interior work can often be completed in bad weather, many outdoor projects can’t, as work such as roofing is dangerous to perform in harsh weather conditions. If your project’s construction will go through the winter, adding some padding to your project’s end date is a good idea.
By planning on encountering lost work days due to weather, you won’t be frustrated if a storm slows progress. Alternatively, if rough weather never occurs, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to finish ahead of schedule.
Project Size and Complexity
The project’s size and complexity will impact its completion time. Projects with more floors and housing units will typically take longer to complete. The same thing goes for projects that require very complex or intricate craftsmanship.
The Site Manager
The site manager or lead general contractor can significantly impact your project’s timeline, as they will be on-site and keeping the crews and subcontractors on task. While they can’t single-handedly speed up a slow project if facing issues beyond their control, like supply chain issues or bad weather, they can ensure the project stays progressing by keeping everyone on task and focused.
They will also help team members and subcontractors, ensuring they stay organized. Being an effective general contractor requires more than just knowledge of the trade; to get the best results from their team, they’ll need good communication skills and the ability to motivate others.
The Construction Crew
A solid construction crew is crucial in determining how long a project takes. Teams motivated to complete the task promptly and properly will make it easier to stay on schedule than less dedicated teams. Working with a company with an experienced crew they use for projects will prevent issues when you bring in outside subcontractors. Having the right team is one of the best ways to ensure your project stays on track.
A Team You Can Trust
At Sayan Renovations & Construction, our team does everything, whether you need renovations or something built from the ground up. With core company values like respect, loyalty, integrity, and consistency, you can count on our team members to give your project their all.
This professionalism sets us apart from others in the industry and ensures a finished product you can be proud to own. In addition, our team members are continuously expanding their skill sets and improving their craft to offer state-of-the-art solutions to meet your construction needs.
Unexpected Hiccups
No matter how experienced the team is and how dedicated the contractor is, issues will arise during construction. Whether running into permitting difficulties or having to redo vandalized work, it’s essential to plan a little wiggle room for accidents. Even minor issues can set back construction, so it’s wise to approach the build prepared for the possibility that a random occurrence could delay construction.
Quality Multifamily Construction in Dallas, TX
As you search for builders to bring your projects to life, beware of contractors who overpromise and underdeliver. Steer clear of any builder who promises a timeline that sounds too good to be true because they may just be trying to tell you what you want to hear.
When you work with Sayan Renovations & Construction, you’ll feel confident knowing our team acts with integrity and doesn’t make commitments we can’t keep. We do everything we can to avoid delays in your project’s timeline and factor in all the project variables when estimating an end date. So call Sayan Renovations & Construction today, and set up a time to discuss your next big project.
