What to Expect During Your Home Construction – A Week-by-Week Timeline

By Olive City Construction

Introduction

Building a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. But it’s also a process filled with many steps, each requiring careful coordination, time, and patience. Knowing what to expect during each week of construction helps reduce stress, sets realistic expectations, and ensures you stay informed throughout the entire project.

At Olive City Construction, we believe that transparency is the foundation of trust. This week-by-week breakdown gives you a comprehensive look at the typical home construction timeline, from pre-construction preparations to final handover.

Please note: timelines can vary based on the size of the home, weather conditions, permits, material availability, and contractor scheduling. However, this guide provides a general outline that can apply to most new home construction projects.

Pre-Construction Phase (Week 0)

Before physical construction begins, several steps must be completed:

• Final architectural plans are approved
  
  

• Permits are acquired
  
  

• Financing is secured
  
  

• Site preparation and inspections are scheduled
  
  

This pre-construction phase can last from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the complexity and speed of administrative processes.

Week 1: Site Prep and Foundation

This marks the beginning of actual construction. The site is cleared of debris, vegetation, and obstacles. Excavation begins to prepare the ground for the foundation.

Tasks Completed:

• Site clearing and leveling
  
  

• Surveying and layout of the building footprint
  
  

• Excavation for footings and utility trenches
  
  

• Installation of forms for the foundation
  
  

• Pouring of concrete footings or slab
  
  

This stage sets the tone for the project, and inspections may be required before moving to the next phase.

Week 2–3: Foundation Completion and Curing

During these weeks, the foundation is completed and allowed to cure. If your home has a basement or crawlspace, additional structural work happens here.

Tasks Completed:

• Pouring concrete for basement walls or slab
  
  

• Installation of plumbing lines beneath the slab
  
  

• Waterproofing and insulation (if needed)
  
  

• Backfilling around the foundation
  
  

• First inspection for structural integrity
  
  

Curing is essential for concrete strength, and typically, no heavy work is done during this time.

Week 4–5: Framing the Structure

This is when your home starts to take shape. The frame, or skeleton of the house, is constructed.

Tasks Completed:

• Floor joists and subfloor installation
  
  

• Wall and roof framing
  
  

• Window and door openings framed
  
  

• Roof trusses placed
  
  

• Sheathing applied to walls and roof
  
  

Once complete, the building undergoes a “rough framing” inspection to ensure structural stability.

Week 6–7: Roofing, Windows, and Exterior Doors

Once framing passes inspection, the home is made “weather-tight,” which means it can be protected from rain and other elements.

Tasks Completed:

• Roofing materials installed (shingles, metal, tiles)
  
  

• Windows and exterior doors installed
  
  

• Flashing and sealing around openings
  
  

• Weather barrier wrap added to the exterior
  
  

At this point, the house has a more finished appearance from the outside.

Week 8–9: Rough Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC

Now that the structure is sealed, rough-in work for internal systems begins. This includes plumbing, wiring, and HVAC systems.

Tasks Completed:

• Pipes for water supply and drainage installed
  
  

• Electrical wiring and panel box setup
  
  

• Ductwork, vents, and HVAC units installed
  
  

• Low-voltage wiring for internet, security, and smart systems
  
  

All these systems must pass their own inspections before insulation and drywall can begin.

Week 10: Insulation and Internal Wall Prep

Once the rough-ins are inspected and approved, insulation is added throughout the house. This is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort.

Tasks Completed:

• Wall, ceiling, and floor insulation installed (fiberglass, spray foam, or cellulose)
  
  

• Soundproofing in specific areas (e.g., bathrooms or media rooms)
  
  

• Vapor barriers and moisture control (in climate-appropriate areas)
  
  

The home is now ready for internal finishes to begin.

Week 11–13: Drywall and Interior Wall Finishes

Drywall is installed, and your rooms begin to take shape as real, livable spaces.

Tasks Completed:

• Drywall hanging, taping, and mudding
  
  

• Sanding and smoothing surfaces
  
  

• Wall texturing (if chosen)
  
  

• First coats of primer or paint
  
  

This stage can be messy and dusty but marks a significant visual transformation.

Week 14–15: Interior Trim, Doors, and Cabinetry

Now the finishing carpentry begins. This includes both structural and decorative elements inside the home.

Tasks Completed:

• Interior doors installed
  
  

• Baseboards, crown molding, and trim added
  
  

• Window sills and casings finished
  
  

• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets installed
  
  

• Closet shelving systems added
  
  

This is when your home’s personality starts to show.

Week 16–17: Flooring, Countertops, and Paint

The surfaces you’ll interact with daily are now being installed.

Tasks Completed:

• Tile, hardwood, laminate, or carpet installation
  
  

• Countertops (quartz, granite, marble, etc.)
  
  

• Final interior paint on walls, ceilings, and trim
  
  

At this point, the house is about 80–90% complete.

Week 18: Plumbing and Electrical Fixtures

Fixtures and appliances are installed to complete the mechanical systems.

Tasks Completed:

• Light fixtures, switches, and outlet covers
  
  

• Faucets, showerheads, and toilets
  
  

• HVAC grilles and thermostats
  
  

• Major appliance installation (stove, dishwasher, etc.)
  
  

All systems are tested for functionality and safety.

Week 19: Exterior Finishes and Landscaping

The final touches outside your home are completed, making it ready for curb appeal and practical use.

Tasks Completed:

• Siding and exterior paint or finish
  
  

• Driveways, walkways, and porches poured
  
  

• Grading, drainage, and irrigation setup
  
  

• Landscaping with grass, trees, and plants
  
  

Your home now looks complete both inside and out.

Week 20: Final Walkthrough and Punch List

Before you officially move in, your contractor will conduct a final walkthrough with you to review everything.

Tasks Completed:

• Creation of a punch list (minor items needing correction)
  
  

• Final cleaning of the entire home
  
  

• Testing of systems and final inspections
  
  

• Homeowner orientation (explaining warranties, controls, and manuals)
  
  

Any identified issues are resolved before the handover.

Week 21: Move-In and Handover

Congratulations! Your new home is ready for move-in. You’ll receive:

• The keys to your home
  
  

• Owner’s manuals and warranties
  
  

• Inspection approvals and certificate of occupancy (if required)
  
  

Olive City Construction will ensure you have everything you need for a smooth transition.

Things That Can Affect the Timeline

While this guide outlines a typical 5–6 month build timeline, there are factors that can cause delays:

• Weather (especially during foundation and framing)
  
  

• Permit approval delays
  
  

• Material shortages or delivery issues
  
  

• Change orders by the homeowner
  
  

• Labor shortages or subcontractor conflicts
  
  

Communication with your builder is key. At Olive City Construction, we provide weekly updates so you're never in the dark.

Conclusion

Building a home is a structured yet dynamic process. Knowing what to expect each week gives you peace of mind, helps with planning, and makes the experience more enjoyable. From day one, our team at Olive City Construction is committed to quality craftsmanship, honest communication, and delivering on time.

Whether you’re building your first home or your forever home, we’re here to guide you through every nail, beam, and brushstroke.