What to expect in a 9-month residential build

Clients often ask: “How long will it really take?” For a well-scoped residential maisonette with clear drawings and steady cashflow, nine months is a realistic working programme — not a marketing promise.

Months 1–2: Substructure

Site clearance, setting out, excavation, foundations and ground-floor slab. Rain and soil surprises belong here, so build float into this phase.

Months 3–5: Superstructure

Walling, columns, beams, first-floor slab and staircase. This is when the house becomes visible. Keep reinforcement inspections and concrete cube tests on schedule.

Months 6–7: Roof and first fix

Roof structure and covering, followed by electrical and plumbing first fix. Order long-lead joinery and windows early so finishing is not blocked later.

Months 8–9: Finishes and handover

Plaster, tiling, painting, fittings, external works and snagging. Weekly progress photos and a clear snag list make handover calmer for everyone.

What usually delays the programme

Late design changes, unpaid interim certificates, and materials ordered “when we get there.” Protect the programme with a frozen scope, a payment calendar, and early procurement of critical items.

A predictable build is less about rushing and more about sequencing. Agree the programme, publish it, and manage every change as a dated decision — not a hallway conversation.