6 min read · Updated 2026
When owners ask how long a project takes, they usually mean construction. In practice, the pre-construction stages and municipal review frequently consume as much calendar time as the building work.
Durations below are general planning ranges, not commitments, every project schedule should be built from its own scope, jurisdiction and existing conditions.
Feasibility and concept
Site or space evaluation, program definition and early budgeting. This stage moves at the speed of your internal decision-making, which is why it is often the easiest place to save weeks.
Design
Schematic design, design development and construction documents. Duration scales with complexity and with how quickly owner decisions are made. Interior build-outs are typically much shorter than ground-up work.
Permitting and approvals
Municipal review timelines vary substantially by jurisdiction and project type, and comment-and-resubmittal cycles are common. Landlord approvals, health-department review and utility approvals run in parallel and each can control the date.
Procurement and long-lead items
Electrical switchgear, rooftop units, generators, custom glazing and specialty equipment can have lead times measured in months. Identifying and ordering them during design, not after permit, is how schedules are protected.
Construction
Demolition, rough-in, inspections, finishes and equipment. Occupied and phased projects take longer in calendar time than the same scope in an empty space, because work happens in windows.
Closeout and occupancy
Punch list, final inspections, certificate of occupancy, and turnover of warranties, as-builts and training. Plan hiring, stocking and marketing against the inspection date, not the last day of trade work.
How to protect your date
Set decision deadlines with your own team, submit complete permit packages, order long-lead items early, and require a schedule that shows owner decisions and approvals as tracked activities.