Commercial Build Timeline: What to Expect

Building a commercial space — whether it’s an office, retail center, warehouse, or medical facility — is a major investment in time, money, and trust. One of the most common questions we get from clients is:
“How long will it take?”

The short answer: It depends on the size and complexity of the project — but there is a standard sequence most builds follow. Understanding the general timeline can help you plan, budget, and set realistic expectations from day one.

Here’s what you can expect from start to finish:

Pre-Construction & Planning (1–3 months)

Before anyone breaks ground, there's a lot of groundwork behind the scenes.

What happens:

• Site selection & feasibility studies

• Budgeting & initial cost estimates

• Architectural & engineering design

• Permitting and approvals

• Subcontractor bidding and procurement

  Design Finalization & Permitting (1–2 months)

  Depending on local jurisdictions, the permit process can vary significantly. Some projects may be fast-tracked; others take longer due to zoning, code reviews, or environmental checks.

  What happens:

  • Final plans are submitted to city or county

  • Review and feedback cycles with permitting authorities

  • Securing of necessary licenses or environmental clearances

    Site Work & Foundation (1–2 months)

    Once permits are approved and plans are locked, it’s time to break ground.

    What happens:

    • Site clearing and grading

    • Utility hookups (water, sewer, power)

    • Excavation and foundation pouring

    • Inspections for footings and rebar

      Structural Construction (2–4 months)

      This is when your building begins to take shape — steel goes up, walls are framed, and roofs are installed.

      What happens:

      • Steel or wood framing

      • Roofing and exterior sheathing

      • Windows and doors

      • Rough-ins (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)

        Interior Build-Out (2–4 months)

        The "bones" are in place. Now we focus on making the space functional and tailored to your business needs.

        What happens:

        • Insulation, drywall, painting

        • Flooring, ceilings, casework

        • Lighting, power, and low-voltage systems

        • Plumbing fixtures and HVAC finish

        • Life safety systems (sprinklers, alarms)

          Final Inspections & Handover (2–4 weeks)

          Before move-in, there’s a detailed punch list process and required final inspections.

          What happens:

          • Quality control walk-throughs

          • Corrections to any outstanding punch list items

          • Final city inspections and certificate of occupancy (CO)

          • Client training on building systems