Constructing a project in Los Angeles County, California can be a challenging endeavor. The feedback process on residential development in Southern California is often slow, repetitive, unrepresentative, and subjective. Unfortunately, the average duration of construction projects has been steadily increasing since 2000. However, with the right preparation and knowledge of the process, you can make a realistic time estimate for your project. Generally speaking, construction in metropolitan areas tends to be faster than in rural areas.
For instance, single-family homes in the Northeast take an average of nine months to build, while multi-family homes in the West take seven months. This is because builders in metropolitan areas have access to more resources and materials than those in rural areas. Additionally, builders in metropolitan areas can reduce the scope of the project by constructing fewer homes than what is legally allowed under zoning regulations. Creating a comprehensive project schedule is one of the best ways to expedite the construction process. This includes setting deadlines for each stage of the project and making sure that all parties involved are aware of them.
It's also essential to keep track of payments and guarantee that all contractors and suppliers are paid on time. Delays in payment can lead to delays in construction. Finally, unexpected changes can cause large variations in the time it takes to build a new home. This includes environmental reviews that are required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These reviews can introduce the possibility for projects to submit lawsuits, increasing delays, costs, and uncertainty.