Average duration of a construction project in Quebec: from design to handover of the keys
- coraliefortin076
- Oct 1
- 8 min read
When you're planning to build or renovate a house, cottage, or garage in Quebec, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: "How long will it take?" At Plan Maison Québec, we frequently receive this question.
Understanding the different stages of a construction project, typical timelines, and the factors that influence its duration allows you to better prepare your budget, expectations, and timeline. In this article, I'll guide you step by step through the project's progress, from design to handover, focusing on Quebec realities.
1. The general framework: what duration should be expected?
Before delving into the phases, it's helpful to provide a basic estimate and then explain possible variations.
Generally, a new home project in Quebec ranges from 6 to 18 months, depending on the size, complexity, land accessibility, and local constraints. For simple construction projects (small houses or detached garages), we can aim for between 3 and 6 months for the entire project, with or without unforeseen circumstances. For larger or custom-built homes, the timeframe can reach 12 to 18 months, or even longer in some cases.
This estimate includes all stages—from design to finishing.
At Plan Maison Québec, we strive, from the very first meetings, to provide our clients with a realistic estimate based on their project, local conditions, and potential challenges.
2. Project Steps and Time Estimate
To help you plan your project realistically, here are the main stages of a construction project in Quebec, with estimated durations and possible variables.
2.1 Design, plans and validation phase
Before construction begins, every project goes through a design phase. You work with designers, architects, or draftsmen, develop plans, and discuss technical and aesthetic choices. At this stage, Plan Maison Québec often intervenes to coordinate client requirements, site constraints, and municipal standards.
The duration of this phase varies depending on the complexity of the project. It can take 1 to 3 months, sometimes longer if there are numerous successive modifications. Then, the building permit application is submitted. Municipal processing can take 1 to 3 months, depending on the municipality, the workload of the urban planning department, and the need for additional studies (geotechnical, topographical, etc.). In some municipalities, approval times are longer—particularly in areas with high demand. For example, in Montreal, permitting times increased from 175 to 369 days between 2019 and 2024.
In some cases, the municipality may request modifications or additional documents, which extends the wait. Until the permit is granted, no construction work can legally begin.
At Plan Maison Québec, we anticipate these potential delays and factor them into our projected timeline.
2.2 Ground preparation, foundations and underground works
Once the permit is obtained, the work begins. The first physical step is site preparation: clearing, grading, excavation, drainage, embankment, and water control. If soil studies or geotechnical analyses are required, they can add a few more weeks.
Then come the foundations (footings, foundation walls, slabs, drains), and the installation of services (sewers, water supply, underground electricity). This can last from a few weeks to one or two months, depending on the size of the building, the type of foundation, soil conditions, and weather.
The correct sequence of these steps is essential to allow the structural work to proceed efficiently.
2.3 Structural work: framework, envelope, structure
Once the foundation is ready, the structural work begins: framing, exterior walls, roofing, windows, exterior doors, and the walls and roofing (i.e., making the building watertight and airtight). This is a crucial phase where the "bones" of the building are laid. The timeframe for this stage depends heavily on the type of construction (timber frame, concrete, block, steel), the architectural complexity (multiple roofs, non-standard shapes), and the availability of materials.
For a house of average complexity, this stage can last from 8 to 20 weeks (2 to 5 months) depending on the conditions. If the structure includes complex elements (large porticos, mezzanines, special structures), the timeframe can increase even further.
The weather has a significant impact on this phase: rainy days or extreme conditions can slow down or even stop exterior work.
2.4 Interior and finishing work
Once the structure and envelope are established (watertight and airtight), the interior work can begin. This phase includes:
Insulation, partitions, waterproofing membranes, and vapor barriers
Plumbing, electrical, heating, and ventilation
Conduits, pipes, wiring, and electrical panels
Installation of interior windows and interior doors
Installation of mechanical systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, if applicable)
Finishing work (plaster, painting, flooring, cabinets, moldings, carpentry, and hardware)
Depending on the scope of the project, this stage can last between two and six months, sometimes longer if the finishes are high-end or custom. The sequences must be well coordinated: it is impossible to install floors before certain technical installations have been completed, for example.
2.5 Cleaning, inspections, corrections and key handover
Once the bulk of the construction work is complete, the final touches, corrections, tests, municipal inspections, and building acceptance remain. This can take 1 to 3 weeks. Inspections are carried out, details are corrected, the site is cleaned up, and finally the keys are handed over.
3. The main variables that lengthen (or shorten) the delays
Even with careful planning, several factors can affect the actual duration of the project. Recognizing these variables helps establish a safety margin.
3.1 Complexity and architectural style
A simple architecture, with straight lines, few projections, and a regularly sloping roof, will be quicker to complete than a project with several gables, arches, mezzanines, volume games, or specific architectural elements. The choice of materials (brick, stone, composite cladding) and technical systems (home automation, heated floors, large bay windows) can extend the timeframe.
3.2 The location and accessibility of the site
If the land is remote, difficult to access, or sloping, development may take longer. Transporting materials to rural areas or difficult sites (gravel roads, forested areas) adds logistics. Additionally, supply lead times may be longer in some remote areas.
3.3 Municipal and regulatory constraints
Each municipality has its own deadlines for obtaining permits, as well as specific requirements (heritage zones, environmental constraints, easements, soil studies, urban planning standards). If your project is subject to urban planning committees, site advisory committees, or zoning restrictions, this can add time. As we have seen, some permit deadlines in Montreal often exceed 300 days.
3.4 Climatic and seasonal conditions
In Quebec, the weather plays a major role. Winter significantly slows down exterior work (excavation, concreting, framing). Some exterior projects must be completed before the onset of frost. However, interior work can continue in winter (insulation, electrical, plumbing, finishing). At Plan Maison Québec, we plan to shift interior work as soon as possible to maximize productivity during the cold season.
3.5 Availability of labor and subcontractors
Labor shortages in the construction industry can lead to delays. If your project relies on multiple specialists (electrician, plumber, carpenter, etc.), poor coordination or team unavailability can create downtime. Logistical planning for each stakeholder is crucial to minimize these overlaps or interruptions.
3.6 Procurement of materials
In the current context, some materials (wood, steel, mechanical equipment) may be delayed. If a product is out of stock or must be imported, this could prevent further work from proceeding. It is therefore essential to plan ahead to avoid delays.
3.7 Modifications or changes during construction
Every modification (change of plan, different choice of finish, addition of an unforeseen element) results in adjustments and potentially delays. Ideally, design decisions should be finalized before construction begins, but execution realities sometimes require changes.
4. Practical estimates according to the type of project
To help your readers visualize concrete scenarios, here are some typical estimates (for guidance only) based on the type of construction.
Average-sized single-family home, simple plan: 8 to 10 months from design to handover, if all goes well.
Larger or custom-built home: 12 to 16 months, depending on finishes, architecture, and site constraints.
Cottage or home in a remote area: 10 to 18 months, depending on accessibility and logistics.
Detached garage or simple extension: 3 to 6 months under favorable conditions.
Projects with high-end finishes, home automation, or specialized systems: can exceed the standard duration, potentially 18 to 24 months depending on the challenges.
At Plan Maison Québec, we adjust our estimates according to your vision: materials, architectural style, accessibility, and your budget.
5. Strategies to minimize delays and optimize the schedule
Even if we can't control all the uncertainties, certain practices help reduce the risk of deadline overruns:
Finalize design and material decisions as soon as possible, before starting construction
Choose reliable suppliers and anticipate orders
Coordinate subcontractors with a tight schedule and safety margins
Build in buffers in the schedule for unforeseen events
Monitor the weather and adapt exterior work accordingly
Maintain good communication between the client, the builder, and the various stakeholders
Anticipate municipal constraints and submit requests as soon as possible
Thoroughly document on-site modifications to avoid wasted time
These habits are at the heart of our approach at Plan Maison Québec: proactive planning, rigorous monitoring, and adaptation to on-the-ground realities.
6. Scenario: a typical schedule with margins
To give a concrete vision, here is an example of an indicative schedule (with margins) for a single-family house of average complexity:
Phase | Estimated duration | Safety margin |
Design, plans and choices | 1 to 3 months | + 2 weeks |
Municipal permits and approvals | 1 to 3 months | + 1 month |
Site preparation, excavation and foundations | 3 to 6 weeks | + 2 weeks |
Structural work (framework, envelope) | 10 to 16 weeks | + 4 weeks |
Interior work, finishing touches | 8 to 16 weeks | + 4 weeks |
Inspections, corrections, key handover | 1 to 3 weeks | + 1 week |
When these phases are added together, the project duration is 8 to 12 months in a favorable scenario, but with margins, a realistic forecast could extend to 10 to 14 months. If the project is more complex or subject to constraints, it is not uncommon for additional time to be required.
7. Why choose Plan Maison Québec for your project?
At Plan Maison Québec, our mission is to support you not only in drawing up plans but also in realistically managing deadlines. Here's what we offer:
Expertise focused on the realities of Quebec (climate, municipalities, local constraints)
A realistic schedule estimate from the earliest stages
Proactive coordination of various stakeholders to limit downtime
Anticipation of unforeseen climatic, logistical, or administrative issues
Transparency with the client: you always know where your project stands
A commitment to meeting deadlines as much as possible, while ensuring quality
By working with Plan Maison Québec from the design phase, you benefit from our integrated vision of the project—which helps avoid costly delays later on.
Conclusion: Average construction duration in Quebec
Determining the average duration of a construction project in Quebec requires taking into account all stages: design, administrative approval, exterior work, structure, finishing, and final handover. Estimates generally range from 6 to 18 months, but this wide range conceals many nuances depending on complexity, site accessibility, weather, availability of contractors, and materials.
At Plan Maison Québec, we believe that realistic estimates, proactive planning, and constant communication are the cornerstones of reducing the risk of delays and delivering your project in the best possible conditions.
Together, we can bring your vision to life in the most optimized timeframe.
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