On average, it takes between seven and twelve months to build a single-family home in the United States. This information comes from a report published by the US Census Bureau in 2021.
Many factors affect how long it takes to build a house, so it's important to plan ahead to avoid delays. Some of these include the complexity of the home design, weather conditions, and the availability of materials. Working with an experienced home builder can also help speed up the process.
In this article, we explore the different stages of building a house and factors that affect construction time. We also provide a few tips to help you build your dream home faster. Let's get started!
Why Does It Take So Long To Build A House?
Building a house is a complex process with several phases and variables. Even with careful planning, delays can happen. One major factor is the type of finishes you want.
Fancy finishes or hard-to-find materials can stretch the timeline of your home-building project significantly. How much depends on how hard they are to locate.
Weather conditions can also play a big role. For instance, if a hurricane or bad storm hits, your construction process will halt until it passes. This might delay construction for weeks.
Another important factor is who builds your house. Owner-built homes take an average of 14.3 months to complete, according to the Census Bureau report. But working with a skilled home builder can cut this time in half.
With the right team and design plans, your new home can be built in as little as 6-7 months.
The construction industry faces other challenges too. Things like labor shortages, obtaining permits, and unexpected issues with the site topography can all add to your timeline.
What Are The 5 Stages Of Building a House?
Most builders think of home construction in five different phases. This makes it easier for their team to plan, because it lets them break the project down into smaller, more manageable chunks. The 5 stages, in order, are site and foundation prep, framing, plumbing/electrical/HVAC, Insulation, and Drywall/finishes. You can find a brief explanation of each stage below.
Site And Foundation Preparation
This is the first step where the builders break ground. They focus on preparing the site and laying the foundation. It's important to have a level site and conduct water and sewer inspections before starting. If you don't, you could face serious issues later.
An uneven site can lead to structural problems that cause the house to settle unevenly. This can lead to cracks and other expensive damage.
Without proper water and sewer inspections, you might discover plumbing issues only after building the house.
Framing
Once the foundation is set, the next step is framing. This means building the walls, floors, and roof. This is the phase where the structure of your new house starts to take shape.
Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
After framing, your builder and their team will focus on installing major systems. These include plumbing, electrical wiring, and the HVAC system, plus any additional features you've chosen to add.
Insulation
Proper insulation gives you both energy efficiency and comfort. This stage involves insulating the interior walls and attic to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Drywall and Finishes
The final stage includes installing drywall and completing interior finishes. This is when your house really starts to look like a home. Your builder will also take care of exterior finishes during this phase. After the final inspection and walkthrough, your home will be ready for you to move in.
Which Stage of Building a House Takes the Longest?
The design stage usually takes the longest in the home-building process.
During this stage, you and your home builder work with a design team to make sure your design captures the details that make your new house feel like your dream home.
The reason this stage is so time-consuming is the level of detail it requires. Every aspect has to be perfect for a high-quality finish. Any mistakes your team doesn't catch can delay construction, since they need fixing before your new home is move-in ready.
This is why it typically takes longer than other stages in the construction project.
The design team will work with you to make sure every part of your custom home meets your standards. Even though it’s time-consuming, doing it right is worth the wait.
How Long Does It Take To Buy A House?
Buying a house is almost always faster than building one. However, finding an existing home that fits your dream home vision can be challenging. When purchasing a built-for-sale home, you might spend more time searching for the perfect match than completing the actual purchase.
Once you find the right home, the process should only take a couple of months at most.
Most of this time goes toward underwriting and closing. This includes tasks like inspections, appraisals, and finalizing your mortgage. For more detailed information, Nerdwallet has a great breakdown on how long it takes to buy a home.
In summary, buying an existing home is quicker than starting a construction journey from scratch. You might need to compromise on some features, but the overall timeline is much shorter compared to building a fully custom home.
Is It Cheaper To Buy A House Or Build It?
In Texas, the average price of a resale home is around $300,000. It’s generally cheaper to buy a house than to build one. But finding an existing home that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle can be challenging in itself!
The cost to build a new home can easily change from project to project. Factors like the size of the house, the price of the land, and the materials used all affect the final price.
Typically, the cost to build a home starts in the mid-200s. For a rough estimate of your budget, multiply the square footage you want by $250. This gives you a general idea of the cost of a custom-built home.
For a safer estimate, use $300 per square foot. This is how much each square foot costs on the high end.
Building a custom home allows for more customization and the latest features. But it also comes with potential delays and higher costs.
You need to factor in pre-construction planning, major systems installation, and the construction timeline you originally received from your builder to figure out the time it takes to build a house.
Working with a general contractor can help manage all of this. Still, it usually takes more time and money to build a custom home compared to buying an existing one.
What Is The Quickest Type of House to Build?
The simpler the design, the easier and faster it is to build. Some home styles cost less to build and take less time to complete.
If you want to save as much money as possible, you can build a tiny home. These homes have a straightforward design and require fewer materials, reducing the time to complete.
Another option is a storage-container home. These are relatively quick to construct, but they require regular upkeep and maintenance. For instance, you need proper insulation and ventilation to avoid moisture build-up.
You also need to treat the metal to prevent rust and corrosion if you want your home to stay comfortable and durable.
Barndominiums and ranch-style homes are good options, too. They offer the full functionality and size of a traditional home. They also require fewer materials, which translates to faster construction times. These homes also have simpler designs, which means faster building time as well.
How Can I Build a New House Faster?
Working with the right home builder, doing the work right the first time around, and sticking to a simple design will help you get through the entire construction process faster.
You can also use materials that are easy to source and purchase. If you do, you don’t need to worry about long shipping times or potential delays. For more detailed information, check out this guide on homebuilding for first-time homebuyers.
Work With a Trusted and Experienced Home Builder
Some people prefer to go the DIY route, but unless you have experience building homes, we wouldn't recommend it.
There are many moving pieces during the build process. Homebuilders with a great reputation, easy-to-find online reviews, and a public portfolio to showcase their work are the best people to trust. Building houses is their bread and butter.
They know what they’re doing, which means they don’t need extra time for research, filing paperwork, or making connections with contractors. They already have the manpower and experience to handle these things quickly.
If you spend thousands of dollars building a feature for your new home, but do it wrong, you’re not just stuck footing the extra bills. It’s going to set you back for as long as it takes to do the work the right way.
This is another reason to work with a reputable homebuilder in Houston: they do this every day. The chances of something going wrong are much lower than if you try constructing your home without professional help.
Stick To A Simple Design
Simple designs are easier to build. More complex features require more planning and construction time. If you build a home with a simple style and design, it will save you a lot of time and probably save you just as much money. Smaller homes also take less time to build than larger homes.
Build A Barndominium
Barndominiums usually use simple materials that are easy to source, and they generally follow a building plan that’s easy for professionals to complete. If the barndominium style doesn’t interest you, consider other economical styles like a tiny home or a ranch-style home. Both of them require less average time to build.
Use Readily Available Materials
The easier it is to find materials, the faster your builder can get them delivered to the building site and complete your new home. Stick to materials like brick, lumber, and stone if possible. This will reduce headaches and keep your build timeline moving forward without interruptions.
Exotic and sustainable materials are growing in popularity, but they’re not always easy to find. Many of them need maintenance or replacement sooner than traditional building materials, too.
Build A New House With Dunn & Stone Builders
Ready to build a new home? At Dunn & Stone, we believe in the importance of fixed prices and timelines. Our new construction projects are designed to meet your needs without surprises.
Our team will work with you to explore which options best suit your lifestyle, timeline, and budget. We understand the main factors that can affect your construction project, from soil type to crawl space considerations. We make it a priority to address potential issues early on, so nothing can halt construction once we start.
Whether you need a contractor-built home or have a specific construction type in mind, we guide you through the entire process. Our goal is to help you achieve your dream home based on your original plan and preferences.
Let us make your commitment to building a new house a smooth and enjoyable experience. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to learn more about our design and interest incentives.
Company
Liberty Home Guard
American Home Shield
First American Home Warranty
Cinch Home Services
Old Republic Home Protection
HomeServe
Choice Home Warranty
Home Warranty Of America
Texas Coverage?
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances?
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes (via separate plans)
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $49
Starts at $39
Starts at $42
Starts at $35
Starts at $45
Starts at $7
Starts at $35
Start at $46
Service Fee
Typically $75–$125
$100–$125 (customer selects at sign-up)
$75–$125
$100–$150 (customer selects at sign-up)
Typically $100
$0–$100 depending on plan
$85 (fixed)
$50-$100
Typical Response Time
24–48 hours
Varies (reports range from 24 hours to multiple weeks)
180-day workmanship guarantee, longest on this list
Covers rust, corrosion, and unknown pre-existing conditions
Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
Straightforward plans
Lower-than-average service request fees
Several plans come with no service fees
Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
Generous HVAC coverage, ideal for Texas heat
Transparent pricing, rare in the industry
Wide range of add-on options for upscale homes
Cons
Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment
Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
Few add-on coverage options
Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times
Less budget-friendly for cost-conscious homeowners
Limited add-on coverage selection
Does not cover pre-existing conditions, limiting protection for older homes
HVAC coverage not included in the “Repair Only” plan
No roof leak coverage
Higher service request fees than competitors
Limited add-on options
Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive
Frequent reports of claim denials
Mixed customer service reviews
Fewer added perks than competitors
Some customers report slow claim processing
Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful
Our Top Pick: Liberty Home Guard
If you're looking for the best home warranty company in Texas, Liberty Home Guard stands out as the top choice in 2025.
It’s not the cheapest option on the list, but it consistently ranks as one of the top home warranty providers thanks to its strong home warranty coverage, fast service, and unmatched flexibility.
Liberty’s plans are designed for real life in Texas, where dual air conditioning systems, major home systems, and high summer temps are the norm.
It’s one of the few home warranty companies that includes coverage for two electric AC units in its standard plan.
What also sets Liberty apart is its level of customization.
With over 30 add-on coverage options, homeowners can build a plan that fits their property perfectly, whether they need coverage for a septic system, a swimming pool, or extra laundry appliances.
This kind of flexibility is rare among other home warranty companies.
It’s not just the coverage options that impress, though.
Liberty earns high marks from home warranty customers for its responsiveness and customer service.
You can manage your home warranty contract through their mobile app, which many Texas homeowners love for the convenience when filing a claim or tracking repairs.
Dual AC coverage in the base plan, ideal for Texas heat
High customer satisfaction
Over 30 add-ons for extra coverage
Mobile app and live chat support
Cons
Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment
Runner Up: American Home Shield
Coming in close behind Liberty, American Home Shield ranks as one of the best home warranty providers in Texas for 2025.
With over 50 years of experience and broad home warranty coverage that includes preexisting conditions, this provider has built a strong reputation among homeowners with older homes, aging heating systems, and major appliances.
In a 2025 This Old House survey, 44% of Texas homeowners selected American Home Shield as their current provider, making it one of the most widely used Texas home warranty companies.
Our favorite features is the $5,000 HVAC coverage cap per system, which is ideal for the Texas climate. The reason we love it is because A/C repairs are some of the most common (and expensive) home service calls made in the Houston area.
Quick Facts: American Home Shield
Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $39
Service Fee
$100–$125 (customer selects at sign-up)
Typical Response Time
Varies (reports range from 24 hours to multiple weeks)
Mobile app allows you to request service anytime, anywhere
Cons
Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
Few add-on coverage options
Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times
Other Great Home Warranty Companies In Texas
While Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield earned our top spots, they’re not the only Texas home warranty companies worth your attention.
Several other home warranty providers offer solid coverage, competitive pricing, and reliable service.
If you're looking for alternatives that still deliver great value and protection for your covered home systems, the options below are absolutely still worth considering.
First American Home Warranty
While it’s a bit pricier than some affordable plans (with monthly premiums starting at $42), First American Home Warranty makes up for it with higher coverage limits and solid protection for both major appliances and covered systems.
This is especially appealing to owners of high-end homes in Houston.
Some plans offer up to $7,000 in appliance coverage and unlimited HVAC system coverage, which is what makes this company a strong contender for anyone who wants broad, comprehensive coverage (as long as you’re willing to pay a little more for it).
One standout feature is the First American Advantage upgrade, which adds protection for poor installation issues not always covered under standard home warranty plans.
Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
Straightforward plans
Lower-than-average service request fees
Cons
Limited add-on options
HomeServe
HomeServe offers a different take on home warranty coverage in Texas, and it works well for homeowners who want low service fees and highly targeted protection.
Instead of bundling everything into one plan, HomeServe allows you to pick and choose the covered systems you care about most, like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.
To sweeten the deal, several of their plans have no service fees at all.
That’s a massive advantage if you’re looking to reduce out-of-pocket costs on normal wear repairs.
But because each system is covered under a separate plan, achieving full comprehensive coverage can get pricey.
You may need to purchase multiple plans to match the kind of protection you’d get from bundled providers like Liberty or options found on American Home Shield’s website.
Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
Cons
Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive
Choice Home Warranty
With one of the most affordable home warranty plans in Texas, Choice Home Warranty offers monthly premiums starting at $35 and a predictable, fixed $85 service fee.
It’s a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want wide home warranty coverage without a complicated pricing model.
Choice’s plans cover both HVAC systems and major appliances, and they include extras that other low-cost providers skip like limited roof leak coverage.
It’s a strong fit for value-seekers who still want protection for high-cost repairs.
However, Choice’s reputation comes with a caveat.
Despite its large customer base (49,000+ reviews on Trustpilot), it has received criticism for poor customer service and claim denials more frequently than top competitors.
Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
Cons
Frequent reports of claim denials
Mixed customer service reviews
Fewer added perks than competitors
Home Warranty of America
Home Warranty of America (HWA) offers plans designed for both homeowners and real estate professionals, which makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of Texans.
Known for its transparent pricing and solid HVAC coverage, HWA is a wise pick for those living in hotter climates like Houston where AC systems get put to the test.
Plans start at $46/month, and coverage includes major appliances and systems, with HVAC protection capped at $5,000.
While the base pricing is competitive, be aware that add-on options can increase costs quickly, especially if you’re customizing coverage for a high-end or custom-built home.
Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful
How We Picked The Top Home Warranty Companies Of 2025
Companies with the best home warranties in Texas respond quickly, partner with licensed local contractors, and actually follow through on their repair guarantees.
Here’s the criteria we used to build our list of the top home warranty companies in 2025. The companies on the list needed to meet at least 4 of 5 of these requirements in order to make the list.
Must cover critical systems and appliances
Texas homeowners face unique challenges due to the climate. Houston’s heat and humidity put a serious strain on air conditioning systems, plumbing, and electrical systems, which means warranties that skip these aren’t worth your time.
In fact, in a recent 2025 survey by Texas Homeowner Trends, 63% of respondents ranked air conditioning coverage as their top priority when choosing a home warranty in Texas.
Builders also care. They want home warranty companies that cover the systems and appliances they install to avoid post-sale arguments over repairs.
Must be priced for Texas homeowners
We only selected companies whose plans fall within the average home warranty cost range for Texas in 2025. That’s between $52 and $80 per month.
This range reflects pricing for the Houston area, which is one of the state’s most active homebuilding markets.
Plans that are too cheap often have low coverage limits. Plans that are too expensive may not offer enough value for what they charge.
Must have strong online reviews
We only considered companies with an average customer satisfaction rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars across sites like Trustpilot.
High scores show how the company handles real-world problems and home warranty service issues effectively.
Must offer fast, reliable service within a maximum of 48 hours
Texas homes can’t afford to wait for repair when the AC unit breaks down in the middle of summer.
Every company on our list offers quick service calls, a strong contractor network, and local availability for licensed repairs.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home warranty coverage in Texas, and that’s exactly why we created this guide.
From dual AC unit coverage to low service fees and comprehensive plans with high coverage limits, each of the companies we reviewed brings something different to the table.
Here’s the short version:
Liberty Home Guard is our top pick for its flexibility, customer satisfaction, and coverage designed for Texas heat.
American Home Shield stands out for high HVAC caps and coverage for older homes with no maintenance records required.
And for those on a tighter budget or looking for niche protections, companies like Cinch, HomeServe, and First American still offer reliable service — even if they don’t hit every mark.
So which warranty fits your situation best?
Best For First-Time Homeowners: American Home Shield
AHS offers peace of mind with broad coverage, no maintenance history requirements, and helpful tech features like 24/7 service requests and live video chat support.
Best For Budget-Conscious Homeowners: Cinch Home Services
Starting at just $35/month, Cinch offers solid protection with extras like rust coverage and a $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement.
It’s a budget-friendly pick that still comes with a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the best in the business.
Best For Homeowners Who Want Total Coverage: Liberty Home Guard
With over 30 optional add-ons, dual AC unit coverage in the base plan, and a strong contractor network, Liberty is built for homeowners who want it all.
It’s the best choice for anyone building a custom home or looking to cover systems that most providers skip.
If you’re building a new home in the Houston area, choosing the right home warranty company is only part of the equation. You also need a builder who cares about long-term quality, not just closing day.
At Dunn & Stone Builders, we partner with trusted home warranty providers and build every home with longevity in mind.
Contact us today to talk about how we can help you bring your dream home vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Home Warranty Company In Texas?
The best home warranty company in Texas is Liberty Home Guard. It offers fast service, strong customer satisfaction, and plans tailored to Texas homes, including dual AC coverage.
Which Home Warranty Providers Have The Highest Customer Satisfaction?
Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield lead in customer satisfaction, with 4.5-star or higher ratings on review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
What Does Home Warranty Coverage Typically Include?
Home warranty coverage usually includes major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, plus key appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washers.
Are All Home Warranty Plans Available In Texas?
No, not all home warranty plans are available in Texas. Only licensed Texas home warranty companies can offer coverage in the state.
Which Home Warranty Companies Offer The Best Repair Guarantee?
Cinch Home Services offers the best repair guarantee, with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that’s six times longer than the industry standard.
How Do I Choose Between Different Home Warranty Providers?
Look for providers with fast service times, high customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and strong coverage for systems common in Texas homes.
What Should I Look For In Home Warranty Plans For Texas?
Look for home warranty plans that include HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, offer reasonable monthly rates, and have a solid contractor network for quick repairs.
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