Commercial Construction Timeline Guide

One of the most important expectations to manage in commercial construction is the project timeline. From design through permitting, construction, and occupancy — a clear understanding of realistic timelines helps owners plan effectively.

Pre-Construction Phase: 3–12 Months

Design, permitting, and bidding can take anywhere from 3 months for straightforward projects to over a year for complex institutional or healthcare facilities. Early contractor involvement can identify permitting pitfalls that cause delays.

Construction Phase by Project Type

• Tenant Improvement (5,000–20,000 SF): 6–16 weeks
• Small Commercial Building (under 10,000 SF): 4–8 months
• Mid-Size Office/Retail (10,000–50,000 SF): 8–14 months
• Large Commercial/Multi-Family: 14–24 months
• Complex Healthcare Facility: 18–36 months

What Causes Delays?

The most common causes of commercial construction delays include: permitting hold-ups, design changes during construction, material procurement delays (long lead items), subcontractor labor shortages, and weather events. Early planning and strong project management — Bomar's specialties — minimize these risks.