Want to know “How many hours to build a concrete block house yourself?”. Well, building a concrete block without professional expertise is a challenging task, but when you follow all the protocols accurately, the process is executed just fine!
This blog covers all the details about the time requirements and the factors that affect construction speed. Let us provide you with a small overview of time ranges according to the size of the buildings.
HOWEVER, THERE IS NO FIXED NUMBER OF HOURS REQUIRED TO BUILD A CONCRETE BLOCK HOUSE YOURSELF. ON AVERAGE, IT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 2,000 TO OVER 4,000 HOURS, DEPENDING ON FACTORS SUCH AS:
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The size of the building
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Your level of construction experience
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The overall project complexity
Estimated Time by House Size:
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800 sq ft house: 1,800 – 2,400 hours
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1,000 sq ft house: 2,200 – 3,000 hours
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1,200 sq ft house: 2,600 – 3,600 hours
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2,000+ sq ft house: 4,000 – 6,000+ hours
READ OUR GUIDE TO EXPLORE HOW MANY HOURS TO BUILD A CONCRETE BLOCK HOUSE YOURSELF AND DIG INTO THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE TIMINGS!
What are the timeline expectations?
If you are building concrete blocks by DIY, then it usually takes 9 months or up to 12 months. However, according to the research, the owner-built home takes the longest as compared to the professionally-built home! Let’s explore it phase-wise:
Phase 1: Foundation and Preparation
- Land clearing and preparation: 40-80 hours
- Foundation Layout and Foot: 80-120 Hours
- The foundation includes digging, layout, setting a footing, and pouring concrete. This process can take place anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.
- Utility connections and permits: 80-200 hours
Phase 2: Building Block Wall
This phase consists of a lot of labor work, which depends on the experience level.
Professional vs. DIY Productivity:
- A skilled worker can put 500 to 1000 blocks daily.
- An experienced DIYer puts around 1000 to 1500 blocks per day.
- If you bring in a novice, that number might drop faster than a block in a beginner’s hands.
DIY Block-Laying Expectations:
- Beginners: While learning the ropes, you can control 300 to 600 blocks a day
- A medium-capable worker can put 400-700 blocks per day
- If you have experience, you can specify 600-800 blocks per day.
If your house is 1200 square meters of house, you can place 1,800-2,200 blocks:
- Beginner: 4-7 working days of pure block laying
- A medium worker needs 3-5 working days
Phase 3: Building Structure
- Tuss installation: 80-160 hours
- 200-400 hours is a minimum requirement for roofing materials and installation.
Phase 4: Installing Systems
Electrical Installation:
- DIY electrical work: 200-400 hours (varies by complexity and local code requirements)
Plumbing Installation:
- DIY plumbing: 150-300 hours
HVAC Installation:
- This task takes 100-200 hours
Phase 5: Interior Finishing (600-1,500 hours)
- Insulation and plaster: 300-600 hours
- Floor installation: 150-400 hours
- Internal doors and trim: 100-300 hours
- Painting and final finish: 150-400 hours
Factors That Impact Construction Time
1. Experience and Skill Level
If this is your first rodeo, things don’t look too good for you. The time to build the house will increase drastically for you. On the contrary, if you understand how to level the walls and handle concrete blocks, you’ll save plenty of your hours yourself.
2. Team Size and Help
While you’re going in all by yourself, it is not a wise decision to go solo on this drudgery. A better choice would be to go for a small construction crew. However, A 2-person crew costs around $45 to $60 per hour.
3. Tools and Equipment
Better and more efficient tools will decrease the overall time of your project. Essential equipment includes:
- Block saw for precise cutting
- Concrete mixer for mortar consistency
- Plate compactor for foundation work
- Proper scaffolding and safety equipment
4. Weather and Site Conditions
Weather matters. Rain, wind, or extreme heat can slow progress. Nobody wants to chase after a block in a gust of wind!
5. Construction Method Choice
Dry stack construction can significantly reduce labor costs because of its faster build time. This method is often more suitable for DIY enthusiasts compared to traditional block-laying.
Conclusion
To sum it up, building a concrete block house yourself requires an extensive amount of time to complete and expertise. Plus, your experience level matters as either delaying or helping to complete the task faster. Just make sure to keep 2-3 times more time than any professional assistance. However, every step must be carried out flawlessly to get quality and the best durability!