The Truth About Project Timelines
Every homeowner asks the same question: "How long is this going to take?" And every contractor gives an optimistic answer. I'm going to give you the real one — including the phases that most contractors conveniently forget to mention.
Phase 1: Design & Planning (2-6 Weeks)
- Initial consultation and site visit: 1-2 hours
- Concept design and 3D renders: 1-2 weeks
- Design revisions: 1-2 weeks
- Final design approval and contract: 1 week
- Engineering (if needed): 2-4 weeks (can overlap with permitting)
Phase 2: Permitting (4-16 Weeks)
This is the phase contractors don't talk about. LADBS permitting is slow, and it varies dramatically by project type and location:
- Standard pool permit: 6-10 weeks
- Patio cover/pergola: 4-8 weeks
- Hillside projects: 8-16 weeks
- Grading permits: 8-12 weeks
- Correction rounds (1-3 typical): 2-4 weeks each
💡 Pro Tip
We submit permits the day after contract signing and use the review period to order materials. This eliminates dead time between design and construction.
Phase 3: Material Lead Times (2-8 Weeks)
Materials aren't sitting on a shelf. Many need to be ordered and shipped:
- Pool equipment: 2-4 weeks
- Pergola systems: 4-8 weeks (StruXure and Renson have longer leads)
- Natural stone: 2-4 weeks
- Custom outdoor kitchen components: 4-6 weeks
- Specialty tile and coping: 3-6 weeks
Phase 4: Construction (4-24 Weeks)
Hardscape Only (No Pool)
- Demolition and grading: 3-5 days
- Base prep and drainage: 2-3 days
- Paver/stone installation: 5-10 days
- Pergola installation: 3-8 days
- Lighting and electrical: 2-3 days
- Landscaping: 3-5 days
- Total: 4-6 weeks
Pool + Full Backyard
- Excavation: 2-3 days
- Steel and plumbing: 5-7 days
- Gunite/shotcrete: 1 day + 7-day cure
- Tile and coping: 3-5 days
- Equipment and electrical: 3-5 days
- Deck and hardscape: 7-14 days
- Plaster: 1 day + 7-day fill and startup
- Pergola and kitchen: 5-10 days
- Landscaping and lighting: 5-7 days
- Total: 10-16 weeks
Total Project Timelines (Design to Swim)
- Patio + pergola + fire pit: 3-5 months total
- Pool + basic deck: 5-8 months total
- Full backyard (pool + pergola + kitchen + landscape): 7-12 months total
- Premium hillside project: 10-14 months total
What Causes Delays
- LADBS corrections: Each round adds 2-4 weeks. Unavoidable on complex projects.
- Weather: LA's rainy season (Dec-Mar) can delay excavation and concrete work by days or weeks.
- Change orders: Every design change during construction adds time. Finalize your design before breaking ground.
- Material delays: Supply chain disruptions still affect specialty items.
- Inspection scheduling: LADBS inspectors have limited availability. 1-2 week waits are normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I speed up the permitting process?
LADBS offers express plan check at 3x the standard fee, which can cut 4-6 weeks off the timeline. For some projects, it's worth the extra $2,000-$5,000.
What's the fastest a pool can be built in LA?
From permit approval to swim, the absolute fastest is 8-10 weeks. But that assumes no corrections, no weather delays, and immediate material availability. A more realistic expectation is 12-16 weeks of construction.
Should I start my project in a specific season?
Start design and permitting in fall (September-November). This way, permits are approved by winter and construction starts in spring when weather is ideal. You'll be swimming by summer.
