House construction timeline in Chile by phase
Practical guide to real timeframes for each phase of a turnkey construction project with the Canadian Metalcon system.
Updated: April 2026
Reference timelines. May vary by municipality, land conditions, and project complexity.
Total reference timeline
7 to 11 months
From first design meeting to turnkey delivery. Active construction is 5 to 7 months.
Construction process phases
Initial meeting and architectural design
4 to 8 weeksDefine the housing program, number of bedrooms, floor areas, and style (American or Mediterranean). The architecture team produces a concept and construction drawings. Includes at least one revision round with the client.
Deliverable: Client-approved drawings.
Municipal building permit
4 to 16 weeksSubmission to the Municipal Works Department (DOM). Timeline depends on the municipality: high-demand communes (Santiago, Maipú, Puente Alto) may take longer. Includes SII review to certify land ownership.
Deliverable: Approved building permit.
Foundations and Metalcon structure
4 to 6 weeksExcavation, slab or strip foundations per soil study. Assembly of the galvanized Metalcon steel frame. This is the most visible phase: within weeks the house takes full shape.
Deliverable: Full structure with roof in place.
Roofing, waterproofing and rough-ins
3 to 5 weeksRoof installation (pitched or flat), waterproofing, windows and doors. Simultaneously, plumbing, electrical, and water rough-ins are installed within the frame.
Deliverable: House closed to exterior with rough-ins complete.
Exterior and interior finishes
4 to 6 weeksExterior cladding (fiber cement or stucco), interior partitions, flooring, modular kitchen, bathrooms, paint, and final details. This phase defines the home's final aesthetic.
Deliverable: Finished house ready for inspection.
Municipal reception and handover
1 to 3 weeksFinal DOM inspection to obtain the occupancy certificate. Cleaning, handover protocol, and client sign-off. From this point the client may legally inhabit the home.
Deliverable: Occupancy certificate and turnkey handover.
Frequently asked questions about timelines
How long does it take to build a house with the Canadian system?
Total timeline is 7 to 11 months from the start of design. Active construction (foundations to finishes) takes 5 to 7 months. The remaining time covers design and the municipal permit process.
Why can the municipal permit take so long?
The DOM timeline varies by municipality and workload. High-demand communes can take up to 4 months. Submitting a complete and correct application on the first attempt significantly reduces wait times.
Can you move in before the occupancy certificate?
Legally no. The occupancy certificate (recepcion de obra) is the document that authorizes residential use. Without it, the home cannot be legally occupied, sold, or formally insured.
Do timelines change if the land has a slope or difficult access?
Yes. Steeply sloped land, soft soils, or complex access can add 2 to 4 extra weeks to the foundation phase. This is why a technical site visit before signing the contract is essential.
Estimate your project cost
With timelines clear, the next step is budget clarity. Use the calculator or request a formal quote.