Timber vs Block: How long does it take to build a 3 bedroom house in the UK?

Introduction
If you are planning a new build, you may ask: how long does it take to build a 3 bedroom house in the UK? The answer often depends on the method. Timber frame can be much faster on site, while traditional block (masonry) is the old, trusted way but tends to take longer. This guide compares both, stage by stage, so you can plan a sensible timeline and budget.

Quick answer: build time at a glance

• Timber frame: around 20–28 weeks (5–7 months) from breaking ground to move-in for a typical 3 bedroom house, assuming a well-run project and no long hold-ups.
• Block (masonry): around 28–40 weeks (7–10 months), sometimes up to 12 months with complex designs, slow trades, or heavy weather.

Note: These ranges assume planning is already granted, designs are complete, materials and labour are booked, and utilities are not causing major delays.

What “build time” means

When people ask how long does it take to build a 3 bedroom house in the UK, they often mix pre-build steps with on-site work. Here, “build time” covers on-site programme from groundworks to completion. Pre-build steps like planning permission, design, and tendering can add 3–9 months before you start on site.

Assumptions used in this comparison

• Standard 3 bedroom detached or semi-detached home, 90–120 m², simple form.
• Typical UK weather.
• Competent main contractor or tightly managed self-build.
• No unusual ground problems and no long utility delays.
• Standard spec (not ultra-bespoke).

Why timber frame is faster

• Off-site manufacture: Walls and floors are made in a factory, so they arrive ready to assemble.
• Fast shell: A dry shell can be up in 1–2 weeks once the slab or foundations are ready.
• Early first fix: You can start services and internal finishes sooner because you reach “weathertight” quickly.
• Less drying time: Unlike wet plaster on blockwork, timber frame often uses plasterboard systems with lower moisture.

Why block (masonry) takes longer

• Wet trades: Blockwork, render, and wet plaster need time to set and dry, slowing the sequence.
• Weather sensitivity: Heavy rain and cold snaps can delay block laying and external finishes.
• Longer to weathertight: Roof and windows often come later, which pushes back first fix.

Typical stage-by-stage timelines

Timber frame programme (indicative 20–28 weeks)

• Groundworks and foundations: 3–5 weeks
  
  • Site set-up, strip foundations or slab, drainage runs.
• Timber frame delivery and erection: 1–2 weeks
  
  • Crane lift, panels, floors, and roof structure. House becomes weathertight fast.
• Roof covering and windows/doors: 2–4 weeks
  
  • Tiles/slates, membranes, fascia/soffits, glazing installed.
• First fix M&E (electrics, plumbing, heating): 2–3 weeks
  
  • Runs are simple in pre-formed cavities.
• Insulation, vapour control, and boarding: 1–2 weeks
• Plastering/taping and jointing: 1–2 weeks
• External finishes: 2–4 weeks
  
  • Cladding, render, or brick slip facing if used, plus gutters.
• Second fix and joinery: 2–3 weeks
  
  • Kitchen, internal doors, skirting, sockets, radiators.
• Decoration and finishes: 2–3 weeks
  
  • Painting, flooring, tiling.
• Testing, commissioning, and snagging: 1–2 weeks
  
  • Building control sign-off, EPC, handover.

Block (masonry) programme (indicative 28–40 weeks)

• Groundworks and foundations: 3–6 weeks
  
  • Often similar to timber frame, but slower if site access is tight.
• Masonry superstructure: 6–10 weeks
  
  • Blockwork to ground and first floor, lintels, structural steel where needed.
• Roof structure and covering: 3–5 weeks
  
  • Trusses, felt, battens, tiles/slates.
• Windows and doors: 2–4 weeks
  
  • Weathertight after installation.
• First fix M&E: 2–3 weeks
• Internal plastering (wet trades): 3–4 weeks
  
  • Longer drying times before decorating.
• External finishes (render/brick): 3–6 weeks
  
  • Dependent on weather and scaffold turnaround.
• Second fix and joinery: 3–4 weeks
• Decoration and finishes: 2–3 weeks
• Testing, commissioning, and snagging: 1–2 weeks

Key factors that change how long does it take to build a 3 bedroom house in the UK

• Design complexity: Complex shapes, rooflines, and details add weeks.
• Weather: Masonry is more sensitive to cold and wet. Timber frame reduces this risk by getting weathertight faster.
• Lead times: Timber frame needs early design lock-in and factory slot booking. Windows, heat pumps, and bespoke kitchens can delay both methods.
• Labour availability: A well-planned, well-staffed site keeps momentum. Shortages cause gaps between stages.
• Inspections and sign-offs: Building control, warranty providers, and utility firms can hold up progress if not booked ahead.
• Drying time: Masonry wet trades can push back decoration and flooring.
• Client changes: Late changes to layout or spec add delay to both methods, often more so with timber once the frame is fixed.

Cost and quality notes linked to time

• Timber frame
  
  • Often lower prelims (site overheads) due to shorter programme.
  • Good thermal performance and airtightness with less time on site.
  • Needs early design decisions. Changes later can be costly.
• Block (masonry)
  
  • Familiar to many builders; easier to tweak details on site.
  • Longer programme can mean higher prelims.
  • More drying time; careful scheduling needed to avoid moisture issues in finishes.

Simple example schedules you can adapt

Example: Timber frame 24-week schedule

• Weeks 1–4: Groundworks, slab, drainage
• Weeks 5–6: Timber frame up, roof structure
• Weeks 7–8: Roof covering, windows/doors; weathertight
• Weeks 9–10: First fix M&E
• Weeks 11–12: Insulation and boarding
• Weeks 13–14: Plastering/taping
• Weeks 15–18: External finishes and cladding/render
• Weeks 19–21: Second fix and joinery
• Weeks 22–23: Decoration and flooring
• Week 24: Testing, commissioning, snagging

Example: Block (masonry) 34-week schedule

• Weeks 1–5: Groundworks and foundations
• Weeks 6–14: Masonry superstructure and roof structure
• Weeks 15–17: Roof covering and windows/doors; weathertight
• Weeks 18–20: First fix M&E
• Weeks 21–24: Plastering (wet trades) and drying
• Weeks 25–29: External finishes (render/brick) and scaffold down
• Weeks 30–32: Second fix and joinery
• Weeks 33–34: Decoration, flooring, testing, snagging

FAQs: how long does it take to build a 3 bedroom house in the UK?

• Can timber frame be built in winter?
  
  • Yes. Once the frame is up and the shell is weathertight, internal work can proceed with fewer weather delays than masonry.
• Does faster always mean cheaper?
  
  • Not always, but shorter programmes can reduce prelims and finance costs. Total cost still depends on spec, location, and contractor rates.
• Do lenders and insurers accept timber frame?
  
  • Most mainstream lenders and insurers support modern timber frame with standard warranties. Always check your lender’s policy and warranty provider.
• Will timber frame last as long as block?
  
  • With good design, correct detailing, and proper maintenance, modern timber frame can last as long as masonry. Durability depends on workmanship and protection from moisture.
• Can I mix methods?
  
  • Yes. Many homes use a hybrid approach, like masonry ground floor with a timber frame first floor, to balance speed and mass.

Final take

If you are weighing up how long does it take to build a 3 bedroom house in the UK, timber frame is usually the faster route at around 20–28 weeks, while traditional block is more likely 28–40 weeks. Pick the method that fits your design, timing, and risk appetite. If speed, early weathertightness, and predictable scheduling matter most, timber frame is hard to beat. If on-site flexibility and familiar trades are your priority, block may suit you—just allow extra time.