"My contractor said 6 months." In our experience, that number should be used as a baseline — not a promise. Here's a realistic breakdown of what actually takes time in a Dhaka residential build.
Phase 1: Design & Approvals (2–4 months)
RAJUK approval for new construction (or renovation above a certain floor area) is mandatory and takes 6–12 weeks on average. Factor in design revision rounds and structural drawing preparation. This phase is often compressed by clients who are eager to break ground — which causes problems later.
Our advice: Start RAJUK paperwork the moment you finalise the plot. There's no benefit to waiting.
Phase 2: Foundation & Structure (3–5 months)
This phase is weather-dependent. Dhaka's monsoon season (June–October) significantly slows concrete curing and excavation. If your project starts in May, expect a 4–6 week slowdown from July–August.
Foundation depth depends on soil conditions. Many Dhaka plots have soft alluvial soil that requires deeper piling — which adds 2–4 weeks you won't have budgeted for.
Phase 3: Brick & Plaster (2–3 months)
Masonry work is labour-intensive but relatively predictable. The main variable is labour availability — Eid periods (2–3 weeks) and harvest seasons can pull workers back to their home districts.
Phase 4: MEP Rough-In (3–6 weeks)
Electrical conduit, plumbing drain lines, and HVAC ductwork are installed before walls are plastered. Coordination between trades is where most delays happen — the electrician waits for the plumber, who's waiting for the civil team. A dedicated site manager is essential here.
Phase 5: Finishing (2–4 months)
Tiling, joinery, painting, and fixture installation. This phase feels close to the end but often takes the longest. Material delivery delays (especially imported items) are the primary culprit.
Realistic Total: Add 30%
If your contractor quotes 10 months, budget for 13. If they say 6, plan for 8. This isn't pessimism — it's how construction in Dhaka actually works, and planning for it prevents cost overruns from rushed decisions at the end.