How long do plans, permits, and approvals take?

[William C.]

Architects, builders, GCs, investors, and anyone else who knows anything about applying for permits on a late scale renovation I need your help. I know every project is different, but assume you need to start from scratch, get ALL permits, and all structural, electrical and plumbing engineer approved plans. "About" how long would it take from the day the architect starts drawing, until the builders start swinging a hammer? A range works. I guessing it's at least 2 months, and that's moving quick. From experience I'd say from now on plan on 6, if it's sooner, bonus. We are 4 months in, only now that we have plans is the township telling is about items we need, including a variance for a road set back that will take at least another month. So we'lol be building at about the 6 month mark. Seems long. But maybe this is to be expected. Thanks for your input.