How long does it take to build a custom wine cellar?

We get this question every day! And the answer is…it depends of course!

Factors such as; type of project (new home or standalone work), racking style, glass condition/materials, time of year, supply chain conditions, etc… all contribute to how long the overall project will take to complete. Let us help you with every step of the process now!

First for example, depending on whether the wine cellar project is part of a stand-alone renovation, or is currently under construction?…

Standalone Projects

Standalone projects require a specialty wine cellar firm to undertake the project from start to finish:

• demolition of desired space
• rough in line-set
• plumbing and electrical
• apply vapor barrier with insulation
• rebuild walls
• mud, sand, paint
• texture, all install materials, etc. 

New or From-Scratch Projects

When building a custom home from scratch, custom wine cellar projects require alignment with all components and as such, the timeline to completion is subject to the overall progress of the home. For example, if your racking and glass are ready for installation, but your floors have not yet been installed, this creates a delay in the completion of the cellar. Conversely, it could accelerate the timeline if a complementary trade completes its work in a timely manner. These factors are often outside the control of a company that specializes in these types of projects.

Secondly, glass, racking, and cooling units all have different lead times depending on which products you choose. Lead times on dual pane glass are anywhere between 10-16 weeks from final sign-off. Single pane glass takes approximately 4-6 weeks to install. Some retail racking can be procured in a few weeks, whereas “kit” racks can take ~6 weeks and fully custom wood racking can take 10-14 weeks from sign-off of design.

Third, external factors also play a rovle in how quickly a project can be completed. During the last few years, we’ve all experienced delays and shortages of supplies due to Covid and supply chain issues. So, unfortunately, there may be scenarios where we expect certain materials to arrive on time, while others are stuck in limbo with a further ETA. Also, seasonal factors can have an impact on lead times. Typically, the busiest time of year to build a wine cellar is between spring - summer. During the peak season, you may find that materials may take longer to produce and deliver on schedule due to high demand.

So, can a wine cellar be built in 60-90 days?

Sure, but in most cases it’s unlikely. There are so many moving parts that go into building a wine cellar that it’s not realistic to assume a 60-day timeline. The last thing you want to do is rush to complete a project that requires a significant amount of attention to detail, trade alignment, and communication. You only have one chance to get these projects right, otherwise, you will find yourself spending more time and money fixing the potential disaster. Don’t make the mistake of taking on a wine cellar project without professional assistance to help guide you through the entire process!

Contact us today to receive more information, and speak with one of our experienced staff members to assist you with your project.

-California Custom Cellars Team