Sorry that no-one has answered your questions, Lee... Plenty of practical RV knowledge around these parts usually.
 
There are 2 ways to build an RV7, quick-build and slow build.  The Vans website will tell you about the differences but most people reckon the QB knocks about 1000 hours off the build.  However the Vans estimates seem a bit optimistic - the average (with wide variations) seems to be about 1500-2000 for QB and 2500+ for slow build.

Hi Lee,
 
Sorry for the lack of replies. Where are you posted? If you are near Gloucester then you are welcome to come and look at my 7. It's a little non standard but is close enough to give you an idea. To be frank the hours are what they are; things are so variable that it is very difficult to say how long it will take you personally. I found the building process that I perceived to be the chore before flying, was actually rewarding and satisfying, that surprised me. While you are still in the mob I would recommend that you order and build the empennage, if you are on a flying station you will have enviable access to equipment and expertise and I reckon with the help of the guys in ASF (or whatever it's called these days) or BDA you could knock the back end out in a month easily. Wings 3 months (slow build). In fact if you engage your mates I reckon the basic rivetting including the fuselage could be completed easily in the time you have left. While your tin bashing why not ask the guys in avionics to give you a hand with the wiring? and of course there will be a paint bay on the station! Get going now and get Aunty Betty to give you a hand. If you are at Coningsby go and see Sqn Ldr Smith in BBMF he is really in to Light Aviation I am sure he and his guys would give you a hand. Building an RV is only limited by one's imagination
If you want to come over to Gloucester bring coffee it's cold
 
Steve N

Hi Lee,
 
The quality of the QB kits is variable, but over a reasonably long time period - there doesn't seem to be 'Friday afternoon' QBs. My QB is very well put together, but I have seen others that are not so good. Nothing I have seen is in any way 'bad', just not quite as good as a careful builder could make it - but the worst is about the same as normal production standards, so not really 'bad'. Having said all of that I think the less good quality QBs appeared a few years ago - but as the QB firm now has a new factory you have to assume a few new workers will have been hired ...
 
There's a chap in Fort Worth, Texas, who has helped to build around 30 RVs, he estimates it will take 1000 hours to finish a QB. If you haven't done it before you probably won't be too adventurous while the more experienced will add the odd personal touch here and there and still take 1000 hours. A QB saves around 800 hours of rivet bashing (for around $10K - a reasonably good deal in my book), but you may take longer as priming everything can add a few hours (the wash primer on QBs is not fantastic, they need ACF-50 or Corrosion-X).  
 
Figure out if you want to build or fly, and buy accoridingly. If you are about to change job how much time will you be able to dedicate to building? If buying a new house make sure you have a large garage attached to the house to build in.
 
Pete