By choice, I always leave a completed settlement. No buildings under construction, no wall of Totems. I've just completed my 4th one on two worlds with just under 3 days to spare until the first gate. I also won't disconnect residential to cheat space, etc. I am not in such a hurry that I need to save 12 hours and not build a real settlement. My self imposed rules to fit my play style. Besides, all those other folks miss the creepy s*** the Old Willow says when you click it.
I like leaving my Settlements looking like
@tuckerkao's. Fully built, all goods and production buildings running, and plenty of copper coins in the bank. But then, I also know the secret of Alabaster.