Building a house takes about 31 weeks from start to finish. The timeline might change depending on various factors. The construction process follows a well-laid-out approach with 6 different phases that start with site preparation and end at the practical completion stage.
Understanding each step becomes significant as you begin your journey to build your dream home. Cheney Constructions, the trusted North Brisbane home builders, will walk you through the complete house construction stages from original planning to final handover. You’ll learn about each construction phase, what happens during these phases, and the key milestones you’ll reach. The payment schedule ties directly to different building stages, such as the 15% progress payment you need to make after completing the base stage.
Planning and Pre-Construction
Your new home’s success starts with proper planning and pre-construction work. This stage lays the groundwork for everything that follows and needs careful attention to detail.
The right builder makes all the difference to your project’s success. Look beyond just the price tag and learn about their reputation, experience, and financial health. A good builder will show you feedback from past clients and prove their expertise with your type of home. They should be upfront about everything. Make sure they have proper licences and insurance, especially Home Owners Warranty Insurance that protects you from incomplete or faulty work.
After picking your builder, you’ll start with preliminary agreements. These cover everything that happens before construction starts – site checks, property surveys, soil tests, demolition, and design plans. Australian law states that preliminary contracts with residential building work worth more than $7,600 (including GST) become residential building contracts.
The law requires a written ‘major domestic building contract’ when work costs exceed $15,300. This paperwork spells out what needs to be done, when it should happen, how payments work, and ways to handle changes. Check that your builder is properly registered and has domestic building insurance for jobs over $24,500.
Getting permits is crucial too. You need to know if your project needs planning permits, building permits, or both. Local councils issue planning permits first, and you must have these before applying for building permits. Building permits show that your planned home meets all building rules. You’ll need to give drawings, specifications, and allotment plans to a registered building surveyor.
Talk openly with your builder about design details, materials, sizes, and possible issues. Good planning now saves you from expensive changes and delays once building starts.
Construction Stages Explained
Building your new home involves five significant stages that turn your plans into reality. Once you complete the pre-construction paperwork, you’ll see your project take shape right before your eyes.
Your home’s construction begins with the base stage. The team prepares your land block and sets up underground connections. They clear and level the site, excavate the ground, and pour the concrete slab. You’ll need to make a 15% progress payment after this stage. The base stage is vital because it creates the foundation that supports your entire home.
The frame stage comes next. The builders mark and construct the wall frames based on your final drawings and add roof trusses. This stage brings your home’s basic structure to life, requiring a 20% progress payment upon completion. A qualified Building Certifier checks and approves the frame after installing the roof, windows, and external door frames.
The lock-up stage represents a most important milestone. The builders install windows, external doors, brickwork, and external cladding. “Lock-up” means you can secure the house to protect fixtures and appliances from theft. This phase needs a 25% progress payment.
The fixing stage shifts focus inside your home. The team applies plaster to walls and ceilings. They fit architraves, skirting boards, cabinetry, and internal doors. Tiling work happens in wet areas. This work requires about 20% of the total payment.
The completion/fit-off stage wraps everything up. Painters add colour to your walls. The team installs plumbing and electrical fixtures, shower screens, mirrors, door furniture, and floor coverings. This final stage turns your house into a liveable home. You’ll get your keys after the final inspection.
Weather conditions, your home’s size, and design complexity affect each stage’s duration. The stages typically take 2-8 weeks to complete.
Final Steps Before Moving In
Your dream home is almost ready, and the practical completion stage is a vital transition between construction and moving in. The expected handover usually happens 2-3 weeks after this stage. You’ll need to complete several key processes to make sure your new house meets all requirements before you get the keys.
The practical completion inspection (PCI) gives you a chance to get into every detail of your new home with your builder. Schedule this inspection about two weeks before handover. This timing lets your builder fix any problems that come up. The walkthrough covers everything from paintwork and tiling to electrical fixtures and plumbing. Bring your plans, a phone charger to test power points, and a camera to capture any issues you find.
Your builder will give you a final account and certificate of practical completion when the stage is complete. You’ll have seven days to check the property, list any defects or incomplete items, and pay the final amount. The builder doesn’t need to fix every defect before handover but should address the listed items within a reasonable time after.
You should receive these important documents before getting your keys:
- The practical completion certificate
- Certificates of inspection
- Product warranties for installed appliances
- Reports from service providers (electricity, gas, water)
- Occupation certificate verifying compliance with building codes
Every buyer has the right to a final inspection. Plan it for 7-10 days from settlement so vendors have enough time to fix any new issues. You’ll lose your right to complain once settlement goes through.
Keep in mind that you need home insurance from the practical completion date. It’s smart to keep some extra funds ready for unexpected things like faulty appliances, small improvements, or settlement delays that might change your move-in date.
The final payment and meeting all requirements will get you the keys to your new home. This marks the end of the building stages and the start of your life in your new space.
Conclusion
Building a house definitely represents a most important trip that just needs patience and understanding. This piece walks you through each significant stage of home construction, from original planning to the final handover. The average timeline of 31 weeks might look daunting. Breaking it down into six distinct phases makes the process easier to handle.
Your project’s success starts with good planning during the pre-construction phase. The right builder, proper permits, and clear contracts will save you from countless problems later. Construction moves through several stages – base, frame, lock-up, fixing, and completion. Each stage brings your vision closer to reality with a well-laid-out payment schedule that matches these milestones.
The practical completion stage is vital especially when you have plans to move in. A final inspection helps identify problems that need fixing before you take possession of your new home. A complete set of documentation will give a solid foundation for ownership.
House building can feel overwhelming at times. Knowledge about each stage helps create realistic expectations. You can tackle your building project confidently and know exactly what comes next as your dream home takes shape. The trip might be long, but a custom-built home that matches your needs makes everything worth it.
