Building a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones – it’s a chance to create a space that reflects your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term plans. But as thrilling as the process is, most homeowners share the same pressing question: how long does it take to build a house?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. While an average new home build in Australia can take anywhere between 6 to 12 months, the exact timeline depends on a variety of factors such as the design, approvals, builder’s schedule, weather conditions, and even material availability. If you’re researching and weighing up your options, speaking with a local builder near me is often the best first step. Local expertise can give you a clearer picture of realistic timeframes for your specific area.
In this blog, we’ll break down the stages of home construction and explore what influences the timeline, so you can better plan your build and set realistic expectations.
Pre-Construction: Planning and Approvals (1–6 months)
Before a single shovel hits the ground, there’s a significant amount of work involved in preparing for a new build. This stage can often be underestimated in terms of time.
Key steps include:
– Designing the home: Working with an architect or designer to create house plans that suit your needs.
– Approvals and permits: Submitting plans to your local council or building authority for approval. This step can take weeks or even months.
– Site preparation: Soil testing, land surveys, and organising utility connections.
While the design process can take as little as a few weeks for standard plans, customised homes often require longer. Similarly, council approvals can vary greatly depending on your location, as highlighted in the latest the boring magazine.
Stage 1: Site Preparation and Slab (1–2 months)
Once approvals are in place, your builder can begin preparing the site. This stage involves clearing the land, levelling it, and laying the foundation.
– Excavation and site works: Preparing the ground for construction.
– Laying the slab: Pouring the concrete slab that forms the foundation of the home.
This step is often completed within 4–6 weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Stage 2: Framing (1–2 months)
With the slab in place, the house begins to take shape. During this phase, the framework for walls, floors, and the roof is built.
What happens here:
– External and internal wall framing.
– Roof trusses installed.
– Window and door frames fitted.
This stage usually lasts 4–8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and size of the home.
Stage 3: Lock-Up (1–2 months)
The “lock-up” stage is when the home is sealed from the outside elements.
Tasks include:
– External cladding or brickwork.
– Roofing completed.
– Windows and external doors installed.
At this point, your home can be locked and secured, which is a big milestone in the build process.
Stage 4: Fixing and Internal Fit-Out (2–3 months)
This is where the inside of the home starts to come together, and it often takes longer than the earlier phases because of the number of trades involved.
What’s included:
– Plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning rough-ins.
– Plasterboard installation.
– Cabinetry, skirting boards, and internal doors fitted.
– Waterproofing and tiling in bathrooms and wet areas.
Because many different trades are working together at this stage, careful scheduling is key. Any delays in one trade can affect the entire timeline.
Stage 5: Final Works and Practical Completion (1–2 months)
The final stretch involves finishing touches to make the house ready to live in.
This includes:
– Painting and flooring.
– Kitchen and bathroom fixtures installed.
– Final electrical and plumbing fit-outs.
– External landscaping and driveway (if included in your contract).
Your builder will also conduct a thorough inspection and “defect check” to ensure everything meets the required standards.
What Can Affect the Timeline?
While the stages above outline a general timeline, there are several factors that can influence the duration of your build:
– Design complexity: A custom-designed home will typically take longer to build than a standard project home.
– Weather: Rain, storms, or extreme heat can delay site works and concrete curing.
– Material supply: Shortages of timber, steel, or fixtures can cause unexpected delays.
– Builder availability: The workload of your chosen builder and the scheduling of subcontractors can also extend the timeline.
– Council and approvals: Delays often occur in the early stages if local authorities take longer to approve your plans.
How to Stay on Track
While you can’t control everything, there are steps you can take to help your build stay as close to schedule as possible:
– Choose an experienced builder: A reputable local builder can anticipate challenges and manage the process efficiently.
– Be decisive: Making timely decisions about finishes, fittings, and design changes can prevent costly delays.
– Communicate regularly: Stay in touch with your builder for updates and progress reports.
– Plan for the unexpected: Build some flexibility into your timeline to account for delays.
So, How Long Does It Really Take?
In Australia, the typical new home build takes around 7 to 12 months from start to finish. Smaller or simpler homes may be completed in 6 months, while larger custom builds can take well over a year. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult with your builder, as they’ll be able to assess your block of land, design choices, and local council requirements.
Ready to get started?
Building a new home is a significant journey that requires patience, planning, and the right support team. Understanding the realistic timeline can help you prepare for each stage with confidence. While the process may feel lengthy at times, remember that the reward is a home tailored to your lifestyle and future. By choosing the right builder and staying engaged throughout the process, you’ll ensure the end result is worth the wait.
