6 Steps to Building a New Home in Australia

Building a house doesn’t have to be a difficult experience! The building process can be broken down into simple steps to help prepare you for an exciting home building experience. And what’s more, you’re not alone – you have a contractor guiding you every step of the way to make the journey rewarding and fulfilling.

Here are the 6 stages and timelines involved in building a brand new home:

1. Preparation Phase

Your site will be prepared and ready for construction, with excavation and underground connections being laid. The foundation phase is completed once the concrete slab is poured. Upon completion of the basic phase, a 15% progress payment will be due. This is the time to install a temporary fence around your property.

2. Frame construction stage

This is when your dream home really starts to become a reality. After pouring the slab, build the marked walls according to your final drawing, followed by the roof framing. Once the frame is erected, a 20% progress payment is due.

The building certifier will inspect and approve the framing after the roof, windows, exterior door frames and services (i.e. electrical, plumbing) have been put into the house just before the plaster and tiles are installed. Location supervisors also cross-check customer variations for accuracy before proceeding.

3. Locked/Closed Phase

This is an important milestone as it is when we can effectively ‘lock in’ your home, starting with the installation of windows, tiles and wall cladding. And inside, the walls and ceilings are insulated ready for plasterboard. Temporary exterior doors can be mounted and secured in place to ensure the security of your home.

Upon completion of this phase, a 25% progress payment will be due.

4. Debug and Assembly Phases

Error correction phase

From here we continue to the repair stage where the internal plaster is completed and the drawers, trim, cabinets and scullery area are installed along with the stone worktops. The tiles are then fixed in place in the wet area.

Upon completion of the repair phase, a 20% progress payment will be due.

Assembly phase

Following the tiler, the painter begins painting the walls, ceiling, decorative and exterior details. Now the focus turns to the inside of your home and you’ll start to see your color choices come to life. During the installation phase, we will paint, install plumbing and electrical fixtures, install shower screens, mirrors, door interiors and floor coverings as needed.

5. Actual as-built inspection (PCI)

You are now very close to moving in.

Two weeks before your move-in date, your Construction Supervisor will take you through a tour of your new home, to verify its features and functionality. This will be your opportunity to walk around and see the house before handing it over.

The quality team also completes a final inspection at this stage to ensure the quality of the home is built and finished to an acceptable standard.

Once inspection has occurred, a final progress payment of 15% will be due, including any additional changes ordered. This payment needs to be completed in advance, so you will be able to settle on site and receive the keys on handover day.

6. Handover

The handover ceremony marks the end of the journey to building your home. Get the keys and celebrate the important event in your life!

*After Construction and Home Insurance

Contractors offer a maintenance window of 3-12 months to repair any areas that need repair once you get settled. The extended time frame will allow your home to be stable throughout all four seasons and stand the test of time. Your contractor will also likely offer a structural warranty or warranty anywhere from 7 to 50 years to really give you peace of mind!