General News
27 February, 2025
The home building timeline: What to expect at each stage
This content is provided by a third party.
This content is provided by a third party.
Building a home is an exciting journey, but it's also a complex process that requires careful planning and patience. Understanding the typical home-building timeline can help you set realistic expectations and feel more in control throughout the process. Here's what you can expect at each stage of building your dream home.
1. Pre-construction (1-3 months)
Before any work begins, several essential steps must be completed to ensure a smooth build.
Choosing a builder and design
Research and select a reputable home builder in Melbourne with a strong track record.
Choose a floor plan and customise it to suit your needs.
Finalise all inclusions, such as fixtures, fittings, and materials.
Permits and approvals
Your builder will submit plans to the local council for approval.
You may need additional approvals, such as soil tests or engineering reports.
Finance approval must be secured before work can begin.
2. Site preparation (1-2 weeks)
Once approvals are in place, the site is prepared for construction.
What happens?
The land is cleared, levelled, and prepared for building.
Temporary fencing and site access points are installed.
Underground services like plumbing and electrical connections are set up.
3. Laying the slab (2-4 weeks)
This stage forms the foundation of your home.
Steps involved:
Trenches are dug for footings and steel reinforcements are placed.
Concrete is poured and left to cure, ensuring a solid base.
If you're building on a sloping block, additional foundation work may be required.
4. Framing (4-6 weeks)
This is when your home starts to take shape.
What happens?
The structural framework (walls, roof trusses, and support beams) is erected.
Windows and door frames are installed.
The first round of plumbing and electrical rough-ins begin.
At this stage, you'll start to get a real sense of the layout of your home.
5. Lock-up stage (4-8 weeks)
The home becomes weatherproof and secure.
Key milestones:
External walls, roofing, and insulation are installed.
Windows and external doors are fitted.
Electrical wiring and plumbing are further developed.
6. Fixing stage (4-6 weeks)
Now the interior starts to come together.
What happens?
Plasterboard is installed to create walls and ceilings.
Internal doors, skirting boards, and architraves are fitted.
Cabinetry, kitchen units, and bathroom vanities are installed.
Painting and tiling begin.
At this stage, your home will start looking more like a finished product.
7. Final fit-out and detailing (4-6 weeks)
The final touches bring everything together.
What's included?
Flooring installation (carpet, tiles, or timber).
Light fittings, power points, and switches are installed.
Plumbing fixtures like taps, sinks, and showers are fitted.
Air conditioning and heating systems are set up.
This stage ensures everything is functional and ready for use.
8. Final inspection and handover (1-2 weeks)
Before moving in, the builder will conduct a final quality inspection.
What to expect:
A walkthrough with the builder to check for defects or finishing issues.
Any necessary touch-ups or fixes will be completed.
Once everything is signed off, you'll receive the keys to your new home!
Final thoughts
The home-building process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the design, weather conditions, and approval delays. By understanding each stage, you'll be better prepared for what's ahead and can enjoy the journey of bringing your dream home to life.
This is content submitted by a third party. It does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher of this website.