What are the Stages of Home Building?

There are countless new home builders operating throughout Victoria, and regardless of how you’re building your new home, house construction steps are much the same. Whether you’re building a new custom home, buying off a plan, or investing in a house and land package, the steps involved are generally the same from builder to builder.

The most common Contracts used by Australian new home builders are HIA and Master Builder Contracts. These Contracts outline the stages of building a new home, with an overview of the work to be completed in each stage.

With the years of hard work and saving you put into being able to build your own home, the natural desire to see your dreams come to fruition can leave you feeling anxious and stressed as you await each stage to progress. By having a clear understanding of the building contract between you and your builder, you’ll know what to expect at the completion of each stage of your new home construction.

Pre-Build

Before construction can begin, ensure that all required permits & reports are obtained. This may include planning permits, building permits etc depending on your location and the scope of your project. Failure to obtain the proper permits can lead to delays, fines, or even legal issues down the line.

Once any necessary permits are secured, the builder begins prepping the site:

● Undertake a site inspection to ensure it is safe and appropriately secured (e.g., with fencing) for the duration of the build and ensure that adequate measures are in place to meet safety and security requirements.

● A portable toilet is delivered for use by workers, typically placed near the front of the site within the secured area.

● Ensure the site is suitably cleared of any debris or rubbish to prepare for construction.

● If applicable, excavation will then commence to prepare the site for building works. This may involve levelling the ground, removing topsoil, or creating access for drainage installation. However, depending on the specific site requirements, excavation may not always be necessary.

Building Stages

This breakdown of the stages of building a home is designed to give you a fair idea of what to expect when building your new home.

Stage One: Base

The base stage marks the foundation of your home, where the concrete slab or stump foundations are laid. This is a crucial step because a solid foundation supports the entire structure of the house. Depending on the soil conditions and type of foundation chosen, this stage might also involve additional groundwork, such as drainage.

Stage Two: Frame

The frame stage is where the skeleton of your home begins to emerge. This includes the installation of the structural framework for walls and the roof trusses and sheeting. Now, you’ll begin to see your home come to life.

Stage Three: Lock-up

The lock-up stage refers to sealing your home from the outside elements. During this stage, doors, windows, and the roof are fully installed, which means the house is now “locked-up “and secure. This step is essential for protecting the interior from the weather, especially if there’s a risk of rain or storms.

Once the house is sealed, it becomes safer for tradespeople to work inside. Plumbing, electrical, and Heating & Cooling systems can now be installed, and the structure is ready for interior fit-outs.

An efficient lock-up stage is essential to a timely building process, as the house needs to be sealed before further work can proceed.

Stage Four: Fix

The fixing stage is where the interior of the home really starts to take shape. This is when the finer details, such as architraves, door handles, skirting boards, and cabinetry, are installed. It’s also when the home becomes more personalised, with elements like kitchen cabinetry and bathroom vanities starting to be installed.

Stage Five: Completion

The completion stage is the final step in the building process, where the home is made ready for you to move in. This is when all the finishing touches are added, such as painting, flooring (including carpets, tiles, or timber), and window coverings like blinds or curtains. The installation of kitchen appliances (e.g., oven, rangehood, dishwasher) and bathroom fittings (e.g., taps, showerheads) also takes place.

At this stage, the home is thoroughly inspected to ensure everything is in order. If there are any remaining issues or areas that need improvement, they should be addressed before handover. Many builders will also do a final walk-through with you, so you can check that all items have been completed to your satisfaction.

Once all these tasks are completed, the house is ready for handover, and you can officially move in!

Post-Build

It is important to keep in mind that any additional works will usually have to be completed by contractors separate to the ones building your home. Details such as boundary fences, driveways, landscaping, and sheds are often not included in your home building Contract.

Once works on your new home have been completed, there will be a post-construction period where any issues or concerns that arise with your new home will be addressed and repaired under the Builder’s Warranty, which all accredited home builders in Australia are obligated to provide.

Some builders, including Premier Homes, offer an extended structural warranty of 10 years, and continue to offer and provide support to all past clients, ensuring their ongoing happiness in their new home.