Six steps to building a house in Australia
Building a home doesn’t need to be a daunting experience. The construction process can be broken down into straightforward steps that help prepare you for an exciting home building experience. At the end of the day, you're not alone — your builder will guide you through every step to help make the journey both rewarding and fulfilling.
Outlined below are the six stages of construction, payments and the typical timelines involved for building a brand-new home.
Getting set before the build begins
Before your build can begin, the pre construction process involves getting everything in place - from signing the building contract and finalising your plans to organising finance and securing approvals. Your builder will usually handle permits with the local council to keep things moving. Other key steps include site surveys, soil testing and signing contracts. It’s all about getting everything ready before construction begins to set your building project up for success.
6 stages of construction: step by step guide to building a house
1. Base stage
Once you've signed your building contract, the building process begins with the base stage. Your block of land will be prepared to be built on, with temporary fencing installed, site excavation completed and underground connections laid. The base stage is complete once the concrete slab is poured.
A 15% progress payment is due upon completion of the base stage.
2. Frame stage
This is when your dream home starts to take shape. With the concrete slab in place, all external and internal walls are marked out in line with your final drawings. Construction begins on the framework for walls, windows, door frames and roof trusses. The roughing in of cables, pipes and conduits for plumbing and electrical services is completed at the frame stage before walls and internal plaster are installed.
The frame stage is complete once the wall and roof frames are fixed and all tie-downs and bracing are secured. A qualified Building Certifier inspects and approves the frame once the roof, windows, external door frames and installed. The site supervisor also cross-checks that all customer variations are correct before proceeding.
A 20% progress payment is due at completion of this stage.
3. Enclosed/lock up stage
This is a significant milestone as it’s when we’re able to effectively ‘lock up’ your home. The roof stage is completed, along with the installation of brickwork, windows and wall cladding to enclose the structure.
Temporary external doors may be fitted to secure the site and garage doors are also fitted during this stage.
A 25% progress payment is due once the enclosed stage is complete.
4. Fixing and fit-off stages
Fixing stage
During the fixing stage, everything starts to be fixed into place. Internal plaster is completed along with architraves, skirting boards, internal doors, and built-in cabinets and cupboards (excluding shelves).
A 20% progress payment is due at the end of the fixing stage.
Fit-off stage
In the fit-off stage, focus shifts to the interior finishes and you will start to see your colour choices come to life. Painting starts on walls, ceilings, trims and exteriors. Tiles, benchtops, shower screens, mirrors and door hardware are installed.
Electricians install power points, light switches and other electrical fittings. Plumbing fixtures are also completed including taps, showerheads, toilets and sink connections, finalising the plumbing work started earlier in the build. Floor coverings are installed as one of the final tasks.
5. Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)
You’re now at the practical completion stage, just weeks away from moving in. Two weeks ahead of anticipated completion of your home your project planner will walk you through your new home and demonstrate its features and functions. This is your opportunity to walk through and inspect the home before handover.
At this stage, our quality team also completes a final inspection, known as the Practical Completion Inspection, to ensure the home is built and finished to a high standard.
After these inspections, the final progress payment of 15% is due on settlement day, including any approved variations. This final payment needs to be completed beforehand so you can settle on site and receive your keys on the day of handover.
6. Handover
The final stage of your home build is the handover. This marks the end of your home building journey. Collect the keys and celebrate this momentous event in your life!
Post-construction and aftercare
We have a commitment to quality at every step of your new home build which is supported by a 12 month maintenance period. We understand that in Queensland your home will experience a variety of effects as four seasons come and go which is why we allow your home to settle over 12 months.
Your builder will also likely offer a structural warranty or guarantee anywhere between seven and fifty years. Every home that we build comes with a 50-year structural guarantee which gives you peace of mind for many years to come.
Stages of building a house FAQs
How long does it take from fixing stage to completion?
The time from Fixing Stage to Completion typically takes 6-10 weeks, depending on the size of the home, weather conditions, availability of trades and any customisations.
This timeframe can also be affected by inspection schedules, material delays or holiday periods.
When are the progress payments required?
We require progress payments as per the Plantation Homes progress payment schedule. There are six payments, totalling 100%.
Deposit: 5% (minus any initial deposit you've already paid)
- Base stage: 15%
- Frame stage: 20%
- Enclosed stage: 25%
- Fixing stage: 20%
- Final payment: 15% (plus any variation costs)
Can I visit the site during construction?
Yes, but visits to the construction site must be arranged in advance with your site supervisor or project planner. This is to ensure your safety and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. Scheduled site visits are typically offered at key milestones throughout the build.
Building with Plantation Homes
Ready to embark on your home building journey? We believe in being clear and candid about the process ahead of you. Building your own home is a major milestone and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our New Home Build Process document is a guide to the Stages of building a house breaks down each step — from planning and pouring the slab to the finishing touches, final inspection and beyond. You’ll get a clear understanding of how your house comes together, right through to the final stage, so there are no surprises along the way.
Please note all timeframes outlined are indicative and intended as a general guide only.
