How long does the Build Stage for a Home Renovation take?
Your plans have been approved, the building quote has been signed off and it’s time for construction to begin. But what happens at each stage? And how long does each stage take?
While the name of each construction stage may vary slightly between builders, the below outlines each stage for a typical major renovation, knockdown rebuild, or new home build. If you have agreed on staged based payments with your builder, an upfront deposit will be paid at the start, with approximately 15-20% of the overall construction costs due at the completion of each of the below stages:
Stage 1: Site Clearing and Foundation
The amount of work here will vary greatly for a new build versus a major renovation. Before any work commences, the site is fitted out with temporary safety fences and any required tree protection. If you’re undertaking a full or partial rebuild, the designated areas of the existing structure will be demolished with materials and debris taken away.
Retaining walls may need to be built, and the ground levelled to prepare for construction. Once the site is ready, the foundation is laid. This process includes measuring out the design on the site, pouring the footings and installing under-slab drainage, moisture barriers and termite protection.
Once the concrete slab is poured the sub structure is complete, and the foundation stage is complete.
If you’re building an addition (second storey), it’s unlikely you’ll need any major external walls demolished or new foundations laid, so groundwork will be minimal, if any.
*All timings are estimates and do not factor in elements such as a significant weather event (e.g. ongoing rain), special order deliveries (e.g. benchtops or floorboards coming from a foreign country), or scope of work for a particularly large or small project.
Stage 2: Framing Up
This stage is also referred to as the “super structure” stage and involves the skeleton or frame of your house being erected. Following your floor plan, the builder will start with the marking and construction of the walls along with roof trusses, window frames, and door frames. If adding a second storey or addition to your existing home, the frame and floors for these areas will be built. This is a very big construction stage where your home will start taking shape, however, it is just a skeleton, and still open to the elements.
Stage 3: Lock Up / Weatherproof
During this stage, your frame is given an external skin to protect it from the elements, with all gaps sealed so no water can get in (waterproofing). This “building wrap” involves installing glass windows, a roof covering (tiles or metal), eaves, gutters, weatherboards or cladding, brickwork, and lining the walls. Temporary external doors are usually fitted to avoid damage to permanent doors as work continues inside, and your house can now be securely locked up.
Stage 4: Rough in / Services
During this stage electricians will wire your home and fit light cabling and power points alongside data and phone cabling. The plumbers will install piping and drainage for showers, baths, the kitchen, and laundry, and ducted air conditioning is installed in the roof space.
Once these services have been installed, the insulation and plasterboard walls are put up along with cornices and ceilings to form the internal skin of the house. Wet areas are also waterproofed ready for floor and wall coverings.
Stage 5: Fit Off / Completion
This is where all the surfaces are finished and fixtures installed, including:
· Floor coverings – tiling, floorboards, and carpet.
· Joinery – built in cabinets, kitchen, cupboards, storage, wardrobes, skirting boards and architraves, internal window sills, and internal doors.
· Fittings – tapware, shower head, toilets, baths, sinks, towel rails, door/cabinetry handles, light fittings.
· Appliances – oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher, other built-in appliances.
· Air conditioning vents / mounted units, alarm system and sensors.
· Painting – internal and external surfaces.
Stage 6: Practical Completion
After these items are complete, a site clean will take place where all the excess building materials, rubbish and dust will be removed from both inside and outside your home. This is the Practical Completion Stage when the final instalment is generally paid to the builder. The owner is then responsible for obtaining an Occupation Certificate through a registered Private Certifier, which will ensure that all work is up to code and warrantees from various contractors are in place. You can now move into your new home!
While this marks the official end of the construction phases, you may progress on to landscaping and soft furnishings (curtains, blinds, new furniture, etc.) to add the finishing touches.
To make the process as seamless as possible, it’s always advisable to discuss the construction approach upfront with your builder or project supervisor, and arrange inspections and set expectations for ongoing communication during each stage. Don’t wait until the end of the build to voice any concerns or changes you may want - these need to be discussed as soon as they arise to allow for modifications to take place at the appropriate time.
MILEHAM is a professional, licensed Master Builder. We use our deep knowledge of, and experience in, building custom family homes to help our clients fully understand each stage of their unique build. Timely, accurate and personalised client communication is central to our client experience, to ensure you are completely informed of what happens at each stage of your build. Book your free consultation with MILEHAM today and receive a personalised understanding of the timeline for your build.
Also read:
Completing a home renovation on time, on budget, at a high quality – can it be done?
Renovate vs. rebuild – what’s the tipping point?
How to set a realistic home renovation budget.
