Building a new home is a major project! There’s an incredible amount of work that goes into the stages of building a house. From planning and clearing the site to laying foundations, erecting frames and completing the property, it can take months of effort to finish a new home. It might look a little daunting, but your home builder will break the journey down into stages that make the whole process more rewarding.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 6 stages of building a new home so that you know what to expect along the way.
1. Pre-Construction Planning
Lots of planning needs to be completed before your new home can be built. You’ll need to meet with your builder to discuss your custom home design, the block of land you’re using and any custom home features you want. During pre-construction, you’ll meet with your builder’s selections team to choose things like design aesthetic, finishes, fittings and other inclusions.
2. Base Stage
The base stage includes all the work that goes into preparing your block for a new home. This includes all site preparation work, such as levelling the block, clearing vegetation, earthworks and laying underground utilities. Once that’s completed, the concrete slab can be poured to finalise the base stage.
3. Frame Stage
Framing is one of the most exciting parts of a new build! This stage is your chance to see your new build come together and get an idea of what the home will look like when it’s completed.
As the name suggests, this stage is where your home’s frames are assembled and erected. Framing starts with your builder marking out the locations of walls, roof trusses, windows and doors.
4. Enclosed Stage
The enclosed stage is a major milestone that marks the halfway point of your build! At this point, your new home receives its external cladding, insulation, roofing, doors, windows and guttering. While the ceiling and wall cavities are still accessible, trades will also perform a “rough-in” and install the major pieces of your plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems. The main goal is to make your home secure and weathertight so that work can begin on the interior.
5. Fixing Stage
The “fixing” stage encompasses all the work that goes into your new home’s interior. This can include major details like all and ceiling cladding, built-in cabinets, internal doors, skirting boards, cornices and other internal features. With these done, other work can include installing the plumbing, electrical and HVAC services that were roughed in earlier.
6. Handover
Your new Hampton style house is almost ready now! The final piece of the puzzle is your Practical Completion Inspection (PCI). Your Site Supervisor will book your PCI once the fixing stage has been completed and signed off by the building inspector.
During your PCI you’ll be taken through the entire home by your Site Supervisor. This is your chance to inspect every nook and cranny and make sure you’re happy with the workmanship. You should test fittings like lights, taps, draws, doors and windows to ensure they work properly.
