When we start a new home build project, one of the common questions that comes to mind is how long will this process take. Building a new home is a complex and time consuming process and includes various steps starting from the initial planning to construction.
When starting such a lengthy process, having a clear understanding of the timeline can help you effectively plan things accordingly.
So if you are also thinking about building a new home and wondering how long it will take, this blog can help you.
Step-by-Step New Home Build Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation with the Builder
After you find a reliable home builder for your project, the very first step in the new home building process is the initial consultation of your project. This step is crucial for the smooth workflow and hassle-free completion of your project.
Your home builder will conduct a meeting with you to understand your vision, requirements, preferences, and budget for your new home.
Clear and effective communication is the key to a successful initial consultation of your project. Do not hesitate to communicate and ask questions to the builder about your plans, budget, and doubts. By understanding every detail carefully, you can avoid unwanted issues that might occur.
Time Required for Initial Consultation: The initial consultation phase should not take more than 1 to 2 weeks.
Step 2: Planning Design and Budgeting
After the initial consultation phase, once the home builder is clear about your vision and requirements, start planning for the project. Firstly, they take detailed measurements of the site. After that, they conduct soil testing which tells whether the land is suitable for building a home or not.
Soil testing is essential for a strong foundation and structural integrity of your home. After the required tests and measurements, builders create a layout plan for your new home, based on your requirements, design and preferences. You can make the necessary modifications to the design if required.
In this stage, your home builder will also ask you to select the different materials and provide you with a detailed cost estimation for your new home. The overall budget can vary based on the following factors –
- Builder Fees
- Labour Charges
- Approval Fees
- Material Costs
- Miscellaneous Costs
- Emergency Expenses
Time required for the Planning Design and Budgeting Phase: The planning design and budgeting phase can take somewhere between 2 to 4 weeks. This majorly depends on the complexity of the design and the number of revisions made to the design layout.
Step 3: Getting the Required Approvals
Another time-consuming but crucial phase is the approval process. In Sydney, you need to get some approvals from the local council before you start the construction of your new home. These approvals are the assurance that your construction complies with standard building and safety codes. Neglecting the approvals can lead to legal issues in the future.
Depending on your home construction, you might need to get the following approvals –
- Development Approval (DA)
- Construction Certificate (CC)
- Occupation Certificate (OC)
Firstly, consult with your builder to understand what approvals you will need to get. Based on that, you can apply online at the NSW portal for your approval. This process requires the submission of documents such as your detailed plan, cost estimation, and more. So you should carefully handle the process without rushing.
Time Required for Approval Phase: The approval process can take around 4 to 6 weeks. However, this time may be extended depending on the complexity of your project, corrections required in your application and the local council.
Step 4: Site Preparation
Once you get the necessary approvals and permits for the construction work, the process begins with site preparation. Preparing the construction site is necessary for the strong foundation of your home and to avoid unwanted issues during the construction work.
In the site preparation phase, the professionals initially clear out the space. They remove vegetation, debris, hard rocks, and other unwanted elements from the site. Once the site is clear, builders may also level the land using the necessary equipment to make it ready for construction.
Once the site is ready, builders mark different areas according to the decided design layout. These marks are made for references for the upcoming processes.
Time Required for Site Preparation: Site preparation usually takes between 1 to 2 weeks. However, the time required for site preparation depends on factors such as site area, current condition, site level, soil conditions, and design requirements.
Step 5: Laying Foundation for Your New Home
The next step in your home build process is laying the foundation. The building professionals will dig trenches according to the foundation plan, ensuring they are deep and wide enough to accommodate the design and load requirements.
Afterwards, footings are installed which are the base upon which the foundation walls will rest. They are usually made of reinforced concrete and are poured into the excavated trenches. Next, the slab is poured to create a foundation for your new home.
During this process, building professionals also pay attention to the utility connections. They carefully provide openings for the electric and plumbing connections. Once the slab is dried, it is ready for the next construction phases.
Time Required for Laying Foundation: Depending on the size of the land and design complexities, it takes around 2 to 4 weeks to lay the foundation of your home. Apart from that, factors such as weather conditions and curing time may also affect the final time duration required for this phase.
Step 6: Framing and Roofing Your Home
Once the foundation for your new home is set, the home builder will start framing the home. Generally, timber or steel is used for framing the home. These materials are pre-cut and labelled according to the architectural plans to facilitate efficient assembly. Next, the frame is created step-by-step, ensuring structural safety and visual appeal.
As the professionals finish framing the side walls structure, roof trusses or rafters are then installed to form the roof structure. Trusses are prefabricated triangular frames made of wood or steel that support the roof’s weight and provide structural integrity.
According to the design preferences and material you choose, the roof is installed on the trusses. Elements like chimneys, vents, and skylights are created accordingly. Once everything is as per the design, the professionals move to the next step.
Time Required for Framing and Roofing: On average, the time required for framing and roofing a home is between 4 to 8 weeks, based on the design, size of your home, and materials you choose.
Step 7: Exterior Facade Design
After completing the framing and roofing work, the next step is creating an appealing facade for your new home. Based on your specific requirements and preferences, your builder will provide you with a suitable facade design.
Once you finalise the design, they start working on the construction process. This process also includes the installation of doors, windows, sidings, gutters, and other elements of your home. If you have special requirements such as a driveway, patio, or deck, they are built in this phase.
Time Required for Exterior Facade Design: It takes around 4 to 8 weeks to complete the exterior construction of your new home. The time can vary based on the design and the labour efficiency.
Step 8: Interior Design and Finishing
This phase deals with tasks like installing the interior walls, flooring, staircase, kitchen countertops, bathroom sanitary, cabinetry and more. Builders also install the skirting boards and paint the home in this phase.
Furthermore, the electrical sockets, switches, lighting fixtures and plumbing faucets are installed in your new home. Optimum use of space and functionality are prioritised in this phase.
Time Required for Interior Design and Finishing: Depending on the complexity of the design, your requirements, and the materials you opt for, it takes around 4 to 8 weeks to complete the interior design and construction work of your home.
Step 9: Finishing Touches and Final Handover
After completing all the steps and phases, lastly, the home builder completes the finishing touches. If you have some special requirements such as a garden, water feature, landscape, backyard or anything else, it will be completed.
Once everything is completed, home builders conduct a final walk-through with the client to ensure everything is up to the mark. If any concern occurs. They are also addressed in the final phase. After complete satisfaction, the new home is handed over to the client.
Time Required for Finishing Touches and Handover: Finishing touches and final handover might take somewhere between 1 to 4 weeks.
How Long Does New Home Build Take? (In a Nutshell)
Generally, a new home build in Sydney takes around 12 to 18 months. This process includes various steps and phases. The time required to complete building a new home can depend on the design you opt for, the complexity of the project, weather conditions, the efficiency of the labour, and the availability of materials.
When you hire Edyco Building and Construction, you can ensure hassle-free completion of your new home build project. We provide a detailed timeline of the project and keep you informed at every step.