From first consultation to keys in hand, here's what actually happens in each phase — and where timelines most often slip.
“How long will it take” is usually the second question we’re asked, right after “how much will it cost.” The honest answer is that a new home typically runs 7–11 months from slab to handover, but that number hides a lot of moving parts worth understanding upfront.
Pre-construction: the phase everyone underestimates
Design, material selections and council approvals typically take 6–10 weeks — sometimes longer if a site has covenants or unusual conditions. This phase doesn’t feel like “real” progress because nothing is being built yet, but rushing it is the single biggest cause of delays once construction starts.
Construction: the five stages
- Site works and slab — 2–4 weeks, weather-dependent
- Frame and roof — 3–5 weeks
- Lock-up (external walls, windows, doors) — 3–4 weeks
- Fit-out (electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, tiling) — 8–12 weeks
- Final fixing and handover — 2–3 weeks
What actually causes delays
In our experience it’s rarely the build itself — it’s decisions made too late. Selections not finalised before the relevant trade is scheduled, or a variation requested mid-fit-out, are the two most common causes of a schedule slipping. A good builder will flag these risks to you before they happen, not after.
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