How much and how long are typically two of the first questions people ask when they’re looking into building a home. While building gives you so much freedom over the layout, features and specific design elements, it does come with having to delay moving into your dream home.
This guide answers the question, ‘how long does it take to build a house in QLD?’ so you can decide if it’s going to work for your plans. We also share some tips from our 20+ years of building custom luxury homes for how to avoid delays so if you go ahead, you can keep everything on-track.
How long does it take to build a house from start to finish?
The average time to build a new house in Queensland, at the moment, is 12 to 18 months. This includes the time it takes for design, documentation, council approvals and the full construction process. It’s the rough timeline for any type of new home, including custom builds.
How long your home takes to build can come down to many aspects. One of the most important factors can be how prepared you are when you start, such as knowing what type of home you want, having a confirmed block and being able to make decisions quickly. However, a good builder can help make it a smooth process regardless.
The Stages of Building a New Home & Average Timeline
There are very specific stages a home build goes through, each one being dependent on the last. If one is held up, it can have a domino effect, slowing down future steps. These are the typical stages of building a new home and the average timeline for each.
Stage 1: Design & Documentation (4 to 12 Weeks)
The first stage of a home build is where your imagination gets to actually turn into construction drawings. It’s important to take your time. Every decision you make at this stage will impact every other aspect of your build, and changes can be far more expensive once the concrete is poured.
Stage 3: Site Preparation & Earthworks (1 to 2 Weeks)
With your approvals in place, your block will be cleared and prepared. This is typically a straightforward process, but there can be unexpected conditions, like unstable soil or rock that can surface and disrupt the timeline. However, a soil test before the design is finalised should catch most of this early so it can be planned for.
Stage 5: Frame (2 to 4 Weeks)
Once your slab has been laid, your frame can go up. Suddenly, you have a house. Well, almost. After months of drawings, permits and concrete, this is the stage most clients get genuinely excited about, and it’s hard not to.
Stage 7: Lockup (4 to 6 Weeks)
Lockup is when all the windows doors and external cladding are fitted, and the home is fully enclosed. It’s an important milestone in the new home build process, and typically triggers a progress payment.
Stage 9: Internal Linings & Plastering (2 to 4 Weeks)
Now the pipes, electrics and other particulars are in place, the walls and ceilings can be lined and plastered. The quality of the work done in this stage sets the standard for every finish that happens next, which is why it matters who does it.
Stage 2: Council Approvals & Building Permits (4 to 10 Weeks)
Your build is the one who lodged your documentation with the Gold Coast City Council or a private certifier. Once they do, the waiting begins. Well-prepared applications tend to move faster, while incomplete ones will end up with requests for more information, each one adding time you may not have budgeted or allowed time for. Having an experienced new home builder makes a world of difference in getting this right the first time.
Stage 4: Slab & Foundations (1 to 2 Weeks)
The next step is pouring and curbing your slab. It can’t be rushed, and in Queensland’s climate, slab preparation rarely needs to be. As it’s the base everything else sits on, it needs to be done right.
Stage 6: Roofing (1 to 2 Weeks)
After the slab and frame, the roof goes on, protecting the structure from the elements. Things tend to start to really happen fast from here.
Stage 8: Fit-Out & Services (4 to 8 Weeks)
In this later stage, the plumbers, electricians and air conditioning technicians will start to do their respective jobs, while everything else gets roughed in. Multiple trades will be on site at the same time in this stage, so it’s important to have a builder who can project manage things well to make sure it’s a smooth process.
Stage 10: Finishing & Practical Completion (6 to 10 Weeks)
Finally, the painting, flooring, cabinetry, joinery and fixtures come into place. For a luxury customer home, this is where you can really notice the difference in a good build and a not-so-great build, as you’re about to get your keys.
Most Common Delays in the Home Building Process & How to Avoid Them
Most delays on a house build come from several smaller issues stacking up over time. These are the most common delays in the home building process that pop up the most.
- Council and permit approval delays. The quality of the documents your builder submits are really important in making sure there’s no holdups in getting all your house build permits ticked off.
- Queensland’s wet season. A lot of stages in the home build process can’t happen in the wet. Planning your build out of the wet season (November to March) can help you avoid delays, although obviously rain can happen anytime.
