How long does it REALLY take to build a new home?

9th December 2024

Pre-Construction During Construction Post-Construction Legal & Contracts

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the home building timeline, covering key factors affecting construction time, pre-site preparation, and tips for a smoother process, helping buyers plan effectively for their new home.

How Long Does It REALLY Take to Build a New Home?

Building a new home is an exciting journey, but one of the most common questions home buyers ask is: How long does it really take? The timeline is not always straightforward, as it depends on various factors such as builder efficiency, land readiness, and external approvals. In this article, we will break down the expected timeframes from contract signing to getting the keys to your brand-new home.

Understanding the Home Building Timeline

The home building process involves multiple stages, each with its own timeframes. Below is a general breakdown:

Pre-Site Preparation (Before Construction Starts)

• Research & Choosing a Builder – This phase varies significantly as buyers explore designs, quotes, and builder reputations before signing a contract.
• Deposit Payment to Contract Signing – The time taken here depends on land status, financing, and customer decision-making. Delays often arise due to land title availability or changes to home designs.
• Contract Signed to Permit Issued (Approx. 3 months)

• • Finance approval finalisation

  • Soil tests, surveys, and property information collection

  • Developer approval (if required)

  • Full working drawings and engineering plans

  • Energy rating assessments

  • Building permit application & approval

Construction Phase

• Single-Storey Home: Approximately 6 months
• Double-Storey Home: 8-9 months (Up to 12 months for larger homes over 40 squares)

Adding these stages together, a single-storey home generally takes 9-12 months from contract signing to completion, while a double-storey home may take 12-15 months.

Key Factors That Influence the Timeline

1. Land Status

2. • Titled Land: A block ready for construction can significantly speed up the process.

   • Untitled Land: If your land is waiting for registration, expect an additional delay of 6-12 months before construction can begin.

3. Customisations and Variations

4. • The more changes and custom features added to the home, the longer the preparation and build time.

   • Builders may extend contract times by 7 days per £10,000 of additional upgrades.

5. Weather Conditions

6. • Extreme weather can delay site works, concrete pouring, and structural framing.

   • Builders allow buffer days in contracts for unpredictable weather events.

7. External Approvals and Inspections

8. • Delays often occur due to council approvals, developer approvals, and third-party inspections.

   • If you hire a private building inspector, each inspection may add up to 21 days to your contract timeframe.

9. Material and Trade Availability
10. • Builders rely on suppliers and trades to complete each stage. Any delays with materials, site supervisors, or trade scheduling can extend the build time.
11. Client-Related Delays
12. • Slow responses to emails, contract approvals, or colour selection indecision can push timelines back significantly.

Managing Rental Agreements & Move-In Planning

One of the biggest challenges home buyers face is coordinating their lease or temporary living arrangements with their home completion date. Here’s what you should consider:

• Do not give notice on your rental too early! Builders provide estimates, but delays may occur.
• Month-to-month rental options can provide flexibility.
• Temporary housing options (such as staying with family) may be needed if there is a gap between your lease ending and home completion.

Quick Tips for a Smoother Home Build Process

1. Have your finance in order early – Get pre-approval before signing your contract.
2. Be decisive – Changes to designs and colours after contract signing cause delays.
3. Understand your contract timeframes – The build time stated in your contract includes weather and buffer periods.
4. Regularly check with your builder – Stay informed about progress but avoid demanding unrealistic completion dates.
5. Factor in external inspections – If you plan private inspections, expect additional contract time.
6. If offered a discount for titled land, be prepared to move quickly! Builders prioritise fast-moving projects to keep operations efficient.

Key Takeaways

• Single-storey homes typically take 9-12 months from contract signing to completion.
• Double-storey homes can take 12-15 months (longer for larger custom builds).
• The contract timeframe includes buffer days for weather and delays – your home is likely to be completed sooner than the contract states.
• Titled land leads to a quicker build process compared to waiting for land to be registered.
• Clients can unknowingly cause delays by being slow in approvals, changes, or financing issues.
• Private inspections add days to your contract – plan accordingly.
• Avoid locking in a lease-end date too early to prevent unnecessary stress.

For a more detailed discussion, listen to the full episode: How Long Does It REALLY Take to Build a New Home?

Glossary of Terms

• Titled Land: Land that is legally registered and ready for building to commence.
• Permit Approval: Official permission from local authorities to begin construction.
• Private Building Inspector: A third-party professional who checks the home’s quality at various stages.
• Site Start: The official beginning of construction on the block.
• Contract Days: The builder's allowed time for completion, including weather and external delays.

FAQ

Q: Can a builder finish my home earlier than the contract timeframe? A: Yes! The contract timeframe includes buffer days, and most builders aim to complete homes sooner.

Q: What if my builder goes over the contract time? A: If delays exceed the agreed timeframe (excluding valid extensions like weather), you may be entitled to compensation, typically $250 per week as liquidated damages.

Q: Why does it take three months to start construction after signing a contract? A: Builders need time to complete engineering, developer approvals, permits, and final drawings before starting on site.

Q: How can I speed up the process? A: Be proactive – respond quickly to emails, have your finance ready, and avoid unnecessary changes.

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process—completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips.

Explore more episodes at www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.