Stages of Building a House in Australia: Steps, Timeline, Cost & More
Constructing a home in Australia is a highly meticulous, organised and regulated process which progresses through clearly defined stages. With each step of the process of construction of a house, you’ll be shaping the character of your future home. But the costs and complexities vary significantly depending on the type of property.
By knowing these construction stages early on, homeowners can avoid unnecessary costs, delays and compliance issues. Continue reading to get a clear, confident and complete understanding of what’s really involved in building your dream home.
How House Construction Works in Australia
Building sites for homes are regulated by the National Construction Code (NCC) so that houses are safe, durable and energy efficient. It is an extensive procedure in which numerous specialists have their role. Architects and building designers prepare the concept, engineers design structural plans, and surveyors make sure your property meets boundary and height rules. Builders bring the approved architectural plan for council to life, with required checks from a private certifier or council inspector at key stages of the build.
All design, drafting & permits Perth or any other city must be in place before any work begins. Because the sequence of construction is standardised nationwide, each build moves through predictable phases that help ensure structural integrity and compliance. Understanding this system gives homeowners far greater control over outcomes, budgeting, and timelines.
Pre-Construction Stage
Pre-construction is the foundation of building a house step by step. The decisions made here have an impact on design, the needs of a site, especially with regard to load-bearing capacity and budget. At this point, land suitability is appraised, floor plans are prepared, and permits & approvals are obtained. No physical construction gets underway, but the financing commitments here pave the way for a viable build.
Land Selection & Feasibility
Choosing the right block is necessary for house & lands in Australia. It requires more than liking the location. Soil testing uncovers issues like clay, sand, or rock, which directly affect foundation costs. Zoning restrictions and overlays determine whether duplexes or triplexes are permitted, and easements may limit construction areas. Access to essential utilities like water, sewer, electricity, and NBN must also be assessed. Sloping or rocky sites often require additional retaining walls or excavation.
Design & Planning
Homeowners can opt for builder-supplied templates, which are generally more cost-effective, or engage architects for custom designs that provide flexibility but at a higher cost. The complexity increases with multi-dwelling homes such as duplexes and triplexes, which demand more intricate engineering. A detailed preliminary planning assessment is necessary before going ahead with the next steps.
Approvals & Documentation
Documents like the home development application, engineering plans, and energy efficiency reports (BASIX or NatHERS) must be completed. Once designs and paperwork are finalised, the building contract is signed, locking in pricing and scope.
At times, you might not receive all approvals at one go. In that case, the authorities might ask for additional documents. You need to focus on council request management to ensure that you do everything properly to receive the approvals as soon as possible.
Cost Breakdown for Pre-Construction Stage in 2026
Before work begins on-site, homeowners typically incur costs for testing, design, and formal approvals. These influence structural design choices and future construction expenses.
| Pre-Construction Cost | 1-Storey | 2-Storey | Duplex | Triplex |
| Soil test | $300–$600 | $300–$600 | $400–$750 | $500–$900 |
| Contour survey | $900–$1,600 | $900–$1,600 | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,400–$2,100 |
| Architectural design | $2,000–$6,000 | $3,000–$10,000 | $6,000–$15,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Engineering drawings | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,000–$4,500 | $3,000–$6,000 | $4,000–$7,500 |
| Council approvals | $1,200–$3,000 | $1,500–$3,500 | $3,000–$6,000 | $5,000–$8,000 |
Note: Additional costs will be involved if there’s an existing property that you wish to demolish and rebuild home in a different way.
Disclaimer: Costs shown are estimates only and may vary by site, builder, and selections.
Site Preparation & Base Stage
The base stage marks the beginning of physical construction on your land. It involves preparing the site and forming the foundation that supports the entire structure. Because the foundation determines the long-term stability of the home, this phase is influenced heavily by soil type, slope, and the chosen slab system.
Site Preparation
Site preparation begins after obtaining the construction certificate. It includes clearing vegetation, removing debris or old structures, levelling the ground, and ensuring access for machinery. Sloping blocks may require cut-and-fill works or retaining walls, increasing overall costs. Rocky or clay-heavy sites add complexity to excavation. If constructing your house requires dividing a land into multiple smaller lots, you must obtain a subdivision certificate.
Foundation & Slab Construction
Once the site is prepared, home builders begin digging trenches, installing formwork, placing steel reinforcement, and laying under-slab plumbing. Depending on engineering requirements, a home may use a waffle slab, raft slab, or conventional slab. Poor soil conditions may require deeper beams or additional reinforcement, influencing cost across all home types.
Cost Breakdown for Base Stage in 2026
This stage represents the physical groundwork for the build and varies with site difficulty and slab type.
| Base/Foundation Cost | 1-Storey | 2-Storey | Duplex | Triplex |
| Site clearing | $1,000–$3,500 | $1,000–$4,000 | $2,000–$5,500 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Excavation | $2,000–$6,000 | $3,500–$8,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Concrete slab | $12,000–$25,000 | $18,000–$40,000 | $28,000–$55,000 | $40,000–$75,000 |
| Plumbing rough-in | $3,000–$6,000 | $4,000–$7,500 | $6,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
Disclaimer: Costs shown are estimates only and may vary by site, builder, and selections.
Frame Stage
This is one of the most crucial home construction stages because it sets the structure and shape of the property. At this point, the skeleton of the building rises, providing a clear look at room layouts, wall heights, and structural lines.
Structural Framework
Builders construct internal and external wall frames, roof trusses, beams, and joists according to engineered plans. Timber framing is commonly used for its affordability and ease of installation, while steel frames offer added durability and termite resistance, though they may raise costs.
Structural Integrity Checks
Certifiers inspect the frame to ensure it meets engineering requirements, checking that load-bearing walls, bracing, anchors, and alignment are correct. These inspections are mandatory and ensure compliance with NCC guidelines.
Cost Breakdown for Frame Stage in 2026
This stage includes materials and labour for framing and roof structure installation.
| Frame Stage Cost | 1-Storey | 2-Storey | Duplex | Triplex |
| Framing materials & labour | $18,000–$35,000 | $28,000–$65,000 | $45,000–$95,000 | $60,000–$130,000 |
| Roof trusses | $6,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$18,000 | $12,000–$25,000 | $20,000–$35,000 |
| Connectors, bracing, hardware | $1,500–$4,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | $3,000–$7,000 | $4,500–$10,500 |
Disclaimer: Costs shown are estimates only and may vary by site, builder, and selections.
Lock-Up Stage
Once the structure is secure, the property reaches the lock-up stage. This means all external openings are installed so the interior can be worked on safely and protected from the weather.
External Structure Completion
One of the major construction phases of a house includes installing roofing materials, external cladding or brickwork, insulation, gutters, and downpipes. Windows, sliding doors, and main entry doors are fitted to fully enclose the building.
Services Rough-In
Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians begin laying internal lines such as electrical wiring, power points, water pipes, and AC ducting. Waterproofing preparation for wet areas starts now.
2026 Cost Breakdown for Lock-Up Stage
Costs here depend on roofing type, cladding choice, and the home’s size.
| Lock-Up Stage Cost | 1-Storey | 2-Storey | Duplex | Triplex |
| Windows & external doors | $8,000–$20,000 | $12,000–$30,000 | $18,000–$45,000 | $25,000–$55,000 |
| Roofing | $10,000–$18,000 | $15,000–$28,000 | $20,000–$40,000 | $30,000–$55,000 |
| External walls & cladding | $18,000–$45,000 | $28,000–$70,000 | $45,000–$95,000 | $60,000–$120,000 |
| Electrical & plumbing rough-ins | $6,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$18,000 | $12,000–$30,000 | $20,000–$35,000 |
Disclaimer: Costs shown are estimates only and may vary by site, builder, and selections.
Fixing Stage
This is one of the stages of building a house that covers most interior construction and installation work. At this point, the home begins to feel complete as rooms take shape with walls, floors, and built-in elements.
Internal Construction & Fit-Out
Plasterboard walls and ceilings are installed, followed by internal doors, skirting boards, architraves, and window reveals. Wet areas undergo waterproofing before tiling and floor preparation begin.
Major Installations
One of the major house construction steps is focusing on all the installations. Kitchens and bathrooms take priority, with cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, wardrobes, and shelving installed. Bathroom fixtures such as basins, toilets, and shower screens are fitted. Electricians begin installing switches, lighting points, and other fixtures. The first coats of paint are typically applied during this phase.
Cost Breakdown for Fixing Stage in 2026
Interior materials and fixture quality influence cost at this stage.
| Fixing Stage Cost | 1-Storey | 2-Storey | Duplex | Triplex |
| Plastering | $8,000–$18,000 | $12,000–$35,000 | $18,000–$45,000 | $25,000–$55,000 |
| Kitchen & bathrooms | $12,000–$30,000 | $18,000–$45,000 | $28,000–$70,000 | $35,000–$90,000 |
| Flooring | $6,000–$15,000 | $10,000–$22,000 | $15,000–$30,000 | $22,000–$40,000 |
| Painting | $5,000–$12,000 | $7,000–$18,000 | $12,000–$25,000 | $18,000–$35,000 |
Disclaimer: Costs shown are estimates only and may vary by site, builder, and selections.
Practical Completion / Final Stage
The final home construction steps cover all finishing touches that prepare the home for living. This includes small but important installations that elevate functionality and aesthetics.
Final Installations
This step involves completing the final fit-off for taps, shower heads, electrical switches, and power points. Any imperfections in walls or cabinets are corrected, and the final coats of paint are applied. Flooring such as carpet, vinyl, or timber is installed to complete interior spaces.
Final Inspection & Certification
The builder conducts a final walkthrough with the homeowner to identify defects. A private certifier checks all structural and compliance elements before issuing the Occupation Certificate (OC).
Handover
Once all requirements of residential construction are met, homeowners receive their keys, manuals, warranties, and final documents.
Final Stage Cost Breakdown
These end-stage tasks ensure the home is compliant and move-in ready.
| Final Stage Cost | 1-Storey | 2-Storey | Duplex | Triplex |
| Electrical & plumbing fit-off | $2,000–$6,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$10,000 | $6,000–$14,000 |
| Fixtures & fittings | $3,000–$8,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$18,000 | $12,000–$28,000 |
| Final paint | $1,500–$4,000 | $2,000–$6,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Cleaning & detailing | $400–$1,200 | $600–$1,800 | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
Disclaimer: Costs shown are estimates only and may vary by site, builder, and selections.
Overall Building Timeline: From Planning to Handover
Building a house in phases is a long process. Below is a concise overview of how long each construction journey typically takes.
| Home Type | Typical Duration | Notes |
| Single Storey Homes | 7–10 months | Faster due to simpler structure and fewer approvals. |
| Double Storey Homes | 10–14 months | Extra time for engineering, framing, and scaffolding. |
| Duplex Homes | 12–18 months | Two dwellings require more coordination and compliance checks. |
| Triplex Homes | 14–20 months | Complex services and multi-unit approvals can extend timelines. |
Disclaimer: Timelines are approximate and may change due to weather, approvals, or supply delays.
Common delays include heavy rain, labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, incomplete documentation, and mid-build design variations.
Tips to Reduce Building Costs & Avoid Delays
While some construction challenges are unavoidable, smart planning can significantly reduce expenses and prevent delays during different home building stages.
- Lock in a fixed-price building contract to limit cost surprises
- Avoid making changes after signing the contract, as variations are expensive
- Finalise interior and exterior selections for custom homes early
- Compare multiple builder quotes and inclusion lists before committing
- Arrange independent inspections at each major stage to catch issues early
Conclusion
Understanding the different building stages empowers you to plan better, budget accurately, and maintain control throughout construction. Costs vary widely between 1-storey, 2-storey, duplex, and triplex homes, making it essential to review each stage carefully. When you communicate transparently with your builder and stay actively involved, you avoid unnecessary stress and delays. With the right preparation and clear expectations, you’ll move closer to building the dream home you’ve always envisioned.
