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Building your dream home is an exciting journey, like creating a special project filled with care and although it might seem complicated, don’t worry. An experienced home builder Brisbane can make the planning process smooth, allowing you to sit back and watch your dream home take shape. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the main steps involved in building a new home in Australia. This will help you prepare for your own home-building adventure.
Pre-Construction and Planning: The Foundation of Your Vision
The initial stage of building a house unfolds during the pre-construction phase, where the groundwork for your dream home begins. Collaborating closely with your builder, you’ll finalise details regarding the land, floor plan, and any desired modifications. A meeting with the builder’s design team ensues, where choices about colours, fittings, fixtures, and other intricate details are made. Once your design is perfected, a deposit is made and the home builder commences obtaining approvals to initiate construction. Typically, this phase spans 4-6 weeks, contingent upon the design’s complexity and a 5% deposit is paid in accordance with Housing Industry Association (HIA) regulations.
Foundations: Laying the Groundwork
Base work entails preparing your site for construction. This includes activities like tree clearing, excavation, levelling, underground service installations, and more. After site preparation, the concrete slab is poured and additional footings are completed. This phase generally spans 1-3 weeks with complex raised footings or sloped blocks potentially requiring more time. A 15% progress payment is made, aligning with HIA guidelines.
Framing: Building the Skeleton
The framework of a new home begins to take shape as walls are marked, determining the placement of windows, doors, posts, and load-bearing beams. A skilled framing team is then tasked with constructing and erecting the frames which are subsequently squared off for inspection by a building surveyor. Typically, the framing phase spans 3-4 weeks, though external factors such as weather conditions can impact the timeline. The utilisation of prefabricated frames may expedite the process. A 20% progress payment is in accordance with HIA regulations.
Lock-Up: Weatherproofing Your Haven
Lock-up concentrates on making your home weatherproof before internal work commences. External elements such as bricks, cladding, roofing materials, windows, doors, and gutters are installed.
Once the exterior elements are secured, attention turns to selecting materials. When considering cladding options, cultured stone products offer a natural and timeless appeal, while also providing excellent insulation and weather resistance compared to traditional materials like vinyl siding. Similarly, when it comes to windows, homeowners often weigh the pros and cons of materials such as vinyl and aluminum. While vinyl windows offer energy efficiency and low maintenance, aluminum windows boast durability and sleek design, catering to different preferences and requirements.
Licensed tradespeople also execute rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Anything essential for securing your home and weatherproofing it is addressed in this stage. This phase typically takes around 4 weeks and a 25% progress payment is made as per HIA guidelines.
Adjusting Stage: Adding the Essentials
The adjusting stage encompasses the installation of major features in your home. This involves plastering walls and ceilings, and installing skirting boards, cornices, kitchen cabinetry, and flooring. Waterproofing for wet areas is also conducted during this phase and completion is signified by a building inspector’s approval. Typically, the fixing stage requires 2-3 weeks, with a 20% progress payment aligning with HIA guidelines.
Fit-Off Point: Adding the Finishing Touches
The fit-off point involves the meticulous addition of finishing details to your home. From tapware and shelving to tiling and finalising benchtops, this phase applies the final touches. Plumbing and electrical installations are also fine-tuned during this stage. Like the adjusting stage, it requires a building inspector’s approval and spans 2-3 weeks and a 20% progress payment follows HIA regulations.
Practical Completion Inspection: Approaching the Finish Line
With most of the work complete, a practical completion inspection (PCI) is scheduled. During the PCI, your builder will guide you through the house, showcasing its fittings and fixtures. Any defects or non-functioning fixtures are noted and addressed by your builder before handover. Rectifying issues identified during the inspection can take 2-8 weeks, depending on material availability and trade availability and a final payment of 15% is made as per HIA guidelines.
Final Handover: Your Dream Home Completed
With the final payment pending, you’ll receive the keys to your new home from your builder. It usually takes another 1-2 weeks before you can move in and begin settling into your new home.
Post-Construction Assurance: Embracing Quality Assurance
While the construction phase concludes, responsible home builders typically offer post-construction assurance. This assurance typically lasts between 3-12 months and serves as a safeguard. You can call upon your builder during this period to address any issues or defects.
Familiarise yourself with your contractual rights and don’t hesitate to contact your builder should any repairs or fixes be needed. Your new home may be complete, but your builder’s commitment to your satisfaction endures.
In the process of building your dream home, each stage plays a crucial role in creating the home you’ve envisioned. A skilled builder, much like a conductor, manages all the details, turning your vision into reality. From planning to the final handover, this journey reflects your dreams and the expertise of your Brisbane home builders. After moving in, post-construction care ensures your satisfaction. May your new home be a harmonious reflection of your aspirations, where your life’s journey unfolds. Welcome home!
