Building a home is an exciting journey, and understanding what to expect along the way can make the experience even more rewarding. At Melbourne Homes, we’re here to guide you through every stage of construction — from preparing the site to handing over the keys to your brand-new home.
This blog breaks down the seven key construction stages, giving you clarity around what happens at each phase, how long it typically takes, and how we ensure quality workmanship throughout the build.
What you’ll find in this blog:
- How long the construction phase takes, and what factors can affect the timeline
- A breakdown of the seven construction phases, from site start to settlement
- How Melbourne Homes delivers quality and support at every stage
Whether you’re building for the first time or simply want a clearer understanding of the process, this guide will help you approach your build with confidence. Let’s get started.
How long will my building journey be?
Once the design and approvals are complete, the construction phase of a home typically takes around 16 to 24 weeks. Your specific timeframe will be outlined in your contract, and while we provide a general building timeline as a guide, it’s important to note that timelines can vary.
Factors such as site conditions, weather, material availability, and trade scheduling can all influence how long construction takes. Every home is unique, but once your slab is poured, each stage usually progresses over several weeks depending on the scope of work.
We understand how exciting it is to see your home come to life. Your Construction Supervisor will keep you informed throughout the build, so you’ll always know what’s happening and what’s coming next.
What are the seven stages of home construction?
Whether you’re building a brand-new home or completing a knockdown rebuild, the construction process follows the same key stages:
- Site start
- Base stage
- Frame stage
- Lock-up stage
- Fixing stage
- Completion stage
- Settlement
Let’s explore each stage in more detail.
Stage 1: Site Start
Congratulations, now that you’ve completed the design and planning of your new home, it’s now time to start construction!
- Once this first stage is complete, we’ll arrange for an excavator to level your land in preparation for laying the concrete slab.
- You’ll also receive a letter confirming that the construction stage has officially begun.
Then it’s time to begin construction!
Stage 2: Base Stage (Concrete Slab Stage)
The base stage marks the first major construction milestone.
- Your Construction Supervisor will contact you to introduce themselves
- The position of your home is set out
- Underground services such as power and drainage are installed
- Building materials are delivered to site
- A registered Building Surveyor inspects the slab before it’s poured
Once the slab is complete, the base stage is finished.
- Your first progress payment (15%) is now due
You’re welcome to inspect the slab with your Construction Supervisor before payment (payment due within seven days of invoice)
Stage 3: Frame Stage
This is when the structure of your home takes shape.
- Wall frames, roof trusses, plumbing, wiring, and insulation are installed
- A Building Surveyor inspects the completed frame
- A comprehensive Quality Assurance Inspection is carried out
- Your second progress payment (30%) is now due
- You may inspect the frame with your Construction Supervisor prior to payment
Note: Some elements of the lock-up and fixing stages may overlap, which can result in invoices being issued at the same time.
Stage 4: Lockup Stage
Your home now starts to look like a house.
- Brickwork, roof tiles, windows, and external doors are installed
- Temporary doors may be used until permanent ones arrive
- Rear cladding is completed on double-storey homes
While eaves are not finished at this stage, your home is now secure.
- Your third progress payment (19%) is now due
You’re welcome to visit the site to view progress before payment
Stage 5: Fixing Stage
This is where the interior really comes together.
- Internal plaster, doors, cabinetry, skirting boards, and architraves are installed
- Plumbing and electrical fit-off begins
- A full Quality Assurance Inspection is completed
- Your fourth progress payment (21%) is now due
- You may inspect your home with your Construction Supervisor before payment
Stage 6: Completion (fit-off)
The final touches are added during this stage.
- Painting, tiling, electrical fittings, plumbing fixtures, mirrors, shower screens, and door hardware are installed
- Stone benchtops (if selected) are fitted
- External rendering is completed if included
Toward the end of this stage:
- Your Construction Supervisor will conduct a Practical Completion Inspection
- Your settlement date will be confirmed
- A final Quality Assurance Inspection is completed
- A Building Surveyor issues the Certificate of Occupancy
Settlement usually occurs 7–14 days after your new home presentation.
Stage 7: Settlement
You’ve made it — your home is ready!
- Meet your Construction Supervisor on site for key handover
- Receive your keys and a settlement pack with helpful guides
- Appliances are installed at an agreed time after settlement
- Your final payment (10% plus any variations) is due on settlement day
Congratulations — it’s time to move in and start making your new house a home.
Construction of a new home is a big deal! We deliver homes, not headaches!
Building a home is a major milestone, and at Melbourne Homes, we take that responsibility seriously. We’re not just building houses — we’re delivering a smooth, supported experience from start to finish.
What you can expect from Melbourne Homes:
- Comprehensive quality checks at every stage
- Dedicated support, with a Client Liaison Executive and Construction Supervisor by your side
- Award-winning designs that balance style and functionality
- Clear communication including updates, invoices, and timelines
- Modern construction practices using high-quality materials
- Ongoing support after handover, including warranty assistance
From site start to settlement, we’re committed to exceeding expectations and delivering a home you’ll love for years to come.
Let’s build something incredible together.
Frequently asked questions
How long from the fixing stage to completion?
Typically, the period from fixing stage to completion takes around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your home.
What is the fixing stage?
The fixing stage is when the interior fittings are installed — walls, ceilings, cabinetry, doors, and decorative details. It’s when your home really begins to feel like yours.
What is the hardest stage of building?
For many builds, the base stage can be the most challenging due to site conditions and weather variables. With Melbourne Homes, these challenges are carefully managed by experienced professionals.
What part of the house takes the longest to build?
The frame and fixing stages often take the longest, as they involve detailed structural and interior work.
What is the most expensive phase of building a house?
The completion stage is typically the most expensive, as it includes finishes like tiling, fixtures, benchtops, and custom selections. Melbourne Homes offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets while maintaining quality.
