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The Real Timeline of Building a House in NSW

December 15, 2021 5 min read By Rajesh Patel, Senior Site Supervisor

The honest timeline of building a home in NSW is longer than most owners expect. Here is what really happens.

Month 1-2: Discovery

Find a builder, walk display homes, get initial quotes. Decide on tier (project, custom, or somewhere between).

Month 3-5: Design and selections

Architectural drawings, BASIX, NATHERS, engineering. Make every selection: facade, floor plan modifications, kitchen, bathrooms, fixtures, fittings.

Month 5-6: Contract and finance

Final contract review with lawyer. Bank finance approved. Contract signed. Deposit paid.

Month 6-10: Approvals

CDC: 8 to 10 weeks. DA: 12 to 30 weeks. While waiting, finalise any remaining selections.

Month 10-12: Pre-construction

Council requirements addressed. Construction Certificate issued. Site prepared. Demolition (if KDR). Slab pour.

Month 12-22: Construction

Stages: slab, frame, lockup, rough-in, fixing, finishing. Typically 8 to 11 months from slab to handover.

Month 22-24: Handover

Final inspection, defects rectification, Occupation Certificate, keys.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers

From first builder meeting to keys: 12 to 18 months for a standard new build. Construction itself is 8 to 11 months. The other time is design, approvals and pre-construction.
Approvals are usually the longest variable. DA can take 12 to 30 weeks depending on council. CDC takes 6 to 10 weeks. Construction stages are more predictable.
Choose CDC pathway where eligible (saves 8 to 16 weeks). Lock in design and selections before contract. Don't make changes during build. Use a builder with proven scheduling discipline.
Standard NSW contracts include liquidated damages clauses (per-day compensation for late delivery) and adverse weather extensions (1.5 days per weather day). Confirm these are in your contract.
Start the builder conversation 9 to 12 months before you need to move in. This allows time for design, approvals and a comfortable construction schedule.

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