Your stage-by-stage guide to the 7 construction phases of a house

What to expect during your new home construction journey

Building a home is an exciting adventure, but knowing what to expect can make the journey even better. At Carlisle Homes, we’re here to guide you through the stages of home building, from laying the foundations to handing over the keys to your dream home.

This blog breaks down the seven key construction phases of building your new home, giving you a clear understanding of what happens at each stage, how long it takes, and how we ensure everything is done to the highest standard.

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 Carlisle Homes delivers quality and support at every stage

Whether you’re a first-time builder or looking for a refresher, this guide will help you navigate the build process with confidence. Let’s dive in!

How long will my building journey be? 

Following the design process, the construction phase of a house typically takes between 16 to 24 weeks to complete. The exact timeline for your new home is detailed in your HIA contract, but we’ve created a rule-of-thumb new home building timeline for you. However, it's important to keep in mind that this timeframe can vary due to factors such as the complexity of your site, material availability, the scheduling of tradespeople, and even weather conditions.

While every home is unique, many homeowners wonder about the timeline through to the final stage - and the day we can walk you through your new home. With the slab poured, each of the steps to building your home can take a few weeks, depending on the scope of work. We know you'll be eager to know when construction can begin - rest assured, your Construction Supervisor will keep you informed at every step of the new home construction process.

What are the phases and 7 key stages of house construction?

Building a home involves several distinct stages, each with its own milestones. These are the same stages you’ll go through whether you’re building a new home from scratch or going through the knockdown rebuild process.

Here’s an overview of the building stages:

1. Site start
2. Base stage
3. Frame stage
4. Lock-up stage
5. Fixing stage
6. Completion stage
7. Settlement

 Let’s dive deeper into what happens in this construction phase, stage by stage.

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!

 With the help of your Carlisle Client Liaison Executive, we'll prepare your site for the start of 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)

This is called the base stage — it’s the first major milestone of the house construction phases. 

• You will receive a call from one of our Construction Supervisors to introduce themselves.
• The position of your house will be set in preparation for the concrete slab to be laid. At the same time, initial works on essential facilities, such as underground power and drains, will be completed. Construction materials will also be delivered to site.
• A qualified Building Surveyor will inspect your concrete slab before it is poured. Once the slab has been poured, the base stage is complete.
• Your first progress payment (15% of the building contract value) is now due.
• At this stage, you are welcome to book an appointment with your Construction Supervisor to inspect your home’s foundation before making the progress payment, provided the payment is made within seven days of the invoice date.

Stage 3: Frame Stage

Now, the skeleton of your home is erected, including wall frames, roof trusses, wiring, plumbing, insulation and more.  

• After the frame is completed, a qualified Building Surveyor will inspect it to ensure compliance.
• We will also conduct a thorough Quality Assurance Inspection of your home.
• Your second progress payment (30% of the contract value) is now due.
• At this stage, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment with your Construction Supervisor to inspect your home before making the progress payment, provided the payment is made within seven days of the invoice date.

Important note: There are certain components of both the lockup stage and the fixing stage of building a new home that can happen concurrently, which may mean that the lock-up and fixing stage invoices are sent to you at the same time.

Stage 4: Lockup Stage

This is a critical construction phase of the house, where it starts to take shape. At this point, the brickwork, roof tiles, external doors and the installation of the windows occurs. Not only will you get a really good sense of what the inside of your home will look like at this stage, but you will also enjoy the idea it is locked up!

• Temporary doors will be installed until the permanent ones arrive.
• This stage does not include the completion of eaves but does include rear cladding if you have a double-storey home.
• Your third progress payment (19% of the contract value) is now due.
• At this stage, you can visit the site to see your builder's progress and get a clear sense of how your home is coming together before making your payment.

Stage 5: Fixing Stage

The fixing stage in construction is where the interior of your home truly starts to come together. During this stage, tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters will begin fitting out your home. This includes things such as ceiling and wall components, as well as light fittings and fit-out. This is an exciting time as your completion date is getting closer! 

• Plaster is installed on your internal walls and ceilings, along with doors, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, and decorative detailing such as skirting boards and architraves.
• A thorough Quality Assurance Inspection of your home will be conducted at this stage.
• Your fourth progress payment (21% of the contract value) is now due.
• You are welcome to schedule an appointment with your Construction Supervisor to inspect your home before making your progress payment, provided the payment is made within seven days of the invoice date.

Friendly tip: Use our home interior visualiser to explore the many design options for your new home. 

Stage 6: Completion (fit-off)

This is the final stage of the build of your new home, and is when the finishing touches are added! 

• Painting, tiling, electrical fittings, and plumbing fixtures will be completed, along with the installation of stone benchtops (if specified), door furniture, shower screens, and mirrors.
• If you have chosen to render the exterior of your home, it will be applied during this stage.
• Toward the end of this stage, your Construction Supervisor will arrange a Practical Completion Inspection, a walk-through and presentation of all your new home’s features. During this appointment, a settlement date will also be confirmed.
• Settlement typically occurs seven to 14 days after your new home presentation.
• We will conduct a thorough Quality Assurance Inspection of your home. 
• A Building Surveyor will perform a final inspection and issue a certificate of occupancy, which will then be forwarded to you.
• Once you receive the certificate of occupancy, you will need to provide it to your financial institution (if applicable) so they can release the final payment. 

Friendly tip: You might like to browse through our interior style guides for a little bit of inspiration.

Stage 7: Settlement

You made it! Your new home is ready for you to move in!

• On the day of settlement, you will meet your Construction Supervisor at your new home for an on-site handover. They will provide you with the keys to your new home and a settlement pack containing guides to help you settle in.
• Appliances will be installed at an agreed time after settlement has taken place.
• Your final payment (10% of the contract value plus any unpaid variations) is due on the day of settlement. This amount includes the last stage payment and any outstanding variations.
• You'll be able to manage your ongoing warranty commitments for your new home through Carlisle Connect - our dedicated construction portal. Here, you can log and manage any maintenance requests for your new home. Rest assurance, the structural integrity of your new home is guaranteed with Carlisle's extensive warranty.
• Congratulations - it’s time to move in! You can now begin planning your outdoor spaces and transform the landscape around your home to suit your lifestyle.
• Within 14 days of settlement, we will contact you to answer any questions you may have.
• After settlement, use Carlisle Connect, our online portal, for seamless support in managing warranties and other post-move needs.

Important note: A bank cheque or direct deposit is required for final payment. If you make a direct deposit, please ensure the transfer is made at least two clear business days prior to settlement.

Construction of a new home is a big deal! We deliver homes, not headaches!

Building a home is a big deal, and we take that responsibility seriously. We’re not just here to build you a house — we’re here to make the whole design and construction process smooth and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect from Carlisle Homes.

• Comprehensive quality assurance inspections: Every stage of your build gets a thorough once-over to make sure it’s spot-on. From the foundation to the finishing touches, we don’t cut corners, and you’ll know everything’s built to last.
• Dedicated client support: You’ll have your own Client Liaison Executive and Construction Supervisor who’ll be with you every step of the way. No middlemen — just straight-up communication with the people getting it done.
• Award-winning designs: We’re proud to say we’ve been named Australia’s Most Professional Major Builder by the HIA. That means your home is designed with both style and smarts — functionality that works for real life.
• Industry-leading communication: We know you want to stay in the loop. That’s why we keep you updated through our Carlisle Connect Portal every step of the way. Here, you'll be able to access personalised progress updates, site visits, appointments, invoices, staff details and clear timelines. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next.
• Advanced construction practices: We use top-quality construction materials and modern techniques to make sure your home is built to stand the test of time (and whatever the kids throw at it!).
• Ongoing support after handover: Moving in is just the start. With our Carlisle Home Care app, we’re still here for you long after the keys are handed over — helping with warranty management and anything else you need.

The journey of constructing a home is filled with exciting milestones, and Carlisle Homes is with you every step of the way. Have a peek at our customer reviews, and you’ll see that from the first pour to the final handing over of your keys, our commitment to excellence ensures your home’s construction process exceeds your expectations. 

Let’s build something incredible together.

Frequently asked questions about the stages of building a home

How long from the fixing stage to completion?

The timeline from the fixing stage of construction to the completion stage can vary depending on the scope of work and the specifics of your home. Typically, this phase takes about 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, tradespeople focus on finishing the interior with tasks like plastering, cabinetry, and installing skirting boards, which is followed by the final touches like painting and electrical fittings. Your Construction Supervisor will keep you updated so you’ll know exactly when to expect completion.

What is the fixing stage in building?

The fixing stage in home building is when your home’s interior starts to take shape. This is the stage where tradespeople get to work fitting out internal elements like walls, ceilings, doors, cabinetry, and decorative detailing such as skirting boards and architraves. It’s also the phase where kitchen and bathroom fixtures begin to be installed, giving your home its character. This stage is all about making your house feel like a home.

What is the hardest stage in building a house?

The hardest stage in building a house often depends on the complexity of the project, but for many, it’s the initial groundwork during the base stage. This phase involves preparing the site and laying the foundation, which requires precise planning and execution to ensure everything is structurally sound. It can also be challenging to coordinate this stage if there are unexpected factors like adverse weather or site complications. Thankfully, with a reliable team like Carlisle Homes, these challenges are managed seamlessly.

What part of the house takes the longest to build?

The frame stage and fixing stage of construction can take the longest to build, depending on the size and complexity of your home. The frame stage involves erecting the skeleton of the house, including walls and roof trusses, which sets the structure for everything else. The fixing stage, on the other hand, includes intricate interior work like plastering and cabinetry, which requires precision and attention to detail. Together, these stages are pivotal in ensuring your home is solid and beautifully finished.

What is the most expensive phase of building a house?

The most expensive phase of building a house is typically the finishing stage, also known as the completion phase. This is where the finer details come into play — tiling, painting, electrical and plumbing fixtures, stone benchtops, and other customisations. These elements add polish and personality to your home but can also be costly, depending on the materials and finishes you choose. With Carlisle Homes, you have a range of options to suit your style and budget while ensuring top-notch quality — use our mortgage refinance calculator to plan your budget.