Blog / Home building
How long does it take to build a new home?
7 Stages of a Home Build, and How Long Each Takes
Most new homes in Darwin take around 8 to 12 months from slab to handover, plus time for design, finance and approvals beforehand. The wet season, material supply and the complexity of the design are the biggest factors.
The 7 stages, start to finish
- Design, quote and contract. Around 1 to 3 months.
- Finance and approvals. Around 1 to 3 months.
- Site preparation and slab. Around 3 to 6 weeks.
- Frame and roof. Around 4 to 8 weeks.
- Lock up and fixing. Around 6 to 10 weeks.
- Fit out and finishes. Around 8 to 12 weeks.
- Final inspections and handover. Around 2 to 4 weeks.
These are typical ranges. Your builder should give you a schedule for your own build.
5 things that can slow a build down
- Wet season rain and storms
- Approval or finance delays
- Supply chain delays for windows, trusses and fittings
- Variations and design changes mid build
- Trade availability
How to keep it on track
Finalise your selections early, avoid late changes and ask for a written schedule. A good builder gives you stage by stage updates, so you always know where the job is up to.
Frequently asked questions
Does a smaller home build faster?
Usually, but complexity matters as much as size.
What is a realistic handover date?
Your builder should give you a date range in the contract and explain the allowances for weather.