Home Builder Finder

Construction Process

Home Builder Finder

Building a home in Western Australia typically involves several key stages, with most homes being constructed using double brick. Understanding each step of the process will help you navigate your home building journey.

This marks the start of the Construction phase, where the builder prepares the land for the foundation.
Earthworks
  • The site is excavated, levelled, and prepped for the foundation.

  • Drainage systems are also prepared to ensure proper water management around the house.
Footing and Foundations
  • Depending on the soil and site conditions, concrete footings are laid to support the foundation.

  • Once footings are completed, the concrete slab is poured to form the foundation of your home.

After the site is prepared, the slab is poured, which serves as the base foundation for your home.


The slab is allowed to cure usually for approx. 2 weeks to ensure it cures correctly.


The plumbing services are also laid out prior to the slab pour.

In Western Australia, double brick construction is the most common method for building homes. Once the slab has cured the bricks are delivered and spread across the slab and site.
  • Bricklayers build the external double brick walls, which form both the structural and aesthetic framework of the house. These double brick walls consist of two layers: an outer layer for weather resistance and an inner layer for structural support.

  • The internal walls may also be constructed with brick, though in some cases, internal walls could be made with other materials, such as plasterboard.

  • Steel lintels (supports above doors and windows) are installed, along with window and door frames.
At this stage, the home starts to take shape, and you can see the layout of the rooms clearly.
Once the brickwork is complete, the roof structure and roof cover are installed to seal the home.
Roof Framework and Cover
  • The roof frame is constructed, usually out of timber, although steel is also common for some builders.

  • Following the frame is the installation of roof tiles or Colorbond sheets. This step ensures that the house is weatherproof and protects the interior from the elements.
The house is now at the lock-up stage, where it is secure and can be “locked up.”
Windows and Doors
  • The external windows and doors are installed, along with any necessary external cladding. This seals the home from outside weather conditions and provides security.
Plumbing and Electrical Rough-In:
  • Plumbing pipes and electrical wiring are run through the walls and ceilings. This is known as the rough-in stage, where the essential services are installed but not yet completed.
Once the house is at lock-up and secure, work begins on the internal finishes.
Plastering and Ceilings:
  • The internal walls are plastered or lined with plasterboard to create a smooth finish. The ceiling is also installed and finished.
Cabinetry and Tiling:
  • Cabinets for the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry are installed. Tiling work begins in areas like the bathrooms and kitchen splashbacks.
Flooring:
  • The selected flooring materials, such as tiles, carpets, or timber, are laid throughout the house.
Final Electrical and Plumbing Fit-Out:
  • The final electrical and plumbing fixtures, such as light switches, power outlets, sinks, taps, and toilets, are installed during this stage.

At this stage majority of the work is complete and ready for your inspection.

Practical Completion Inspection (PCI):
  • You’ll meet with the builder to inspect the home and ensure that everything has been completed to your satisfaction. A defects list is created if any minor issues need to be fixed.

  • There will usually be a 2-week timeframe for the builder to rectify the defects listed through the inspection. However, it is a good idea to confirm this timeframe with them.

After any defects are addressed, it’s time for handover, when you officially take possession of your new home.
Final Payment and Handover:
  • You’ll make the final payment to the builder, and the keys to your new home will be handed over. You’ll also receive warranties and documentation related to the building process.

Even after handover, there is often a maintenance period, this will vary with some builders however usually at the 3-6 month mark to allow your new home to settle. It is important to list any cracking or minor defects noticed during this period so that you can raise them with your builder to address.
Pre-Start
Learning Centre