What are the Five Stages of Construction?
After all your planning, the day will (finally!) arrive when you’re ready to start the build on your new home. Most building contracts will usually specify five distinct stages of construction.
Your building contract should specify these stages and what your builder expects to be paid on completion of each. If you are using a construction loan, completion of each stage will correspond with the progressive draw down of your loan.
The percentage that you pay at each stage is set out by the consumer affairs department in your state or territory. You should never pay for work that isn’t completed or pay more than the amounts agreed with your lender.
Every building contract and construction loan is likely to be different, but let’s assume that you’ve paid your builder a 5% deposit. Here’s how the rest of your contract (and your loan) may be spent
Stage 1
Base or Slab 10% of total contract.
This is the laying of the concrete slab and foundations on which your home will be built.
Work will usually include:
– installing protective fencing, clearing vegetation, excavation or levelling, pegging out foundations
– slab piering and form work, including waterproofing and any insulation specified
– installing any plumbing or electrical pipes and outlets that will run through the slab
– building retaining walls if required
Stage 3
Lock up 35% of total contract.
By now your home will be starting to take shape, but there’s still plenty to be done. Don’t get too excited just yet.
Work will usually include:
– window installation
– roof insulation and cladding
– completion of brickwork
– external walls and fascia boards
– eaves and gutters
– external doors fitted (may be temporary) to ensure site can be secured.
Stage 5
Completion 15% of the Contract.
You’re almost there. This last push adds the finishing touches that will make your house your home
Work will usually include:
– – interior and exterior paintwork completed
– kitchen completed
– shower screen installation
– all doors fitted.
Stage 2
Frame and Brickwork 15% of total contract
Once the slab has cured, framework can begin. Think of it as the skeleton that provides structural strength for your home. Generally, lightweight, pre-fabricated timber or steel frames are used
Once the basic frame is in place, work will usually include:
– roof trusses
– fitting of electrical cables and pipes that will sit behind walls
– plumbing connections from hot water system to taps
– gas lines installation.
Stage 4
Fixings 20% of the Contract
This is when your builder focuses on the interior, taking it from a rough shell towards the home you’re eagerly awaiting.
Work will usually include:
– insulation
– plasterboard (or other finish) for walls and ceilings
– cornices, skirting boards and architraves
– internal doors and window sills
– waterproofing bathroom, kitchen and laundry wet areas
– framework for kitchen, bathroom and laundry cupboards
– baths, bathroom vanities, basins, sinks and showers
– floor and wall tiling where specified, followed by taps
– kitchen appliances installed and connected.
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