Before construction can begin, your home plans must be reviewed and approved by the local council. This process typically takes three months and includes:

• Planning Approval – Ensuring your home design complies with zoning laws, setbacks, and local regulations.
• Building Approval – Engineers assess structural safety and compliance with the National Construction Code.
• Additional Approvals (if required) – Bushfire zoning, flood risk assessments, or heritage overlays may add time.

Proper documentation and working with experienced professionals can help speed up this process.

Once council approval is secured, the next step is signing the building contract. This step is usually quick, taking just 24 hours, provided all documentation and agreements are in place.

If your land is already titled (registered and ready for construction), it typically takes four months from contract signing to site start. During this time, we complete important pre-construction tasks, including:

• Soil Testing & Engineering Reports – Determines the foundation type and slab design.
• Finalising Building Permits – Ensures compliance with all regulations.
• Ordering Materials & Scheduling Trades – Avoids delays once construction begins.

If your land is not yet titled, you’ll need to wait for the developer to complete subdivision works, which can add several months to your timeline.

The actual build time depends on whether you are constructing a single-storey or a double-storey home:

• Single-storey home: 7 to 8 months to key handover.
• Double-storey home: Approximately 12 months to key handover.

Once everything is approved and ready, the building process begins! The time it takes depends on whether you’re building a single-storey or double-storey home:

Stage 1: Site Preparation & Slab (1-2 Months)

• Before we start construction, the site is prepared:
• Land is cleared of debris, trees, and rocks.
• Temporary fencing is installed for safety.
• Underground plumbing and electrical services are laid.
• Concrete slab is poured and cured (hardened) over several weeks.

Stage 2: Frame Construction (1-2 Months)

With the foundation set, the structure starts taking shape:

• Timber or steel framing is erected, forming the skeleton of your home.
• Windows and door openings are framed.
• The roof trusses are installed.

For double-storey homes, this stage can take longer due to the additional structural complexity.

Stage 3: Lock-Up (1-2 Months)

At this stage, your home is starting to look real! The focus is on enclosing the structure:

• External walls are built using bricks or cladding.
• Roof, gutters, and insulation are installed.
• Windows and external doors are fitted.

Once lock-up is achieved, the home is weatherproof and protected from the elements.

Stage 4: Internal Fit-Out (2-3 Months)

Now, the interior comes to life:

• Plasterboard (gyprock) is installed on walls and ceilings.
• Electrical wiring, plumbing, and air conditioning ducts are completed.
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, tiling, and flooring are installed.
• Painting and other finishing touches are applied.

At this point, the home starts feeling liveable, but there are still final touches to be made.

Stage 5: Final Touches & Handover (1-2 Months)

The last stage ensures everything is perfect before you move in:

• Fixtures like taps, sinks, and shower screens are installed.
• Appliances (oven, cooktop, rangehood) are connected.
• A final clean is done, and the home undergoes quality inspections.
• You receive the keys and can move in!

What Factors Can Affect the Timeline?

Several factors can influence the time it takes to build your home, including:

• Weather conditions
• Material supply chain delays
• Changes to the design after construction begins
• Availability of tradespeople

Final Thoughts

While the entire process—from council approval to key handover—can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, planning ahead and working with an experienced builder like HPG Homes can help streamline the journey. If you’re ready to build your dream home in Adelaide, get in touch with us today to start the process!