Whether you are building a family home or a commercial space, knowing the stages of a project helps you plan your budget, ask the right questions and hold your contractor accountable.
1. Site assessment
Before any design work, the site is inspected: access, soil conditions, drainage and the documents for the land. Problems found here are far cheaper to solve than problems found during construction.
2. Design and drawings
Your brief becomes architectural drawings, followed by structural and services (electrical, plumbing) designs. This is the right time to make changes — every change after construction starts costs more.
3. Approvals
Building plans are submitted for approval to the relevant planning authority. A good contractor will guide you through what is required in your state.
4. Bill of quantities and schedule
A detailed bill of quantities turns the drawings into materials, labour and cost. Together with a written schedule, it becomes the baseline you can measure progress against.
5. Construction
Work moves through foundations, frame, roofing, services and finishing. Expect regular progress reports with photos, and site inspections at key milestones.
6. Handover
Before handover there is a final inspection and a snag list of anything to fix. You should receive the as-built drawings, warranties and maintenance guidance for the building.
Planning a project? Request a construction quotation and our team will arrange a site assessment.