Key Factors Influencing Time to Site for Your New Build

When it comes to building a new home, one of the most common questions we get asked is, “How long will it take to get to site?” Naturally, when deciding to build, you want this to unfold quickly but experience shows that things don’t always go as planned – and rushing the process doesn’t always lead to the best outcomes.

It’s important to understand that timelines can vary significantly depending on the builder. Experienced and reputable builders will offer realistic timelines, while others may tell you what they think you want to hear. Some might even underestimate the requirements, especially when knockdown rebuilds are involved, or try to fit you into rigid design solutions just to meet their deadlines. In areas where knockdown rebuilds are common, getting to site in under six months is rare, and if full Town Planning approval is needed, it could take closer to a year—or even longer.

To help you better anticipate your timeline, we’ve outlined some key factors that can influence how long it takes to get to site.

1. Customer Decision-Making

During the design and build process, you will face numerous decisions that require timely action. It’s really important you understand what’s required from you and when, so you can respond promptly – whether that means seeking guidance from your team, making choices, or taking specific actions.

Delays in decision making, especially in the early stages, can have a significant impact on your project’s timeline. Additionally, changing your mind later in the process can lead to rework, further extending the timeline. Each decision should be carefully considered to avoid unnecessary delays and extra costs.

A key element tied to decision-making is your budget. Many of the reworks we see stem from clients exceeding their initial budget. To prevent this, it’s essential to assess your budget from the outset and prioritise the elements of your home that matter most. By doing so, you can stay within your budget while still achieving the best possible outcome for your project.

Trust the process, work with your team and be ready to make informed decisions when needed.

2. Custom Design and Architecture

Building a custom-designed home is a very exciting process and one that will take time as we turn your vision into a reality. However, there are a lot more steps involved as you work with the architect who will resolve all orientation and block features, regulatory considerations and find opportunities to craft a beautiful outcome perfectly shaped for your family.

During this process, you can expect that there will be a number of iterations as you both work together to fine-tune aspects and balance aesthetics with functionality.

3. Interior Design and Style Selection Process

Collaborating closely with our Interior Designers on selections for your home is an essential and exciting stage and investing time in this process is well worth it to achieve a beautiful final result. The Selections Stage is conducted prior to your final Tender and involves discussing your vision, choosing materials, colours and finishes that reflect your personal style.

Once complete your choices are all included within your Tender, ensuring accurate pricing while avoiding unexpected costs for variations later on. Timely decisions for your selections help us prepare your Tender quickly, so we can move to the next stage. By minimising changes later on, we can efficiently transition from design to construction, ensuring your vision is seamlessly integrated into the build and budget.

4. Town Planning and Dispensations

Town planning and/or building dispensations are common within the knock-down rebuild environment. Meeting regulatory conditions is a crucial part of the building process, whether you’re dealing with site specific requirements like flood overlays, tree protection zones, or setback regulations. Depending on the overlays and specific council regulations, the duration of this process can vary significantly, ranging from two months to twelve.

Working with a builder like Thomas Archer, who has in-depth expertise with council regulations, greatly benefits the approval process. Our experience in navigating requirements ensures we address issues upfront to streamline the approval process.

Additionally, careful architectural planning and adopting a ‘design to comply’ mentality from the start will assist this process move through as swiftly as possible. Depending on your site and council, engaging a Planning Consultant can also help progress your permits more efficiently.

5. Protection Works Notices

Protection works notices are common if you plan to build close to property boundaries. Neighbours can prolong this process by raising concerns, which can lead to additional inspections and modifications to your plans. Being proactive and maintaining open communication with your neighbours can help avoid these potential delays.

6. Building Permit Application Process

Obtaining a building permit is essential for every build and can take time due to the various checks and approvals – and as a client, your active involvement is crucial. To keep the process moving we encourage you to work closely with your Project Co-ordinator. They will help guide you through the essential and necessary documentation you will need such as engineering reports and compliance certificates ensuring everything is accurate and on time.

Having complete and correct documentation at this stage is key to avoiding delays. By staying engaged and collaborating with your Project Co-ordinator is the best way to streamline this important stage within the process.

7. Land Preparation

As the homeowner, there will be a number of things you will need to undertake to help prepare the land in preparation for construction. Your builder will provide you with a list of items to work through and typically this would include:

• Ensuring an underground power pit has been installed if it doesn’t already exist.

• Cancellation of services (gas & power) to the existing house.

• Providing suitable notice for tenants to vacate.

• Demolition of the existing dwelling with asbestos clearance certification when advised by your Project Co-ordinator.

• Obtaining sign-off from adjoining neighbours for items like fence removal; and/or protection works.

• Removal of tree/s or pruning of tree/s if required.

• Installing a pool (if planned).

• Finance Approval / Proof of Funds.

Having things like this taken care of well before construction is essential to start building.

With extensive experience in navigating council regulations, site requirements and the selections process, we guide our clients through every step of the journey. By collaborating with a trusted builder like us, you'll gain greater clarity, transparency and confidence in your home's completion timeline. This approach paves the way for a successful new home build that perfectly reflects your vision and lifestyle.

At Thomas Archer, we've spent years refining our building process to deliver homes of the highest standards—on time and within your budget. For more information or to speak with one of our Design Consultants, contact us at info@thomasarcher.com.au