There are a lot of variables that contribute to the length of time it takes to build a home. The complexity of the build, the type of land your home will be built on, the area where the home is being built and the level of specification will affect the building timeline. Custom homes can take longer to complete than project homes, while kit homes typically can be completed in a few months.
While knowing what to expect when building may not speed up the process, it goes a long way in making your building experience an enjoyable one.
Here are 5 key factors that contribute to how long it takes to build a house in Western Australia.
1. Permits and Preliminary work Before a builder can start building your home, the land needs to be prepared. If the land is vacant unwanted trees, rocks and rubble need to be removed. If existing building or part of a building needs to be demolished, this all needs to take place before the earthworks for the new build can begin. Excavation and demolition works can at times have delays due to unforeseen issues that may be found under the ground or behind old walls. Delays such as these can be difficult to predict.
Design approvals and building permits can also cause delays. Local government authorities each have their own guidelines to follow when a home design is submitted for approval. In particular, if your home requires design approval before a building permit can be obtained the process can take longer than expected.
2. Location Where your home will be built, has an effect on building timeframes. If you build a home in a relatively easy to access part of the Perth Metro area, the building process can be faster than in a remote or rural area. That being said a house built in the metro area can take longer to build if it is located in hard to access location. Building projects in well built up areas or at the rear of existing buildings can have their own delays due to difficulties in storing materials on site or getting materials and trades on to site.
Rain can also have a significant effect on building timelines, some locations can be more prone to rain then others. Due to the nature of some building processes, they cannot be carried out in wet weather.
3. Availability of Sub-contractors and Supplies The construction industry has its busy times and its quiet times. Traditionally the summer time or right before Christmas can be busy and sub-contractors can be hard to get. At times during building booms, construction timelines can increase dramatically. Good quality trades are always in high demand, and can be booked well in advance. So you might find your new home’s construction delayed while waiting for the necessary labour to be available. 4. Changing the Plan
There will always be times during the construction process, when you will have to make decisions that could affect how long it takes to complete your home. Good communication between you and your builder will be essential to minimise delays when changes occur. 5. Building Design The type of design your choose for your home will influence construction times. Custom built homes average 10 to 16 months depending on the complexity and size of the home being constructed. Custom home builders tend to be more focused on customer service and the quality of your home. This attention to detail can at times increase the overall timeline of a project.
Project builders use house designs that have been built many times before. Choosing a standard floor plan from a project builder can speed up the building process, because it eliminates any variations that the builder will need to work out. Project builders are generally focused on building fast as they work on low profit margins, customer service is often sacrificed to achieve faster build times, and this can at times effect the overall quality of your home. So what can you do to make sure the construction of your new home is as painless as possible?
Communication is the key! You should choose a building company with a reputation for honesty and integrity. One that prides itself on providing you with a professional, yet personal service with a high level of communication. A builder that will work closely with you on that first concept design, right through the building process, and that will provide you with ongoing support after completion.
Equilibrium Homes specialise in individually designed single and double storey homes as well as custom renovations. We provide all our clients with a personalised building experience that is stress-free and enjoyable. We make your dreams a reality.
As Perth’s leading custom home builder we strive to achieve the highest standard in every home we build. It is our attention to detail, as well as a high level of communication with our clients throughout every project that makes Equilibrium Homes your first choice.
Call us today on 0402 222 152 and we can begin to make your dreams a reality.