How long does it take to build a house?

On average, the design and consenting stage for a standard house takes approximately 6 months and then the construction stage 12 months. This can vary a lot based on factors such as the design, location and size of the house and the complexity of the resource and building consent. Below is a breakdown of the stages you can expect to move through when designing and building your home.

1) Design & Consenting 

6 months. This includes designing your home and obtaining all necessary reports from consultants such as planners, engineers, and surveyors. It also includes applying for Resource Consent (if required) and Building Consent.

2) Site Preparation

3- 5 weeks. Depending on the ground condition, the slope of the site, size of your home, and ease of access. If your site needs lots of retaining and lots of earthworks then this might take longer.

3) Foundations

4-6 weeks. Depending again on the site, the foundation type and ground condition.

4) Framing, Cladding & Roofing

3-4 months. This includes the walls, framing and roof structure of the home plus cladding, roofing and windows.

5) Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC

Plumbers and electricians come and go throughout the build as they are needed. For example, the electrician will come to site to ‘pre-wire’ which is where the wiring is installed in the walls before the wall linings are installed. The electrician will then come back again to install the fixtures and outlets.

6) Interior Finishing

2-3 months. This depends on the size of the house and materials used. This includes installing the interior wall linings, flooring, tiling, cabinetry, electrical fittings, plumbing fittings and painting.

7) Exterior Finishing

2-3 months. Generally this happens at the same time as the interior finishing and includes any exterior painting or staining, exterior plumbing, light fittings and decks.

8) Final Inspections and Landscaping

1-2 months. The council will carry out their final inspections. Any required fencing and driveways will need to be completed prior to obtaining the Certificate of Code Compliance and then you can work away at your exterior landscaping at your own pace once you’re all moved in!