The 8 stages
- Engineer, certifier, council approvals, owner-builder permit
- Site prep, demolition, raise and temporary works
- Slab and structural subfloor
- Frame, roof and external cladding (weatherproofing milestone)
- Services rough-in (electrical, plumbing, gas)
- Insulation, plasterboard, paint preparation
- Fit-off: cabinetry, fixtures, flooring, paint
- Final inspections, certifier sign-off, occupancy
The hold-point sequence
Mandatory certifier inspections sit between stages. Slab, frame, pre-line and final. Each gates the next trade. Missing one delays you a week minimum because trades book out.
Lead times that bite
- Windows: 6-10 weeks from confirmed order
- Engineered timber: 4-6 weeks
- Certifier inspections: book one week ahead, sometimes two
- Utility disconnects (raise): 4-6 weeks notice required
The mistake we made
Bringing trades on site one day early because we thought the certifier would inspect promptly. They didn't. Trades sat. The lesson: book the certifier first, build the trade calendar around their availability.
Tools
Use the Project Control System to map your specific sequence against your trades' availability.
