Most people underestimate how long building takes. From first designer meeting to keys: expect 12-24 months.
| Stage | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Designer consultation | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Concept design | 3-4 weeks | 5-6 weeks |
| Design development | 2-3 weeks | 7-9 weeks |
| Construction documentation | 3-5 weeks | 10-14 weeks |
| Building approval | 3-6 weeks | 13-20 weeks |
| Builder selection | 2-4 weeks | 15-24 weeks |
| Construction (single storey) | 6-10 months | 9-16 months |
| Construction (two storey) | 8-14 months | 11-20 months |
| Practical completion | 2-4 weeks | 12-21 months |
Realistic totals: Simple single-storey: 12-16 months. Standard two-storey: 14-20 months. Complex custom: 18-24+ months.
For a detailed look at what happens during the design stages, see our guide on working with a building designer. For approval timelines, see our guide to the Gold Coast council approval process.
Design phase: Indecision, partner disagreements, budget concerns requiring redesign, scope creep, slow feedback responses.
Construction phase: Weather (summer storms: 2-4 weeks), material supply issues, trade availability, client changes, council inspection delays.
Have a clear brief upfront. Respond to design reviews within days. Make decisions and commit. Avoid scope creep. Talk to builders during design phase. Order long-lead items early.
| Home Type | Construction Duration |
|---|---|
| Small single storey (150-180sqm) | 6-8 months |
| Standard single storey (180-250sqm) | 7-10 months |
| Two storey (200-300sqm) | 9-14 months |
| Large custom (300sqm+) | 12-18 months |
| Major renovation | 4-10 months |
For cost information by home type, see our guide on custom home building costs.
| Type | Design + Approval | Construction | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen and bathroom | 4-8 weeks | 6-10 weeks | 3-5 months |
| Rear extension | 8-12 weeks | 10-16 weeks | 5-7 months |
| Major renovation + extension | 10-16 weeks | 16-32 weeks | 7-12 months |
For renovation costs, see our complete renovation pricing guide.
No — illegal in Queensland. But start talking to builders during approval phase. See our guide on building approval vs development approval.
Minimal impact. Mild winters allow year-round construction. Summer storms cause the most delays.
Client changes during construction. Every change requires a variation costing time and money. This is why investing in thorough building design upfront is so important.
Design and approval: 3-4 months. Construction: 6-8 months. Minimum total: about 10-12 months (optimistic).
Custom home: 12-20 months from consultation to keys. The biggest thing you can do to stay on timeline is invest in thorough design decisions before construction begins.
Design Science manages the complete design-to-approval process for custom homes and renovations. Book a $280 consultation to start your timeline.
David Steadman
Licensed Builder & Building Designer
David Steadman is the founder of Design Science, a Gold Coast building design practice backed by over 30 years of hands-on construction experience. One of few Australians holding both a QBCC Builder's Licence and Building Designer licence, David brings a rare combination of design thinking and practical building knowledge to every project.
