What’s Involved in Building a New Home? A Step-by-Step Guide to the Construction Process
April 7, 2025
If you’re thinking about building a new home, it’s important to understand exactly what’s involved in the construction process. While it can feel overwhelming at first, having a clear picture of each stage helps you feel confident, informed, and ready for the exciting journey ahead.
In this guide, we’ll give you a straightforward, step-by-step overview of the home-building process in New Zealand, so you know exactly what to expect from foundation to handover.
Step-by-Step: The New Home Construction Process
Here’s a clear breakdown of each key phase involved in building your home, from start to finish:
1. Foundation Preparation and Pouring
The first step of the construction process involves laying your home’s foundations. Our foundation team arrives on-site, clearly marks out the foundation boundaries, and prepares the ground. Then, concrete is poured and carefully levelled, forming a strong, stable slab that supports your entire home.
2. Frames and Trusses Go Up
After the foundation sets, our building team arrives to erect the structural timber framing of your home. The frames and roof trusses create the skeleton of the house, defining its shape, layout, and structure.
3. Roofing Installation and Weatherproofing
Once framing is complete, the roofing team installs your roof, including iron sheets and flashings. This crucial step ensures your home is weather-tight, protecting the structure from the elements.
4. Exterior Joinery: Windows and Doors Installed
With your home weatherproof, our builders install external joinery—your windows and doors. At this stage, the building is fully enclosed, making it secure and weather-tight.
5. Interior Lining (Gib Installation)
Next, attention turns indoors. Your walls and ceilings are lined with plasterboard (often called ‘Gib’). This internal lining creates the surfaces for painting, decorating, and finishing.
6. Interior Painting and Finishing
Once lining is complete, our painting team arrives. They apply the interior paint colours you’ve specifically chosen for your home, bringing your interior design to life.
7. Kitchens, Flooring, and Interior Fit-Out
After painting, your kitchen, flooring, and interior fit-out teams take over. This stage includes:
- Kitchen cabinetry and benchtops installation
- Flooring installation (carpet, tiles, timber, or vinyl)
- Electrical and lighting installations
- Plumbing fittings and fixtures (bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry)
- Finishing touches to ensure your home matches your exact specifications
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Typically, the home-building process from foundations to completion takes around five to six months. Throughout this period, we’ll keep you updated weekly, ensuring you’re always aware of the progress and any adjustments to the timeline.
Staying Informed: Communication is Key
We understand that building a new home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. At every step, from foundation to final handover, you’ll receive regular updates. Transparent communication ensures you’re never left wondering what’s happening next, giving you peace of mind throughout the entire build process.
Ready to Build?
If you’re ready to start the journey of building your new home or still have questions, our friendly team at Today Homes is here to guide you. We’ll ensure you’re fully informed, confident, and excited about every step from start to finish.