Have you ever looked at a stunning luxury home and wondered how long it took to build? The answer might surprise you. Behind every beautiful custom home lies a complex timeline filled with careful decisions and multiple stages.
Your custom home requires more time and planning than a standard build because every element gets customised specifically for you. At Begbie Bentham, we’ve guided clients through parts of the custom home process, helping them avoid stress by setting realistic expectations.
In this guide, we’ll give you a clear view of the full luxury build timeline. We’ll walk through what each phase involves, what might slow things down, and how to keep your project moving smoothly.
Your journey to that dream home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Read on to learn what to expect.
Custom Home Process: What Happens Before Building Starts?
Before the first brick is laid, you’ll need to acquire land, develop concepts in detail, obtain council approvals, and refine your final designs. Understanding this sequence from the start helps you make informed decisions and stay in control of your build experience.
This phase for luxury construction follows a different pace. We’ll need to customise every element, source premium materials (like hand-picked European oak or natural stone from specific quarries), get every detail right, and select each trade for their expertise. That kind of quality requires thoughtful planning from both of us.
The early planning phase can take just as long as construction itself. You’ll typically wait three to nine months before we set foot on your site with tools.
During this time, it may look like nothing’s happening. But behind the scenes, we’ll be developing your drawings, progressing your paperwork, and working with you to make important decisions for your project.
Let’s be honest. You probably expected work to start straight after signing your contract. In reality, we can’t move forward without approval on permits and specifications.
Construction Stages: Step-by-Step to Completion
With your planning complete, construction can finally begin. Construction progresses in four main stages over 10-18 months, but here’s the catch: any delays during those initial 3-9 months of planning will push everything back.
Let’s walk through your build and identify what deserves your closest attention.
Step 1: Site Prep and Base Stage (4-6 weeks)
The first phase of the build sets the physical foundation for everything that follows. It may not look exciting to you, but it’s one of the most important parts of the process.
This is what happens during the first stage:
- Land clearing and demolition: Removes existing structures and prepares the site.
- Excavation: Levels and shapes the block to suit the build.
- Slab and footings: Concrete is poured to build a strong foundation.
Step 2: Frame and Lock-Up (6-10 weeks)
Once your base is down, your home starts to look real. This stage is usually when it first feels like you’re truly building something.
You’ll see these key elements taking form:
- Structural framing: Timber or steel goes up to create walls and roof outlines.
- Lock-up installation: Doors, windows, and the outer shell are secured.
Step 3: Fixing and Fit-Out (10-14 weeks)
During this stage, the shell of your home starts to feel like somewhere you could actually live. Services and finishes begin to fill out the space.
The main activities include:
- Services installation: Plumbing and electrical systems are added inside walls.
- Interior elements: Plaster, cabinetry, tiling, and benchtops start to appear.
Step 4: Finishes and Final Touches (8-12 weeks)
Your build is nearly there, and now you add style, warmth, and function.
This final stage brings together:
- Flooring and painting: Adds visual polish and personality.
- Smart features: Includes home automation, saunas, or wine rooms if included.
What Slows Down a Luxury Home Project Timeline
Most construction delays trace back to three problems: intricate designs, indecisive moments, and outside forces.
Ready to see how each one impacts your timeline?
Complex Designs Extend Build Time
Personalised features add beauty and character, but they also increase complexity for you. High-end finishes, unique features, and imported fittings often require extra time to design, source, and install.
Consider these time-consuming examples:
- Imported Italian marble that needs extended shipping times
- Infinity pools needing complex engineering and permits
You might think one small change won’t matter, but each adjustment creates a ripple effect through your entire build schedule.
Homeowner Decisions That Cause Delays
Your decision-making plays a major role in the timeline. Delayed approvals or ongoing changes during construction can slow everything down.
Watch out for these common decision points:
- Kitchen layouts: Design revisions or appliance upgrades
- Flooring options: Changes in timber types or finishes
- Joinery finishes: Custom handles, colours, or profiles
- Smart home integrations: Lighting control, security systems, or home theatre choices
External Issues That Impact Project Duration
Approvals, supply chains, and weather all influence how smoothly things progress. Some issues are outside your control.
For example, in Brisbane, seasonal rainfall and detailed council requirements can push your project back. Builders who know the local landscape usually plan around these challenges ahead of time.
Plan Your Custom Home Process with the Right Team
Luxury builds often feel complex without a clear structure. Missed steps, rushed decisions, and changing timelines can create unnecessary stress.
We’ve walked you through the full custom home process, described the major construction stages, and mentioned the important factors that can affect your timeline. We’ve also shared practical ways to prevent delays and keep your project moving forward with confidence.
If you’re planning a high-end build or knockdown rebuild in Brisbane, contact our team. You deserve a building experience that feels as exciting as the final result you’ll love.
