Planning Your Wollongong Custom Home? Here's Your Complete Timeline Breakdown

31 Oct

Planning to build a custom home? You’ve probably heard “It’ll take about a year.”

But what does that year actually look like?

At CKS Projects, we help homeowners across Wollongong turn dirt into dream homes — without the guesswork. Here’s our complete guide to the custom home building timeline.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home?

For most homes, the process takes 9–18 months from design to handover.

Why the range? Because no two builds are the same. The timeline depends on:

Your block and soil
Council approvals
The complexity of your design
Weather and site access
Material and labour availability

So yes, you can build faster — but good things take time.

The Pre-Construction Phase (3–6 Months)

site review with CKS Projects clients — Before anything physical happens on-site, there’s a mountain of planning.
**Site Review & Planning**
We start with a site visit and soil testing. We check orientation, slope, drainage, access — and the best layout for your block.
**Design & Quoting**
Then we help you create a **custom floorplan**, not a cut-and-paste copy. You’ll receive a detailed quote, not a vague “from $X.”
**Approvals**
We manage all paperwork, including:
DA (Development Application) or CDC (Complying Development Certificate)
**BASIX** energy compliance
Engineering reports
Surveyor documentation
**Contracts**
Once approvals are in, you’ll review and sign the **building contract**. Then we order materials, lock in trades, and set the schedule.

The Construction Phase (6–12 Months)

This is where the magic happens. Each stage builds on the last — literally.

Site Prep and Slab

We clear the block and level the surface
Trenches and pier footings go in
The concrete slab is poured and cured

You’ll start to see your dream take shape (finally!)

Framing and Roofing

Wall frames and roof trusses are installed
Fascia, gutters, and sarking (insulation under the roof) added
Your home is officially “framed up”

It goes up fast — and it’s the first real “wow” moment.

External Lock-Up

Bricks, weatherboard, or cladding goes on
Roof tiles or metal roofing installed
Windows and doors fitted

Now your home is protected from the elements. It’s lock-up time.

Services and Fit-Out

We bring the inside to life:

Electrical and plumbing rough-ins
Insulation and plasterboard
Waterproofing, cornices, skirting
Interior painting
Tiles, cabinetry, benchtops
Flooring installation

The Final Stages (1–2 Months)

Now it’s all about the finishing touches.

Fixtures and Appliances

Sinks, ovens, showers, fans — everything is connected and tested
Splashbacks and feature lighting are added
Mirrors and accessories installed

Walk-Through and Handover

We complete a practical completion inspection. You’ll check everything — from paint to powerpoints — with your project manager.

Then we hand over the keys, and the home is yours.

Time to celebrate — and maybe finally buy that outdoor furniture.

Factors That Can Delay (or Speed Up) the Timeline

Let’s keep it real: sometimes things shift. Here’s why:

Weather — heavy rain can delay slab pours or roofing
Council Delays — some permits take longer than others
Design Changes — last-minute tweaks can cause rework

Trade Availability — the construction industry is still catching up post-COVID

How CKS Projects Keeps Things Moving

luxury home building process, clifftops wombarra

We’re not just builders — we’re timeline managers.

Every build is assigned a dedicated project manager
You get access to a digital schedule with milestone updates
We do weekly progress check-ins, rain or shine

Our builds include fixed timeline clauses, so you know exactly what’s happening next

FAQs About Building Timelines in Wollongong

Can I fast-track my build using a CDC instead of a DA?

Yes — if your block qualifies, a CDC can save weeks in paperwork and approvals.

What happens if it rains during construction?

We pause and reschedule affected work. We also plan for wet weather contingencies in advance.

Can I change things mid-way through construction?

Yes — but it’ll impact the timeline and budget. Best to finalise before the slab’s down.

Is it possible to speed up the whole build?

Sometimes. Pre-ordering fixtures, early design decisions, and working with our team from day one helps us move quicker.

Flat blocks may seem cheaper upfront — but they often lack views, privacy, and flexibility. It’s all about value, not just cost.

Here’s how we make it work:

Ready to Build in Wollongong? Let’s Plan Your Timeline Together.

Every great home starts with a smart, realistic plan — and that includes your timeline. At CKS Projects, we guide you through every step, from concept to keys.