A complete step-by-step guide to physical construction once your Building Permit has been issued.
Once the Building Permit has been issued, the project moves into the construction phase.
Site Establishment:
A licensed land surveyor visits the site and accurately marks out the building position in accordance with the approved plans.
The surveyor establishes:
This ensures the granny flat is built in the correct legal location.
Before foundations commence, all required underground infrastructure is installed.
A licensed electrician installs underground electrical conduits. Depending on available capacity:
Where required:
Sometimes existing services interfere with the proposed granny flat. These may need relocation before foundations commence:
The foundation system depends on engineering design and site conditions.
Typical for sloping sites. Construction includes:
After curing: Bearers installed, Floor joists installed, Flooring system installed, Particleboard flooring fixed, Subfloor insulation (if specified).
Common for lightweight construction. Construction includes:
Suitable for level sites.
Waffle Pod Slab includes: Site cut, Compaction, Crushed rock base, Moisture membrane, Waffle pods, Reinforcement mesh, Edge beams, Concrete pour, Power trowel finish.
Raft Slab (where specified by engineer) includes: Excavation, Compacted base, Reinforcement, Thickened beams, Slab reinforcement, Concrete placement, Finishing, Curing.
The Building Surveyor conducts the mandatory footing/foundation inspection before concrete placement (where required by the approved inspection stages).
The structural skeleton of the building is constructed.
Depending on design: Prefabricated roof trusses OR Conventional roof framing (including Rafters, Ridge beam, Ceiling joists, Roof bracing, Tie-downs, Structural connections).
The Building Surveyor inspects the structural frame before it is covered.
At this stage, the building becomes weatherproof and secure. Work generally includes:
Depending on specification: Weatherboards, Hebel panels, Fibre cement sheets, Brick veneer, Render systems, Timber cladding.
Installation of Aluminium windows, Double glazing (if specified), Window flashings, Safety glazing.
Installation of Entry door, Sliding doors, Laundry door, Hardware, Locks.
Wall wrap, Vapour barrier, External insulation (if specified).
The building is now fully enclosed and protected from weather, allowing internal works to proceed.
Licensed trades install concealed services before internal linings.
Internal finishes begin. Works include:
Wet areas are prepared to prevent water ingress. Includes:
Waterproofing is carried out by a licensed waterproofer in accordance with Australian Standards.
The internal finishes and fixtures are installed across all trades:
Door frames, Hinged doors, Door hardware, Skirting boards, Window reveals, Architraves.
Kitchen cabinetry, Bathroom vanity, Laundry cabinetry, Pantry units, Linen cupboards, Wardrobes (if included). Benchtops in Laminate, Stone, or Timber.
Sink, Mixer, Cooktop, Oven, Rangehood, Dishwasher provision.
Bathroom walls & floors, Ensuite (if applicable), Laundry floor, Kitchen splashback. Sealer coat, Undercoat, Internal walls, Ceilings, Doors, Trims, External timber (if applicable).
Hybrid flooring, Timber flooring, Carpet, Vinyl, Tiles.
Toilet, Basin, Shower, Tapware, Laundry tub, Hot water connection. Power points, Switches, Light fittings, Exhaust fans, Smoke alarms, Switchboard labelling, Final testing.
Completion of site and external elements. Works may include:
Before handover, the builder completes:
The owner is invited to conduct a practical completion inspection and identify any minor defects (punch list) for rectification.
The Building Surveyor conducts the mandatory final inspection to verify that the building complies with the approved plans, the Building Code of Australia, and relevant regulations.
Following a satisfactory inspection:
The final stage includes the formal handover of the completed granny flat.
The owner receives:
Once handover is complete, the granny flat is ready for occupation, subject to any statutory warranty obligations and the builder's defects liability period.
| Week | Stage | Typical Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Site Establishment & Set-Out | Site fencing, safety signage, temporary facilities, surveyor site set-out, establish building location, material delivery, site preparation. |
| Week 1–2 | Underground Services & Service Relocations | Excavation for sewer, stormwater, water supply, electrical conduits, NBN conduit, meter upgrades, switchboard upgrades, relocation of existing house services (if required). |
| Week 2–3 | Base Stage (Foundations) | Excavation, footing preparation, reinforcement, concrete footings or slab, stumps (if applicable), waffle pod/raft slab construction, curing, Building Surveyor footing inspection. |
| Week 3–5 | Frame Stage | Bearers & joists (for stumps), flooring installation, wall framing, roof trusses/roof framing, structural bracing, tie-downs, Building Surveyor frame inspection. |
| Week 5–7 | Lock-Up Stage | Roofing, gutters, fascia, wall wrap, external cladding, windows, external doors, flashings, insulation (where applicable). Building becomes weatherproof and secure. |
| Week 6–8 | Services Rough-In | Plumbing rough-in, electrical wiring, NBN/data cabling, heating & cooling pipework, ventilation, inspections by relevant trades. |
| Week 8–9 | Internal Linings | Wall insulation, ceiling insulation, plasterboard installation, wet area cement sheeting, stopping, sanding, cornices. |
| Week 9–10 | Waterproofing | Waterproofing to bathrooms, ensuite (if applicable), laundry and other wet areas. Waterproofing inspection where required. |
| Week 10–13 | Fit-Out Stage | Internal doors, skirting, architraves, cabinetry, wardrobes, kitchen installation, stone benchtops, tiling, painting, flooring, plumbing fit-off, electrical fit-off, installation of sanitary fixtures and appliances. |
| Week 12–14 | External Works | Concrete paths, steps, decks, pergolas (if included), fencing reinstatement, retaining walls, landscaping, final drainage connections, site clean-up. |
| Week 14 | Practical Completion | Internal quality inspection, defect rectification, testing of plumbing and electrical systems, final clean, client walkthrough and preparation of handover documents. |
| Week 15 | Final Inspection & Handover | Building Surveyor final inspection, Occupancy Permit (or Certificate of Final Inspection), handover of keys, warranties, compliance certificates and manuals. |