Stages of Building a House in Australia

Summary

In this video, Peter Kelly from Littlefish Property Developments provides an in-depth guide to the stages of building a house in Australia as part of a townhouse development project. The video covers essential steps including land surveying, excavation, foundation work, framing, plumbing, roofing, cladding, and interior services. It also highlights the importance of compliance with subdivision requirements, obtaining building permits, and final inspections. Aimed at property developers, the video offers valuable insights into delivering successful residential projects from start to finish, ensuring all requirements are met for project completion and profit realization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Surveyors play a key role in setting out the site for construction, ensuring that the builder knows where to place the new dwellings.
• 😀 Excavation of plumbing and services under the slab is essential before the concreting of the slab can begin.
• 😀 The construction process involves multiple professionals, including plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and roofers, each specializing in different aspects of the build.
• 😀 Prefabricated frames are often used to speed up the framing process, though some frames may be built on-site.
• 😀 After the slab is poured, the builder uses chalk lines to set out walls and confirm the accuracy of the layout.
• 😀 The roof structure is built with trusses and beams, followed by scaffolding and fall protection for safety during installation.
• 😀 Windows and door frames are measured early in the project and installed after the framing is complete.
• 😀 Cladding installation starts with the upper levels and proceeds downwards, including brickwork if required.
• 😀 Internal services such as electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning rough-ins are completed before wall coverings like plaster and tiles are installed.
• 😀 After the internal finishes, flooring materials (carpet, timber, tile) are laid, and landscaping is completed outside.
• 😀 Before final approval, the building surveyor issues the certificate of occupancy, ensuring that all requirements specified in the building permit are met.

Q & A

What is the first step in the process of building a townhouse in Australia?

The first step is for the land surveyor to complete the site setout, which plots the locations of the new dwellings on the site for the builder.

Why is site setout important for the builder?

The site setout ensures that the builder knows exactly where to build and confirms that everything fits correctly according to the plans.

What happens after the site setout and plumbing installation?

Once the plumbing is installed and the drains are set out, the concreters excavate the footings and prepare the formwork for the slab to be poured.

What is the role of the builder after the slab is poured?

After the slab is poured, the builder uses chalk lines to set out the walls on the slab to ensure the correct placement and alignment.

What is the significance of using pre-fabricated frames in construction?

Pre-fabricated frames, often delivered to the site, speed up the building process by allowing for quicker installation compared to building frames on-site.

What are posi struts and why are they important in building construction?

Posi struts are beams that sit on top of the walls to support the second floor structure, if applicable. They are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of the building.

What is the purpose of the reflective material installed on the outer side of the frame?

The reflective material, often silver or blue, is required to meet the energy requirements of the project by improving insulation and reducing energy loss.

What is the significance of a building surveyor in the process of building a townhouse?

The building surveyor is responsible for issuing the certificate of occupancy once they confirm all items specified in the building permit are completed and up to standard.

How does the developer ensure compliance with the council during the building process?

The developer works with the council to meet specific subdivision requirements such as utilities, landscaping, and any necessary permits. This is important for issuing the statement of compliance.

What steps must be taken to register new titles and finalize sales for a townhouse development project?

To register new titles and finalize sales, the developer must ensure that all subdivision requirements are met, including land surveying documentation and the completion of necessary utilities and landscaping.