Building Your Home: What Really Happens Before We Break Ground

Signing your new home building contract is a major milestone – the moment your dream starts shifting from plans on paper to something real.

But what happens next? If it’s your first time building, or you’re unfamiliar with the Australian building system, the journey from contract signing to breaking ground can feel like uncharted territory.

This guide takes you through what comes after your contract is signed, from the steps you’ll be involved in to the behind-the-scenes work happening in the background, and how Carlisle Homes will guide and support you every step of the way of the build process.

What does “Site Start” mean?

“Site Start” is the industry term for the moment construction physically begins on your block of land. It’s when the first works take place – such as clearing the block, levelling the site and preparing it for your concrete slab.

But before site start can happen, there are several essential steps to ensure everything is ready for a smooth and efficient build.

The Site Start Preparation stage

Once your contract is signed, your home moves into the Site Start Preparation stage. This is a critical preparation period that ensures all permits, approvals and paperwork are in order before building begins.

Here’s what happens during this phase:

Finance and land confirmation
You’ll need to provide proof of land ownership and confirmation of your unconditional loan approval from your financial institution (or proof of self-funding if applicable). Your Client Liaison Executive will guide you through these requirements.

Permits and approvals
If required for your land, you’ll need to arrange an Asset Protection Permit and pay any applicable Community Infrastructure Levy (council-specific, only if applicable). 

At the same time, Carlisle will receive and forward on the building permit to your financial institution to satisfy their requirements.

Finalising drawings and orders
Your construction drawings are completed and sent to you via DocuSign for final sign-off. This ensures every detail matches your selections and contract. Review and signing must be completed within 48 hours. Supplier orders are also placed, so the right materials are ready once construction begins.

Site preparation planning
Behind the scenes, Carlisle’s construction team prepares your file for site start, coordinating trades and scheduling works so the build can commence on time.

What happens at site start

Once everything is approved and ready, your site start date will be scheduled. You’ll receive a formal letter confirming that construction has officially commenced.

Here’s what typically happens next:

• The site is cleared and levelled by an excavator, preparing it for your slab.
  
  
  
• Temporary fencing and signage are installed to ensure safety and secure the site.
  
  
  
• Underground services such as water, electricity and sewer connections are organised.
  
  
  
• Trades are scheduled to arrive in sequence, beginning with slab works and framing.
  
  

This is the exciting moment where your block starts to transform into a home.

Clear communication every step of the way

Building a home is a major milestone, and staying informed makes the experience far more enjoyable. Carlisle provides regular updates throughout the pre-site and site start stages, so you always know what’s happening and when.

Your dedicated Client Liaison Executive will be your main point of contact, answering questions, guiding you through each requirement and letting you know what to expect next.

Once your home starts to take shape on site, you’ll also have scheduled meetings and walk-throughs with your construction supervisor as the build progresses.

Setting expectations

Every home is different, so timelines can vary depending on land conditions, council requirements and material availability. While some factors are beyond anyone’s control – like weather delays – Carlisle Homes builds a buffer into scheduling to help keep your project on track.

The Site Start Preparation stage generally takes several weeks as part of a 10–12 week Pre-Site phase. Site start then marks the beginning of active construction, which typically progresses through clear stages – slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and final completion – over a period of around 16–24 weeks.

The start of something exciting

Reaching site start is a major milestone – and a moment worth celebrating. From here, your dream home begins to take shape, supported by an experienced team and a clear, transparent process designed to keep you informed and confident at every step.