Construction Stages Explained
These photos show dwellings currently under construction – each at a different stage.
Side by side, they tell a clear story of how a house progresses once construction begins.
But for many clients these milestones can seem unclear.
So let’s break them down, what they mean, what happens next and why they matter.
SLAB:
This when the foundations are layed to support the rest of the construction.
PLATE HEIGHT
Reaching Plate Height means the brickwork is complete.
This is where the construction resembles the floorplan!
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
At this stage, the Site Supervisor begins preparing for the roof:
- The site is cleaned and prepared
- Roof timbers are delivered
- The roof carpenter begins framing
- Timber trusses installed
- The full roof outline visible
- The home’s scale become much clearer
This is a fast-moving stage, but a critical one.
After the roof frame is up, the next step begins and it’s one many clients haven’t heard of before.
“TUBING” STAGE EXPLAINED
Before the roof cover goes on:
- Plumbers and electricians attend site
- They chase the walls to install internal services
This is known as tubing, and it prepares the home for roof cover.
ROOF COVER to PRACTICAL COMPLETION
Reaching Roof Cover is a major milestone.
It means the home now has a completed roof, protecting it from the elements.
This is the moment the construction resembles a home!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ROOF COVER?
The Site Supervisor now works toward Lock-up Stage.
Lock-up means:
- External doors are installed
- Windows are glazed
- The home is secure and enclosed
(Note: Garage doors are typically installed later in the process)
At the same time, internal progress ramps up:
- Plasterers apply grey float and white set
- Ceilings and cornices are installed
- Internal spaces begin to take shape
WHY THESE MILESTONES MATTER
Each of these stages represents more than construction progress.
They show:
- A structured, well-sequenced building process
- Coordination between multiple trades
- Momentum moving toward handover
WHAT CLIENTS OFTEN DON’T SEE
Behind every milestone is detailed coordination:
- Scheduling trades at the right time
- Ensuring materials arrive when needed
- Managing site readiness between stages
This is where experience matters, and why consistent site supervision plays such a key role in keeping builds moving.
A CLEARER PATH FROM SLAB TO KEYS
Understanding these milestones helps clients feel more confident in the journey.
From:
- Slab down
- To plate height
- To roof cover
- Lockup
- Practical Completion / Handover
Each stage builds toward the same outcome, a completed home, ready for handover.
At GoReal we guide clients through every stage, with oversight from planning and approvals, through to construction and handover, with clear communication along the way.
Barbara Hutson