The Stages of a New Build – From Groundworks to Handover

Building a new home is one of the most fun and rewarding things you can do — but it’s also one of the most complicated. From planning and design to construction and handover, each stage requires careful planning, coordination, and expertise.

At New Build Contractors, we guide our clients through the whole journey. Whether you’re building a bespoke home from scratch or a small residential scheme, understanding the stages of a new build will help you stay informed, confident and in control.

Below we break down each phase — so you know what to expect, when to make decisions and how to get a smooth build.

 Site Preparation and Groundworks

Every great home starts with a solid base — but before that, the site itself needs to be prepared. This is often the most overlooked stage of the process, yet it’s crucial to the long-term success of your project.

Site preparation includes:

• Clearing vegetation, debris and any previous structures

• Setting up temporary site access and welfare facilities

• Installing fencing, signage and safety zones

• Carrying out soil investigations and topographical surveys

The results of your ground investigation will determine the right foundation type for your build. In London and the South East, for example, ground conditions can vary dramatically from one postcode to another. Clay-heavy or unstable soil often requires advanced solutions such as piled raft foundations — a method that combines both pile and raft systems for superior load-bearing and stability.

At New Build Contractors, we specialise in piled raft systems, enabling us to deliver stronger, more sustainable foundations that also reduce excavation and concrete waste.

Foundations and Substructure

Once the ground has been prepared, the focus turns to the foundations — literally the base of your home. The foundation design depends on soil type, building size and ground stability.

Common foundation types include:

• Strip foundations: for smaller homes on stable ground

• Raft foundations: for softer or uneven soil

• Piled foundations: where deep stability is required

• Piled raft foundations: for strength and cost efficiency. This stage involves setting out the exact building footprint, pouring the concrete foundations and installing any below-ground drainage or service ducts. A damp-proof membrane (DPM) is also fitted to prevent moisture from entering the structure.

This stage must be performed precisely, as any misalignment or weakness here can lead to structural problems later. Our engineers thoroughly check everything before the next phase begins to ensure everything is in order.

 Superstructure and Frame

Once the foundations have cured, construction above ground begins. This is when your new build starts to take shape.

The superstructure includes walls, floors and the roof, which together form the building’s core frame. The choice of materials (e.g., brick and block, timber frame, steel frame, or reinforced concrete) depends on your design goals, energy efficiency targets, and budget.

During this phase, you’ll start to see the rooms take shape as internal partitions and window openings are formed. Structural integrity, alignment, and insulation are closely monitored to ensure long-term performance.

By the end of this stage, the property will be at the “watertight” phase, meaning the roof is installed and external windows and doors are fitted — the interior is protected from the weather and internal works can begin.

 First Fix

The first fix covers all the essential but unseen elements that bring your home to life behind the walls and floors. This includes:

• Electrical wiring and socket placement

• Plumbing and heating pipework

• Ventilation, air conditioning and waste systems

• Internal stud walls and door frames

This stage happens before plastering and finishing, so it’s a key opportunity to review your electrical and lighting plans. Many homeowners underestimate the importance of this step in creating a practical layout — for example, ensuring that enough sockets, ambient lighting, and smart home cabling are in place before the walls are sealed.

A well-managed first fix means everything behind the surface is efficient, compliant and future-proof.

 Second Fix and Internal Finishes

Once the walls are plastered, the second fix begins — and this is when your home starts to look like a finished living space.

This includes fitting visible elements such as:

• Light fittings, sockets and switches

• Taps, sinks, showers and sanitaryware

• Internal doors and skirting boards

• Kitchen units and worktops* Flooring, tiling and paintwork

This is the most exciting phase for homeowners as design details finally come to life. We also start final testing of all electrical and plumbing systems to ensure safety and compliance with building regulations.

Attention to detail is key here; precise finishes and high-quality materials make all the difference in achieving a premium result.

 Snagging, Inspections and Quality Assurance

Before handover, every new build undergoes a series of snagging checks and quality inspections. This is where we review the entire property to identify any small imperfections or adjustments that need attention.

Typical snagging items might include:

• Minor plaster cracks or paint touch-ups

• Sticking doors or window adjustments

• Silicone finishes or alignment issues

• Checking that appliances and fixtures are operating correctly

At New Build Contractors, we take quality control seriously. Every project is inspected not just by our site team but also by independent building control officers and warranty providers (NHBC, LABC or Build-Zone).

This ensures your new home fully complies with UK building regulations and warranty standards — giving you complete peace of mind.

 Handover and Aftercare

Once the final checks are complete and the property has been signed off, it’s time for handover — the most rewarding stage of all.

You’ll receive a full handover pack which includes:

• Building control completion certificates

• Electrical and gas safety certificates

• Structural warranty documents

• Appliance manuals and maintenance guidance

We’ll also walk you through your home’s key systems — from heating controls to ventilation units — to ensure you’re comfortable operating all the systems.

Even after handover, our aftercare team is available to support you. It’s normal for new homes to experience slight settlement or adjustment within the first few months, and we’re always on hand to address any queries quickly.

 Key Takeaways

Building a new home is a detailed process with many moving parts, but understanding each stage helps you stay informed and confident.

At New Build Contractors, we manage every stage — from initial design and planning to construction, inspection and handover. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship, safety and transparent communication means every home we build stands the test of time.