How Long Does Modular Construction Take in NSW?

One of modular construction’s biggest advantages is speed. But how long does it actually take? This guide breaks down realistic timelines for modular construction projects in NSW, explaining each stage and what factors affect delivery.

The Short Answer

Typical modular construction project in NSW: 6-9 months from approval to completion.

Compare this to traditional construction: 18-30 months.

The difference comes from parallel workflows. Modular construction runs manufacturing and site preparation simultaneously, while traditional construction operates sequentially.

Timeline Breakdown by Stage

Stage 1: Approval (2-6 weeks)

Pattern Book CDC Pathway:

• Documentation preparation: 2-3 weeks
• CDC lodgement and assessment: 10 business days
• Total: 4-5 weeks

Traditional DA Pathway:

• Design and documentation: 6-10 weeks
• Council assessment: 6 to 12 months
• Total: 8-14 months

The approval stage is where LMR Pattern Book creates the most dramatic time savings.

Stage 2: Pre-Construction (2-4 weeks)

What happens:

• Final design confirmation
• Material ordering
• Factory scheduling
• Site survey and engineering
• Builder engagement

Key dependency: Approval must be secured before factory booking. Popular manufacturers have scheduling queues. Earlier booking means earlier start.

Stage 3: Parallel Work Phase (8-14 weeks)

This is where modular construction’s efficiency shines. Two workstreams running simultaneously:

Factory Manufacturing Stream (8-12 weeks):

• Module fabrication begins
• Structural elements completed
• Internal fit out progresses
• Quality inspections throughout
• Modules prepared for transport

Site Preparation Stream (4-8 weeks):

• Site clearance and demolition
• Foundation construction
• Service connections (water, sewer, electrical)
• Site access preparation

The magic: While your building is being manufactured in the factory, your site is being prepared. Traditional construction must complete site work before building construction can begin.

Stage 4: Module Installation (1-2 weeks)

What happens:

• Modules transported to site
• Crane positioning and setup
• Module placement and connection
• Structural joining
• Weatherproofing of joints

Typical duration: 1-3 days for module placement, 1-2 weeks for connection and sealing

Critical success factors:

• Site access for transport vehicles
• Crane reach and positioning
• Weather conditions (crane operation has wind limits)
• Coordination between factory and site teams

Stage 5: On-Site Completion (4-8 weeks)

What happens:

• External finishes and cladding completion
• Inter module connections finished
• External services connected
• Landscaping and driveways
• Final inspections and certifications

Why this takes time: Even with factory complete modules, site specific work requires on site trades. Landscaping, fencing, driveway construction, and final council inspections occur during this phase.

Total Timeline Scenarios

Scenario 1: Streamlined Project

Small townhouse development, straightforward site, CDC approval

Stage	Duration
CDC Approval	4 weeks
Pre construction	2 weeks
Manufacturing + Site Prep	10 weeks
Module Installation	1 week
On-Site Completion	5 weeks
Total	22 weeks (5.5 months)

Scenario 2: Standard Project

Medium townhouse development, typical site complexity

Stage	Duration
CDC Approval	5 weeks
Pre construction	3 weeks
Manufacturing + Site Prep	12 weeks
Module Installation	2 weeks
On-Site Completion	6 weeks
Total	28 weeks (7 months)

Scenario 3: Complex Project

Larger development, site challenges, higher specification

Stage	Duration
Approval (may need DA)	8-12 weeks
Pre construction	4 weeks
Manufacturing + Site Prep	14 weeks
Module Installation	2 weeks
On-Site Completion	8 weeks
Total	36-40 weeks (9-10 months)

What Affects Timeline?

Factors That Speed Things Up

Pattern Book CDC approval: 10 days vs 6 to 12 months for DA

Early factory booking: Avoiding manufacturer queue delays

Straightforward site: Standard access, flat or gentle slope, no unusual constraints

Standard specifications: Selecting from established options vs custom requirements

Experienced team: Coordinated professionals who’ve worked together before

Factors That Slow Things Down

DA required: Heritage, flood zones, or non-Pattern Book designs trigger traditional approval

Factory scheduling: Peak demand periods create waiting lists

Site complexity: Restricted access, steep slopes, or unusual soil conditions extend site prep

Custom specifications: Non standard finishes require additional factory time

Weather: While factory work continues regardless, site work and installation can face delays

Comparing to Traditional Construction

Traditional 3-Townhouse Development

Stage	Duration
DA Approval	8 months
Site Preparation	1 month
Foundations	1 month
Frame & Structure	2 months
Lock up	2 months
Internal Fit out	3 months
External Works	1.5 months
Finishing	1.5 months
Total	20 months

Modular 3-Townhouse Development

Stage	Duration
CDC Approval	1 month
Pre construction + Manufacturing/Site Prep	3.5 months
Installation + Completion	2 months
Total	6.5 months

Time saving: 13.5 months (67% faster)

Timeline Certainty

Beyond being faster, modular construction timelines are more predictable:

Traditional Construction Uncertainty

• Weather delays: Common, unpredictable
• Trade availability: Variable, affects scheduling
• Material delays: Supply chain dependent
• Variations: Changes extend timeline

Result: Traditional timelines frequently extend 20-40% beyond original estimates.

Modular Construction Predictability

• Factory work: Weather independent
• Scheduling: Controlled manufacturing environment
• Materials: Pre ordered before production
• Design: Fixed before manufacturing

Result: Modular timelines typically deliver within 10% of estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can modular construction really be that much faster?

Yes. The key is parallel workflows. While traditional construction must complete each stage before starting the next, modular runs factory manufacturing and site preparation simultaneously. This isn’t marketing. It’s process efficiency.

What’s the fastest possible timeline?

Under ideal conditions (CDC approval, available factory slot, simple site), some projects complete in 5-6 months. This requires everything aligning well and shouldn’t be the assumption for planning purposes.

What delays should I plan for?

Build 2-4 weeks of contingency into any timeline. Common delays include approval documentation queries, factory scheduling shifts, and site access complications. Even with contingency, modular remains dramatically faster than traditional construction.

Does weather affect modular timelines?

Factory manufacturing is weather independent. Site preparation and module installation can face weather delays, but these stages represent a small portion of the total timeline, limiting weather impact compared to traditional construction where all stages are weather exposed.

Start Your Timeline Today

The fastest way to shorten your project timeline is to start the approval process. Every week of delay in starting is a week added to completion.

Check your site’s eligibility and begin your modular construction journey.