Everything you need to know, from first thought to moving in. Independent advice from local building experts.
Building a new home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Before diving into display homes and floor plans, take time to understand the process and what's involved.
Building suits you if:
Your budget determines everything. Be realistic and factor in ALL costs, not just the land and build price.
Add 10-15% contingency to your calculated costs. Unexpected site costs, upgrades, and "must-haves" discovered during the process are common. A $500,000 project should have $50,000-$75,000 buffer.
Land choice affects everything from build cost to lifestyle to future value. Take your time with this decision.
Commute times, schools, shops, public transport. Visit at different times of day. Check future development plans for the area.
Width determines house design options. Narrow blocks (under 14m) limit single storey choices. Corner blocks have different setback requirements.
North-facing backyards maximise winter sun in living areas. Check where the sun falls at different times of day.
Reactive clay, rock, or slope add significant site costs. Get a soil test before committing. Budget $20,000-$60,000+ extra for challenging sites.
Before buying land, get a builder to assess it. Many builders offer site assessments and can identify potential cost issues before you commit.
Your builder choice impacts your entire experience. Price matters, but so does communication, quality, and service.
Build 100s of homes per year. Competitive pricing, efficient processes, less flexibility.
$1,800 - $2,800/sqm
Mid-size operations. Balance of price and flexibility. More personalised service.
$2,200 - $3,200/sqm
Bespoke homes from scratch. Maximum flexibility, premium pricing, longer timeframes.
$3,000 - $5,000+/sqm
Think about how you live, not just how a home looks. Consider traffic flow, storage, natural light, and future needs. Don't over-capitalise on features you won't use.
Read our design tips →Never sign a building contract without understanding it fully. Look for fixed-price contracts, understand what's included vs excluded, and check payment schedules.
Questions to ask about contracts →Construction typically takes 6-9 months. Key stages include: slab, frame, lockup, fixing, and completion. Your builder should keep you updated throughout.
At handover, do a thorough inspection. Note any defects for the builder to fix. Understand your warranty coverage and maintenance obligations. Enjoy your new home!
We're here to help at every stage. Get independent advice tailored to your situation.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Cookies on. Learn more