Things to Remember During the New Home Building Process

Deciding to build a new home is a big step, and for most people the whole home building process can seem a bit overwhelming. There are some things you can do that will make the experience run more seamlessly from start to finish, and although they may seem relatively simple, not doing them can cause major issues down the line.

• Always allow for some additional costs in your budget. You will need to have enough funds to cover site works, stamp duty, and any extras you would like to include. Ask anyone who has previously built a new home and they will tell you that there are always unforeseen costs. Make sure to set aside a little extra budget in case it is needed and you will avoid stress further down the track, or be pleasantly surprised if you come in under.

• Be aware that your block may be subject to site coverage rules, meaning that you may have to adjust your home’s design if it is too big or too small to comply. Your building consultant will be able to guide you through this, though be prepared to be a little flexible.

• If you are building in an Estate, your home may have to abide by certain requirements. For example, there may be guidelines for which feature materials can be used, or what landscaping options are available to you. Some Estates also have rules that need to be followed to make the home more environmentally friendly, such as making sure the home has solar panels or is situated on the block to take advantage of natural light. It is worth researching estates before you settle on a block, which your Building Consultant will be happy to help you with.

• Research home insurance during your construction. It is a requirement that you have home insurance already in place before you can receive the keys to your new home, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to do your homework and find the right insurance for you.

• Connect your utilities ahead of time to make sure you are not left without the essentials, such as power, gas, water, and internet when you move in. It seems obvious, but with so much to remember when organising your new home, it is something that can easily be overlooked in all the excitement of building.

• Start packing and planning to move ahead of time; you don’t want to be stuck in a mad rush towards your move-in date. Write a list of what needs doing, and slowly work through it as your house is nearing completion to make sure that you stay one step ahead, and so that you’re ready to go once the big day is here.

• Make sure you note down anything you want to be addressed at your 6-month inspection. Every home has a settling in period, and although we all hope that our home will be perfect as soon as we move in, this sometimes is not the case. As your home settles and starts being lived in, you might find some things that aren’t quite working how they should be. With the excitement of moving in and everything going on, it is easy to forget things, so make sure to write down anything that is not working correctly or you want looked into and your builder will come and fix any issues stress-free.

• When it comes to landscaping, you will need to coordinate with the chosen landscaping specialist about the best time for your garden to be installed if this is provided by your land-estate. It is nice to come home to a green garden and really goes a long way to making your home feel complete. Make sure that you are following all council guidelines, and coordinate a front garden that suits you.

• Take your time with unpacking – Unpack and set up at least one area first, ideally the master bedroom, so you have somewhere you can relax and unwind at the end of the day after a hard day’s work. It is also a good idea to have a box with your toiletries and maybe a few plates, bowls and kitchen utensils, and essentials you think you may need on your first night in your new home, just to help give you those creature comforts while you’re settling in.

For more information about the home building process or general advice, contact us today and let one of our expert Building Consultants help answer all of your questions.