Building a brand new home is an exciting prospect, but one that brings with it many questions and even more decisions. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the process, especially if it’s your first time undertaking a construction project of this scale.
We’re asked all the time about what exactly the building process entails. We often hear questions from clients like: What is the first step? How do I find the right team for my build? Do I work with an architect or builder first? When should I sign the contract? And, what happens after handover?
For the third instalment in our Ozzbuild Explains Series, we thought we’d tackle these questions and more, outlining exactly what the building process involves and explaining how you can get the ball rolling on your brand new home.
Step 1 – Research
Before you make any decisions about your new home, it’s important to do your homework. You’re going to want to work with a skilled and experienced builder, who is well-suited to your specific building project. To find out this information, you’ll need to research extensively.
High-quality builders will have a wealth of information available about their business online. To get a sense of their values and communication style, we recommend visiting their social media accounts. To explore their past projects, read testimonials and better understand the services on offer, check out their website.
With a big investment like a new home, you’ll also want to reach out to some of your builder’s previous clients for a more nuanced and in-depth understanding about what they are like to work with.
Step 2 – Engage a Professional
Once you’ve found the right builder for the job, it’s time to engage them. Even if you are looking to design your home with a specific architect, we suggest engaging your builder as early as possible. This means your builder can assess the feasibility of your project during the design phase and offer suggestions that will ensure it’s built within your timeframe and budget.
If you don’t have an architect in mind yet, you can still start the process with a quality builder. By meeting with a builder, you’ll be able to talk through your ideas and exactly what you want. Quality builders will have connections to architects and building designers they have previously worked with and will be able to recommend someone well-suited to your project.
Step 3 – Design
The creative stage! Around this time you’ll sign a preliminary agreement, which will allow your builder to undertake site surveys, soil tests and other analyses to fully understand your block of land.
You’ll work on the design of your home with your chosen architect or building designer and provide feedback until the design is to your exact specifications. This will include the floorplan and selections of all fixtures and fittings.
During this time, your builder will also produce a detailed quote, which will break down every cost involved in your proposed project. Be wary of builders who offer free quotes or quotes based on square metre rates as these are rarely accurate and could you see you blow out your budget down the track.
Step 4 – Contract Signing
Once you have approved your building quote and design, you’ll be able to sign off on all the paperwork needed to kick start the construction stage. One of the key pieces of paperwork to note during this stage of the process is your Building Contract, which will need to be signed by both you and your builder. Once this is done, construction can commence.
Step 5 – Construction
Your builder will start with any demolition or site preparation before pouring the house slab on your block. Next, they will erect the framework, oversee all electrical and plumbing rough-ins, install insulation and waterproofing membranes and construct the roof. They’ll then work on crafting a stunning interior and exterior finish alongside a team of high-quality tradespeople and partners.
During this period, your builder should keep you updated through frequent on-site visits and via an online portal where photos and videos are uploaded regularly.
Step 6 – Handover
Once construction is complete, it’s time to receive the keys and settle into your brand new home. Most builders will have a maintenance period in their contract which means that any issues will be attended to for a certain time period after handover. For example, at Ozzbuild our maintenance period extends for 3 months after handover.
Looking to learn more about the building process? Explore other articles in the Ozzbuild Explains series on our blog or get in touch with Ryan and the team today.