Building a new home can be a daunting experience. These hints are intended as a guide only to help you with certain preliminary checks when looking to build a new home.

1 Read/buy/borrow any House/Kitchen & Bathroom magazines

Magazines are a good starting point to get ideas on what style you want for your new home.  Cut out the pictures you like; and keep them in a folder. Visual aids such as these can help when you are describing what you want to your draftsman & builder.

2 Sketch your house design

Sketch your design to scale on graph paper. This is all you need to present to your builder for initial discussions. 

3 Buy a tape measure

A tape measure is your new best friend!  Keep one handy to measure room sizes in your current home. This will help you work out what room sizes you want or need in your new home; and if your favourite furniture will fit where you want to place it.

4 Choosing a Builder

This is the most important step in building your new home. Look for a builder a number of ways: recommendations by friends, display homes, web sites, or the phone book.  However you choose, remember that finding the right builder for you is like shopping for a new bed or lounge...you have to be comfortable with them, and make sure they are right for you.  Shop around until you find the right one. Ask your builder plenty of questions about work they have done, addresses of houses they have built. Check your builder’s credentials using the Queensland Building and Construction Commission website. Make sure they have a QBCC licence – don’t use them if they don’t have a current licence.

5 Draftsman or Architect?

Once you have settled on a design, a preliminary drawing can be completed by either a draftsman or architect. Your builder can advise which service would best suit your needs. 
A preliminary drawing can be changed as many times as required until you are happy with the design & size.  Only then should a full set of plans be drawn.

6 Meet with your builder again

Once you have your final plans, your builder can start quoting your house. Some builders charge quote fees, so make sure you ask if they do, and at what rates. Don’t forget to get other quotes if necessary.

Once you receive your quote, make sure you know exactly what you are getting. If something is not specifically listed, it’s possible it is not included in the quote. If you are unsure, ASK. If comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing “apples with apples” – not all builders use the same products.

8 Signing the Contract

Make sure you understand the contract; the progress payments schedule; and any variation fees your builder may have included.  Most builders will charge you if you request any variations from the original quote or plan. 
Understand the Contract Information booklet that makes up part of your contract. This booklet outlines your rights & obligations, as well as those of your builder.