The process of building your new home can be complex. There are many different steps before construction can even begin. It’s important to make sure that you are prepared and have the resources available to make the process seamless, to reduce pressure on you and your family.
If you don’t know where to start – here is your step by step guide to preparing for your new home build.
Set your budget
The budget of your new home build is one of the first things you should look at. Make sure that it is realistic, and within your means. Having a budget that is too small will be a source of stress throughout the whole process. However setting one to big could cause problems down the track with mortgage repayments if you overextend yourself financially. When you are setting your budget it is importanunsut to determine whether it will include your total new home build or whether it is open to be extended for inclusions and site costs that will come up.
Confirm where you want to live
Before you can start looking for a house, it is key to decide where you want to live. This will drive a lot of your decisions and help our expert consultants at iBuildNew to create a list of builders who can service your area. Although, many builders can build across Australia, there are limitations.
When deciding where to live make sure that you consider the type of lifestyle that you dream of having. Decide whether you are wanting to live close to the CBD or rather be in a rural or suburban area. You will need to adjust your budget regarding this, or allow for changes if your budget is strict. This may mean that you have to relocate your family and move schools or work.
Determine what type of home you want
Researching your options will allow you to feel confident in your final decision. There are a limited number of ways to enter the housing market, so spend your time understanding each. You can:
- Purchase an existing house
- Purchase an existing house to knock down and rebuild
- Purchase a vacant block of land to build on
- Purchase an apartment
Each has their benefits, but making sure you choose the perfect fit for your family and circumstance is important.
If you decide to purchase a vacant block of land to build on, or purchase an existing house to knock down and rebuild, this is a perfect time to browse hundreds of new house designs on ibuildnew.com.au. When you are looking at designs, keep an eye out for features and designs that grab your attention. These will assist in the future stages of the building process.
Understand your family requirements
Now that you have decided to build a new home, it is time to create a list of requirements for your new home. Without this list, looking for a new home design can become tiresome. We suggest that you consider the lifestyle you and your family want to live very carefully. This might mean deciding on the following:
- How many bedrooms do you want?
- How many bathrooms do you want?
- Do you want an alfresco area?
- Do you want an open plan design?
- Do you want any luxury features such as an entertainment space?
- How many living spaces do you require?
Now that you have outlined your requirements, it is the perfect time to speak to one of our expert phone consultants. With years of experience in the building industry, they are a valuable resource that you can access for free. At iBuildNew we know that choosing a builder and design is a difficult process. We aim to simplify this by doing some of the leg work for you. Let us create a well curated shortlist of builders who will meet all of your requirements!
Talk to your builder
It is now time to talk to your builder. iBuildNew can put you in direct contact with the best builders for your project. Once you have found the perfect builder, or are working off a shortlist, make sure that you are asking them the right question. This will give you peace of mind and help you get the most out of your new home project. If you are unsure about what you should be asking your builders, it is a good idea to start with the basics such as:
- How do you manage changes?
- When the house is built and ready to be settled in, will you do a retouch for the things that needed to be fixed?
- Do you have any references that I can call?
- What are your weak and strong points in building?
- Can you build my dream home within my budget?
If you have chosen a volume builder with a set house design this is also the time when you should ask about any changes you wish to make. For example, can they add a bedroom, or an extra sitting room or possibly add a butler’s pantry. Make sure that you are clear with what they can and can’t offer you. Additionally, being clear on what is and isn’t included in the base cost will reduce financial stress down the track. Exclusions such as landscaping, flooring, lighting and driveways can be expensive after your house has been finished, so making sure that you have budgeted accordingly for these is critical.
Secure finance
Before you can proceed you will need to secure finance. You may already have a mortgage provider, or be exploring your own options for finance. If you don’t or simply want a second opinion, our friends at uno Home Loans can assist you. They can compare different home loan options for you, often lenders you might not have considered. This is extremely useful as it can provide you with options that are targeted to your personal circumstance.
Wait for your land to be titled
Now that you have a builder, a new home design and finance, it may feel like you’re ready to start building. Don’t be fooled. If you have purchased land, you will need to wait for the title to be transferred to your name. The time that this takes is variable depending on circumstance, but make sure that you are aware of the time your land will take and account for this in your own personal building timeline.
Let the experts take over here. Titlexchange can put you in contact with legal professionals who can transfer the title of your land to you. While you’re at it you can even get them to review your building contract. With their fixed fees, Titlexchange are perfect for anyone, even if you’re on a budget.
You’re ready to start building
Now the fun begins. You will be able to watch as your chosen builder starts the construction of you new home.
iBuildNew is here to provide advice for anyone looking to build a new house. So feel free to give our expert phone consultants a call on 1800 184 284 and they will endeavour to answer your questions.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
Zoe Langenberg
Zoe is passionate about coffee and interior design. You can find her most weekends exploring an art gallery or devouring a good book.
1800 184 284
