Quick guide to building

Choosing a design, choosing the land, seeing it all coming together. Building your home is an exciting time, one you’ll always remember.

Included in this guide are some tips to make sure your building project is memorable for all the right reasons.

Choosing your design

When choosing your design, you have a variety of options. Look through the real estate section of newspapers, visit display homes, or talk directly to a building designer or architect if you have something more unique in mind.

Find out more about designing your perfect home.

Buying off the plan

Buying off the plan involves buying an apartment or project home, usually based on an architect’s impression and floor plan. If you’re considering this option, there are a variety of factors and risks you should consider first.

Find out more about buying off the plan.

Making your home eco-friendly

When designing your home, or looking to buy off a plan, consider some ways that you can increase its green credentials. This can include solar powered lighting, water saving devices, rainwater tanks and insulation.

Find out more about creating a green home.

Choosing your land

If you’re not building on your existing block, make sure to choose a block of land that’s compatible with the house design you want. The block you choose can also have an impact on building costs, so it can be useful to employ an expert to inspect the site before you commit to buying.

Find out more about choosing your land.

Finding a builder

This is the person who will be making your dream a reality, so take time in choosing the best builder for you. Ensure your building contract is clear and covers everything off, and a timeline for completion is agreed on.

Here you’ll find some useful links for finding builders in your area and checking their reputation in the industry.

Finding a builder:

Master Builders Association

Housing Industry Association

Checking their reputation:

Builders Licensing Australasia

NSW	Office of Fair Trading Home Building Service
QLD	Building Services Authority
VIC	The Building Commission
ACT	ACT Planning & Land Authority
SA	Office of Consumer & Business Affairs
TAS	Register of Accredited Building Practitioners
WA	Builders Registration Board
NT	Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure

Choosing your builder

Remember these key points when choosing and employing a builder:

Check that they have a current license.
Get at least three quotes to compare prices.
Make sure the builder is insured.
Check that the builder is financially secure.
Ask for references, and to see examples of past work.
Ask your family and friends for any recommendations.
Once you’ve chosen a builder, get an itemised quote for the work.
Agree progressive payment stages, there should generally be five.

Working with your builder

Working with your preferred builder there are some important documents to complete. These are in place to protect you, and also set out your mutual expectations during the building project. These include:

Considering all the costs

As you might expect, there are a number of costs involved with building your home. The following links give you more information on what they are, and why you have to pay them. They are:

Some other important considerations

Below are a few more things to consider before you make the big decision between building and buying.

Building your home gives you the freedom to choose everything you want, from the floor plan to the lighting features and tap fittings.
Any building project takes time, so you might end up paying rent while your home is being built. You will also have to make time to visit the block regularly to check progress.
Unfortunately there can be unexpected costs involved with building, including initial site preparation or attending to things not covered in your building contract.
There can also be unexpected delays when building, due to bad weather and other unavoidable factors.

If you want more information and support on looking at buying your home as an alternative, we can help.

Important information
Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval. Full terms and conditions are included in the Loan Offer. Fees and charges are payable.