Building a New Home in Australia? 7 Tips from a Third-Time Home Builder

19th June 2023

Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction Investor Upsizing & Downsizing First Home Buyer

Planning to build a new home in Australia? Drawing on Dean T’s experience building his third home, this guide shares seven practical tips for choosing a block, comparing builder quotes and deciding which upgrades are worth paying for.

Advice & Tips from Someone Building Their 3rd New Home

Building your dream home can be one of the most exciting yet daunting experiences. In this episode of the Home Building Hub Podcast, hosts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan welcome Dean T, who shares his invaluable insights from building three homes, each with unique challenges and lessons. Whether you’re a first-time home builder or looking to refine your next project, Dean’s advice will help you avoid costly mistakes and make the journey enjoyable.

Key Lessons from Dean’s Building Journey

1. Do Your Homework

• Research the area where you want to live. Look at land availability, block sizes, and their suitability for your needs.
• Explore nearby estates. Sometimes, moving slightly further out can yield better value for money with larger land sizes or more affordable options.
• Ensure the block you choose fits your preferred house design and aligns with your future plans.

2. Be Part of the Process

• Ask family and friends about their building experiences. Focus on the mistakes they made to avoid falling into the same traps.
• Visit display homes to get ideas for floor plans, layouts, and finishes. Also, consider touring homes that are already being lived in to see how practical the designs are in real life.
• Take your time to make decisions, especially when selecting inclusions and upgrades.

3. Plan for the Future

• Think long-term. Does your chosen floor plan accommodate potential lifestyle changes in the next 5-10 years, such as starting a family or hosting guests?
• Consider whether the home’s design will appeal to future buyers, should you choose to sell.

Common Building Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Understanding Your Inclusions

• Many display homes feature upgrades that aren’t included in the standard build price. Ask your builder for a clear inclusions list and compare it with what you see.
• Be aware of additional costs for external finishes, upgraded flooring, or premium roofing options.

Mistake 2: Overlooking Electrical and Plumbing

• Ensure you have enough PowerPoints, light switches, and outdoor taps in the right locations. Plan ahead for future additions, such as outdoor kitchens or pools.
• Adding plumbing or electrical features after the build can be costly and disruptive. Include them in the initial build to save money and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Mistake 3: Lock in Your Site Costs Where Possible

• Soil conditions, particularly in areas with problematic soil or near water, can significantly impact foundation costs. Always get fixed site costs, or if not possible, ensure the quote has a healthy allowance to be ensure it won't blow out your budget.

Dean’s Top 5 Tips for Building Your Home

1. Choose the Right Location

• Think about sunlight, views, and whether you prefer a flat or elevated block.
• Blocks in early estate stages are often larger and closer to display homes, adding value.

2. Prioritise Your Floor Plan

• Ensure your floor plan suits your current and future needs. Functionality and flow are key to creating a home you’ll love—and one that will sell well later.

3. Stick to Your Budget

• Don’t overextend for luxury items. Focus on what you truly need before splurging on wants.

4. Know What’s Included

• Understand your builder’s inclusions and plan for non-included essentials, such as fencing, landscaping, and window furnishings.

5. Build Relationships

• Foster a good relationship with your builder and site manager. A positive rapport makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

• Be informed: Research thoroughly to ensure your land, floor plan, and builder align with your needs.
• Plan ahead: Consider future lifestyle changes when designing your home.
• Inclusions matter: Get clarity on what’s standard and what requires upgrading.
• Be strategic: Save money by focusing on functional upgrades and avoiding over-capitalization.
• Enjoy the journey: Building a home is a collaborative process—make it a positive experience by being engaged and proactive.

Listen to the Full Episode

Discover more insights and actionable advice from Dean on building a home by listening to the full episode here.

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process—completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips.

Explore more episodes at homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.