Top ten questions to ask your builder

One of the first interactions with a builder is typically in their stunning display homes. It’s important to remember as you’re viewing the home that it will most likely include various levels of fixtures, fittings and finishes. Your New Homes Consultant can help you understand which of these are included in their base price, and what can be upgraded at an extra cost.

The standard inclusion offering varies depending on each builder. To truly understand whether a builder is suitable for your budget and needs, it’s important to ask about the standard inclusions. Look out for things like double glazing, benchtops, flooring, ceiling heights, soft closing cupboards and doors.

Using reputable brands will ensure your builder delivers a quality home. Ask about kitchen appliances, tapware, cabinetry, flooring, benchtops, windows and doors.

All Victorian homes require a minimum 7-star energy rating but it’s best to ask your builder if changes to the standard floorplans could affect your energy rating. These changes can be as simple as adding windows, choosing design options, or changing your floor coverings, and only when at the optimum solar orientation for the land. If your home is not compliant with a 7-star energy rating, some builders may charge their customers to achieve this rating.

This will help you quickly identify the nice to have’s from the must have’s. It’s important that your builder is transparent about their costs so you can budget any additional selections.

Selecting the finishes and fittings for your home is arguably the most important and exciting stage of your pre-build journey. It’s important to understand how many options are on offer within each category.

When you make the decision to build your home, the last thing you’d want is to be surprised with additional costs along the way. Finding a builder who is transparent about their pricing before you sign on the dotted line will ensure you have peace of mind when it comes to the true cost of the build.

When you choose a builder, you are putting your trust in them to meet industry standards and create a home that is of high quality and design. To ensure your home meets these standards, it’s best to work with a builder that allows and encourages you to engage with an external building inspector. Having both inspectors will ensure the quality of your home meets industry-standards.

The relationship with your builder is just as important when your home is complete. It’s best to choose a builder with a 12-month warranty service to ensure your new home has time to settle and experience all four seasons.

By law, Australian consumers are covered for a minimum of six years which includes a mandatory 90-day service period. We stand by the quality of every home we build by offering a 25 year structural guarantee. This covers structural components such as the slab, brickwork and framing.