Knowing what to ASK

We understand that the idea of building is confusing; therefore, we prepared this checklist for you to know what kind of questions to ask during the entire process.

Generally speaking, as there are so many variables involved, the process will never be exactly the same. Each council, builder, and land developer are likely to be a little different in how they operate, so asking the right questions up front is the key to being able to make good decisions that are right for YOU.

The questions to ask The Land Developer can be:
1) The plans for the estate, regarding parks, schools etc.

2) Details of the building guidelines. Ask for examples of homes that comply with guidelines. Guidelines: Generally each Land Estate is different in terms of these things. (Examples of Guidelines: Garage setbacks from the front of the dwelling, Internal roof heights, Roof materials, Colors or need for render etc.)   
  
Note: Some are very flexible whilst others are quite extensive to a point where sometimes homes have to be architecturally designed to comply with all the requirements. You should understand this before you purchase the land.The best way to find your perfect home is to explain your requirements. Being upfront will allow them to easily give you solutions, they can offer and new ideas or better ways of doing it. Remember, they cannot read your mind. Generally builders cannot give you an accurate indication of price in the first meetings, until all surveys and information is received what the correct prices will be.

It is important to clarify with the builder all costs associated with the package and ensure the home does match the land. Considerations such as Res Code requirements, all developer covenants, sitting considerations will need to be considered at this point.

The questions to ask the builder can be more complicated. Here is a list of Must-ASK Questions
a) Land Requirements: The land size required for the design i.e. Minimum width and length of the block. If you bought the land already, ask if the designs suit your block.

b) Price: The Base price of the home. If you are quite interested in the display home design, ask the consultant to walk you through to outline any 'non standard display options' and their cost. (Appointment generally required). Or simply ask for a handout of the cost estimate which includes a list of the display items you have requested and a price estimate. Make sure a list of the Standard inclusions is also included in the handout. Make sure you ask about the Structural Guarantee's: The number of years offered on the Builders Structural Guarantee. And ask if there are any special promotions available, i.e. giveaways etc

c) Locations: Ask if any specific areas where they build will trigger any additional cost, i.e. do they build in your desired location and are there any surcharges in these areas.

d) Process & Timeframes: Ask the consultant to explain the entire process and expected timeframes for each stage, ie Deposit, soil tests, quote, color selection etc through to home completion. Ask about the process to get official costing including provisions for site costs etc. During the Color Selection Process, make sure ask where this happens and approximately at what point in the whole process. You will need to start researching your preferred color schemes. The payment process including any deposit requirements, most builders require percentage progress payments during construction whilst others might require payment on completion.

e) Additional Costs: It can be difficult for a builder or New Home consultant to predict any additional costs you may incur without additional research.  However ask your consultant or builder if they have any idea of typical things that you might expect could add to the cost, i.e. any special council requirements, temporary fencing, termite protection etc. Make sure you ask if the site cost is fixed during the consultation, as Rock On Site might be a unpredictable cost to your budget. Even though most builders these days will fix the site cost, consideration should also be given to Land Developer requirements or covenants that might trigger additional cost.