Things to Consider When Building a New House
Building a new house is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel complex if you are not sure where to start. From budgeting and land selection to choosing a builder and understanding the construction process, there are many decisions that can shape your experience and the final result.
With the right planning and guidance, building a new home can be a rewarding and enjoyable journey. Here are the key things to consider before, during and after your build to help you feel confident every step of the way.
A Quick New Home Build Checklist
Before diving into the details, it helps to understand the big picture. Most new home builds involve the following steps:
- Setting a realistic budget and financial buffer
- Securing finance or pre-approval
- Choosing the right block of land
- Selecting a licensed and experienced builder
- Finalising your home design and inclusions
- Understanding approvals and permits
- Knowing the stages of construction
- Planning for long-term comfort and efficiency
Keeping these points in mind early can help avoid unnecessary stress later.
Setting Your Budget and Finance
One of the first things to consider when building a new home is your overall budget. This goes beyond the base price of the house and should factor in land costs, site preparation, upgrades, landscaping and any additional fees. While it is sensible to allow a contingency for variations, choosing an estate where sites are semi-prepared and site costs are fixed can help reduce the risk of unexpected expenses during construction.
Speaking with a lender early can also help you understand your borrowing capacity, payment stages and how construction loans work. Having finance organised before construction begins can help avoid delays and provide greater peace of mind throughout the build process.
Choosing the Right Land
The block of land you choose plays a major role in how your home is designed and built. Consider factors such as block size, orientation, slope and soil conditions. These can influence natural light, energy efficiency and site costs.
If you are exploring different options, reviewing available land for sale at Eynesbury can help you understand how block characteristics affect both design flexibility and overall build costs.
Choosing the Right Builder
Selecting the right builder is one of the most important decisions you will make. Look for builders who are licensed, insured and experienced in delivering homes similar to what you have in mind.
Viewing display homes, reviewing past projects and reading customer feedback can give you insight into quality and service. It is also important to understand what is included in your contract, what is excluded and how variations are managed. Clear communication and transparency help create a smoother building experience.
Designing a Home That Suits Your Lifestyle
Your home design should reflect how you live now and how you plan to live in the future. Think about room layout, storage, natural light and how indoor and outdoor spaces connect.
Customisation options such as kitchen layouts, bathroom designs and electrical planning are often best decided early in the process. These choices can significantly affect functionality and comfort and are usually more cost-effective when included upfront.
Approvals and Permits
Before construction begins, approvals and permits are required to ensure your home meets building standards and local regulations. In many cases, your builder will manage this process for you, but it is still helpful to understand the general steps and timeframes involved.
For buyers building within a master-planned community, understanding how approvals align with the Eynesbury masterplan can help ensure your home design meets estate guidelines and long-term vision.
The Stages of Building a House
Understanding the stages of building a house can help you feel more confident throughout the process and know what to expect as your home progresses.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your home won’t be either. Here are the steps involved in taking your dream home from ‘slab’ to ‘fab!’
Stage 1: Base
Before construction can begin on the house itself, the site must first be prepared for building. This is where your land is levelled and excavated, and underground plumbing and electrical connections are installed. The concrete slab can then be poured, marking the completion of the base stage.
Stage 2: Frame
This is an exciting step of the building process as it’s where you first begin to see your home taking shape. Think of the frame as the ‘skeleton’ of your house. This includes wall frames, roof frames, guttering, sheeting and insulation.
During this time, you can also expect to see plumbers and electricians laying pipes and electrical wiring. Your house won’t have a roof at this point, so the progress of this stage will be heavily reliant on the weather.
Stage 3: Lock-up
As the name would suggest, the lock-up stage focuses on completing all the areas that allow you to physically ‘lock up’ your home. This typically includes external cladding, roofing, exterior doors, windows and sometimes the garage door.
Once the lock-up stage is complete, your home will be much more secure, making it safer to install items of value, such as appliances and other fixtures.
Stage 4: Fixing and Fit-off
Now that the exterior is largely complete and the house can safely be locked up, work can begin on the inside of your home. This is where internal walls and ceilings can be plastered and other interior details installed, such as interior doors, skirting boards, tiles, cabinets and shelves.
Electricians and plumbers can also safely begin work on essentials such as power outlets, switches, light fixtures, taps and showers.
Stage 5: Final Build
You’re almost there. The final stage of construction involves all the finishing touches that tie your new home together, including paintwork, mirrors and built-in systems such as air conditioning and heating.
Stage 6: Handover
Once your house is built and a post-build inspection has been conducted, it’s time for the most exciting part of the process. The handover marks the completion of your build, meaning you can collect your keys and move into your brand-new home.
Interior Selections and Finishes
Interior selections are where your house truly becomes your home. From flooring and tiles to cabinetry, lighting and fixtures, these choices affect both style and everyday living.
Some upgrades are easier and more affordable to include during construction rather than after handover. Taking time to plan your selections helps ensure a cohesive look and avoids rushed decisions.
Planning for Sustainability and Comfort
Energy efficiency is an important consideration for many new homeowners. Design features such as orientation, insulation, window placement and shading can improve comfort and reduce running costs.
If you are considering solar panels, energy-efficient appliances or upgraded insulation, discuss these options with your builder early to understand costs and benefits.
Avoiding Common Building Mistakes
Many challenges during a build can be avoided with careful planning. Common mistakes include underestimating costs, rushing design decisions, overlooking contract details and failing to plan for future needs.
Taking the time to understand the process and ask questions can help ensure a smoother experience and a home that meets your expectations.
Where to Start Your Home Building Journey
If you are ready to begin building, the first step is aligning your budget, land choice and home design. Eynesbury offers a range of options, including house and land packages, designed to simplify the building process and suit different lifestyles.
Our team is here to help you explore available opportunities and guide you through the next steps towards building your new home at Eynesbury.