Choosing the right builder

STOCKLAND BUILDING GUIDES

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For more information FREECALL 13 52 63

Tip:Display homes may have extra inclusions and more expensive finishes, so be sure to ask your builder for an “as displayed” price.

Your builder must be a trusted partner in your home building journey, so it is important to make an informed choice. There are two important factors in determining the right builder for you.

The foundation

Does the builder have a design that suits your needs?Start with an overall vision of your new home and a clear idea of your budget.

How many bedrooms do you need?

Do you have a growing family or are you downsizing?

What do you require in your kitchen and living areas?

The best way to gain inspiration is by visiting a Stockland Display Village. You will be exposed to a number of different designs by a number of different builders, in one convenient location. This allows you to physically assess the design styles and begin to envision yourself in your future home.

Builder websites are another great place to seek inspiration for new home designs. Make a list of things you must have in your new home and things you would be willing to compromise on to stay within your budget. This information will assist during the consultation process.

The information in this publication is provided as a guide only. All images and statements are based on information available to Stockland at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice. The contents of the publication should not be considered legal, financial or other professional advice and you should consult an expert before making a decision based on anything contained in this publication. Any references or links to third party websites are for information purposes only and Stockland does not represent or warrant that the information on those websites are complete or accurate, nor does it endorse those websites or any company, product or service mentioned on those websites. Stockland will not be responsible or liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising (whether directly or indirectly) from the use of or reliance on anything contained in this publication.

Find out more

STOCKLAND BUILDING GUIDES – CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUILDER < PREVIOUS I NEXT > 03

For more information FREECALL 13 52 63The information in this publication is provided as a guide only. All images and statements are based on information available to Stockland at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice. The contents of the publication should not be considered legal, financial or other professional advice and you should consult an expert before making a decision based on anything contained in this publication. Any references or links to third party websites are for information purposes only and Stockland does not represent or warrant that the information on those websites are complete or accurate, nor does it endorse those websites or any company, product or service mentioned on those websites. Stockland will not be responsible or liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising (whether directly or indirectly) from the use of or reliance on anything contained in this publication.

Things to think about:Will your builder be managing every stage of the process for you, including lodging your design application with Stockland and getting council approvals? What exactly is included in the final price and is the price fixed?

The foundation continued

Are you happy that they are the right builder for you?New home builders must be licensed from the relevant authority in your state. Be sure to check this when choosing your builder.

Reputation is everything, so find out as much as you can about the builder before making your decision. Consider how long they have been in the business, and what their past customers say. If they don’t have a display home, ask to visit another home they have built.

TIPS ON CHOOSING A BUILDER VIDEO

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For more information FREECALL 13 52 63The information in this publication is provided as a guide only. All images and statements are based on information available to Stockland at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice. The contents of the publication should not be considered legal, financial or other professional advice and you should consult an expert before making a decision based on anything contained in this publication. Any references or links to third party websites are for information purposes only and Stockland does not represent or warrant that the information on those websites are complete or accurate, nor does it endorse those websites or any company, product or service mentioned on those websites. Stockland will not be responsible or liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising (whether directly or indirectly) from the use of or reliance on anything contained in this publication.

Home building explainedUnless you’ve built a new home before, you’re unlikely to be familiar with all the steps involved in bringing your great Australian dream to fruition. We’ve put together a simple outline of the process to take you on your new home building journey.

Building starts with site preparation and the “set out” of your home on the block, followed by some digging and pouring of footings. Initial plumbing is put in place and the concrete slab is laid.

Foundations

Frames and roof trusses start to give some shape to your home and are often prepared off-site and delivered for speedy installation.

The frame

Internal walls are completed and all the finer details of your home are added, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, taps, mirrors, appliances, power points and light fittings.

Fit out

Your home reaches practical completion and the builder will invite you for a walk through to inspect your new address. Then it’s some finishing touches and handover time

Handover

Now the roof is going on and brickwork completed. The plumber will be back and the electrician starts work. Doors and windows appear and the internal structure takes more shape.

Bricks and Mortar

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For more information FREECALL 13 52 63

Tips:All new homes have to meet mandatoryenergy star ratings. Find out if your chosen home meets the criteria or if it could be improved.

If you’re not quite sure about something being discussed, then you might not enjoy the building process as much. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

You’ve done your research, chosen your community, a block that is right for you, and are in the process of working out the finer details with your chosen builder. Now’s the time to ask questions about the liveability and sustainability of the home to assist with the building process and help you save money.

Questions to ask

• What building materials are being used? Are they appropriate for regulating temperature in my climate?

• What insulation has been chosen? Is this the best choice for my location? Have I got draft proofing to make my home cost and environmentally efficient?

• Would ceiling fans be worthwhile to save on air conditioning in summer and assist with circulating warm air in winter?

• What will be the most cost-effective and energy-efficient hot water system, lighting solution and appliances for my home?

The information in this publication is provided as a guide only. All images and statements are based on information available to Stockland at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice. The contents of the publication should not be considered legal, financial or other professional advice and you should consult an expert before making a decision based on anything contained in this publication. Any references or links to third party websites are for information purposes only and Stockland does not represent or warrant that the information on those websites are complete or accurate, nor does it endorse those websites or any company, product or service mentioned on those websites. Stockland will not be responsible or liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising (whether directly or indirectly) from the use of or reliance on anything contained in this publication.

• What size house do I really need? Would an extra room be better than a bigger garage?

• Is this the optimal orientation of my home on the block? Can the design be flipped or rotated?

• What is the most efficient floor plan? Are wet areas close together to minimise plumbing costs? Can I use ‘zoning’ to close parts of the house that are not in use?

• Have I chosen the right size windows in the right locations to take advantage of the sun and breezes? Are there any other ways I can create shading for the house, such as larger eaves or a shade tree?

Unless you’re a builder, the construction process is likely to present some unfamiliar terminology. Builders spend their livelihood talking about building. If they use a term you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask them to explain it to you in lay terms.

For example, a ‘skillion’ roof (sloping roof without a ridge or peak) might be the best option for your home – but only if you know what it is!

A great way to familiarise yourself with building terminology is to take a tour of a new or display home with your builder and ask plenty of questions along the way.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

For more information please call us on 13 52 63 or email us at residential@stockland.com.au

Thank you

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