Doing your groundwork – (excuse the pun) is the key to making your new home build as stress free as possible. Here we discuss the nine steps to successfully building a new home and questions you are going to want to answer prior to undertaking a build:
1. Right Section or Plot
Choosing a section can be harder than you think. You are going to want to consider;
Cost:
Can you afford it? A section can be relatively inexpensive, but what will the actual build costs be like? If it is rural will it cost more for items (timber, windows, etc) to be delivered? What will be the cost to hook up to utilities and services?
Climate / Location:
If your plot is on a hill or in situated in a valley it can be a lot cooler than in the surrounding areas, similarly you can expect higher winds. Will this impact on the type of home you need to build and its construction cost?
Direction:
What direction your house faces can alter the temperature inside your home. Should you consider double glazing to trap heat inside your home? Will you have enough windows to let heat out in warmer weather? These are all factors that can add to building costs.
Soil Structure / Ground Stability:
Is the soil suitable to build on, will it require extra groundwork or engineering? If you have any doubts, get an engineer in! It will save you a lot of trouble later if you discover any issues before you consider buying the property. The shape of the land is important – is your section liable to have water collecting in any areas, or could it be prone to landslides or subsidence?
Amenities / Community:
Do you feel safe? What is the crime rate like? If you have (or are thinking of having) children how far away is the nearest school? Are there medical services or supermarkets nearby? Convenience is important.
2. Right Architecture or Design
How would do you like your home to look and feel? Are you building a an architecturally designed house or kit-set home, or relocating an existing dwelling?
You may have to consider:
Layout: Does the section we discussed above require you to construct a specialised design, this may become very expensive.
Noise: Are you near traffic? Will extra pink Subcontractor License batts/insulation or glazing be required?
Are your requirements likely to change in the future? E.g. Will you have children and need more space? How do you live? For example, if you cook, you may prefer a larger kitchen – possibly a walk-in pantry?
Sale Ability: Is this your long-term or retirement home? If not, consider how others may perceive your design?
You make like low doorways/ceilings but it could detract from the sale ability of your home if potential buyers bang their heads continuously! If you’re starting your design from scratch a good architect should be discussing these considerations with you. If you’re thinking of selling in the near future, talking to real estate agents about what is selling easily maybe a good idea?
Some builders provide concept plans at no charge which is a great opportunity to see what your ideas look like on paper.
3. Permits / Building Consent
You will need to apply to your local council for a building permit, not to mention any additional permits if you want to try and change zoning/land use. If you plan to subdivide as part of the building process it is likely that the council/ state authorities will require you to undertake specific tasks like tree planting depending on which region you build in, so drop by your local council to find out the specific bylaws in your area. Remember- permits are often required when felling native trees!
4. Building Contractors
Finding contractors can be a difficult business, and it is important that you choose wisely. Choosing licensed and registered Master Builders and tradesmen is a good place to start, and make sure you ask around for recommendations.
When you start to take quotes, consider this – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If one quote is a lot cheaper than the others, consider why – are the time frames unreasonable or are they using inferior building products?
If you are planning on doing building work yourself, consider your skill level and employ others for the more specialised areas otherwise it could cost you more in the long run. Even if your trade skills are minimal, you can talk to builders about how you can help out to keep costs down.
5. Groundwork and Foundations
Congratulations, you’re now beginning the build phase! During this time it will be pretty hectic, and unless you are doing the construction yourself you may find this is more of a hands off period. It pays to use an experienced project manager. Do expect delays unless you have a fixed time contract – while we may hope for everything to run on schedule, it’s not uncommon for delays due to weather, delayed shipments or council consent requirements.
It’s important that from this point that you maintain an open line of communication between you and your contractors. If you have a question make sure you ask it. If contractors ask for decisions then make sure you reply quickly. Being slow in responding to questions can increase build costs due to what is called project slippage.
6. Structural Build
Now is when it all starts taking shape. The roof is up and the beams and floor are in. By now you should have most of your whiteware/appliances and fittings (dishwashers, ovens, sinks, tapware, light fittings) chosen ready for installation.
When it comes to appliances do your research. Talk to contractors, use the internet and friends to establish which brands are most suitable for your needs.
7. Fit Out – Gib, plumbing, electrical…
Congratulations, you’re now reaching the home stretch! All your appliances are getting put Subcontractor Vs Employee in, and you’ll be moving in soon… Now just to decide on how to furnish your new home!
When having your home painted ask yourself, is this going to be what will look good in in 5-10 years time. Todays trends may not be what you like in a few years and doing a full paint job again can add un-necessairly to your costs.
8. Furnishing
As you developed the design for your home, you likely visualised how furniture would be laid out, however now it is time to put these designs into place. Decisions will need to be made – carpet or linoleum? What pictures will go where and what window treatments will be the most appropriate. Will you be using curtains or blinds? Will you buy off the rack or have them custom made?
9. Move in Finally!
Time to move in. Whether this house is set to be your long-term home, or a temporary arrangement you’ve finally made it!
You now know the steps involved to successfully build your new home. These questions and this process will now enable you to make more of an informed decision on building a new home should that be what you decide to do.
Construction