Homework helps your house work

FEW people are experts at building a new home and this inexperience can lead to mistakes that are expensive and heartbreaking.

Building a home is among the biggest projects we are likely to undertake and an error at the planning stage can lead to cost blowouts, frayed nerves and a home that leaves you unhappy with.

Here are some common new-build mistakes and expert advice ons how these errors could have been avoided.

Not understanding what is included

Porter Davis sales manager Eddie Wafai said the best part about building your home was customising it to suit your tastes, but he warned against assuming you would be able to change your facade or floorplan layout.

Custom builders will be able to design every element of your home, whereas volume builders have set designs that are more affordable but offer fewer alterations.

“Ask your builder what parts of the home can be customised and what will have to stay the same,” Mr Wafai said.

Boutique Homes new homes consultant Dale Cardona advised first-timers to read the list of inclusions thoroughly and only then consider promotions — not the other way around.

“This way, you will understand what you are really getting for your money and you’ll be able to stay in control of your budget,” Mr Cardona said.

“Some builders strip their inclusions and add it as a promotion, so it appears you are getting a big saving. Don’t be misled by big promotions.”

Engaging with a builder at the wrong time

Where possible, it is best to chat to your home builder before you buy land. This will enable you to check if your chosen home will suit your block and if the block’s limitations could incur you additional expenses.

“Certain blocks may have extra costs, such as building retaining walls, if there is slope, or extra piers to support the home if there have been trees removed from the ground,” Mr Wafai said.

“Discussing your home design first with the builder will allow for less compromise later on in the process.”

Burbank Group managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo agreed, saying many people thought buying land was relatively simple

“However, there are a number of factors that should be considered in order to avoid any expensive surprises that could result in additional costs or delays to building your home,” Mr Sanfilippo said.

Sloping lots, poor soil condition, rocks, land orientation and developer guidelines might affect the type of home you’re able to build, he said.

Creating budget

Mr Sanfilippo said many first-timers neglected to budget for the additional costs of preparing the land for the an unrealistic builder so it was ready to build on, as well as the cost of landscaping, driveways, decking and furnishings.

“It’s important to do your research and work with a trusted builder who can support and educate you on all the anticipated costs,” he said.

“If your savings only stretch to build a single-storey home, then don’t spend your weekends extensively looking through double-storey displays.

“That’s not to say avoid them all together, as exploring a variety of different homes is a great way to gain inspiration. However, be realistic about what’s right for you.”

Choosing the wrong builder

Mr Sanfilippo points out, you could be working with your builder for up to two years, so you need to be happy with your choice.

“Be sure to not just shop on price alone,” he said. “Consider the home designs, service, guarantees, options, inclusions provided and the reputation.”

Mr Cardona advised choosing a builder who had a transparent timeline and provided all fixed costs upfront before you paid a deposit.

And, he cautioned, be aware of warranties.

“By law, builders only need to provide a three-month warranty service,” he said. “But, especially in Melbourne, it’s crucial your home has the 12 months to settle, so look for a builder that allows the home to experience all four seasons before the final inspection.”

And do not wait for your block to title before talking to your builder as this means you will be paying a mortgage on the block for longer than necessary.

“Your builder will plan construction around the title dates,” Mr Cardona said.

Not doing enough research

Finally, it is important to do as much research as possible on your new build.

“The best place to hear about a builder is from other customers,” Mr Cardona said.

Mr Sanfilippo said it was important to make use of builders’ online design tools, too, such as taking 360-degree tours online and using virtualdesign programs, as well as researching floorplans, watching interior design and renovation shows, attending expos and visiting display homes.