Building your first home is a huge milestone and should feel exciting. But let’s be real: there’s a lot to think about. The good news? Asking the right questions early on can save you time, money and stress.
This guide breaks down five key areas to consider – and covers the questions to ask when building a house – so you can feel confident, informed and ready to build your first home.
How long will everything take?
One of the first things to consider when building a house is how long the building process takes, from finance approval right through to the moment the builder hands over the keys.
What to ask your builder:
- What’s the estimated timeline from pre-approval to handover?
- Are there any ways to speed up the process?
- What could delay the build, and how do you handle that?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you can better plan your house move.
What to know when building a house:
The timeline of a build can vary based on the size, shape and location of the land, council approvals, weather and more. Land title delays can also affect the pre-construction phase of the build. At Easystart, we offer build time guarantees and a commitment to a 12-month build once siteworks start on our house and land packages. Want a quicker build? Ask about fast-track options.
What will it cost?
Money matters, especially when you’re planning your first home. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for (and when) is key to staying on top of your budget.
What to ask your builder:
- What’s included in the base price?
- How much deposit do I need?
- Are there any unexpected costs that may come up during the build?
Mistakes to avoid when building a new house:
One of the most common issues first-home buyers have is focusing only on the starting price of a home. It’s easy to get excited by a low advertised cost, but what’s included in that price can vary wildly between builders.
Some builders keep their base price low by leaving out essentials like siteworks, flooring or even internal painting. These are then added later, which can quickly drive up the overall cost.
At Easystart, we’re upfront about what’s included and we’ll walk you through every detail so you know exactly what you’re getting and what it’ll cost. No guesswork, no nasty surprises.
Our in-house brokers can also work with you to create a finance solution tailored to your goals. We can even help you get started with a no-savings loan.
Inclusions: what do I actually get?
Knowing what’s included in your home (and what’s not) makes it much easier to compare builders and avoid surprise upgrade costs.
It’s really important to get a complete list of exclusions from your builder. Exclusions are things that aren’t included at all, like landscaping, fencing, driveways or window coverings. If you’re not clear on what’s covered, it can be easy to underestimate your total budget.
What to ask your builder:
- What’s included as standard in the home design?
- Are flooring, painting and appliances part of the package?
- What upgrades or customisations are available?
Top tip: Always ask for a full list of standard inclusions in writing. It’s the best way to compare builders fairly and avoid unexpected costs.
All standard Easystart Home and Land Packages include window coverings, flooring and paved driveway. We make it clear what’s included and what’s optional.
Cool things to include when building a house:
Think alfresco living, extra storage or energy-efficient features. With Easystart, you can customise with promotions like Stack It Your Way, adding the things you value most without blowing the budget.
What happens if things don’t go according to plan?
Delays or unexpected issues can be stressful, but a good builder will keep you informed and supported even when things go wrong.
What to ask your builder:
- Who do I contact during the build?
- How will you communicate if something changes?
- What’s the process if I want to change something?
Find out how the builder handles variations, unexpected weather delays, approval processes and overall communication. Having a dedicated point of contact can make all the difference.
At Easystart, you’ll be supported by a full team, including a dedicated Prestart Consultant and Construction Liaison. Plus, we use digital updates so you can track progress step-by-step via our @homeportal.
How am I protected long-term?
Your new home is a long-term investment, so you want to know it’s built to last and that you’re covered if anything goes wrong in the future.
What to ask your builder:
- Is there a structural warranty?
- How long is the maintenance period?
- What happens if I find defects after handover?
It may not be top of your list of things to think about when building a home, but it is vital to understand what support you’re entitled to after moving in. When shopping for builders, ensure they offer clear warranties and choose a builder with real longevity in the industry and a solid reputation.
All Easystart homes are backed by a 25-year structural guarantee through Summit Homes Group; plus, we provide a six-month service period after you move in.
Ask away – you’re not in this alone
There are so many things to consider when building a house, and when it’s your first home, it can be overwhelming. But by understanding the steps to take when building a house and asking the right questions along the way, you’ll feel more confident, prepared and excited for what’s ahead.
When it comes to building, no question is too small. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous or somewhere in between, we’re here to help you feel clear and confident every step of the way.
Ready to start? Get in touch today.
