Building a new home can seem like a daunting and complicated process – but it doesn’t have to be. From managing your budget to choosing the perfect location, selecting a home builder and the final inspection, here’s your essential checklist for building a new home.
❑ Sort out your budget
Before you start down the path of building a new home, it’s important to get your finances in order first. It’s recommended that you reserve more than you intend to spend – to account for unexpected costs during construction, or delays that mean you have to keep paying rent or a separate mortgage.
Work with your chosen lender to get pre-approval, as this will provide insight into what sort of home you can afford. Also be sure to review any first home owner grants you may be eligible for.
❑ Pick the perfect spot
Building a new home often means you’ll be looking to live there for the foreseeable future, so location is key. Do your research and visit different suburbs that appeal to you. Take into account things like the commute time to work, whether there are quality schools and healthcare facilities nearby, and your home’s proximity to shopping centres, cafes, parks and public transport.
❑ Close to your needs
If you decide to buy land for sale and design your new home on it, you’ll want to make sure it’s close to everything you want. For some people that will mean lots of parks or rivers nearby for lifestyle choices. Others may want a particular train or bus station within walking distance – so their daily commute is much easier. And some people will want to live close to family and friends.
A house and land package in a new community like Savana means you get to live among lush greenery with an easy walk to essential amenities and the Wyndham Vale Train Station.
❑ Choose your builder and home design
You’ll want to know your builder is reputable, experienced and a good communicator. The journey from empty land to finished home can be emotionally taxing – not to mention a big financial undertaking. That’s why it’s important that you pick a building team that meets your needs.
Likewise, design is a critical element of the home-building process. Take your time looking through the home designs that you like and make sure your final decision has everything you want – whether that’s a minimum number of bedrooms, a big backyard, a chic island bench in the middle of your kitchen or the perfect floor plan for you and your family.
A good idea is to visit a display village before making a decision. This will give you a clear indication of what your new home will look like, and can help you get a feel for the experienced builders that are available as well as showcase a range of home designs.
❑ Sign on the dotted line
Legally you’ll need to sign a building contract before construction begins. While you’ll want a legal professional to look over the document for you – as they will be able to pick out any discrepancies – it’s also in your best interests to review the contract yourself.
Take particular note of construction milestones, insurance information, terms of payment and your anticipated move-in date.
❑ Stay in contact
Monitoring the progress of construction is an exciting aspect of building your new home. Communication goes both ways, so don’t be afraid to speak to your builders to find out how the site is progressing.
It’s also your prerogative to visit your new home while construction is ongoing. A good builder will be happy to keep you in the loop with how everything is going.
❑ Quality control before move-in
Once your home is finally built, it’s time to inspect it to make sure it meets your satisfaction. It’s a good idea to do a walk-through with a camera and notepad so you can mark down any potential flaws or missing elements.
Look for common issues like cracks, poor finishing, unpainted items, missing fixtures and fittings, as well as doors and cupboards that aren’t flush. It’s your right to have the building completed to the original specifications, so don’t be afraid to push back if your home isn’t as promised.
Once you’re happy with everything, it’s time to move into your brand-new home and start the exciting next chapter of your life!
As a boutique village address that offers an exceptional location and a true sense of neighbourhood spirit, it all comes together at Savana. You can start your new journey by purchasing land at Savana, so enquire today.