New Home Builders in South Melbourne with over 1200 happy residents.

Contemporary House Design for a Narrow Lot.

The cheapest house to build doesn't have to be small. With two stories of living space, this contemporary house plan would work great on a narrow lot. The super-simple design and open floor plan give you a spacious feeling, while cutting back on costs.

Custom-built homes average around nine months, while personalized production plans average near seven months. Because the floor plans used by production builders have been built many times before, there are generally fewer delays.

Ask about their background, experience and business stability. They should be able to provide specific examples of their previous work and references. Builders need to earn your confidence; how they act before they get the job tells you a lot about them.

Can you show recent examples of your work?

Check out completed homes in your area and talk to previous customers. Reputable builders confident about their own work will be happy to put you in touch with previous customers.

Are you licensed?

Unlicensed builders might be cheaper, but you won’t have any protection. So work with licensed builders only. And don’t just take their word for it—you can check yourself online.

Are you fully insured?

It’s important you’re fully protected. Generally, home indemnity insurance covers you for financial loss, while workers’ compensation and general or public liability insurance protect you against workplace accidents. Make sure your builder has
the necessary financial protection in case something goes wrong. Each state and territory has different rules about the amount and type of insurance that builders must hold.

How long have you been in business?

Ideally, you want a well-established builder who enjoys solid long-term relationships with their tradespeople.

How do we pay?

You don’t want to be paying substantial amounts up-front. So set expectations in advance. Progress payments should be made after the work is done to your satisfaction.

Who will supervise the work?

The onsite supervisor’s role is crucial to the smooth running of the project. Meet up to make sure you’ll be comfortable working with them.

Do you have other jobs on?

If the builder has other commitments, your work could get bumped and delayed. On the other hand, if the builder is free to start tomorrow, it may be worth asking why they are so quiet.

What happens if there is a problem?

With any complex building project issues are bound to crop up. Ask how long they guarantee their work. There is usually a building maintenance period during which the builder will come in and fix any problems. Make sure you know what is relevant in your state or territory.

Will costs change?

Make sure the quote includes total costs and there are no hidden surprises. But even so, when it comes to building it’s a good idea to expect the unexpected. If the builder encounters a site problem which requires more work or if you want to vary your plans, it’s important to discuss up-front how this will be managed.

How long will it take?

Complex building projects rarely run exactly to schedule. You’re subject to the vagaries of the weather and the reliability of suppliers. But it’s a good idea to set a timeframe for completion, along with progress milestones along the way. Remember, it’s your house and you need to get it right. So you need to be comfortable with your choice of builder. If it doesn’t feel right, shop around and get a second opinion.