Building approvals

Building approvals

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Once you have chosen a builder, site inspections can start after you sign a preliminary agreement. Find out about getting a quote and what can cause delays to your build.

Planning your build

Signing a preliminary agreement

Once you’ve completed the research phase and have chosen a builder, you should get a preliminary agreement from them. This is also known as a preliminary quote or preliminary contract.

This agreement will allow the builder to coordinate initial assessments of your site prior to designing plans or submitting applications.

Given the time and effort involved in these assessments, there’s usually a fee charged for the agreement.

If you're building a project home, see End-to-end project home costs for more information.

The building quote process

The steps your builder takes to give you a detailed cost estimate for your build includes:

Undertake site assessments

Your builder will conduct site assessments and request reports from specialists, so they have all the information they need to assess your land for construction.

 

Find out more about site assessments in Building reports and certificates.

Detailed drawing plans

The detailed drawing plans for your house can be created once your builder receives the reports back from any specialists they have consulted.

 

Your chosen house design may be altered to suit your block, or any additional variations you have requested may be added to the plans at this time.

 

Your builder will confirm your choices for any fittings or fixtures in the home.

Detailed cost estimate

Your builder will provide you with a more detailed cost estimate for your build. This is sometimes called a tender.

 

It should break down all the costs for you, and if those costs are fixed (the amount will stay the same) or variable (the amount quoted is subject to change).

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There are other costs you will need to consider throughout your building journey. If you're building a project home, see End-to-end project home costs for more information.

Understanding build delays

The process of building a new home can take a long time, and includes planning, approvals and construction.

Before starting your build, it’s important to note that many factors may affect your timeframes, including:

  • the development approval process
  • weather delays
  • shortages of material supplies
  • shortages of qualified tradespeople
  • variations to your build design
  • the number of projects your builder is involved in.
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Have you checked?

  • You’ve signed a preliminary agreement
  • Site assessments have been completed
  • Detailed plans have been drawn up
  • You’ve received a detailed cost estimate