Hey there home builders! Whether you are a first home buyer or you’ve done this before, we know you will have questions. So that’s why we’ve created this page to help you throughout your journey.
Understanding Your Floor Plan
Soon you will receive the Working Drawings to your new home. This will include the sketch you previously signed but with more information! If you’re not familiar with floor plans, you can read what’s included and what the abbreviations mean. Our team are also happy to help answer any questions you have.
The administration phase involves all the tasks that happen before you go to site. From organising your finance approval to receiving your build permit, there’s plenty going on! So we’ve made a simplified table of what happens during this process to help understand what’s going on.
Your Preliminary Building Agreement outlines the indicative cost and home design. It also outlines the estimated siteworks cost. Once signed, we will order additional plans so we can finalise the cost and details of your home.
Your Build Contract includes the finalised items in your home, as well as any variations you would like included. It also lists our specification and all the items included in your home.
You will work with your bank or mortgage broker to get your finance approved. When that has been received, you will then need to settle on your land (meaning that you will own your block!).
Your pre-start meeting will be held in our Selection Centre in Malaga, where you can choose your colours, materials, and upgrades. Afterwards, we will send you through the costings of your variations for you to approve.
Once your plan has been updated with your pre-start variations, we will get the relevant approvals such as Private Certification and your Build Permit. We also get other reports such as your BAL, Energy, and Acoustic reports.
Before we go to site, we will send you through your Final Pack. This will have your Working Drawings, as well as all the items that will be in your home (such as your taps, carpets and colours).
- PBA
Your Preliminary Building Agreement outlines the indicative cost and home design. It also outlines the estimated siteworks cost. Once signed, we will order additional plans so we can finalise the cost and details of your home.
- Build Contract
Your Build Contract includes the finalised items in your home, as well as any variations you would like included. It also lists our specification and all the items included in your home.
- Finance
You will work with your bank or mortgage broker to get your finance approved. When that has been received, you will then need to settle on your land (meaning that you will own your block!).
- Pre-Start
Your pre-start meeting will be held in our Selection Centre in Malaga, where you can choose your colours, materials, and upgrades. Afterwards, we will send you through the costings of your variations for you to approve.
- Approvals
Once your plan has been updated with your pre-start variations, we will get the relevant approvals such as Private Certification and your Build Permit. We also get other reports such as your BAL, Energy, and Acoustic reports.
- Final Pack
Before we go to site, we will send you through your Final Pack. This will have your Working Drawings, as well as all the items that will be in your home (such as your taps, carpets and colours).
Frequently Asked Questions for the Administration Phase
When do I see my Working Drawings?
Your Working Drawings have at least 7 pages that show the details of your home, such as your floor plan, elevation and kitchen. We like to have your Working Drawings ready before your pre-start. The latest you will receive them will be when your pre-start variations have been signed off and your plan updated.
Should I put my upgrades on my Build Contract or wait until pre-start?
Your mortgage broker or bank will be the best person to answer this, because it depends on your circumstances. If you include items in your Build Contract, you will pay for them with your mortgage. If you include them at pre-start, you will pay for them with your savings.
When can I do my pre-start?
Our team will reach out to organise your pre-start once your Build Contract is signed.
Why should I visit your suppliers showrooms?
We ask our clients to visit the showrooms of selected suppliers because their showrooms display a broader range of products. Plus, you get to speak with an expert who knows their product inside and out.
- Crosby Tiles is the most important showroom to visit before our pre-start. This is because you choose your tiles (flooring and splashbacks), stone benchtops and cabinetry colours. Because their range is so broad, our Move Homes Selection Centre doesn’t include all of their tile options.
- Sheehans Electrical will have one of their electricians go through your plan and discuss your needs. Not every client attends, but if you’re considering junction boxes, extra lights, or installing an alarm system, we strongly recommend making an appointment.
- Trevors Carpets have a huge range of carpets and hybrid planks. Our Move Homes Selection Centre has samples of our standard range, which is why it isn’t necessary to visit their showroom. But if you want to see larger samples of a particular colour, it’s worth the visit (and it’s down the road from Crosby Tiles).
What happens after I sign my pre-start variations?
Our drafting team will update your Working Drawings to show your changes. We will also send you an updated Final Pack for you to approve, which lists every product and colour included in your home.
Now that the planning is done, we can start to build your home!
We will prepare your site and services before laying your slab. Then, you will see your home take shape as the brickwork is completed.
Your roof, along with the gutters and downpipes, will go on your home. Plus, we will put in the water and gas provisions.
There’s a lot happening here! Your cabinetry is installed, tiling is laid, and items like the shower screens and mirrors are finished.
The final pieces such as your plumbing and gas connections, brick paving, and insulation are installed.
You will attend a Practical Completion Inspection with your supervisor where you walk through your home just before it’s finished.
Your new home is finished and we will hand you the keys!
- Slab and Bricks
We will prepare your site and services before laying your slab. Then, you will see your home take shape as the brickwork is completed.
- Roof and Services
Your roof, along with the gutters and downpipes, will go on your home. Plus, we will put in the water and gas provisions.
- Internals
There’s a lot happening here! Your cabinetry is installed, tiling is laid, and items like the shower screens and mirrors are finished.
- Finishing Up
The final pieces such as your plumbing and gas connections, brick paving, and insulation are installed.
- Inspections
You will attend a Practical Completion Inspection with your supervisor where you walk through your home just before it’s finished.
- Handover
Your new home is finished and we will hand you the keys!
Frequently Asked Questions for the Construction Phase
Can I walk through my house?
We can arrange an inspection with your site supervisor present. Though we understand the temptation to visit your property regularly, we must advise that unauthorised access of building sites is not covered by our insurance. With your safety as priority, we strongly recommend that impromptu visits do not occur.
Can I make changes during construction?
Making changes to your home during construction, whether it’s moving a window or swapping the carpet colour, will incur a cost and potentially cause delays. So it’s important that we get everything right before we start construction.
How do I get updates on my home's progress?
We will send you automatic updates when key items have been finished, such as your slab being poured, brickwork completed, and roof being finalised.
Get Moving into Your New Home
Looking for colours and style ideas? Check out the gallery of our clients’ homes in our new Style Guide and Pinterest. Plus, you can take the Laminex quiz to see what interior style suits you!
Your Guide to Home Building – #blogstyle
All the advice, information, tips and tricks relating to being a new home buyer and builder straight from the Move Homes blogs.
September 4, 2023Did you know you will meet your supervisor to walk through your home just before it's ready?- February 20, 2023Our Pre-Start Consultant has predicted what colours and design trends we'll see more of
- July 5, 2022Looking for ideas for your new home's elevation? Check out our exterior style tips.
- May 19, 2022Do you keep seeing the phrase "titled land" but not sure what it means?
