spacemaker logo white
  • Tips & Inspiration

What is the process for building a new home?

The phases of home construction and selecting a builder in Melbourne

Building a new home is an exciting opportunity to design the perfect abode for your lifestyle! You could opt for a second storey home on a small block, add extra space for entertaining guests or enjoy spending time at home with a parent’s retreat, state-of-the-art kitchen or indoor/outdoor area. Many critical decisions are involved in new home construction, so understanding the various steps in the process helps you plan ahead without the stress that a poorly planned build can bring.  

The three-phase building process for your new home

What is the process for building a new home in Melbourne? There are generally three phases of home construction: pre-construction, during construction and post-construction. Here’s our guide with details of what’s involved at each stage:

Pre-construction planning and actions

For new homes, pre-construction involves deciding where you want to build, the layout and floorplan and selecting a trustworthy custom home builder.

Location planning

Determine whether you want to purchase new land or tear down an existing structure and build on the same site with the correct permits and building approvals. Make this important decision early, as it directly impacts project needs and budget. 

Design decisions

If you don’t already have a floor plan in mind, look for a reliable builder with an in-house custom home designer. At Spacemaker Home Extensions, we have a team of experienced home designers, builders and project managers that streamline the entire process and make creating your ideal home easier for you. 

Select a qualified builder

The builder oversees the entire construction process and is responsible for organising materials, managing the construction timeline and quality control. Builders must comply with national, state and local council regulations, local laws and residential building requirements, so choosing the right builder for your project is crucial.  

Request detailed quotes

Provide your builder with your design ideas and plans, discuss your budget and request a clear, easy-to-understand quote. Review the quote in detail and decide whether it’s more cost-effective to build a new home or consider renovations in Melbourne. If you’re assessing multiple builders, ensure each supplies a comprehensive quote for side-by-side comparison. 

Different approaches to budgeting can include:  

Estimated product pricing

The builder nominates suppliers who quote for specific products such as doors, kitchen appliances and sustainability enhancements, such as solar panels, to create a ‘prime cost schedule’. This ensures that the chosen products are not substituted with cheap alternatives, and provides a more accurate expense assessment, whilst allowing flexibility for changes.
Accounting for all costs upfront in a fixed-price quote, also called ‘lump sum’ pricing, works well for projects with limited budgets, as it is more predictable. However, flexibility for making changes is restricted and may require cutting back on some features if unanticipated costs arise. Review the pros and cons of fixed pricing with your builder.
Some quotes may include a contingency sum to cover unforeseen expenses related to the build, such as weather-related delays or new technologies that emerge after construction begins. Ask your builder if this is included in the budget.

Setting up a contract

The contract is a legal document that establishes terms that have been agreed upon between the builder and the homeowner before construction commences.

Ensure terms are comprehensive

Project documentation should be attached to the contract, including build specifications and quotes from the builder and subcontractors.   

Executing the agreement

Setting up a contract with a builder like Spacemaker can bring peace of mind so you can focus on building your ideal home. We handle each step, including processing documentation for approval and managing disagreements. 

Selecting an environmentally conscious builder for your custom new home

If sustainability standards and considering your local environment are important to you, choose a Melbourne home builder for your property with the following capabilities:  

Adherence to sustainability regulations

The Australian government’s set standards for builders ensure that new and renovated homes are designed and built to strict sustainability standards, such as fixtures and features that operate efficiently to minimise water and energy use. Confirm that your builder holds the necessary certifications and has experience in building compliant homes.

Experience in passive housing design

Select a builder with expertise in designing and building properties using passive design principles. With over 55 years in the Australian building industry, the Spacemaker team has extensive experience in integrating these principles into homes to enhance both comfort and sustainability.   

Prioritise eco-friendly material use

Confirm your builder is working with subcontractors who procure sustainably sourced, eco-certified materials and non-toxic products, including adhesives and finishes.

Minimise the impact on local ecosystems

Find a builder who takes measures to protect the natural areas around the building site. Discuss how they plan to manage construction waste, protect local waterways and minimise erosion.  

What happens during the construction process?

Understanding the steps in this phase of building your new home helps you stay informed about the procedures involved and keep track of the completion schedule.

Timeline expectations

Construction time depends on the materials used, the scale and the level of customisation. Bespoke designs, including those from custom home builders like Spacemaker, may take longer to ensure specifications are met. Talk to your builder about the anticipated construction period. 

Different stages of the build

Whether starting a new project or planning custom home extensions, the construction phase follows five steps. Before settling in, a final walkthrough ensures everything is in working order.

1. Foundation preparation

Establishing the home’s foundation can include demolition and levelling. Protective barriers are installed to ensure proper drainage and prevent the entry of pests or moisture that could lead to problems later in the process.
The walls and roof are erected to create a shell structure, where elements such as drainage systems are added to protect your home. Trade specialists begin installing the pipes and wiring necessary to supply gas, water and electricity to the property.
Once doors, windows, roof cover and external cladding or building fabric are installed, your home is at the ‘lockup’ stage and can be secured and protected from the elements. Work continues inside, where essential features, components and services are installed, including ventilation systems and insulation.
Once the plumbing and electrical systems are in place, it’s time to install or ‘fit-out’ the finishes necessary to complete your home, such as lighting, cabinetry, appliances and flooring.
Test appliances, ensure doors and windows function correctly, look for damage and document your findings. This is your opportunity to ensure your expectations and contractual obligations have been met, and to identify and address outstanding matters.

The post-construction phase

What is post-construction, and what steps are involved? This step occurs when the builder hands over your new abode after construction is complete. It involves understanding how your home works and your rights as the new owner. Here are our top tips for this stage:

Review the owner’s manual

Before settling in, confirm the layout and operation of your home’s features, such as kitchen appliances and the location of the electrical switchboard. Take time to review the owner’s manual supplied by the builder and ask about items you’re not clear about. 

Owner’s manuals typically include the following guidance:

Operating your home’s systems

How to use everyday features such as water, heating and cooling systems and opening and closing windows, including instructions for different seasons and times of the day.  

Guidance on minimising damage and managing risks in your home, including barriers to keep out pests, using valves for hot water system pressure relief and to isolate utilities, and how to stop leaks. Also refer to the CSIRO homeowner’s guide to foundation maintenance for information and suggestions about preventing cracking caused by soil-related building movement.

Directions for protecting and maintaining your property’s interior and exterior, including special cleaning instructions, a painting schedule, products for different surfaces and upkeep. Following these recommendations increases the life of your home and lays a solid foundation for alterations and the finishing touches for your home renovation. 

Assurances and warranties

Warranties give you time to ensure everything is working properly and that the new structure is sound. New homes generally have a 13-week maintenance period, during which time you can request additional fixes, but Spacemaker allows up to 26 weeks to request adjustments. The standard warranty for structural integrity in Australia is 10 years, but you should always confirm this with your builder. 

Start building your new bespoke home in Melbourne!

Understanding a new home’s pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases is essential for a more stress-free experience. From site preparation and structural development to the finishing touches, Spacemaker manages the entire process of your custom build with care and expertise so you can build your new home with confidence, guided by our experts. Our multi-award-winning team is ready to help you build your dream home. Speak with one of our custom home design consultants by calling 03 8873 7800 or book a free custom home design consultation today!  

Download Our Portfolio

spacemaker logo white
Mobile-alt Facebook Instagram