Checklists & Guides
Everything we wish someone had given us before we started building. Print them, screenshot them, whatever works.
Before You Sign a Contract
12 items
Questions to Ask Your Builder
14 items
Defects Inspection (PCI) Checklist
18 items
Progress Payment Checklist
10 items
Moving In Checklist
12 items
Jargon Buster
Building terms explained in plain English
Allowance
A placeholder amount in your quote for items not yet selected (e.g. $5,000 allowance for tiles). If your selection costs more, you pay the difference.
Provisional Sum (PS)
An estimated cost for work that can't be accurately priced yet (e.g. excavation). The final cost may be higher or lower.
Variation
Any change to the original contract — additions, deletions, or modifications. Must be agreed in writing with a price BEFORE work starts.
Practical Completion
When the builder considers the home finished and ready for handover. You do a PCI (inspection) before final payment.
PCI
Practical Completion Inspection. Your walkthrough to identify defects before you accept the home and make final payment.
DA (Development Application)
Application to council for permission to build. Takes 40+ days. Your builder usually lodges this.
CDC (Complying Development Certificate)
Faster alternative to DA for standard builds. Private certifier can approve in ~10 days.
BASIX
Building Sustainability Index — NSW requirement. Your design must meet energy and water targets.
Progress Payment
Payments made at set stages of construction (base, frame, lock-up, fit-out, completion). You pay as work is completed.
Home Warranty Insurance
Insurance the builder must have for work over $20K. Covers you if the builder dies, disappears, or goes insolvent.
Statutory Warranty
Legal guarantee that work will be done properly. 6 years for structural defects, 2 years for non-structural defects.
Retention
Amount withheld from final payment until defects are fixed. Typically 2.5-5% of contract value.
Lock-up Stage
When the house is weatherproof — roof on, external walls done, windows and doors installed and lockable.
Contour Survey
Survey showing the slope and levels of your land. Critical for foundation design and excavation costing.
Soil Test
Geotechnical test to classify your soil. Determines foundation type — can significantly affect cost.
Site Cut
Excavating and levelling the building site. Cost varies hugely depending on slope and rock.