Build Journey Tracker

Your build, step by step

Tick things off as you go. Know what's coming before it comes. This is your checklist from contract to keys.

Your Progress 0% complete

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Phase 1 of 6

Pre-Construction

Get everything in order before a single thing gets built.

Choose your block of land

Check zoning, easements, bushfire rating, flood maps

Get a soil test done

This determines your foundation type and cost — critical

Get a contour survey

Shows the slope of your land, affects excavation costs

Choose a builder (compare quotes!) → Use our tool

Get 2-3 quotes and compare them properly

Review the contract carefully

Check inclusions, exclusions, allowances, provisional sums

Arrange finance / construction loan

Construction loans have progress draw-downs, not lump sum

Lodge Development Application (DA) or CDC

Your builder usually handles this — confirm who pays

Get Home Warranty Insurance

Required by law for work over $20K in most states

Sign the building contract

You have a 5-day cooling off period in NSW

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Phase 2 of 6

Site & Foundation

The ground gets prepared and the slab goes down.

Site cleared and levelled

Temporary fencing installed

Excavation completed

Plumbing rough-in (under slab)

Steel reinforcement laid

Concrete slab poured

Slab inspected and certified

Progress payment: Base stage

Usually 10-15% of contract price

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Phase 3 of 6

Frame & Roof

The skeleton of your house goes up. It starts looking real.

Wall frames erected

Roof trusses installed

Roofing material laid (tiles/colorbond)

Frame inspection by certifier

Windows and external doors fitted

Fascia and gutters installed

Progress payment: Frame stage

Usually 15-20% of contract price

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Phase 4 of 6

Lock-Up

External walls done, house is weatherproof and lockable.

Brickwork or cladding completed

External rendering if applicable

All external doors locked

Scaffolding removed

Rough-in: electrical wiring

Rough-in: plumbing pipes

Insulation installed

Progress payment: Lock-up stage

Usually 15-20% of contract price

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Know Your Rights

Important protections for homeowners in Australia

Cooling-off period

5 business days in NSW after signing. You can pull out (may lose 0.25% deposit).

Statutory warranties

6 years for structural defects, 2 years for non-structural. Starts from completion.

Home Warranty Insurance

Required for work over $20K. Protects you if builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent.

Progress payments

You only pay for completed stages. Don't pay ahead. Check work before each payment.

Variations in writing

Any changes to the contract MUST be agreed in writing with a price before work starts.

Fair Trading complaints

NSW Fair Trading mediates disputes for free. Lodge a complaint before going to NCAT.

Note: This checklist is a general guide for residential builds in Australia. Requirements vary by state and project. Always check with your builder, council, and legal advisor.