The idea of building can be confusing unless you understand
the process and what to expect.

The key here is knowing what questions to ask.

Realistically the process will never be exactly the same twice with so many variables involved. Each builder and land developer are likely to be a little different in how they operate, so asking the right questions up front is the key to being able to make good decisions that are right for YOU.

Examples of Questions to ask the builder:
Initial General Questions
Word of Advice: The best way to find your perfect home is to explain your requirements to builders and there consultants. Being upfront will allow them to easily give you solutions they can offer and new ideas or better ways of doing it. Generally they are friendly and wanting to help you but cannot read your mind.

General Price Guide: The Base price of the home. If you are quite interested ask how you get a better understanding the price "as Displayed". Some builders will prefer to walk you through the home to explain this, whilst others may have a handout.
Standard Inclusions: A list of the Standard inclusions included in that price
Promotions: An outline of any special promotions available, i.e. giveaways etc
Land Requirements: The land size required for the design i.e. Minimum width and length block.

Locations: Where they build, i.e. do they build in your desired location and are there any surcharges in these areas.
The Quote Process: Ask about the process to get official costing including provisions for site costs etc.
The Perfect Design: Explain your home requirements and ask for other plans that might be suitable in your price range. You don't want to do all your homework on a home, buy a block and then find the same builder has another plan you prefer.

More Specify Questions
Home Costing & Home Walk Through: If a display home is available, ask the builder to walk you through it carefully to outline any "non standard display options" and their cost. (Appointment generally required)

The cost estimate should also include an indication of display other items you have requested and a price estimate.

Process & Timeframes: Explain the entire process and expected timeframes for each stage, ie Deposit, soil tests, etc through to home completion.

The Payment Process: The Payment process including any deposit requirements. Some will require percentage progress payments during construction whilst others might require payment on completion.

Structural Guarantee's: The number of years offered on the Builders Structural Guarantee.

Home on the Block: Ask for a sitting of the proposed home on the proposed block. This will show the available outdoor space etc. Note: If the home is close to easements, enquire whether there is any likelihood of additional costs. Generally the builder will need to assess the depth of pipes within the easement to establish whether the Footings / Slab of the home needs to be re-enforced. (This will need to be assessed when the builder has relevant documentation)

The Color Selection Process: Ask where this happens and approximately at what point in the process. You will need to start researching your preferred colour schemes.

Additional Costs: It can be difficult for a builder or New Home consultant to predict any additional costs you may incur without additional research, which is generally covered in your initial deposit etc. So it can be a good idea to not exhaust your budget with the initial quotation. However ask your consultant or builder if they have any idea of typical things that you might expect could add to the cost, i.e. any special council requirements, i.e. temporary fencing, termite protection etc.
Consideration should also be given to any Land Developer requirements or covenants that might require additional cost.
Note: Generally builders will attempt to give you an accurate indication of price in your first meetings, however on many occasions they are not sure until all surveys and information is received what the correct prices will be, so it is a good idea to be reasonable and not get upset if the "estimate" they have given is not accurate and realize they are in many cases just giving educated guesses.

The Land Developer:
The plans for the estate, regarding parks, schools etc.
Details of the building guidelines. Ask that they explain these to you carefully and give examples of homes that comply with guidelines.

Guidelines: Generally each Land Estate is different in terms of these things. Some are very flexible whilst others are quite extensive to a point where sometimes homes have to be architecturally designed to comply with all the requirements. This is fine as long as you understand this before you purchase the land. Have a look at the House & Land Package section to work out whether there are already homes matched to land.

Examples of Guidelines:
     Garage setbacks from the front of the dwelling.
     Internal roof heights.
     Roof materials
     Colors or need for render etc.