Choosing to build a new home is an exciting process, but for many, it can be more than a little daunting.
“Most people don’t build often, so there’s a steep learning curve around contracts, selections, timelines, finance stages and how all the moving parts come together,” says Max Williams, Sales Manager at Dale Alcock Homes.
“In hindsight, many buyers say they wish they’d asked more questions earlier and had a clearer understanding of the process before jumping in.”
Experts like those at Dale Alcock Homes work with clients every day and understand what questions Australians often have throughout their building journey.
Here are five things the buyers that Dale Alcock Homes work with need to know – that can also help make the building process more seamless if they’re answered at the start.
With the right advice and planning, building a new home can be a rewarding decision.
1. Don’t rush the big decisions
There are a lot of decisions that come with building a home and rushing those decisions can make the process more stressful or confusing down the line.
“Buyers can feel pressure to act fast, especially when they’ve finally secured a block or found a home design they love," says Mr Williams.
He says that slowing down where you can, asking questions, and making informed decisions early on reduces the risk of regret later and sets the foundation for a much smoother build journey.
While taking your time is important, he also notes that some decisions must be made fast.
“With land prices and build prices increasing, it is important clients are making an informed decision in a timely manner to ensure they don’t miss out on land and/or current pricing,” he says.
Having a builder who can give you all the facts upfront and explain your options can help you feel more confident making a quick decision, without feeling rushed.
Taking the time to carefully think through your options, when you can, is important.
2. Think about what your home needs
The layout is one of the most crucial decisions a buyer can make, and they need to think practically about what they need from their home.
“Functionality is important, so choosing a floorplan that suits your needs is very important, especially since structural changes can’t be made throughout the build process,” says Mr Williams.
He says that when buyers choose a floorplan for the first time, it’s often the basic, everyday items that get overlooked.
“People tend to focus on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms or whether they need a study, and forget about how they actually live in the home,” he adds.
“Simple things like having a place to drop shoes, coats and school bags when you enter can make a big difference and helps keep kitchens and living areas clutter free.”
Features like storage can get overlooked but are a crucial part of any practical floorplan.
3. Ask questions and listen to the experts
Building is complex and for many buyers, the process is loaded with industry jargon that can be hard to get their head around.
“Buyers are suddenly hearing terms like siteworks, footing detail, BAL, noise, coastal requirements, progress claims, covenants and design guidelines, and it can feel overwhelming,” says Mr Williams.
He also adds that a good consultant who understands a buyer’s needs and communicates them back to the team has a huge impact on the overall experience.
“Developing a relationship with the consultant and finding someone who is willing and able to answer questions and guide the client through the process is invaluable,” he says.
Buyers can lean on this expertise and listen when their builder explains what’s achievable, where costs can escalate and what decisions need to be made early.
4. Choose timeless over trending
With the latest design fads all over social media, buyers can find it hard to know what styles will work for them.
“Influencers and TV shows can push people toward certain features that look great in photos or on a Pinterest board, but don’t always suit real life or everyday families,” Mr Williams says.
A reputable builder can help guide their clients towards colours and finishes that feel modern without dating too quickly, helping them create a home with a simple and timeless base that they can then add their own touches too.
“Upgrades are possible but sticking to the ‘bones’ or ‘skeleton’ initially is a good start,” he says.
Ultimately, buyers want a home that works for them, their personality, and their lifestyle, both now and in the future.
“You want something you’ll still love in ten years, not something that feels like a TikTok trend that lasts five minutes,” he adds.
Expert builders can help you create a home that suits your style now and into the future.
5. Budget for more than just the build
Mr Williams says that finance should be step number one for any build.
“Understanding your budget for house and land, which will ultimately determine where you can build, the land size, and the home design options,” he says.
Talking to a New Homes Consultant can help you consider all of the small but relatively inexpensive items that can add up.
Letterboxes, side gates, clotheslines, and TV antennae can take time to organise if they’re not planned early.
Mr Williams also adds that homebuilders need to budget more than just their money.
“The biggest thing I’d say is buyers need to invest time into their build,” he says.
“Between work, family and kids, it’s easy for the build to slip down the priority list, but that’s when things get missed.”
Beyond your financial budget, it's also important to think about how you're budgeting your time when you build.
How to make smarter decisions today
Whether you have just decided to look at building, or already have a dream piece of land chosen, talking to an expert is the most important thing you can do.
“There is plenty of information available online, however sometimes there’s too much. Making a phone-call to set up a meeting, or visiting a Display Home to connect with a New Homes Consultant is a good start,” says Mr Williams.
Having built homes in Western Australia since 1987, experts like Dale Alcock Homes can help you understand the process and make sure you don’t have regrets later.
Making informed decisions, leaning on expert advice, and thinking ahead is so important and, as Mr Williams says, more than worth it.
“There’s something about walking into a brand-new home every day, and it’s absolutely worth the effort you put in, for all the days you call it home,” he says.
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