What To Expect After You Sign a Building Contract with Your Builder

Congratulations! Signing a building contract is the first and most important step in making your dream home a reality. You’ve found a builder who will support you on your deeply personal journey of building your dream home. You have found a professional who will:

• take the time to understand your vision

• will explain what happens before you start building your home

• listen to your unique needs and preferences

• tailors the build to your vision and lifestyle

• lead the project with confidence, guiding you throughout the entire process with expertise and clear direction

• priorities transparency by keeping you informed and involved at every stage

• communicate clearly, consulting with you and ensuring you understand every decision and milestone

Your stress-free build starts with securing a home builder who is highly skilled and puts you first, committing to your complete satisfaction. Here's what you can expect after you sign a building contract with your chosen builder:

From plans to permits — setting the stage for your build

The first step involves finalising all construction documents, including the detailed plans and specifications. We’ll also secure any required permits and council approvals, ensuring your project fully complies with all local regulations. This will set the stage for a smooth and efficient build process.

Peace of mind with financial control and progress payments

Building your dream home shouldn’t be a financial rollercoaster. A pre-defined payment schedule, included as part of your building contract, lays out the financial roadmap. Consulting with financial advisors Melbourne can help you plan effectively and avoid unexpected financial stress. Once you sign your building contract, it’s important to take it to your lender to finalise your loan.

With financing secured, you'll have the funds ready for each payment schedule milestone, keeping your dream build on track and your mind stress-free!

From paperwork to progress — your roadmap takes shape

When all the required documentation and approvals have been secured, your builder will establish a construction start date, create a schedule, and estimate the completion date for your home. They will also discuss important logistical elements such as site access for the delivery materials with you.

Stay informed every step of the way

You are welcome to visit the construction site regularly to observe the progress and when pre-identified project milestones have been reached, you will be invited onsite to do quality approval inspections. To support you in keeping up to date, you will likely have access to a user-friendly portal where you can find important information such as the building contract, schedules, images, and progress notes.

Safety and standards always

Your builder should prioritise a clean and safe work environment and engage qualified professionals to conduct regular building inspections at every stage of the process. This will ensure the work meets building code requirements and exceeds industry standards.

From clearing to concrete and framing

With all permits and approvals in place, it’s time to get started on your building site. This initial phase may involve tasks like:

• Securing the site itself

• Demolition (if needed)

• Excavation and foundation prep

Once the preparatory work is complete, creating the exciting skeleton for your soon-to-be home by pouring the slab and erecting the framework is next.

Securing your home with essential systems and weatherproofing

With the skeleton of your home in place, next it’s time for your builder to oversee the:

• electrical and plumbing rough-ins

• insulation and waterproofing membrane installation

• interior and exterior cladding installation

• construction of the roof of your home

This exciting phase paves the way for the interior work to begin.

Bringing Your dream interiors to life

Next, tradespeople and partners will bring the internals of your home to life, ensuring each element of work aligns with the agreed plans and specifications. Work can include:

• internal framing

• insulation

• drywall

• interior doors and trim

• flooring

• cabinets and cooktops

• fixtures and appliances

You want to be completely satisfied, so it’s worth going on-site to inspect the work, ask questions, and ensure everything is as you envisioned.

Pre-handover inspection and identifying minor adjustments

As construction nears completion, you will be invited to attend an on-site pre-handover inspection to walk you through your home. This exciting walkthrough allows you to identify any minor adjustments needed before the final handover.

Minimising changes and managing variations

While your home builder may strive to minimise changes by carefully planning and agreeing on all details upfront, there may be times when adjustments are needed. However, sometimes adjustments may be required. If you request a change, or if an unexpected situation occurs e.g. materials shortage, your builder will openly discuss any situation with you, and together you'll find the best solution possible. If any modifications to the original building contract are necessary, they will need to be documented as a formal variation. Your builder will guide you through this straightforward process.

Handover, keys, and your new beginning

When all work has been completed according to the contract, the surveyor will issue the Certificate of Occupancy. Your dream is now finally a reality! Your builder will visit your new home with you, and together you’ll do a final walk-through, ensuring you are completely satisfied with everything. You’ll receive all handover documentation including warranties, instructions for use, cleaning and servicing information, and the keys to your beautiful new home.

Beyond the handover — post-completion care & maintenance checks

For three months following the completion of your home, your builder will address any final details and ensure everything is exactly as you want it. One year after you move in, they will conduct a complimentary maintenance check. This will allow them to address things like:

• minor paint touch-ups

• adjustments to doors or windows

• other minor maintenance needs

  
  

Your dream, your home, your way — let Yorcon guide you!

As a trusted custom builder in Melbourne who always puts clients' needs first, Yorcon is passionate about turning your home vision into a reality, guiding, and supporting you through the entire building process. Are you ready to take the first step in building your ideal home? Contact us for an initial chat.  With our expertise and your vision, it’s all possible!