Hey, have you rushed with the home building after you read the first part? Do not force yourself too much, we have not covered the basics yet! Until you grasp the big picture of what makes a home building, stay calm. Decisions are to be made after full consultation, we do not want to abandon our plan just because this or that architecture requirement or local building permit.
Here we continue with the home planning realization, which include checking plans, making building contract and last but not least moving in to the new home. Make sure that you go through all the checklist here, don’t let your dream home become a nightmare.
1. Checking your plans
Check all the plans and specifications thoroughly. Make sure you fully understand the plans and all the symbols used. If plans are drawn up in advance of a building contract, check with your local authority that they will be approved without major amendments.
If you have chosen a display home, take the plans along and check the features, measurements of rooms and furniture installed. Check that any changes or extras are included. You have rights to ensure that the house you contract for is the same quality, plans and specifications as the display home that you viewed. Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for more information.
Ensure all your selected materials and design changes are included in the drawings and/or specifications. Variations made after the contract is signed may incur a fee.
2. Before you sign the building contract
Read, check and make sure you understand all contract documents thoroughly. Insist on using a recognised form of building contract, such as those published by the Housing Industry Association or the Builders Association. If you don’t understand any part of the documents, ask questions and seek your own legal advice. Contracts can be amended to make it clear about what was agreed between the parties. Remember rights such as implied warranties and other rights under certain circumstances cannot be signed away. Check Check and re Check.
Has the builder confirmed that they have obtained and reviewed the foundation data?
Does the contract require the release of progress payments at the standard stages of construction? Under Victorian law, you pay a specific amount for each completed stage of building including base, frame, lock-up and fixing. If your builder has requested different payments, ensure you get legal advice before you decide. Do you intend to provide any materials for your home, such as a spa, kitchen equipment or light fittings, and, if so, have you checked whether the builder’s insurance covers the loss or theft of these materials from the site or damage after installation?
Have you checked the dates or time periods that the fixed contract is scheduled to start and finish? Establish what your rights and the builders rights are if the builder runs over the original contract construction time.
Have you filled in the liquidated damages clause? Is the amount sufficient to cover your losses if the home is not finished on time? Take into account the cost of rent, storage and other out of pocket expenses.
For more information regarding contracts, contact local Consumer Affairs
3. Once construction starts
Have you been given the name and phone number of your contact person in the builder’s office?
Have you organised to confirm all important agreements or comments in writing throughout the entire building period?
Ensure you have received a claim from the builder for a progress payment. Carefully check that the work is properly completed up to the appropriate stage.
Purchase a diary to record all the day-to- day happenings, including discussions with your builder.
Has your builder advised you if the home is complete in accordance with the plans and specifications and given you an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection? Check every aspect to ensure you are satisfied and the home is habitable. You can then hand over the final payment. Remember that you have made
A financial commitment to your builder to pay in accordance with the conditions of the contract.
4. Moving in
Arrange connection of the telephone (you can organise for cabling to be carried out during construction), gas and electricity.
Advise the water authority, local council and post office you have moved.
Notify the electoral office, bank, employer, Medicare, insurance companies, roads and traffic authority, schools and professional associations.
Make a note of any minor defects and arrange to provide a list to the builder.
Now your home is finished and you want to enjoy it fully. You deserved it from all your hardwork anyway. Remember, that house is not a home without the family inside. After building the house you have another task and more important things to do, build a family and a “home”. Do not let this building home consume you. Good luck