Pre- Contract Block Checks and Services

Cost Clarity

For a more accurate estimate of your construction costs, certain details are essential. Here's a helpful guide to understanding the factors that influence pricing. When comparing builders, make sure these factors are accounted for.

ASSESS YOUR BLOCK BEFORE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT

Bushfire report

  • Mandatory bushfire risk assessment management measures.

Contour survey

  • Identify slope, available services, trees, easements and any other restrictions.

Soil test

  • Determine the requirements needed for the foundations.

Assess additional site costs

  • Include trees, soil removal, retaining walls and the cost of connecting services such as water, electricity, gas, phone and sewerage.

Not all sites are equal

Hence we don't include everything a site might need as part of our standard pricing. We choose to make block checks a pre-contract cost - usually around $3k depending on complexity - that way clients are not locked in to a contract before they are aware of any additional site costs. We think it's fairer this way.

SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL SITE COSTS

Ensure your builder has done their groundwork before you sign a contract.

  • Site connections. E.G. sewerage, water and waste water.
  • Soil & waste removal
  • Soil testing to determine foundations
  • Retaining wall requirements
  • Vegetation removal
  • Slope of land and site cut

SOIL TESTING - SOME EXAMPLES

Before any builder can begin work on your new home, they need to know the soil type to determine the requirements needed for the foundations.

A:

Most sand and rock with little or no ground movement from moisture changes.

M:

Clay with moderate ground movements due to moisture changes.

H1:

Clay with moderate to high ground movements due to moisture changes.

H2:

Clay with high ground movements due to moisture changes.

P:

Sites which include soft soils, loose sands, erosion, fill and abnormal moisture.

BUSHFIRE ASSESSMENT

Bushfire Attack Level

If your property is within a bushfire zoned area, it will require a bushfire assessment. There are six bushfire attack levels ranging from Low to Flame Zone, each having a different impact on your price. 

BASIX ASSESSMENT

BASIX Regulations

The NSW Government requires new buildings to comply with BASIX regulations, which help improve the sustainability and efficiency of all new homes. They include items such as water tanks, insulation, sarking, lighting, windows and fixtures. An individual assessment and report must be undertaken for every new home built. This can be done before you commit.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES & FEES

Design

  • Plans and specifications.

Engineering

  • Plans and specifications.

Service connections

  • Electricity, water and sewer.

BASIX – sustainability and efficiency

  • BASIX report and certificate: including water tanks, insulation, sarking, lighting, windows and fixtures.

Council fees

  • Section 138 (driveway) application.
  • Section 68 (water and sewer) application.
  • Certifier fees & Construction Certificate.
  • Long Service levy.
  • Water meter connection.

Insurances

  • Home owner’s warranty.
  • Contractor’s all-risk and public liability insurance.

Identification / boundary survery

  • House peg out by registered surveyor