Tips

Incorporate a door height opening (DHO) at the end of the hallway before the living room.

Consider a U-shaped kitchen layout if an island bench is not feasible.

Ask your builder for a written quote detailing all costs and potential delays before agreeing to any internal wall removal during construction.

Confirm if the internal wall is load-bearing before requesting its removal, as this significantly impacts feasibility and cost.

Inquire about the need for building permit resubmission and engineering certification if an internal wall is to be removed.

Confirm with your local council whether floor wastes are mandatory in wet areas for your new build.

Request tile insert floor wastes if aesthetics are a concern and they are still required.

Obtain written confirmation from your builder regarding warranty implications before removing floor wastes.

Consider the potential for water damage and insurance implications when deciding to omit floor wastes.

Request a building inspection during construction, even if your builder claims fast builds are of high quality.

Verify a builder's registration number and check their history, especially if they appear to be a new entity or have limited online presence.

Confirm if the builder completed the driveway and exposed aggregate before handover.

Keep roof, gutters, bargeboard, and garage doors the same colour for a seamless top-line appearance.

Consider the potential for fading on darker exterior colours if the front of the house faces north or west.

Photograph any rubbish dumped on your site, noting the neighbouring builder's signage if visible.