Yes—you can negotiate upgrades, timelines, payment terms, and fixed-price guarantees. Builders prefer collaboration to have clients satisfied. Transparency and clear communication open the door to meaningful negotiations

The total time to build a new home in Australia varies depending on approvals, builder efficiency, and project complexity. Approvals: Expect 3–9 months for planning, design finalisation, and council/CDC approvals. Construction: Single-storey homes typically take 5–8 months to complete. Double-storey homes can take 9–16 months, depending on size and complexity. As of mid-2024, the average construction time for new homes is around 12.7 months—up roughly 50% over the past decade due to supply chain delays, trades availability, and regulatory red tape. A great builder will not only deliver a high-quality home but also honour reasonable time frames, communicating clearly about progress and any unexpected delays.

All new homes in Australia must meet minimum energy efficiency standards under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). Most states previously required at least a 6‑star energy rating, which measures how well a home uses energy for heating and cooling. From October 2023, NSW joined other states in requiring a 7‑star energy rating for new homes under the updated National Construction Code (NCC 2022). These ratings assess factors such as thermal efficiency, insulation, window performance, and solar orientation, ensuring homes are more comfortable, cost‑efficient, and sustainable. Choosing a builder who understands and delivers 7‑star compliant designs is essential for meeting these modern building standards.,

Ask builders about their maintenance period, insurance coverage (public liability, home warranty), and defect resolution process. A builder with a robust warranty policy and customer-focused aftercare is often a more reliable partner

Volume builders offer standardized layouts and lower pricing, ideal for straightforward, budget-conscious builds. Custom or boutique builders allow tailored designs and higher customization but often at a premium. Decide based on how flexible you need the design to be and what your inspection or approval options are