Building a New Home? Here Are the Top 10 Questions You Should Ask
Building a new home is an exciting and often overwhelming experience. Whether you’re designing your dream house from scratch or extending your existing home, there’s a lot to consider before you even break ground. To help guide you through the process, we’ve compiled the top 10 questions people often ask when thinking about building a new home.
1. How Much Will It Cost to Build My New Home?
One of the first questions on most people's minds is the cost. The price of building a new home can vary widely based on factors such as location, design, size, and materials used. On average, the cost can range anywhere from $2500 to $3500 per m2*, but this depends on your preferences and specifications. It's essential to establish a realistic budget early on and factor in all potential costs, including labour, materials, design fees, sub-consultants, permits, and any unforeseen expenses. At Tahleah Hoyle Design, we recommend setting aside a contingency fund of 20%.
*m2 pricing is a guide only and based on current new home building rates in Launceston, Tasmania in 2025.
2. How Long Will It Take to Build My New Home?
Building a home is a long-term commitment. Homeowners often ask how long it will take to complete their new house. Generally, the construction process takes between 6 to 12 months, but this can vary depending on the size of the project, weather conditions, permitting delays, and the complexity of your design. Be prepared for potential setbacks, and make sure your contractor provides a clear timeline and regular updates on progress.
3. What Is the Process of Building a New Home?
The process of building a home can seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with it. From selecting a block of land to picking out finishing touches, understanding the steps involved will help you stay organised and focused. The basic process typically includes:
Choosing your block and securing finance
Working with a building designer to create your new home plan
Getting permits and approvals
Starting construction (foundation, framing, plumbing, etc.)
Final inspection and hand over
Having a professional team on your side will guide you through each phase of the process and ensure your home is built to your specifications. At Tahleah Hoyle Design, we guide you through the design process and take care of everything from concept design, sub-consultant reports, planning application, engineering and building permits.
4. What Kind of Home Design Should I Choose?
When building a new home, deciding on the design is a critical decision. Many factors come into play, including your site conditions, family size, lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Do you want a modern, minimalist home, or is a traditional, classic design more appealing? It’s also important to think about the flow of the home and functionality – will you need a home office, extra storage, or specific accessibility features?
Engaging an accredited building designer can help you come up with a plan that suits your needs and maximises the available space.
5. What Are the Hidden Costs of Building a Home?
While the construction cost is often the main focus, there are several hidden costs that may not be immediately obvious. These can include:
Land preparation: Grading, clearing, and soil testing can add to your expenses.
Permits and fees: Design fees, zoning requirements, sub-consultants, inspection fees, and permits are necessary but often overlooked.
Interior finishes: Fixtures, flooring, joinery, window furnishings, and tile selections can significantly impact the final cost. At Tahleah Hoyle Design, we are able to provide a comprehensive, personalised service that includes interior design to assist you with the finer details.
Landscaping and utility connections: Adding a garden, driveway, and hooking up utilities can also add to the overall cost. If your home isn’t connected to Taswater, you may also require a waste water assessment and system.
Make sure to account for these additional expenses in your budget to avoid surprises later on. Your building designer should clearly outline the expected sub-consultants and associated fees in their fee proposal.
6. Do I Need to Hire a Building Designer?
If you’re building a new home or extension, you may wonder if hiring a building designer is necessary. In Tasmania, new homes, extensions, and quite often, interior alterations, do require a planning permit and a building and plumbing permit. Hiring an accredited building designer can provide you with the correct advice and a design that meets your unique preferences. A building designer can also help with site analysis, building codes, and integrating sustainable solutions.
At Tahleah Hoyle Design, we provide advice on permits and legislation in Tasmania, prior to design and construction.
7. What Type of Materials Should I Use?
Choosing the right materials for your home is a key decision that affects durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. People often ask about the best materials to use for their specific needs. For example:
Sustainable materials can make your home more eco-friendly. Consider maintenance, and carbon footprint during manufacture.
Energy-efficient options can save you money in the long run.
Durability is important, so consider options like concrete, steel, and stone for longevity. However, also consider your site and environment when selecting materials.
Researching the advantages and disadvantages of different materials will help you make informed decisions that align with your goals. Tasmania’s diverse climate and natural environment influence the choice of cladding and building materials, with a preference for durable, weather-resistant options that complement our island's rugged beauty. Whether you’re looking for the warmth of timber, the low-maintenance appeal of steel, or the timeless elegance of brick and stone, there are numerous material options available to suit both the aesthetic and practical needs of homeowners in Tasmania.
8. How Do I Find a Good Contractor or Builder?
Finding a reliable contractor or builder is crucial to ensuring your home is built properly and on time. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or design professionals. Look for contractors with strong portfolios and positive reviews, and always verify their credentials, licenses, and insurance coverage. You can check the status of occupational licensing in Tasmania on the CBOS website.
It’s also a good idea to meet with potential contractors to discuss your vision, review timelines, and establish clear communication about expectations.
9. What Permits and Approvals Do I Need?
Before you can start construction, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. These can include building permits, planning approvals, environmental assessments, geotechnical reports, bushfire hazard assessments, energy assessments and more. The requirements vary based on your location and design, so it’s important to work with your building designer to ensure all the proper documentation is in place.
Skipping this step can result in fines or delays, so always check that your paperwork is in order before you start construction.
10. How Can I Ensure My Home Will Be Energy-Efficient?
In today’s world, many homeowners are looking to make their homes as energy-efficient as possible. People often ask how to integrate energy-saving features, such as:
Solar panels to reduce electricity bills
High-performance insulation to maintain consistent temperatures
Smart home technologies like programmable thermostats and energy-efficient appliances
Energy-efficient windows and doors that prevent heat loss
Incorporating energy-efficient elements into your home not only saves you money over time but also helps reduce your environmental footprint.
Conclusion
Building a new home is a complex, yet rewarding, journey. By understanding the answers to these top 10 questions, you can be better prepared to tackle each step with confidence. Whether you’re designing a custom home or undertaking a home extension to make your dream a reality, taking the time to thoroughly plan and consider these factors will ensure a smoother, more successful project. Happy building!
