8 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home in QLD

Building a new home in Queensland is a major investment that requires careful planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

Avoiding common mistakes during the planning and construction stages can prevent delays, unexpected costs, and long-term issues with the build. Here are the most common mistakes made when building a new home, and how you can avoid falling into these common pitfalls.

Common Mistakes With New Builds in QLD

1. Choosing a location without assessing the site and surroundings

Choosing where to build a future home is more than just choosing which neighbourhood you like. The conditions of the site itself can have a long term impact on the build, long after construction has been completed. The builder will arrange soil testing of the build site to determine the stability of the ground and the foundational support the home will need.

Check if the location of the build faces any flood risks, especially if located near rivers or low-lying valleys. This is especially important in regional cities like Townsville, where drainage infrastructure may not be as extensive as larger cities.

2. Failing to plan for climate conditions 

Most potential homeowners understand the need to design and build with Queensland’s tropical climate in mind.

Regional areas have additional climate considerations on top of the year-round heat and humidity. North Queensland’s Cairns and Mackay have a cyclone risk and properties must be built to withstand high winds up to 300km/h. Homes in Cairns are classified as Wind Region D (Severe Cyclonic Activity), and homes in Mackay are classified as Wind Region C (Cyclonic).

Local, reputable builders will choose the right building materials and structural reinforcement to ensure the home is safe in the event of a tropical cyclone. Cyclone proof homes are often built with reinforced concrete, masonry block, and steel framing. New builds in regions with a high risk of flooding or storm surges should also consider a flood resilient home design to minimise the risk of water damage to the property.

A building quote for a new build should be taken as an estimate, not a fixed amount. Unexpected costs due to material and labour shortages, as well as delays caused by poor weather conditions, are common throughout the building process. 

Owner-builders are generally recommended to have a buffer of 10 - 20% above the expected building cost to cover any additional costs that arise.

4. Choosing building packages based on price

While price is not always indicative of quality, it’s unrealistic to expect a high-quality home by trying to cut costs. Homebuyers who fall into the trap of choosing the cheapest quote for a new home build often end up with a build that does not meet expectations. Considering that a home is designed to last for decades, even if owners decide to sell it later on, it makes sense to invest in quality rather than skimp on price.

It’s about finding a balance between sticking to a budget and working with a builder that you know is going to deliver on a quality outcome. If you’ve found a more cost-effective building package, be sure to review the builder’s portfolio, awards, and qualifications, and visit display homes to gain a better understanding of the level of quality and attention to detail that can be expected in a newly built home.

5. Not understanding the inclusions of the build

Every home building package comes with a set of inclusions, which are features that are included in the base price. Understanding exactly what is included will help to gauge the value of the package and budget for any additional features that you’d like to add before moving in. 

In North Queensland, air conditioning is often listed as an inclusion for new home builds to meet the energy ratings of the National Construction Code. 

6. Making changes during construction 

As builders finalise the plan for a new home build, they consider how every aspect of the home fits together, from the structural layout to the utility lines. Any additional changes after the building plan has been finalised will require builders to reassess other areas of the design that are affected and make adjustments to accommodate the new changes.

These changes will cause delays in construction and necessitate additional building resources, ultimately resulting in higher costs. To avoid making last-minute changes to the home’s design, plan carefully during the initial stages of the design.

7. Planning only for current needs

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a new home and disregard future requirements for your living situation. Planning only for what you need now in a house can result in the need for costly renovations and extensions down the line.

Consider whether the home will need more space for a new addition to the family, the storage needs, or whether it will have enough space to support the type of lifestyle you want to have.

8. Poor communication with builders

With so many moving parts in a new home build, every single need and want should be communicated clearly with the builder. Make sure to clarify any uncertainty as soon as possible so that you and the builder are on the same page. This will not only address any gaps in the planning and building process but also ensure the outcome meets your expectations.

Cougar Homes has a proven record as a home builder in Cairns and Mackay - for over 20 years, we have been delivering high-quality homes to families in North Queensland. We have a wide range of stunning home designs to fit every budget and size - get in touch with our team today to arrange a consultation and start building your dream home with us.