If you’re looking at building a new home, you’re about to embark on one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys ever. If, like most people, you’ve never done it before, then navigating the process can be taxing if you’re working with the wrong building team. Especially considering that every decision you make will directly shape the home you’ve dreamed about for years. Luckily, we’re here to help. Below is a simplified version of the entire building process from conception to completion. Of course, different building teams have their own terms for the various phases, but the process below will paint an accurate picture of how things will happen and help you prepare for every exciting step.
Meet and greet
The process begins with an initial meeting, where you’ll get to meet the team and dive into your vision for your custom home. You’ll share your preferences and requirements, and the building team will walk you through their process for building custom homes. Some teams may schedule a follow-up meeting to ensure you’re comfortable with their approach and processes. You’ll also get to discuss your budget, so they can set realistic expectations for your project scope.
Design and proposal
Once your chosen building team clearly understands what you’re looking for, they’ll create a professional sketch of your custom home and present you with a proposal. It won’t include every little detail, but it should give you a firm idea of what you can expect from the finished product.
If you’re happy with it, you’ll move on to drafting a preliminary contract agreement, marking the start of the design and creation phase of your custom home build. Enso Homes stands apart here because we give you the flexibility to choose between our in-house design team or the choice of having us partner with your preferred local architect. Some external architects may design homes way out of your budget, so working closely with our team allows us to prioritise cost-effectiveness and efficiency without compromising on quality. It also allows us to use mainstream materials and technology to ensure that the process moves as smoothly as possible.
Operations
You’ll then move on to what many building teams call the Operations phase. This phase involves the full drafting of your home, including colour and electrical consultations with relevant team members. This is where you’ll really be able to share your vision with the team, including desired colours, finishes and any other detail you’re looking for. This phase is where all the engineering design behind your home’s plan is completed as well. Once everything is in order, your team will finalise the contract. If you’re working with Enso Homes, you’ll meet with our director, who will oversee the signing and personally answer any questions you may have, to ensure you’re 100% confident with everything.
Construction
Your custom build has begun. This stage covers several important milestones, including the Base Stage, where the foundation is laid and the framing, which forms the skeleton of the home. The aim here is to get construction to a point many call the Lock Up Phase. This is a significant milestone in your construction journey because it essentially means your home can be locked up because your walls, windows and doors have been erected, and your roof has been added to complete the structure.
When your home reaches this stage, your building team will need to get all required permits. Another way Enso Homes streamlines the building process is that, unlike many other builders, we design, construct, and even take care of those permits, including council and engineering permits, and even soil testing reports.
Finally, your home will move onto the Fix stage, which covers the internal fit-out of door handles, skirting board, trimmings, cabinetry and tiling, as well as all plumbing and electrical work, including switches and light fittings. At this point, you’ll start seeing it all coming together – your dream home will no longer be a dream.
At this point, your home will receive an Occupancy Permit, which confirms your building surveyor is satisfied that the building is suitable for occupation. You’ll then be required to pay the settlement and move on to the handover, where you receive the keys to your beautiful new home.
Post-construction
After the exciting handover, you can move into your home. In doing so, you’ll progress to the Maintenance period. Once you’ve had the chance to settle in and really examine every detail of your new home, you’ll be able to get your building team to sort out any issues you may find. If your team operates like Enso Homes, a warranty inspector will conduct a detailed inspection of your home, and the team will address every one of them timeously. Enso Homes provides two check-ins, at 14 days and three months after handover, to ensure your home is in top condition. At this point, it’s home sweet home. The process is complete, and you can focus on making the space yours in every way.
Building your dream home
By now, you’re probably rearing to start your own custom home journey. From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, every step of the process is an opportunity to create the custom home of your dreams. Remember, by staying informed, involved, and organised, you’ll be doing everything you can to keep the project moving smoothly.
When you’re ready to sit down with a team focused on making your dream come true, get in touch with Enso Homes. We pride ourselves on ensuring that your home gets built by the most professional team, using the best quality materials and processes at every stage, while keeping you informed and engaged every step of the way.
