5 Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your First Home.
Building your first home is an exciting milestone – but it can also come with its fair share of stress if you’re not properly prepared. Many first home buyers dive into the process without fully understanding what’s involved, which can lead to costly setbacks and unnecessary frustration.
To help make your journey smoother, we’ve outlined 5 common mistakes first home buyers make – and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Setting A Realistic Budget.
One of the most common pitfalls is underestimating the true cost of building. Many buyers focus solely on the base price and overlook additional expenses such as:
- Site costs
- Council fees
- Landscaping
- Upgrades and finishes
Our tip? Get a full cost breakdown from your builder early on, and always allow a buffer for unforeseen costs.
2. Skipping Pre-Approval.
Finance pre-approval is an essential first step – but it’s often skipped in the excitement to start building.
Without it, you may:
- Waste time looking at homes or upgrades outside your budget
- Experience delays in your build timeline
- Risk disappointment or contract issues later on
Our tip? Lock in your borrowing capacity with a mortgage broker or lender before committing to any design or block of land.
3. Selecting the Wrong Block of Land.
A cheap block might look like a great deal, however not all land is equal. Choosing the wrong block can dramatically affect your build costs and the overall liveability of your home.
Key factors to consider:
- Orientation for natural light and energy efficiency
- Slope, which can lead to costly site preparation
- Soil type and location, which influence construction and lifestyle
Our tip? Always do your due diligence and seek advice from your builder and a qualified surveyor before purchasing land.
4. Overlooking Contracts & Inclusions.
It’s exciting – but don’t forget to thoroughly review your contract! Since each home is custom-built, it’s vital to understand every detail of what’s included in your build. Inclusions can vary significantly from budget-friendly to luxury and lavish. In addition, when looking at display homes – keep in mind that these are often designed to impress, showcasing high-end upgrades that aren’t part of the standard package.
Our tip? Choose a builder who’s transparent about what’s included, and request a detailed inclusions list upfront. That way, there are no surprises later on!
5. Rushing Decisions.
In the excitement of starting your build, it’s easy to rush into decisions – whether it’s signing contracts, selecting materials, or choosing a builder.
But rushing can lead to:
- Missed details
- Unnecessary costs
- Choices you may later regret
Our tip? Take your time. Research your options, compare quotes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The right builder will guide you through every step.
Are You Ready to Build With Confidence?
Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in building a home you’ll truly love. At L.V.D Group, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with clarity, confidence, and excitement.
We’ve partnered with trusted experts – from finance brokers to skilled trades, to deliver a smooth, stress-free building experience from start to finish.
Thinking about building your first home?
Enquire with us to get your free ‘First Home Checklist’ and start your journey towards your dream home.