Building a new home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but it can also come with pitfalls if you’re not properly prepared or fall into avoidable traps. Working with experienced Canberra home builders is key to avoiding costly and stressful missteps.
So, what are these mistakes, and how can you avoid them? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through six of the most common mistakes that can come when building your new home.
- Mistake 1 — not understanding what’s included
One of the biggest mistakes is misunderstanding what’s included in your home build. From finishes to appliances, it’s important to ask your builder exactly what’s included in the standard package. Your builder should make things clear from day one, showcasing the trusted brands they partner with, so that you can be sure you’re moving forward with the right design that fits your lifestyle.
- Mistake 2 — not visiting display homes
Looking at a floorplan is one thing — experiencing a space in real life is another. Some homeowners make the mistake of finalising selections without walking through a display home first. Visiting display homes allows you to see everything up close, including materials, lighting, layouts and everything else that makes the perfect home.
Taking the time to browse display homes can also help you make confident, informed decisions so that you can enjoy your new home for years to come.
- Mistake 3 — poor communication during the build
Many homeowners feel left in the dark during construction. And if this is your first time entrusting a team to bring your vision to life, nothing can be more stressful than not knowing what your property is currently looking like. Speak to your builder about their communication processes and how they intend to communicate build updates, potential delays or when they need you to weigh in on a design choice.
At Mellross Homes, you won’t be left wondering where things stand. A dedicated Client Relations Officer and Construction Supervisor will keep you informed at every stage. We’ll provide regular updates, flag any potential delays early and ensure you’re involved whenever important decisions need to be made.
- Mistake 4 — lack of safety oversight
Not all builders put safety first, and that can impact timelines and workmanship. This lack of commitment can not only put people at risk but even delay the completion of your build. As part of their service, your builder should be making an effort to conduct regular quality audits to ensure your property meets and continues to meet construction safety standards.
At Mellross Homes, we’ve partnered with HazardCo to uphold the highest site safety standards, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
- Mistake 5 — misaligned timelines
Building a home involves coordinating trades, deliveries and sometimes even moving trucks! Many builders offer vague completion estimates, so it’s important to establish a realistic timeline upfront and set expectations for how and when you’ll be updated. Whether you prefer daily or weekly updates or just want to be notified when your handover date is near, make your preferences clear so you can plan with confidence and avoid last-minute surprises.
- Mistake 6 — choosing based on price alone
While it’s important to stay within budget, going with the cheapest quote can lead to cutting corners on quality, inclusions, service and long-term value. The cheapest option often results in additional costs and delays down the track. When considering your builder, opt for a company that offers fair, transparent pricing with no shortcuts. This is a property you will enjoy for several years, so a commitment to high-quality construction and communication is a must.
Work with trusted Canberra home builders — Mellross Homes
Avoiding these common building mistakes starts with choosing the right team. At Mellross Homes, we pride ourselves on clear communication, safety-first site practices and quality construction backed by leading suppliers and systems. If you’re thinking about building a home from the ground up, we invite you to view our display home in Canberra.
Whether you’re after an extended kitchen, a theatre room for your children or an impressive walk-in wardrobe, Mellross Homes has the package for you. Our Canberra builders ensure you feel supported at every step of the way so that you can walk into a property you’re proud to call home.
For more information about our range of display homes, please get in touch with us today.