Building a new home made simple
NT E EM NLY C O A PL AGE IM
GETTING TO KNOW YOU Stage 1
Stage 2
Let’s talk
Choosing the perfect home for you
Before we get started, we’d like to get to know you better. We’ll be working together for some time, and we believe that building a relationship with you is the most important part of the process. No two families are the same. That’s why we need to really get to know you and your family, so we can create a home that is uniquely yours. It is essential for us both to understand what is most important to you, how your household functions, what you want in your home, and what you don’t want. That way, we can create a new home that is just right for you and your family.
Once we’ve discovered your individual needs and matched those needs to one of our award winning floorplans, we’ll provide you with an initial summary of estimated costs. This will include the home price, your chosen specification level, an indication of site costs and any early options we may have discussed to personalise your home further. Your Sales Consultant will help you finalise your choices and sign the ‘Home Estimate’ and ‘Owner Authorisation’ forms. At this stage, you will need to pay an initial deposit, so your new home journey can begin. We will: • Spend time getting to know you and understanding what you want in your home. • Assist you in finding land. • Present you with an initial estimate of costs.
You will need to: £ Provide an initial deposit. This will secure the current pricing of your home, and any relevant promotional offers. £ Complete an Appointment Form to appoint a Registered Building Surveyor.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION Stage 3 Deposit Congratulations and welcome to your new home journey with Dennis Family Homes. In this early stage we need to finalise a lot of details and ensure all paperwork is in place. We will: • Provide you with a receipt of deposit and our privacy statement. • Provide you with our ‘Colour Selections’ guide so you can start planning the exciting process of choosing the colour theme for your home.
You will need to: £ Provide a plan of subdivision, land title, section 32 (or NSW equivalent) and any developer guidelines relating to your block of land. £ Advise your Sales Consultant of land settlement details and time frames. £ Confirm with your Sales Consultant that your finance arrangements are in place.
TOP TIP There are lots of building terms you may find difficult to understand. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at the back of this guide for more detailed information.
Stage 4 Personalising your new home This is the fun part! It is now time to personalise the look and feel of your new home, and choose your style from a huge selection of colours and fixtures! We will: • Contact you to arrange your Colour Consultation (usually within 4-8 weeks of initial deposit). • Provide you with our ‘Colour Selections’ guide to help you prepare for your appointment.
TOP TIP Colour Consultations take place at our Colour Studios. We have a number of studios scattered throughout Victoria so there will be one near you! Colour Consultations take place between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and we recommend allowing up to 3 hours for your consultation – there is a lot to choose!
• Assist you in choosing the internal and external finishes for your home and present you with a signed copy of your colour schedule at your Colour Consultation.
You will need to: £ Review the ‘Colour Selections’ booklet to best prepare yourself for your appointment. It is also a great idea to visit supplier showrooms for inspiration, research any styles and trends you like, and make notes – this will be very helpful when it comes to locking in the details. £ Attend your colour appointment and enjoy personalising your new home from outside to inside!
TOP TIP If you are building your home from our Aspirations Series, you may also choose from pre-selected colour schemes available at our Sales office.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION TOP TIP Every customer’s build journey is unique. Depending on your situation, things like town planning, land title availability and site access can all impact your build journey, and affect how long it takes to produce your contract. Talk to your Sales Consultant about time frames for your contract and how long it may take to be prepared.
Stage 5 Contract Presentation, Variations & Signing At this stage, we will present your building contract and working drawings for your approval. We will talk you through all the details and explain all contract documentation including costs, any variations made, plans and additional approvals that may be required. We will: • Present the building contract including home siting, working drawings, final pricing and any planning requirements picked up by our admin team. • Present site survey, soil and wind reports, along with property information. • Assess engineering requirements (where necessary). • Obtain energy rating or BASIX report (NSW) based on final orientation and structural variations. • Accept balance of deposit payment and provide receipt.
You will need to:
£ Review your new home contract and required documents. £ Identify and confirm any final contract variations required. £ Provide balance of deposit on the day of contract signing. £ Once your contract is signed, any planning requirements will need to be actioned.
Stage 6 Preparing for site start It’s getting close now. Before we start the build, we need to ensure everything is in place. We will: • Apply for your building permit and developer’s approval (if required). • Confirm essential information and other necessary paperwork has been signed and collated. • Complete final working drawings and finalise supplier orders. • Once we receive your Building Permit, we will email it to the relevant financial institution (as required). • Send your final working drawings to you for sign off.
You will need to: £ Sign off final variations (confirmed at contract signing) and final working drawings, and ensure permit conditions are met. £ Provide essential information including proof of land ownership, developers approval (if required), finance approval, confirmation of signed mortgage documents or cash funding (as required). £ Provide endorsed planning requirements (if required).
CONSTRUCTION Stage 7
Stage 8
Stage 9
Let’s get building
Base Stage
Frame Stage
This is the first major stage of construction, the pouring of the slab!
During this stage, you can see the structure of your new home go up!
Congratulations! We are now ready to start the construction of your new home! We will: • Arrange a pre-construction briefing with your Building Supervisor, to discuss the build plan, review and confirm your selections.
You will need to: £ Provide all-weather access to site. £ Prepare site for site start - ensure your land is cleared, grass cut, any debris is removed, and that block boundaries are clearly and correctly identified.
Your land is now prepared and ready for the base stage.
We will: • Where required and included in your documentation, we will excavate and retain the site. • Finalise the exact positioning of your home on your block and set foundations. • Complete under slab services. • Arrange for the relevant Building Surveyor to inspect and sign off works prior to concrete pour. • Pour the slab - the first stage is now complete!
You will need to: £ Ensure your bank is notified and arrangements are in place (including any bank stage inspections, if required) for base stage claim invoice to be paid within 7 days of stage completion.
We will: • Build the wall frames and erect the roof trusses. • Once your frame is complete, we will arrange for the relevant Building Surveyor to approve the works, ensuring compliance with all building regulations.
You will need to: £ Ensure your bank is notified and arrangements are in place (including any bank stage inspections, if required) for frame stage claim invoice to be paid within 7 days of stage completion.
TOP TIP Site safety is our number one priority. We need to ensure that our building team, any external contractors, and of course our clients, are safe when on the construction site. For this reason, whenever you are on site you must be accompanied by your Building Supervisor. If you do wish to visit your site at any stage during construction, please contact your Building Supervisor prior to the day, to arrange a suitable time. Your Building Supervisor can be contacted between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Remember, safety first!
CONSTRUCTION Stage 10
Stage 11
Stage 12
Lock-up Stage
Fixing Stage
Final Stage
At the lock-up stage, you will see the outside of your home begin to take shape.
During this stage, the inside of your home will start to take shape.
It is now time for the final fit out of your brand new home!
We will:
We will:
• Complete roofing, brickwork and external cladding.
• Install the plaster to internal walls and ceilings.
• Install external windows & doors (even if doors are temporary).
• Install cabinetry throughout.
• Meanwhile, inside, we will begin installing concealed services like electrical, plumbing and any heating or cooling.
You will need to: £ Ensure your bank is notified and arrangements are in place (including any bank stage inspections, if required) for lockup stage claim invoice to be paid within 7 days of stage completion.
• Install skirting boards, architraves and internal doors.
You will need to: £ Ensure your bank is notified and arrangements are in place (including any bank stage inspections, if required) for fixing stage claim invoice to be paid within 7 days of stage completion.
TOP TIP Fixing stage is the time to get yourself financially prepared for your upcoming final settlement payment. Use this time to advise your financial institution, who will then be able to commence their inspection and settlement process, so that everything is in place for the smooth transition of your final payment. This process can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on your bank. Getting this hard work done early will allow you to relax and enjoy the settlement process, and give you more free time to get excited about moving into your brand new home.
We will: • Complete painting and tiling. • Complete installation of concealed services like electrical, plumbing, heating or cooling. • Install door furniture, shower screens, mirrors, plumbing fixtures and stone benchtops (if provided). • Arrange for an inspection by the relevant Building Surveyor to approve an Occupancy permit. • Your Building Supervisor will invite you to a walk-through, where they will present your new home to you!
You will need to: £ Forward your Certificate of Occupancy to your financial institution. Once their valuation is completed, they can release final payment for handover.
COMPLETION Stage 13
Stage 14
Stage 15
Settlement & Final Handover
Service
Satisfaction
Six months after settlement, a scheduled service takes place, just to make sure all is as it should be.
It is now time to put your feet up and relax in your brand new Dennis Family home, knowing that you have made the best decision for your family.
Your new home is complete and you’re ready to move in. We will: • Conduct a final Dennis Family Homes Quality Assurance check. • Conduct a final walk through and presentation of your beautiful new home.
We will: • Arrange for one of our Service team to conduct a service of your new home.
• The keys to your new home will be handed over, along with a handover kit containing all important documents and future service advice for your new home.
We know you will be satisfied with your new family lifestyle, and we will be satisfied that we have built a quality home for you and your loved ones to share for many years to come.
You will need to:
£ Sign off your Certificate of Practical Completion. £ Ensure you have your house and contents insurance organised. £ Ensure your final payment has been cleared on the day of settlement. Note: If electronic payment, funds must be cleared into Dennis Family Homes account prior to handover. £ Complete our Customer Satisfaction survey. £ Visit the Dennis Connect page on our website to begin the process of arranging any new services for your home. £ Move into your brand new home!
TOP TIP Love your new Dennis Family home? Why not tell your friends and family about us? We have an impressive referral program where you’ll be rewarded for spreading the good word. It’s a win-win! Speak to your Sales Consultant to find out more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is a site survey and soil test? A ‘site and soil’ allows us to determine the soil conditions, site dimensions and levels of your block, so that a design for the foundations of your new home can be specifically tailored to suit your site.
Why do you need to have a ‘site and soil’ done? Each block of land is different, therefore we need to accurately determine the cost to build on the land. Information is received by structural and geotechnical engineers and regulatory authorities such as your local council, water boards etc.
What documents make up my New Home Contract? Your New Home Contract will contain the following documents: • HIA New Home contract, special conditions, checklist and consumer information • Job Specification • Soil test, site survey and BAL rating (if land access is available) • Detailed working drawings • Standard Specifications • Standard Inclusions • Colours and variation options (when selected) • Engineering information
Why do I have to ensure that there are boundary pegs on the land? All boundary pegs must be visible and accurate in order for the home to be positioned accurately on your land. HELPFUL HINT: If settlement of your land has not occurred, it is in your best
interests to have a condition included in your Contract of Sale for the purchase of your land stating that the property boundaries must be established before settlement of your purchase of land occurs.
What is a variation? A variation is a change, addition or deletion to the standard home. Any variation made after your Building Contract signing, and prior to construction commencing will need to be approved and will incur an administration fee, as well as the cost of the variation.
What is the payment structure during the construction period? Progress payments are required as each stage is completed, as outlined in the HIA New Home contract. You will be sent an invoice and it is your responsibility to forward this invoice to your lending authority for payment to be made. Payments are to be made within seven days of receiving the invoice.
One of my requirements as purchaser is to provide the Section 32 (or NSW equivalent) including the Developers Guidelines (if applicable). What does that involve? When you purchased your block of land, you would have been provided with a Land Contract, including a Section 32 (or NSW equivalent), which is a legal document detailing specific information relating to the land block. You are required to provide this document to Dennis Family Homes, along with any special requirements (if any) stated by the Developer pertaining to the block.
Can I make variations to my building design once construction has commenced? No. There are a number of issues associated with any variation requested while your home is under construction. All materials are pre-ordered before we begin construction, and trades have been booked well in advance of your new home project commencing. In addition, by this stage the build plan has been approved by our internal team, as well as external agents including the land Developer and Local Council. Accordingly, as a general rule, Dennis Family Homes does not normally approve variations to your home design once construction has commenced.
Can I have access to my home during construction? Yes, you can make an appointment with your Building Supervisor to visit the construction site during normal business hours. Your Building Supervisor can be contacted between 8.30am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, and will require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for any site visits. All visits must be made under our supervision as your home is a construction site. You may be endangering yourself and others by visiting the site unannounced or after hours. Unauthorised entry is not permitted and construction keys will not be given out.
Can additional works be made to my home during the construction process? No. Due to current WorkCover, SafeWork NSW legislation and Home
Owner Warranty requirements, you cannot nominate to undertake any additional works until after building completion (handover and settlement) has taken place.
or Conveyancer. If the Certificate of Title is not in your name, you need a letter from either your Solicitor or Conveyancer to confirm that settlement of your land has taken place.
• Visible waste pipes for leaks
Do I need insurance during the construction stage?
My land is in a bushfire zone. How does that impact my home?
• Roof tiles (visible inspection from ground)
No. During the construction of your home, we are in control of the site, therefore Dennis Family Homes will arrange the relevant insurance for your new home while under construction.
If your block is in a designated bushfire zone, additional costs will be incurred relevant to the associated rating (BAL).
• Flashings and guttering for leaks
However, you will need to arrange home and contents insurance cover from the day you take possession of your home.
My bank or Solicitor has said that they need a copy of the Occupancy Permit when the home is finished. Where do I get this from? The Building Surveyor or local council who issued your building permit, also issues the Occupancy Permit to Dennis Family Homes once the home is fully completed. We then forward you a copy of the Occupancy Permit, along with the final invoice. You need to send these to your bank or Solicitor for their reference. At handover and settlement, you will receive the original permit for your files.
What is checked at the six month maintenance service? At the six-month maintenance service, our Maintenance Contractor will check: • Doors and locks are functioning correctly (includes all external sliding doors, garage doors and kitchen cupboard doors) • Seals to wet areas including shower bases, bath hand basins, bench tops and laundry troughs • Shrinkage areas to architraves, skirtings, cornices and bulkheads, quads and infills
• Taps for seals • Water levels of toilets • Windows are functioning correctly and flyscreens are intact (if supplied)
• Brickwork • External facades in relation to termite warranties on the home • Other issues raised during the defects liability period under your building contract
Who do I contact if I have any questions or concerns? Your Dennis Family Homes Sales Consultant will guide you through the first stages of the process. Once you provide the balance of deposit and sign the New Home Contract, your Contract Administrator will also assist you personally through the remainder of the building process.
Please note that handover and settlement cannot proceed until your bank or Solicitor approves the final payment.
What documents are required for Proof of Land Ownership? Dennis Family Homes will need confirmation of land settlement or a copy of your Certificate of Land Title. This can be acquired from your Solicitor
FOR MORE FAQ’S VISIT www.dennisfamily.com.au/faq/
“We’re proud to be a family building homes for families. Our 55 years of experience will ensure the house we create for you, will be one you’ll be proud to call home.”
The Dennis Family
This document is for general information only and is not binding on any party. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure accuracy on publication, the information published may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances, laws and regulations and without notice. Your New Home Contract will set out all binding terms and up-to-date information. All rights reserved. Copyright ©Dennis Family Homes Pty Ltd 2016. Registered Building Practitioner. Builder License Number DB-U 8230 (VIC) and 173511C (NSW). DFH6103
Go to dennisfamily.com.au or call 1800 DENNIS for more information.