So, you’ve decided to build a home. Exciting, right? But let’s also be honest, a little daunting. Whether it’s your first build or your forever home, there’s a lot to consider, and the journey can quickly go from thrilling to overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
We’ve had countless clients come to us at Ardent Construction, full of ideas but unsure where to start. That’s completely normal. The truth is, building a home is just as much about understanding the process as it is about choosing the right tiles or paint colour. So, let’s unpack a few things we think you should know before diving in.
Budget First, Always
We can’t stress this enough, your budget will shape everything. And no, it’s not just about how much the actual build costs. There are other expenses people tend to overlook: site preparation, soil tests, council fees, and even the driveway.
A couple we worked with in Ryde recently were caught off guard by the additional cost of connecting utilities. It’s not the most exciting part of the process, but it’s something you want to know about upfront, not during construction when changes become costly.
That’s why we always recommend setting your budget and then adding a buffer, around 10–15% is a good start. It just gives you that breathing room for the things no one sees coming (and trust us, something will come up).
If you’re not sure what a realistic number looks like, we’ve put together a full breakdown of building and renovation costs in Sydney to help you make sense of it all.
Who You Build With Matters (A Lot)
Let’s talk about builders. Not all are created equal, and when you’re trusting someone with one of the biggest investments of your life, you want to know they’ve got your back.
One of our clients put it perfectly: “We weren’t just looking for someone to build the house, we needed someone who understood what this home meant to us.” And that’s something we take seriously at Ardent Construction.
What should you be looking for? It’s not just experience (although yes, that’s essential). It’s also about communication, transparency, and flexibility. Can they clearly explain the process? Are they open about pricing? Do they listen to your ideas, even the unusual ones?
You should feel like your builder is a partner,not just a tradesperson. That’s the difference between a stressful build and a genuinely enjoyable one.
If you’re considering a custom home, our Custom Home Builders service might be a great fit. We work closely with you to bring your ideas to life while keeping you informed at every stage.
Know the Approval Path Before You Begin
This part might not be the most exciting, but it’s essential. In NSW, you’ll need formal approval before your build can begin, and how that happens depends on your project.
Some homes go down the Development Application (DA) route, which means submitting plans to the local council. It can take a bit longer, and your neighbours may be invited to comment, but it’s ideal for custom builds or homes that don’t fit within standard planning rules.
Others are eligible for what’s called a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). This is a faster process and can be approved by a private certifier, as long as your design meets specific planning criteria.
Not sure which one applies to you? That’s where working with an experienced builder really matters. At Ardent Construction, we help our clients figure this out early on, so there are no delays or surprises later.
If you’re dealing with a heritage home or a tricky council, you’ll want a builder who knows how to navigate that landscape. We’ve handled many heritage and remedial projects and understand what it takes to meet council expectations while still creating a home that reflects your vision.
Design with Real Life in Mind
Here’s where things get personal. Your house shouldn’t just look good on paper, it needs to work for how you actually live.
We always encourage our clients to take a step back from the floor plan and really think about their day-to-day life. Where does the sunlight come in during the morning? Do you love having everyone in one big open space, or do you prefer separate zones for a bit of privacy?
And what about storage? Will that guest room eventually become a nursery? Are you working from home part of the week? These are the types of questions we explore during the design process to ensure your home feels just right, not just now, but five or ten years from now too.
Need help visualising it all? You can find useful ideas over on our blog, where we share insights on layout planning and space optimisation.
The Stuff You Don’t See Matters, Too
Everyone talks about the kitchen finishes and tile choices, but it’s the foundation and structure of your home that make the biggest difference long term.
We’ve seen too many horror stories from homes built on unstable soil or with poor drainage. That’s why we always take the time to get the groundwork right, literally. Soil testing, proper drainage, reinforced slabs… they might not be glamorous, but they’re critical.
And if you’re building on a sloping block or near coastal areas like the Northern Beaches, that foundation work becomes even more important. We never cut corners during these early stages because we know it’s what protects your home for decades to come.
If you’re not sure what your site might need, reach out and we’ll talk you through it, no jargon, just honest advice.
Stay Involved - But Don’t Micromanage
One of the best parts of building your own home is watching it take shape. We always invite clients to join us on site walks and check in during key milestones. It’s your home, you should feel involved.
That said, it’s also helpful to trust the process. There are days when the weather throws off the schedule or when a delivery arrives late. A good builder will keep you in the loop and work around it, so you don’t have to stress.
We believe communication is everything. Our team keeps you informed without overwhelming you with every minor detail. It’s about finding that balance so you can enjoy the journey without losing sleep over it.
Don’t Leave the Details Until the Last Minute
Once your build hits the lock-up stage, things move fast. One week it’s framing, and the next you’re picking tiles, tapware, cabinetry, lighting, paint colours, the list goes on.
Many homeowners feel rushed at this point, especially if they haven’t made those decisions in advance. That’s when “decision fatigue” kicks in, and people settle for something just to get it done.
We suggest putting together a style guide or mood board early in the process. It helps bring clarity and keeps your choices consistent. Plus, it gives your builder and tradespeople a clear direction from day one.
Need help navigating these choices? We guide all our clients through the selection process, offering practical advice to match their budget and style, without compromising on quality.
Understand What’s Actually Included
This is a big one, what you see in a display home isn’t always what you get in your build. Things like landscaping, driveways, fencing, or even air conditioning might not be part of the base contract.
That’s why we always walk our clients through an inclusions list before contracts are signed. It removes the guesswork and helps avoid that dreaded “Oh, I thought that was included” conversation later on.
We also encourage clients to look beyond the flashy upgrades. Sometimes, a well-built standard inclusion is a better choice than a fancy but impractical add-on.
If you’ve got questions about what’s included in our builds, you’ll find some common answers in our FAQ section, or you can give us a call for a more tailored walk-through.
After Handover, What Happens?
You’ve got the keys, you’re moving in, but what if something’s not quite right? Or a question pops up months down the line?
This is where post-handover support comes in. A good builder won’t disappear after the final invoice is paid. We always provide a clear handover process, outlining what’s covered under your defect liability period and how to contact us for any post-build support.
From minor touch-ups to appliance warranty queries, we stay accessible. Because to us, handing over the keys isn’t the end, it’s the start of your next chapter, and we want it to go smoothly.
We talk more about our aftercare and handover approach on our About Us page, if you’d like to see how we support our clients long after the dust settles.
One Last Thing...
Building a home is more than a transaction; it’s a journey. It’s exciting, sometimes messy, but always deeply personal.
The best advice we can offer? Work with people you trust. Ask questions. Plan ahead. And be open to the process. When you do, you’ll not only build a house, you’ll build a home that truly fits your life.
If you’re ready to chat about your ideas, or even if you’re just gathering info at this stage, feel free to get in touch with our team. We’re here to help however we can.