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  • Home buyers and builders angle down arrow angle up arrow
    • Residential land for sale
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      Talk to our sales team
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    • Home buyers
      How to buy land through SLA

      Your complete guide to buying process.

      Display village

      Everything to make your dream home a reality.

      Affordable Home Purchase Scheme

      Helping low to medium income households.

      Mingle, our community development program

      Our community development program that builds thriving and sustainable communities.

      Rebates and initiatives

      Explore how our rebates can help you achieve your dreams of sustainable, affordable living.

    • Builders
      Buying methods for builders

      The Suburban Land Agency has several ways for builders to purchase land.

      Put and call

      Put and Call gives you the opportunity to secure blocks of land with an extended settlement.

  • Developers angle down arrow angle up arrow
    • Land for sale
      Land for sale
      Current development opportunties
      Current development opportunties
    • Developers
      Developer's guide

      Learn about our sales process and find land for sale.

      Why develop in Canberra

      Find out about our vision for the ACT.

      Build-to-Rent

      Growing the number of rental homes in Canberra.

      Upcoming releases

      See whats coming up in the future.

      Sales results

      Browse our latest commercial and industrial sales results.

  • Sustainability and Innovation angle down arrow angle up arrow
    • Sustainability Strategy
      Our Sustainability Strategy
      Our Sustainability Strategy
      Case Studies
      Case Studies
    • Commitment to sustainability
      Why sustainability is important

      Learn why we need to live in happy, green and prosperous communities.

      Our vision for a sustainable future

      Find out how we aim to create great places where communities thrive.

      Showcasing our innovation

      Learn about our Built Form Program that is delivering climate-wise building projects.

      Supporting you to be sustainable

      Find guides and rebates that can help you build a sustainable home.

      Sustainable case studies

      Find out how we embed sustainability into all our work.

    • Our key priorities
      Placemaking

      Learn how we use Placemaking to understand the needs of the community and the environment.

      Resilient communities

      Discover how we're protecting our communities against climate change.

      Zero emissions suburbs

      Learn how we're making the ACT the most energy efficient place in Australia.

      Responsible production and consumption

      Find out how we're transitioning to a more circular economy.

      Healthy prosperous and inclusive places

      Learn how we're improving the wellbeing of communities through design, development and engagement.

  • About us angle down arrow angle up arrow
    • Join the team and grow your career
      Join the team and grow your career
    • Our people
      Who we are

      Our vision, our team, our CEO and Board.

      Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples

      Learn about out Reconciliation Action Plan.

      Careers

      Help create vibrant communities and sustainable neighbourhoods for ACT.

      Partnerships, Awards and Sponsorships

      Some of our achievements.

    • Our work
      What we do

      Delivering residential, commercial and industrial developments.

      How we price land

      Valuations and setting reserve prices.

      Housing Strategic Action Plan

      The framework that guides our actions.

      Indicative Land Release Program

      Find out when land is likely to be made available.

      Resources

      Find all our published documents in one place.

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Choosing your ideal builder partner

5 Sep, 11:04 AM
Building a home is a significant journey, and choosing the right builder is essential to its success. Read more to learn essential things to consider when choosing your builder.

Building a home is a significant journey, and choosing the right builder is essential to its success. Partnering with a trusted builder who not only understands your vision but also prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency can ensure your home is well-designed, functional, and environmentally responsible – a source of pride for years to come. Understanding the different types of builders is a crucial first step in finding your perfect fit, which can greatly influence the outcome of your project.

Why finding the right fit matters

Builders differ widely in their expertise, approach, and communication style. Partnering with a professional who aligns with your values and respects your budget can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable building experience, free from unnecessary stress and miscommunication. Understanding the different types of builders is essential as you begin this process.

Volume vs. Custom builders

Understanding the difference between volume and custom builders is key to making an informed decision early in your home-building process. These terms might be new to you, so let's break down what they mean and how they can influence your journey.

Volume builders

Volume builders typically offer a range of standardised designs, allowing for a quicker and more cost-effective building process. This approach is ideal if you prefer a streamlined experience with fewer decisions to make, as many choices are predefined for you. However, the trade-off is limited design flexibility, which may not allow for personalisation in materials, finishes, or layout. Volume builders often have faster turnaround times and lower costs, making them a popular choice for those on a tight budget or timeline. Keep in mind, though, that the standardised nature may not meet unique needs or specific site conditions.

Custom builders

Custom builders provide greater flexibility in designing your home, allowing you to choose materials, finishes, and design elements that reflect your personal style and budget. This approach is perfect if you want to tailor details to meet your specific needs and preferences. While this path offers the opportunity to create a truly unique home, it often comes with longer timelines and higher costs. However, the satisfaction of having a home that matches your vision exactly can outweigh these challenges. Working closely with a custom builder allows for adjustments and creativity throughout the process, resulting in a home that feels entirely your own.

Whether you're choosing a volume or custom builder, it's important to ask about their experience with specialized projects like sustainable homes. Request client testimonials for added peace of mind and take the time to explore their sustainable building practices.

Assessing suitability

To determine whether a builder is the right fit for your project, review their portfolio and see if their previous work aligns with your vision. Many builders also share their projects on social media, offering a glimpse into their style and client interactions. Additionally, reading Google Reviews can provide insight into their customer service and professionalism.

Consider checking if the builder is a member of a reputable industry association, such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) or the Master Builders Association (MBA). Membership in these associations indicates a commitment to industry standards and ongoing education. You can verify membership through the Association’s Find a Member pages.

Essential questions to ask your potential builder

Asking the right questions can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you’re making the most of your opportunities. Whether you’ve already found a builder or are still evaluating your options, these prompts can guide your conversations:

  • Can you confirm that you're a licensed builder and provide your business registration details?
  • Are you a member of a recognised builders' association like the MBA ACT or HIA?
  • How many years of building experience do you have?
  • Can I see your portfolio of previous work? Can I visit your display home?
  • Do you have any matters before ACAT, or have you ever had any in the past?
  • What warranties do you provide?
  • What’s included and excluded in your pricing?
  • Is there a cost for obtaining a quote?
  • Do you have insurance?
  • How long is the construction expected to take?
  • How does sustainability influence your building process and the final outcome?
  • Have you won any awards for your work?

How do you know you've found the right fit?

The right builder will listen to your goals, offer expert advice, and help you navigate the unique challenges of your site. Before signing any contracts, it's crucial to discuss the draft with a legal professional to ensure you fully understand all aspects. Remember, this is likely the single biggest purchase you will make in your life. Taking the time to research and compare your options carefully will help you choose a partner who will deliver the best results for your new home.

 

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We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

Acknowledgement artwork by Leilani Keen-Church

Artwork by Leilani Keen-Church

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