Building your first home is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a huge financial and emotional investment. That’s why it’s critical to go in with your eyes wide open. At Raulston Family Homes, we’ve seen it all—clients who were caught off guard by hidden costs, frustrated by delays, or stuck with unexpected design limitations. That’s why we created the 7 Things You Must Know Before Building Checklist to help you avoid the common (and costly) pitfalls.
Let’s break them down in more detail—and why #4 is the one most people miss.
1. Site Costs Can Vary Wildly
Site costs are one of the most misunderstood parts of a building quote. Factors like slope, soil type, access to services, and bushfire zoning can significantly impact your budget. Some builders leave these out entirely or provide a vague allowance. At Raulston, we assess your site upfront and include real costs—no guesswork.
2. Not All Builders Include the Essentials
Basic items like driveways, floor coverings, wardrobes, and even flyscreens are sometimes excluded to make quotes appear cheaper. Make sure your builder gives you a comprehensive inclusions list. Our Inclusions Book spells out every fixture, finish, and fitting—so there are no nasty surprises later.
3. Provisional Sums Are Often Underestimated
A provisional sum is a placeholder estimate for something that hasn’t been finalised. While common in construction, they can lead to budget blowouts. We aim to limit provisional sums in your quote, replacing them with actual costs where possible.
4. Design Changes After Contract = Big Costs
This is where most people get caught out. Once you sign the contract, any design changes—whether moving a wall, adding a window, or upgrading cabinetry—can trigger variations. These are not only costly but can delay your build. That’s why our pre-contract design process is so thorough—we want to get it right the first time, together.
5. Your Loan Won’t Cover Everything
Most construction loans don’t include things like fencing, landscaping, or window furnishings. If you haven’t budgeted for these, you could be stuck with a brand-new home you can’t fully enjoy. We’ll help you map out total move-in costs from day one so you can plan with confidence.
6. Approvals Can Take Longer Than You Think
DA (Development Approval) and CC (Construction Certificate) timelines vary depending on your council, design complexity, and current demand. While we move quickly on our end, it’s important to factor these approval stages into your timeline expectations. Rushing through the process often leads to mistakes—preparation is everything.
7. Communication Is Everything
You want a builder who listens, responds, and keeps you in the loop. Delays, confusion, and disappointment often stem from poor communication. At Raulston, we meet every second Friday as a team to review your build progress and ensure your vision is coming to life—because we believe consistency builds quality.
Building a home should be an empowering experience—not a stressful one. That’s why we give every client a copy of our 7 Things You Must Know Before Building checklist. It’s helped dozens of families in Wagga Wagga and Junee navigate their home-building journey with clarity and confidence.
Download the 7 Things You Must Know Checklist
See the full Plans Book
Explore our Inclusions Book
Build smarter. Build with Raulston.
