Your Prestart Checklist: Everything to Do Before Building Your New Home

Building your dream home is exciting—but before construction begins, there's a little preparation that helps ensure your project gets off to the best possible start.

At Shelton Homes, we've guided families through the building journey for over 30 years, and one thing we've learnt is that a smooth build starts with good planning.

Whether you're building your forever home or your first home, here's what you should have organised before construction begins.

1. Choose a Builder You Can Trust

The builder you choose will influence every part of your experience.

Look for a builder with a proven reputation, quality workmanship, transparent communication and strong client reviews. Building a home is a partnership, so it's important to choose someone you feel comfortable working with from start to finish.

2. Understand Your Building Contract

Before signing, take the time to understand exactly what's included in your contract.

Review the inclusions, payment schedule, estimated build timeframe and warranties. If there's anything you're unsure about, ask questions—it's important you feel confident before moving forward.

3. Have Your Finance Ready

If you're borrowing to build, your lender will need to confirm your loan approval before construction can begin.

Once everything is ready to proceed, Shelton Homes requires a 5% deposit to secure your project and begin the next stages of the process.

Having your finance organised early helps avoid unnecessary delays later.

4. Make Sure Your Land Is Ready

Before building, you'll need documentation relating to your block of land, including your Certificate of Title.

It's also important to understand any easements, zoning requirements or restrictions that may affect your home's design or location on the block.

5. Complete Site Investigations

Every block of land is different.

Site surveys, contour surveys and soil testing provide valuable information about your land's slope, boundaries and ground conditions. These reports allow your home to be designed with the correct foundations while ensuring compliance with local building requirements.

6. Finalise Your Home Design

This is where your vision starts becoming reality.

Together, we'll refine your floor plan, exterior style and the features that matter most to your family. Every decision is made with your lifestyle, budget and block of land in mind.

7. Complete Your Selections

Choosing your colours, cabinetry, flooring, fixtures and finishes is one of the most exciting parts of the building journey.

These selections help personalise your home while ensuring every detail reflects your style.

8. Prepare the Construction Documentation

Behind every beautiful home is a detailed set of plans.

Construction drawings and engineering plans ensure your home is structurally sound, meets Australian Standards and provides clear direction for every trade involved in the build.

9. Meet Energy Efficiency Requirements

All new homes must meet current energy efficiency standards.

From insulation and glazing to ventilation and orientation, these requirements are designed to create homes that are more comfortable to live in while reducing long-term energy costs.

10. Obtain Building Approval

Before construction begins, your plans must receive the necessary building approvals.

Our team manages this process for you, helping ensure your project complies with all relevant building regulations and local authority requirements.

11. Home Warranty Insurance

For every new home built in Queensland, Home Warranty Insurance provides important protection for homeowners.

It's another step that gives you peace of mind throughout your building journey.

12. Get Ready to Build

Once everything has been approved, your finance is confirmed and your documentation is complete, construction is ready to begin.

From this point, your dedicated Project Manager will oversee every stage of the build, keeping you informed along the way and ensuring your new home is built to the quality Shelton Homes is known for.

Start Your Building Journey with Confidence

A little preparation goes a long way towards creating a smooth, enjoyable building experience.

To make the process even easier, we've created a free Prestart Checklist that walks you through each stage in more detail, so you'll know exactly what to expect before construction begins.



Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're ready to build, the Shelton Homes team is here to guide you every step of the way.