If you’re looking to build a new Queenslander home, one area you may need some help with is knowing how much you could, or should be spending. For most people, there are a lot of budgeting decisions that need to be made, and for everyone a lot of paperwork and moving parts to digest.

You'll also have to find the right block of land if you don't have one already, and a trusted builder that can build within your budget, without any surprise add-ons along the way.

It can quickly seem overwhelming, so to help, we've prepared an easy list to help you make sure your new home is on financial track.

1. Know Your Budget Inside Out

This may seem obvious, but it's critical to know how much you have to spend now, and in 15-25 years time if you are taking out a mortgage.

First, consider your current financial commitments and lifestyle, and look at some worst case scenarios, like what if you or your partner lost their job, what if you get sick, etc. Circumstances can quickly change and it's always best to be financially prepared, be it with insurances or savings to get you through any rough patches.

Our recommendation is to do your research first, and then get advice from financial advisors or lenders. A mortgage advisor for example can tell you how much you can borrow, but they may tell you that you can afford more than suits your lifestyle, hence why doing your research first is important.

2. Choosing The Right Block Of Land

Once you know your budget, you can start to look for vacant land in your desired location if you haven't bought land already.

The type of block you choose will have a direct impact on the type of home designs that will be suitable. The factors that have the biggest bearing on costs include:

- The size of your block

- The slope of your block

- The soil type

You may also find that building costs will increase if your home requires complicated or reinforced foundations, or needs a unique design because of the slope of your land. Saying that though, Queenslander homes are perfect for sloping blocks.

Other factors to consider are your local amenities, both the ones currently in your area and those that are planned for future development such as a hospital, schools, public transport and shops. Petrol and car maintenance is not cheap, so if you are going to have to spend a lot of time commuting, you need to take that into consideration too. 

3. Write Down Your Ideas For Your Dream Home

Whether you have a clear picture or just a few ideas of how you want your home to look, feel and function on the inside and out, it's always worth writing these down for discussions with your architect or builder. Your builder will be able to work through your list and flesh out your ideas with you, which means the end result will be your dream home, not the builders.

Knowing what you want in your dream home is not always possible, but your wish list will set a perfect starting point to designing a home that’s within your budget.

4. Talk To Your Preferred Builder About Your Goals

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you can make, and a decision that directly impacts your budget. By talking to your builder, you’ll find out what can be achieved within your budget, and what can't. A good builder will also help you focus on what’s important first, i.e. number of bedrooms or size of entertainment areas, and they can outline the benefits of sustainable living options such as water tanks, solar and energy efficient home designs.

Try to think about the qualities you want in your builder and do some research to ensure other people have had great experiences with them already. Quality, trusted builders will have video testimonials and project galleries like these: Our Work

5. Start Contacting Builders For Quotes

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you can make, and a decision that directly impacts your budget. By talking to your builder, you’ll find out what can be achieved within your budget, and what can't. A good builder will also help you focus on what’s important first, i.e. number of bedrooms or size of entertainment areas, and they can outline the benefits of sustainable living options such as water tanks, solar and energy efficient home designs.

Try to think about the qualities you want in your builder and do some research to ensure other people have had great experiences with them already. Quality, trusted builders will have video testimonials and project galleries like these: Our Work