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Building your home /27.09.24

Your First Home With Clarendon Homes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building your first home is like embarking on your first major DIY project—exciting, a bit challenging, but incredibly fulfilling. Clarendon Homes is here to make sure your homebuilding experience is packed with “wow” and free from any “oops” moments.

Step 1: Laying the groundwork (and we don’t just mean concrete)

Get your finances nailed down
Before you start envisioning your dream home, check in with a bank or mortgage broker to understand your budget. This way, you can confidently explore homes that fit within your range.

Display home visits: because Pinterest only gets you so far
Scrolling online is a great start, but nothing beats seeing a potential home in person. Walk through our display homes and imagine your life unfolding in each room. But before you go, ask yourself a few key questions:

  • Do you have land ready to go? Or perhaps you're after a house-and-land package?

  • Single-storey or double-storey? Potentially a sprawling acreage?

  • How many bedrooms does your growing family need?

  • Multiple living areas—dream or necessity?

  • How much garage space is essential for cars, bikes, maybe a boat?

Once you’ve explored, our Clarendon consultants can help narrow down your options and match you with the perfect floor plan.

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Clarendon knows the lay of the land (literally)

Already own a block?
Great! Let’s check if your chosen design will fit like a glove on your land. We’ll review building guidelines, generate a site plan, and estimate the costs to make sure you're not stuck with any unexpected surprises.


Still looking for land?
Before you sign on the dotted line, speak with us! We can help you avoid costly mistakes (and tears) by finding a lot that works for your ideal home, not the other way around. Knockdown rebuilds? We’re the pros at that too.

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Step 2: Time to tackle the paperwork

Sales estimate
Once you’ve selected your design, we’ll put together a detailed sales estimate that includes your chosen façade, inclusions, and any promo offers. A deposit kicks off soil testing and contour surveys on your land. Then, we’ll hand you your Preliminary Building Agreement—aka the blueprint for your dream home.

Preliminary building agreement & HIA contract
This agreement outlines the specifics of your home, including any site work. Once you give us the thumbs-up, we’ll move forward with the Building Agreement and HIA Contract, which contain the juicy details like drawings and material choices. When it’s approved, we’ll lodge your building applications with the council. And don’t worry—you’ll meet your customer service consultant, your new go-to throughout this process.

Before signing
Double-check that all your structural changes are set, because once things move forward, it can be expensive to change your mind!

After signing
Give your lender a nudge to finalise everything, so there are no finance-related hiccups along the way.

Let’s visit the Lifestyle Studio

Now for the fun part—picking out the good stuff! At our Lifestyle Studio, you’ll work with our consultants to choose colours, finishes, and fixtures that scream you. Plus, you’ll get expert advice on:

  • Kitchen designs (hello, chef’s dream!)

  • Air conditioning (because comfort is key)

  • Flooring (from tiles to timber)

  • Screens, blinds, and shutters (privacy and style)

  • Lighting and electrical (setting the mood just right)

  • Wardrobe consultation (for a closet that’s both stylish and practical)

Step 3: Let the building begin!

Now that the paperwork is done, it’s time to see your dream come to life! We’ll give you a site commencement date, and you’ll meet your site manager. Construction updates? You’ll get them regularly—whether by email or phone. Your site manager and customer service consultant will be keeping you in the loop every step of the way.

Step 4: Warranty? You bet!

Just because the keys are in your hand doesn’t mean we disappear. Your new home is covered by a Lifetime Structural Guarantee. Six months after handover, we’ll check in to address any warranty items. If something pops up later, our warranty team is ready to swoop in for repairs—because no one wants a home that creaks before its time.

Building your first home is an incredible milestone, and Clarendon Homes is here to make it a smooth and enjoyable process. 

Find your forever home in 3 easy steps with our customisable design tool! Simply choose your favourite Clarendon Homes design, personalise it to match your style, and download your no-obligation estimate. It’s the perfect way to see how your vision fits your budget.

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