With so many grants and incentives available to build, there are a lot of questions. The questions started with
"What grants can I get and how much?". They have very quickly shifted to "Will I be able to achieve the timeline to receive the grant?".
This shows a great deal of concern about how the current increase in sales will affect time frames. Adding to this is the different process for Project Builders and Small Builders. In this world of uncertainty, I hope this will help identify the key points to assist you with your timelines.
Firstly, the good news: It is possible to start building 36 days from paying a deposit.
Will it happen? No
Why not? Because every aspect of the critical path needs to be achieved with no delays. There is no room for error. Human nature and life are too unpredictable.The perfect process can often fail.
Why?
Project Managers will tell you the main reason projects go wrong is not planning, it is people. If they are not working together towards the common goal, it can have devastating implications on the delivery.
So as a customer you need to know the following information :-
A/Is there a process in place?
B/Is it working?
From experience, builders focus more on selling the process and much less on demonstrating if it works. When speaking to a Project Builder you will need to ask some important initial questions. Their process involves controlling all aspects of the approval process, so it is important to check they can deliver. Especially when your incentives depend on this.
What questions should I ask?
The first question to ask is "what is your current average time frame from paying a deposit to site start? ". If they don't track this number of days, alarm bells should be ringing!!! They have no process. If they are not willing to share the information why not?
You also need a reference point. A builder in Perth, WA should be averaging about four months from sign up to job start. For a Double-Storey home you need to allow an extra 2 months. This is the average and allows for a large number of custom-designed homes. Builders dealing with mainly standard models should be faster. If not, you want to know why?
You will need to add about an extra month on top of this time frame to get a slab down.
The key time period to watch out for with the $25,000 Federal Grant is, the time from signing contracts to slab down. Choosing a bank that can process the application efficiently is crucial. Any changes at Pre-Start will need to be conducted with lightning efficiency. As a result, consumers will need to ensure they get things 100% correct prior to signing contracts. Signing the contract is when the clock starts ticking.
Planning and larger Site-works will add further variables. These will mainly affect customers that are building in infill locations. Retaining and more earthworks will add another month or more before starting the slab. Customers need to avoid signing contracts without planning approval, as councils may ask for changes or neighbors' comments. As mentioned above, any changes during the traditional Pre-Start process will cause problems.
The good news is, most people using a smaller builder don't need the builder's services at the start. This means while it might take you a few months to get all your approvals in place, you still have plenty of time to choose a builder, sign a contract, and make preparations to start the build. This process works well in established suburbs. With a smaller builder, it is important to have assurances on when they can start.
Rain, Christmas, and other variable factors may affect your project. Understanding the process, you can be prepared and have the best chance of receiving your grants.
At Piran Property Group our experience is your advantage. We are advising our customers to get ahead of the curve. This is why we provide timelines for all our customers. By putting you in control of the process regardless of the type of builder you choose.
To receive your own project timeline to help you plan your new home project contact us today.
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