What your builder should be telling you

We know that building a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But for many people, the experience becomes frustrating when things aren't clearly explained, prices start to creep up, or communication drops off once the contract is signed.

We’re here to change that.

Your builder should be honest, upfront, and transparent from day one. No confusing jargon. No hidden extras. No glossing over the fine print. Just clear communication, real pricing, and a building experience you can actually enjoy.

Because at the end of the day, building your home shouldn’t feel like guesswork.

The reality of the building industry

If you’ve started comparing builders, you’ve likely seen a wide range of price points. Some might seem surprisingly low. That’s because a lot of builders only show their base price. What’s often not shown is what’s not included.

Things like:

• Siteworks

• Driveways and paving

• Flooring and window coverings

• Internal painting

• Stone benchtops or overhead cabinetry

• Air conditioning or upgraded electrical

These can add tens of thousands to your final price. But you won’t always see that until after you’ve already committed.

At New Era Homes, we take a different approach. We give you a clear breakdown of what’s included upfront, with no surprises later on. It’s how we build trust, and how we believe every builder should operate.

A better way to build

We don’t just design houses. We build homes that are functional, intuitive, and tailored to the way you live. That means creating spaces that flow naturally, feel good to be in, and make the most of both indoor and outdoor living.

But just as important as the design is the process itself. You should feel supported and informed at every stage of your build. From the first site inspection through to handover, we take the time to walk you through everything. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening or what’s coming next.

We’ve seen how stressful things can get when expectations aren’t aligned. That’s why we work hard to keep things simple and transparent from the start.

The warning signs to watch for

Not all builders are created equal. Here are a few red flags to keep an eye on when comparing your options:

• Prices that look too good to be true

• Vague or generic inclusions lists

• Limited visibility over site costs or allowances

• Lack of communication or difficulty getting straight answers

• Unrealistic build time promises

• No clear process for managing changes or variations

If a builder can’t walk you through their process with confidence and clarity, it might be time to keep looking.

Six questions to ask before choosing your builder

To help you navigate your options, here are 6 key questions we recommend asking before signing a building contract:

1. What exactly is included in the base price?

   Make sure you understand what features and finishes come as standard, and what will cost extra.

2. How are siteworks calculated and what is the allowance based on?

   Some builders give a very low siteworks allowance, knowing it will increase later.

3. Can I see a full list of standard inclusions?

   A complete list will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in your finished home.

4. Who will I be dealing with during the build?

   Find out if you’ll have a consistent point of contact or if you'll be passed from person to person.

5. What is your process for handling variations or upgrades?

   Changes during a build are common. Make sure you understand how they’re priced and approved.

6. What are your typical build timeframes and what could delay the process?

   Timelines can vary, but a good builder will give you a realistic expectation and communicate any changes along the way.

Why it matters

Choosing the right builder isn’t just about the final product. It’s about how you get there. You deserve a process that feels just as good as the home you’re building.

At New Era Homes, we combine over 15 years of trade experience with a hands-on, personal approach. We take pride in doing things properly and keeping our clients informed from start to finish.

If you’re ready to build with confidence, we’d love to show you what that looks like. Please get in touch for a no-obligation chat!