Building Terms Glossary

As a home builder, we understand how daunting the process of building a house can be, especially if you don’t have much knowledge on the process or industry. Below we have put together a building terms glossary with words or phrases you may hear throughout the process to give you a greater understanding.

Base Stage: During this stage, the concrete slab is poured.
Building Permit: A building permit is a written approval by a private or municipal building surveyor. It allows the building work to be undertaken according to the approved plans, specifications and other relevant documentation.
Contract: A contract is a legally binding agreement between a homeowner and a builder outlining the terms, scope, and cost of the construction project.
Contract of Sale: A home is often considered a valuable investment. As you make mortgage payments, you build equity in your home, which can later be used to finance renovations or a future home purchase. In many cases, homes also appreciate in value over time, providing a significant return on investment.
Custom Home: Unlike pre-designed or modular homes, a custom build lets you take control of the design process. Working in consultation with your building consultant, a custom build gives you the opportunity to adjust a design to suit your needs, or start a design from scratch.
Developer Design Guidelines: A set of standards and criteria provided by a property developer to guide the design and construction of buildings within a specific development or community.
Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency in building refers to the design, construction, and operation of buildings to minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. This includes using energy-efficient materials, insulation, windows, and appliances to optimise heating, cooling, and lighting systems, thereby lowering energy costs and carbon emissions.
First Home Owner Grant: The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a financial incentive provided by the government to assist eligible first-time homebuyers with the purchase or construction of their first home. The grant aims to make homeownership more accessible by offering a one-time financial contribution that can be used towards the deposit or other associated costs of buying a home.
Fittings: Fittings refer to the fixed or movable items that are attached to a building or incorporated into its design. These can include fixtures such as sinks, faucets, lighting, and built-in cabinets that are installed as part of the building’s interior finishes.
Fix Stage: The phase where the internal fixtures and fittings, such as plumbing, electrical wiring, cabinetry, and decorative finishes, are installed after the structural framework is completed.
Frame Stage: The phase where the structural framework of the building, including walls, floors, and roof, is constructed but before the interior finishes are installed.
House & Land Package: A house and land package combines the purchase of a newly constructed home with a specific plot of land. It’s a convenient, all-in-one deal that simplifies the home buying process for customers.
Inclusions: Inclusions are the standard features and items included in a home building contract without extra cost.
Lock Up Stage: Refers to the stage where the structure is enclosed with external walls, roof, and windows, providing security and weatherproofing, but interior work is yet to be completed.
Lot Size: The total area of a piece of land measured in square meters. It indicates the amount of space available for building and landscaping on a property.
Site Start: The official start of the construction process.
Site Works: Site works refer to the initial preparation and construction activities carried out on a building site before actual building construction begins. This includes clearing the land, excavation, leveling, and installing essential infrastructure like drainage and utilities.
Title (Land): Title refers to the legal right of ownership and possession of a property, confirming that the owner has the lawful authority to use, sell, or transfer the land.
Turnkey: Turnkey means delivering a fully completed home to the client, including all finishes, fixtures, and landscaping, ready for immediate move-in without the need for additional work or upgrades.
Variation: A variation refers to any change or modification made to the original building contract, including alterations to design, materials, or scope of work.

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