Simple Build Process
Utopia Constructions prides itself on quality, control, attention to detail and transparency. From the initial client contact all the way through to handover. We will take care of all your needs from your initial enquiry through to turn-key handover and beyond.
At Utopia Constructions, we will be there to help you choose your finance, land, home designs, quality inclusions and colour selections. Our team can be contacted with any questions throughout the process that you may have or need to be answered for peace of mind.
Step 1 – Contact one of our sales consultants
This can be done by calling our office or submitting an enquiry online through our website or Facebook page. One of our sales consultants will be able to assist you with your initial enquiry. They can provide answers to some questions you may have or organise a face to face meeting.
Do you require finance? If so, our sales consultant will be able to organise an appointment with one of our home loan specialists to assist you, free of charge.
Step 2 – Choosing your land
Ask one of our sales consultants for any available Utopia Constructions House and Land packages that we have in your area of interest.
When choosing your land, you should look at the surrounding area’s amenities and facilities that suit you for example: schools, shopping centres, public transport and parklands. You should also look at the potential growth in the area. You might also consider a level block of land with easy access as this will reduce excessive site work. North facing living areas, subject to the home design for correct solar orientation should also be consideration.
Once you have chosen your land, you will pay a holding deposit. Contracts will also be sent to your solicitor. While you wait, you can choose your new home!
Step 3 – Choosing your new Utopia Constructions home
Your new homes Sales Consultant will show you our range of designer homes and help you choose one that meets your needs and requirements, along with the best fit for your land. Points to consider when choosing your new home are:
- The type of home you are looking for: single storey, double storey, duplex, dual living, etc.
- Solar orientation of the land and home sited on it
- Accommodation you require – number of bedrooms, bathrooms, garage spaces, living area, etc.
- Façade options you require to match your style of interest, including guideline requirements from your estate and/or council.
- Optional or future alfresco areas for entertaining your guests, creating an indoor/outdoor feel
- Any additional upgrades you would like priced
- Budget and timeframe of your home from beginning until the keys are in your hands.
Once you have chosen your new home, your Sales Consultant will prepare a draft tender based on standard site costs, standard Council Conditions and a standard BASIX allowance.
If you would like to proceed towards a full detailed tender, you will initially be required to sign a prepared preliminary agreement and pay a 2.5% deposit towards the Building Contract. This will be a provisional amount for us to complete the following scope of works:
- Arrange a site inspection of the property
- Obtain a detailed Dial Before You Dig Report
- Arrange a detailed contour survey of the property and/or measurements as required
- Prepare building plans and specifications for the construction of building works on the property
- Arrange for the preparation of an engineering design (Geotechnical Report)
- Arrange home warranty insurance (upon signing Tender)
- Submit all relevant applications to all appropriate authorities for their approval (upon signing Tender)
- Prepare a detailed Tender
Once we have received these reports, we can then complete your new home tender.
Step 4 – Acceptance of Quotation & Contract Preparation
Now that you have been presented with your new home tender, you can accept the tender by signing it and paying a further 2.5% deposit, which combined with the preliminary agreement represents 5% of the Final Building Contract.
Once this has been done, your plans will be prepared by our designers and returned to you for your approval before Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Council Submissions.
Once you have approved the plans, the Building Contract will be prepared and given to you by your Sales Consultant for signing and they will also answer any questions you may have. Utopia Constructions uses the standard Housing Industry Association (HIA) contract. Once contracts are signed and returned, we will then sign the contracts as well and a copy will be digitally returned to you together with your copy of Homeowner’s Warranty Certificate. Your Residential Building Contract will be encrypted and emailed to you as a soft copy.
Utopia Constructions will require a letter of approval from your finance institution authorising commencement of construction and proof of land ownership or a letter of consent from the current vendor.
Another 5% deposit of the Residential Building Contract will be required as a final deposit being a total combined amount of 10% of the total Building Contract.
Step 5 – Complying Development Certificate (CDC) Approval & Colour Selections
Once the contract stage is completed the plans will be prepared for lodgement to the Principal Certifier Authority (PCA) or Council. There are several supporting reports that need to be arranged as well such as BASIX report, landscaping plan and Hydraulic stormwater plan where required which need to be submitted together with the house plans as part of the CDC Application. This process can take up to 3 weeks before the CDC documentation can be submitted to the PCA or council.
While the above is occurring, you will be contacted by your allocated Customer Service officer to arrange colour selection appointment to our office for you to choose all the colours and finishes of your new home.
Once the CDC Plans are lodged to the PCA or Council, it is our experience that council will take a minimum of 3-4 weeks to approve your plans. Your Customer Service Officer will be in contact with the PCA on a regular basis to see how your application is progressing.
Step 6 – Building Begins
Its now time to start your new dream! Throughout the building process you will be in contact with your Customer Service Officer and your construction supervisor they will keep you updated on the progress of your new home and answer any questions you may have.
During construction there will be progress payments due as set out in your construction contract.
Our team of trades and personnel will ensure that your home is delivered in time with your construction contract period and with the utmost quality and finishes.
Step 7 – Handing Over Your Dream Home
Once the home is complete you will be contacted to do a pre handover inspection of the home with the construction supervisor who will attend to any concerns you may have.
Once the inspection has been completed you will be required to attend our office to do a formal handover with your Customer Service Officer and you will be given all keys, instruction manuals, certificates and warranties. You will be required to pay any outstanding amounts via a bank cheque at the meeting. A gift will be handed to you and the 3-month maintenance warranty period will be explained to you.
Thank you for your interest in Utopia Constructions and we hope to see you soon!
