Thinking about building a new home in Perth, WA? It’s an exciting journey—but also one that comes with important decisions, timelines, and financial commitments. Whether you’re a first-time builder or planning your forever home, understanding the process early can help avoid surprises, save money, and ensure a smoother experience.
From choosing a builder to navigating approvals, this guide covers everything you need to know before building a home in Perth WA—so you can get started with confidence.
1. Choose the Right Home Builder in Perth WA
The builder you choose can make or break your building experience. Not all home builders in Perth WA offer the same level of service, quality, or flexibility.
Look for builders who offer:
- Experience in Perth’s local market
- A strong portfolio of custom or standard home designs
- Transparent pricing and contracts
- Positive client reviews and testimonials
Consider whether you want:
- A custom home builder (fully tailored design)
- A volume builder (standard plans with some variations)
- A boutique builder (mid-sized, more personalised service)
Tip: Always meet with a few builders before making your decision. Ask questions, check their credentials, and inspect completed homes if possible.
2. Understand Your Block of Land
Before designing your dream home, it’s essential to understand the land you’ll be building on.
Important factors to consider:
- Size and shape: Will it fit your desired floor plan?
- Slope: Sloping blocks often require more complex foundations.
- Soil quality: A soil test determines the slab type and costs.
- Orientation: North-facing homes get more natural light and are more energy-efficient.
- Zoning and restrictions: Local council rules may impact setbacks, height limits, and design choices.
Many house building companies in Perth will carry out a free site assessment to help you determine the viability of your land before you commit.
3. Budget Beyond the Base Price
One of the biggest surprises for new home builders is the gap between the advertised “base price” and the final build cost.
Additional costs may include:
- Siteworks (especially on sloping or rocky land)
- Council fees and approvals
- Upgrades to fixtures, fittings, and finishes
- Driveways, landscaping, fencing
- Window coverings, air conditioning, and security systems
Ask your builder for a detailed quote that breaks down these costs. Reputable home builders in Perth Australia will provide transparent pricing with no hidden surprises.
4. Decide Between Custom or Pre-Designed Homes
Do you want a one-of-a-kind design or a more cost-effective, tried-and-tested floor plan?
Custom Built Homes in Perth:
- Designed from scratch around your needs
- Ideal for tricky or unique blocks
- Offers full flexibility and personalisation
Pre-Designed Display Homes:
- Faster to build and generally more affordable
- Limited customisation
- Best suited for standard suburban blocks
If you have specific lifestyle needs (like a home office, multigenerational living, or energy efficiency goals), a custom built home is often the better choice.
5. Know the Council and Planning Requirements
In Perth, all homes must comply with local council planning policies, including:
- R-Codes (Residential Design Codes)
- Building height and setbacks
- Site coverage and open space requirements
Before construction begins, your builder will typically handle:
- Development application (if required)
- Building permits
- Energy efficiency assessments
- Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments (if relevant)
Choose a builder with local experience—they’ll understand council requirements and help avoid delays.
6. Plan for Design, Selections & Approvals
The design process is more than just choosing a floor plan—it includes all the finishing touches that make a house feel like home.
You’ll select:
- Exterior materials and colours
- Flooring, cabinetry, benchtops
- Bathroom fixtures and tapware
- Lighting and electrical layout
Most house builders in Perth WA will walk you through this process in a dedicated showroom or with the help of an interior designer.
Don’t forget to ask:
- What’s included in the standard package?
- What upgrades are available, and what do they cost?
- Are any selections required before contract signing?
7. Prepare for Construction Timeframes
Building a home isn’t an overnight process—it involves multiple stages and approvals.
Typical timeframes (may vary):
- Design and quoting: 2–4 weeks
- Approvals and permits: 4–8 weeks
- Construction: 6–12 months (depending on design, site, and builder availability)
Delays can happen due to weather, supply shortages, or council issues. Ask your builder for a realistic timeline—and choose one that keeps communication open throughout the process.
8. Understand the Build Process
Your builder should walk you through the construction phases, which typically include:
- Siteworks and slab pour
- Framing and roof installation
- Brickwork or cladding
- Lock-up stage (windows, doors)
- Internal fit-out (plastering, painting, flooring)
- Final inspection and handover
During each stage, you should receive updates and be invited to inspect the progress. Some home builders in Perth WA even offer app-based progress tracking.
9. Plan for the Extras Post-Handover
Even after handover, there are still things to organise:
- Window furnishings
- Landscaping and gardens
- Driveways, paths, and fencing
- Moving services and utilities
Make sure your budget includes these post-build expenses, especially if your builder doesn’t include them as part of their packages.
10. Think Long-Term: Warranties and Maintenance
Once you move in, your home should come with a warranty for both structural and non-structural elements.
Look for:
- Structural warranty (typically 6 years in WA)
- Maintenance period (for minor fixes, usually 3–6 months)
- Ongoing builder support
Reliable house building companies in Perth will provide peace of mind by standing behind the quality of their work long after you’ve moved in.
Final Thoughts
Building a home in Perth WA is a rewarding journey—especially when you understand what to expect and plan accordingly. From selecting the right builder to navigating approvals and managing costs, being informed helps you make confident decisions every step of the way.
