Advice
Practical guidance and lessons learned from our experience of buying a new build home.
We hope this helps other homeowners avoid the same problems and feel more confident in protecting their rights.
Important disclaimer
The information on this page is based on our personal experience and is provided for general information only. We are not lawyers, and nothing on this website should be taken as legal advice.
Every situation is different, and what applied in our case may not apply to yours. If you have questions about your legal position, you should speak to a qualified legal professional.
Advice guides
Things we would do differently
These guides cover the biggest lessons we learned, from snagging and documentation to dealing with builders, developers and neighbours.
The main lesson
Buying a new build home can be exciting, but it is still a major financial commitment. You should not feel awkward about asking questions, checking paperwork, reporting defects or expecting issues to be properly resolved.
No new build home will be perfect. But there is a big difference between ordinary snagging and serious defects that are ignored, delayed or poorly repaired.
Be reasonable, not passive
Stay polite and constructive, but keep records, set deadlines and escalate when progress stalls.
Keep a paper trail
A clear timeline of defects, emails, repairs and responses can become one of your most important tools.
Start with the basics
Get a professional snagging inspection, read your warranty documents, document everything and report defects in writing.