Home Truths: A-Z of building & buying

A switch that allows you to control a light from two different switch locations.

This is an option for overhead cupboards. The door is extended by 10mm past the base of the overhead cupboards allowing you to open the door with no handles.

A highly resistant laminate banding that’s abrasion and impact resistant. It’s wrapped around the edges of your cabinet doors and drawers.

Agricultural drains or slotted drains are designed to remove water seepage below ground (not surface water) and are connected to a silt pit.

This is the recognised standard for height above sea level, which ensures appropriate protection where land is at risk of flooding.

The measurement of a unit of electrical current.

An angle of repose is the maximum slope at which the earth retains its integrity. It’s mostly used to ensure that works don't undermine existing structures and that proposed foundations are at an adequate depth to allow the serviceability of easement assets.

This report assesses vegetation on your block as well as surrounding land to determine whether any vegetation will impact, or be impacted by, the construction of your home.

An architrave is an internal moulding installed around the window and door.

Refers to the protection of council assets such as footpaths, crossovers, kerb, and channels. Councils require that these assets are protected and with the asset protection in place, it ensures assets are protected during construction and repaired if damaged.

Before your build commences, you or your builder will apply to the council for an asset protection permit. This permit ensures that any pre-existing damage to council-owned assets like footpaths, roads, drains, signs, or nature strips is documented before construction begins to minimise liability (or “future costs”?) for the builder/owner. You can’t start your build without this permit. It’s easy to apply online through your local council website.

Hinged at the top and open (wind out) from the bottom.

A bath hob is a structure into which the bath or spa is inserted.

A light globe finished in a white conical shade.

Refers to the ‘angle’ of dirt where excavation has been undertaken, but a retaining wall has not been installed. These are utilised where there is sufficient ‘space’ on the property to slope the dirt back to normal ground level.

The battery for your solar panels allows you to store and keep excess solar energy generated by your solar panels. The stored energy can be used when your panels cannot generate enough energy (generally in the mornings and evenings). Without a battery, the excess energy is sent back to the grid (power stations).

These are doors that are made from multiple panels that slide open and fold or stack up against the wall. These are different to sliding doors as they tend to slide sideways to the end of your frame.

A bottle trap is an essential part of your basin plumbing. It’s attached to the waste plug under the sink and keeps your bathroom hygienic and safe from bacteria. This plumbing may be exposed in areas like your powder room if you don’t have cabinetry.

These pegs identify the legal boundaries of your property (according to your title). 

Exterior masonry cladding that’s tied back to a timber or steel wall frame.

All dwellings require a building permit, which is written approval provided by a registered building surveyor. It’s designed to protect you as the homeowner and the people working on your project by ensuring the proposed building complies with all building regulations and standards. It also notes that the people working on your site are registered and carry sufficient and up-to-date insurance. A Building Permit also specifies that the final inspection must be completed to the building surveyor’s satisfaction so that the building is suitable for living in.

Concrete that is added to a slab over and above the normal design. This is required where the foundation of the slab must be deepened.

If your home is built in a bushfire-prone area, it will be governed under the ‘Australian Standard AS 3959-2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas’ standard. The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) measures the severity of your building’s potential exposure to ember attacks, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. There are six BALs (Bushfire Attack Level), measured in increments of radiant heat, which are expressed in kilowatts/m2. The lowest is ‘BAL – Low’, where there is minimal risk to warrant specific construction requirements, while the highest is ‘BAL – FZ’, where your property is considered to have the risk of direct exposure to flames.

The number of days allocated within the contract for the house to be built from the day building commences on site.

A dedicated space within a home, within the confines of a kitchen, used as extra storage or an “out of sight” place to prepare food.

Carbon emissions are created from your household electricity and gas use and released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

This is a piece of foam that sits under the carpet to make it feel extra soft and spongy.

These are floorplan options designed by our designers and offered by Plantation.

This is the material that’s used to seal joints or seams.  

A sliding door that sits within the cavity of the wall so that it slides into the wall.

Ceramic tiles are in categories 1 – 3 and are different to porcelain tiles. They have cushioned edges which can sometimes create the look of a slightly wider grout line.

One of the most important documents because it proves your property insurance is valid and effective.

Also known as a CoO or Occupancy Permit (OP), verifies that your new home is safe and suitable to live in. It’s provided by a registered building surveyor and is a legal necessity as part of the Building Act 1993 before you pay your final payment and accept the front door keys to your new home. With this certificate, you’ll have peace of mind that your home is built to the National Construction Code’s standards.

A document that is a printed duplicate of a record contained in Victoria's land titles register. The Certificate of Title describes the land, records the current owner, and more. In most cases, you will need to produce the certificate of title when lodging a dealing at Land Use Victoria.

An external lightweight material that can be made from cement sheeting or timber.

This two-part document explains the variation fee and other notes and disclaimers for specific items you have chosen for your new home. Your interior designer will go through this document with you during your interior design consultation, and at the end of the consultation, you will need to sign the document.

Also known as an established home or “Ready Built” home, it’s a brand new home that doesn’t need the buyer to make all the design choices as all designs, fittings, and fixtures are chosen by the builder. These homes are usually ready to move into within 3-6 months from when we list them for sale.

Also referred to as “dispensation”, is a requirement from the council when the positioning of a house and/or garage is outside building regulations or zoning controls. It usually involves obtaining consent from neighbours.

Indicates the changing levels on the land, usually shown in increments of 200mm.

The contour plan (also known as a detail and level survey) is a geographical representation of the lay of the land, showing the degree of slope on a site.

This is a legally binding agreement, and we recommend that you read it thoroughly and ask us any questions before signing. Always be wary of builders that offer fast ways to sign a contract and builders asking you to sign a contract before you have all the costs.

A cornice is a decorative plaster moulding that sits between the wall and the roof.

There are many council requirements to consider and adhere to when constructing a home. Do your research with your local city council and state government organisation to ensure you know what is required of you. Not adhering to council requirements can delay your build and cost extra to fix down the track.

These are legally binding rules that come with your land title and which you must abide by when building a home. The language used in covenants can be difficult, so it’s best to get help interpreting covenants that apply to your build. Covenants aim to prevent homeowners from altering their property as this might change the aesthetics of a neighbourhood or negatively impact neighbours. For example, your property may be ruled by covenants on fence heights, types of fencing, building materials, the distance the house must be set back from the street, and how many dwellings can be on one block of land.

Covenant requirements are title-associated items, with certain examples listed above. These are rules that govern the types of buildings that can be built on the land and can vary from stage to stage within a development. 

Connection or pathway areas between the property and the road that connects to your driveway. It must be located in the best position to access the garage.

Where land slopes significantly, it’s cut and filled. Soil is moved from one part of the land to another to provide a level building platform. This is usually done to minimise the landfall and/or size of excavation.

Direct connection point to your home internet.

When a dark exterior paint colour is selected on external products (including doors), it has the possibility of warping/bowing caused by heat transfer. A disclaimer to that effect will be included in your tender.

A datum point is a point that is used as a reference or base for the measurement of height.

Décor tiles are feature tiles designed to separate your main wall tile. This term can also refer to a mosaic tile, which are smaller tiles on a backing sheet.

A demolition is necessary to knock down an old property and clear the land before starting a new build. The process is involved and has many regulations and legalities that must be adhered to. We suggest you do your research and get expert advice on how to proceed with a knockdown rebuild project.

To kickstart your home build journey, you must prove to your developer that you abide by the guidelines for building in the estate or development. This approval process is different for every estate, so find out exactly what your developer requires. Approvals typically require submitting all your site construction plans, including floorplans, landscaping, fencing, elevations, materials, colours, and more.

Similar to a covenant, but not as restrictive, these are rules that are put in place. You’ll need to abide by the established guidelines when building in an estate or new development. These rules are in place to ensure that the design and environment in the community are balanced, aesthetically attractive, and safe for all residents.  

All Developers hold their own set of requirements/standards that can affect the build of your home, including some of the following:  

• Building envelopes and setbacks  
• Building envelopes determine where on the block your house is approved to be built on. 
• Setbacks are the minimum distance for constructing a building from a boundary. These are requirements that are needed to comply with Residential Development Standards (ResCode), covenants on the title relating to building envelopes, and/or developer requirements. 
• The size of the dwelling  
• A house, flat, or another type of residence. 
• The amount of cut and fill 
• Cut and fill refers to the removal and replacement of volumes of material (like soil) to create the ideal terrain for a building.  
• The energy rating of the dwelling 
• Evaluates the energy efficiency in a building. It’s also a government requirement. 
• Types of materials used (such as brick, render, timber, cladding or metal sheeting)  
• Colours used externally  
• Articulation  
• The method of stylising and connecting the joining parts of a building. 
• Ceiling heights  
• Roof pitches  
• The steepness/angle of your roof. 
• Façade style  
• The front appearance of the home that faces the street. 
• The location of ancillary structures (clotheslines, air con unit, bins, etc.)  
• Landscaping  
• The process of modifying the garden or land to make it visually more attractive.  
• Fencing  
• Location and size and material of the driveway  
• Location and size of external living areas  
• Privacy control 

If you want to change a building regulation that governs a certain aspect of your property, for example, to build a higher fence, you must apply for a ‘Building Dispensation’, also known as a “report and consent,” to obtain a building permit. This is done through your council, and the process can take weeks and even months in some cases.

A home that is built to show or model a version of a home that is offered by a builder. These homes demonstrate the living space and features of a particular house, helping customers get inspired and visualise the potential of their new homes.

A recessed light that provides light in a downward direction to an area below.

During this consultation, you’ll decide on the electrical requirements for your new home and customise your electrical plan. An experienced team of consultants (who are not paid commissions to push upgrades) will help you design the optimal electrical layout to support your lifestyle.

An electrical pit is a structure underground that contains electrical cables, and it’s where electricity is supplied to. The pit is usually located in the footpath at the front of a property’s boundary.

An assessment of your home based on the structural elements and orientation by accredited energy-raters using the software approved by the Australian Greenhouse Office and approved by Sustainability Victoria. An energy assessment report is required in the application for a Building permit, and a report is provided to the client on the completion of the home.

An ensuite is a wet area that immediately adjoins a bedroom.

Circulates fresh air throughout the house by drawing outside air through cooling vents and dispersing through partially opened windows. It utilises ductwork separate from heating ductwork. It is a different type of cooling to air conditioning.

A fan that vents out unwanted odours, moisture, and other contaminants that may be present in the air.

A concrete driveway/path that is made up of concrete and stones. The stones are exposed to create a textured appearance.

These are the colour choices you make for your new homes outside appearance and include your bricks, renderings, windows, and roofs.

This is the front of the home. Street appeal is important, so choosing the right façade is one of the first choices you will make when you are designing your new home.

A vertical band that connects to the ends of roof trusses and is used to support rain gutters.

This can also be referred to as ‘site fall’. It’s land that’s not flat, which ‘falls’ or slopes away in a particular direction.

When one or two render colours are selected, we need to identify where the render colour(s) will be used. Feature render is the colour selected for the minority of the rendered area - commonly the pillars/pillar.

A wall used in a different colour or material, designed to stand out from the rest.

This is an option for overhead cupboards. The base of the cabinetry sits back from the cabinet door by 10mm, allowing you to open the door with no handles.

The finished height of a floor above the base point of measurement.

Unlike a “site cost”, fixed site costs are pre-determined costs associated with your block to have it ready for construction. Each builder has a different list of inclusions in what they classify as their “fixed site cost”, and the complete breakdown should be included in your contract. Ensure you understand what costs are included in a fixed site cost and which items might need to be paid separately.

Things that are permanently attached to your home, including light switches, door handles, cabinetry and more.

Pieces of sheet metal or similar to cover and protect joints, i.e., where a roof meets a wall. Protections around windows and doors to stop the penetration of water.

Your interior designer will set up all your selections in a beautifully crafted way, giving you the perfect opportunity to take a photo of the colour selections and textures of your new home.

A floorplan is a technical drawing to scale that shows the home’s layout with a view from the top.

A cavity door that is fully concealed between the walls and sits flush with the jamb of the door.

A cavity door that sits out from the door jamb for easy access to open and close the door.

Required where site works are close to adjoining neighbour’s garage and/or dwelling and could affect the stability of their foundations. It involves digging down beside the foundations to verify depth.

Height of a slab from a building platform to finished floor level.

A feature bath that stands alone and not in tiling or surrounded by a bath hob.

A gable is the triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches.

Another word for glass

An open drain that’s installed with a grate cover for removing surface water quickly. Usually installed along the front of the garage where a driveway slopes down towards the garage.

Grout is the cement joint between every tile. This can be blended to match or contrasted to create a feature.

Regulations require the provision of a guard rail to certain sections of the roof for workers’ safety.

This tile pattern is achieved by laying rectangular tiles in a zig-zag pattern and is deemed a timeless choice.

This is when the tile is laid horizontally and offset. Each tile overlaps the tile above and below by half, resulting in offset grout lines.

This is when the tile is laid horizontally and stacked on top of one another, creating linear lines.

The national industry association that’s bound by the HIA National Code of Ethics to protect the integrity of the housing industry.

Products and/or fittings that are included in the base or advertised list price of a new home.

Building inspections and audits play a critical role in ensuring your new home is built to the highest standards that also meet and exceed the Australian Building Standards. It’s not uncommon to engage the services of an independent inspector to conduct inspections at each stage of the building process; however, quality builders like Henley have stringent quality assurance measures that eliminate the need for hiring an independent third-party inspector (a costly out-of-pocket expense). Every one of our homes undergoes a stringent inspection program where our construction supervisors undertake quality checks at all six stages of the build – pre-slab pour, post-slab pour, frame completion, lock up, pre-paint/fix and final completion. The supervisor's construction manager will also undertake two additional quality checks before the final stages of construction are completed. In a separate process, inspections are carried out by our Quality Assurance team at the pre-paint and completion stages. These quality inspections are in addition to the statutory building surveyor and engineer inspections at the pre-pour, frame, and final stages.

An induction cooktop is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas and electricity cooktops. The induction cooktop transfers the heat directly to the pots/pans rather than the air around your cooktop.

A kitchen or bathroom sink that sits above the stone or laminate bench and has a lip that overlaps unlike an undermount sink which sits below the stone.

A material that’s placed in the external walls and roof of a house to create a barrier to keep heat flow inside.

During this consultation, you choose the colour scheme, materials, fittings, and fixtures for your entire home, inside and out. We give you lots of choices across the items that are ‘standard’ or included in the base price, and you can select different items if you wish to upgrade any part of your home. You’ll be guided by an interior designer (who is not paid commissions to push upgrades) every step of the way. With us, your interior design consultation takes place before you sign a contract, so you have full visibility of costs before you sign a legally binding contract.

The colour choices you make for the inside of the home, including flooring, tiles, bench tops and cabinet.

An inverter is connected to your solar panels and converts the power captured by the panels into a suitable energy source, electricity, which you can use in your home.

An electrical enclosure that houses a wiring connection for lighting or power.

The measurement of a colour temperature of a light source.

This is the base of your cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kickboard slightly sits back from the base of your cupboards or drawers.

A written legal document, contract/agreement, is used to purchase land, whether the land is vacant or occupied by existing buildings or homes.

Land settlement is the final stage of a property purchase. It’s when the ownership of the land transfers from the seller to the buyer. Obtaining land settlement: You can get “proof of settlement” by obtaining confirmation of the purchase (including owner(s) names/purchase date/purchased land) in writing from your conveyancer/broker, as well as purchasing a land title in the new owner(s) names.

The only legal connection point, as nominated by the council on where a new house's connection to stormwater needs to be connected.

This measures the total amount of visible light (to the human eye) from a light source.

When two render colours are selected, we need to identify where the two colours will be used. The main render is the primary colour that has been selected and will be used on most of the rendered areas.

We recognise that new homes may require small adjustments as they settle into their site. Our 12-month extended maintenance check means you and your home will live through four seasons, allowing all potential defects to present themselves before we inspect your home.

A fee that’s applied due to the difficult limited access or slope of a property or where space for storage materials is limited.

A box that encloses all parts of your electrical system, including the switchboard, main switch, fuse box, and safety switches.

These are a set of cabinetry options for your kitchen, butler’s pantry, laundry, and bathrooms. You can mix and match the designs to create the perfect home.

This is a mixture of sand and cement that bonds bricks together.

This is the network of cables that connects you to the internet via a modem. NBN availability is subject to site location.

This is the national set of technical design and construction provisions for buildings. It sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility, and sustainability of certain buildings.

Once you’ve browsed the range of floorplans and chosen your favourite design, you meet with a new home consultant who will assist with preparing and presenting your new home quotation. It details the cost of the build.

A variation is a requested change to the nature or scope of a construction project. A non-standard variation means there has been a variation made that is not in the standard drawings.

Optical hazing is a characteristic of polished porcelain tiles, stemming from the mineral content and manufacturing process. It can cause light to reflect and creates a hazy appearance, generally from low angles.

This is the network of cables that connects you to the internet via a modem. Opticomm availability is subject to site location.

A Building Regulation (Rescode) that protects existing neighbouring habitable rooms (like bedrooms and secluded private open spaces) from overlooking by new homes.

A Building Regulation (Rescode) that protects existing neighbouring recreational private open spaces from overshadowing created by new homes.

This is a painted fibre cement sheet traditionally located above your garage door, alfresco doors, or windows.

A parapet wall is a wall that extends above the adjoining finished roof surface. A box gutter is a gutter that is bound by and concealed by a parapet wall.

A hanging decorative light fitting.

Planning overlays apply special controls over lands, such as heritage buildings, significant vegetation or flood management. Sometimes local governments need referrals from other bodies like Heritage Victoria or Melbourne Water before or during the permit application assessment process.

Issued by your local council, a planning permit gives permission to develop and/or use land in a particular way. Obtaining a planning permit can be a lengthy process and take anywhere from 3-12 months. The council can refuse the build and/or design if it doesn’t meet their criteria.

When you have tiles that are a hexagon shape and it has a flat and a pointed edge. The pointed edge is when we lay this tile with the point to the top.

Porcelain tiles are in category four and above. They begin from the same material as ceramic tiles but are baked for longer at higher temperatures, creating a denser product. They have rectified (laser cut/straight) edges that can create a cleaner installation.

A room that has a toilet and a basin.

An outlet used to supply power to your electronics.

This is where your interior designer or project planner lists changes that need to be added to your tender document and is completed by our estimating department.

Do your research with your builder to find out if they offer a price guarantee and the specific terms and conditions attached to it. You don’t want any unexpected surprises. View our current guarantees.

These are the incremental payments you make along your build journey, depending on your finance arrangement. For example, progress payments can apply in this way:

• Deposit Stage (Pre-Construction) - 5% (minus the initial deposits you’ve already paid)
• Base Stage - 15%
• Frame Stage - 20%
• Lock Up Stage - 25%
• Fixing Stage - 20%
• Completion Stage - 15% (in addition to any variation orders)

PSIs are packages that help builders get all the necessary information for your property - this helps with estimating the proposed construction costs and informs what council requirements are needed. 

Legal advice to neighbours advising what type of protection is being installed (e.g., retaining walls) to protect their property when excavating or adding soil close to a property boundary.

This is a plastic downpipe that is painted in the colour of your choice.

A quad is a narrow strip of wood that coordinates with the colour of the new floor that is installed. It is located on top of the flooring against the skirting. Please be aware that Henley installs quads in all its display homes, as it allows the skirting to be installed before the floors are installed, which is the process that Henley will follow with your home unless otherwise advised.

This is a sliding robe door. The doors are made of flush panels and painted doors.

An opening in the close surroundings of a slab that’s typically used to lay brickwork.

Sometimes facilities for services (like water and power) provided to a property are in positions that don’t suit the siting of a house and may need to be relocated. Overhead power may need to be changed to the underground. Regulations no longer allow overhead cables to cross a neighbouring property.

Confirms the title boundaries around your property and identifies any boundary issues that might impact your build. For example, will the construction occur on or near your title boundary? Are there any fencing disputes that may arise with your neighbours and need to be sorted out before the build? This survey should be done early and cover all of this to save you time, money, and stress through the build journey.

These are the residential development standards governed by the Victoria State Government. They cover everything from street setbacks and building heights to walls on boundaries and front fences.

Specific requirement/s that are attached to the land title that dictates the way the land can be used or built on.

Walls that are erected to hold back dirt. These are generally constructed by timber, concrete, or brick and can also be incorporated within garage walls or under or as part of fences.

This refers to cabinet doors or drawers that do not require a handle to be opened. The angle of the cut allows you to open the cabinet by pulling on the top of the door.

PVC pipe connected to the stormwater system for future drainage installation, such as a grated drain.

Rock found below the surface will need to be removed for foundations and services to be installed. It’s often difficult to predict how much rock may need to be removed, so this expense is often listed as a provisional sum item in your contract. This means that it’s a reasonable estimate only and could change.

These are the preparations for the installation of plumbing pipes and electrical wiring – this is completed after the framing stage and before plaster is installed.

This s-shaped steel capping is used mostly for boundary or fireplace protection from the elements.

A security door provides extra protection from intruders entering your home. It’s built and designed differently from a regular door (like a bedroom door). It’s also different to a barrier door, as a barrier door only seeks to keep out insects and other pests, but not intruders.

A sediment control protects the council’s assets (footpath), and the water authority’s stormwater drains outside the property from discharge from the building site.

The required distance for the positioning of the building from front, side, or rear boundaries.

The term shadow line describes a gap or space between two surfaces, for example, the space between your benchtop and cabinetry.

A cut-out in the shower wall for your bathroom products.

This is a shelf in the shower for your bathroom products which sits out from the wall.

A silt pit is designed to trap silt (fine sand, soil, or mud) that accumulates through drainage water through the AG drains and then releases the water only into the stormwater system. Silt pits should be cleaned out regularly.

Normal residential power is a single phase where the flow of electricity to your home is through a single conductor. Three-phase power (the flow of electricity to your home through three separate conductors) is installed where there can be an extra load or demand placed on power.

These are the expenses associated with your block to have it ready for construction. Each project will have a different site cost because of many variables, such as your block’s soil classification, the earthworks, rock removal and drainage, and additional engineering requirements like slab upgrades to ensure the structural integrity of your home.

Sloped land is cut (excavated) to obtain a level building platform. Excess soil is either removed from the site or spread on the site (which is described as fill).

When building a new home, site inspections will occur at various stages of the building journey. These may be done by a building surveyor or engineer (decided by what’s set out in the building permit) and ensures the build is of high quality and adheres to all industry regulations and requirements. Different builders have varying inspections, so please confirm with your builder at what stages they’ll provide site inspections.

This refers to where your house sits on the block in relation to the boundaries. We’ll make every effort to comply with a client’s siting request wherever possible, provided it complies with all the necessary guidelines and requirements, including Rescode, title restrictions and covenants, and Henley guidelines. Other elements that can affect the siting of your house are the proximity of easements (including those on the other side of the fence/boundary), depth of easement pipes, fall of the land, retaining walls, trees, building envelopes, the best orientation for the energy efficiency of your home, and sometimes the position of your neighbours’ houses or garages. The choice of facades and potential balconies can affect siting of your home.

This detailed study of a property is required before construction begins. It covers information about the property, including geographical boundaries, ecology, and topography, of the land.

Skirting is an internal moulding that runs along the border between the interior wall and the floor. Please be aware that Henley installs skirting before flooring, unless otherwise advised.

A feature laminate that is installed under a benchtop and above the cabinetry. These are popular choices for a powder room.

It describes the type or strength required for a slab foundation based on engineers’ recommendations from the soil report. 

This is when you shut a cabinet door or drawer, and it closes slowly and softly. This is included in your kitchen.

This vital documentation is required before construction begins to reveal the type of soil you are dealing with throughout the build, as the soil is different depending on where you are. A soil test will clarify how reactive, dense, and moist the soil is and provide a classification to deem its suitability for construction.

This is when your local electricity generator sets a limit on the amount of energy your solar system can export into the grid. The amount to be limited (if any) depends on your generator and will be confirmed when we commission your system when you move in.

A solar panel is where the process of converting sunlight into electricity begins. The PV cells within the solar panels absorb the sunlight and produce an electrical current, which is then fed into the inverter.

The protective panel behind the sink or cooker that protects the wall against splashing.

A square set, also known as no cornice, is where the wall and ceiling joints meet, giving a modern square edge look.

A smaller light that’s placed low on the wall near the ground to illuminate the steps.

When you have a tile that is a hexagon shape, and it has a flat and pointed edge and is laid with the flat edge to the top.

A structural change is generally considered as changing anything fixed, which means a weight-bearing wall or deep structure of the home design. This can include altering a wall or supporting structure of your floorplan and may require new approval from your builder’s engineering department.

Pre-primed sheets constructed from raw medium-density fibreboard (MDF) with a tongue and groove system. They’re available in multiple profiles to create a feature wall in a living area or bedroom.

In some municipalities, the entire building site (property) must be fenced during construction. Temporary fencing is an OH&S requirement as well as a requirement for insurance purposes.

During this appointment, all your planning information, quotes, and payments are reviewed and signed off. Before your tender, you’ll need to have made all your selections, including the façade, variations, colour selections, electrical, site costs, plan, and floorplan. Once the tender is signed, changes, including structural changes, are not permitted. The tender appointment takes about four hours for a single-storey home; for a double-storey home, you’ll need to set aside a whole day. You’ll be guided through the process by an appointed tender presenter.

This is a council requirement in areas that are prone to termite infestations.

Tile cuts are needed to fit the tile in corners or for the shower base to assist with the drain.

Rectangular floor or wall tiles require a direction to be nominated for how they will be laid.

Titled land is land with an official record of who owns it and is registered with the Land Registry. If your land is titled, you can begin the building process, and the initial process is quicker than untitled land.

When building a home, it’s important to know all about the land you’re building on and how it can be developed in accordance with the local town planning requirements. Before purchasing a block of land, do your research and find out how the relevant town planning policies, zones, overlays, and provisions may impact or restrict your build.

This is the kitchen or bathroom sink that sits under the stone bench top, which is a popular, stylish choice. This style can only be achieved with a stone bench and not laminate.

Underpinning is the reinforcement of an existing building or other structure. Underpinning may be necessary when works like excavation are close to an existing structure and have the potential to impact the existing foundation.

Untitled land is unregistered land sold before council registration and is typical of new estates or new land releases. With untitled land, you will need to wait for the certificate of title to be issued before building on the land can commence. 

An upgrade allows you to choose an alternative product, fixture, or fitting than those items included as standard in your new home. Typically, an upgrade has an additional cost.

Any changes made after your colour appointment will incur a fee that will be added to your tender document.

A variation is an agreed change to any aspect of an approved building contract. The changes may seem small, such as wanting to change a tap or basin to a different style or brand. They can also be major variations, such as wanting to adjust a product's quality or the construction process's order.

This is when the tile is laid vertically and offset. Each tile overlaps the tile above and below by half, resulting in offset grout lines.

This is when the tile is laid vertically and stacked on top of one another, creating linear lines.

Tapware that’s installed from the benchtop instead of the wall - a popular choice with a feature above the counter basin.

This is also a sliding robe door. The doors are made of vinyl and framed in your choice of colour and finish.

The waffle pod slab is a type of foundation used to build a new home. It’s designed to a ‘waffle’ shape with polystyrene pods (called void formers) placed on the ground at specified distances apart, using spacers to form the footings. Beams then sit on top of the soil. Before choosing a waffle pod slab, it is important to know the block’s soil classification, as it may not be a desirable choice in the case of reactive soil.

A light fitting protruding from the wall.

A piece of tapware that’s installed from the wall.

External wall wrap is a form of insulation (also known as sisalation) generally installed around the entire home before brickwork or cladding gets done. It collects condensation and drains it to the weep holes, further protecting the timber frame and floor from the weather. 

The measurement of power to the rate at which electricity is being used.

Another name for a toilet.

The whirlybird, also known as a turbine vent, is a semi-mechanical ventilation system that utilises wind to cool your home and is installed on the roof.

A walk-in room that is designed for use as storage for linens, towels, etc.

A room you can walk into and store your clothing, accessories, and shoes. 

Builders must ensure the house complies with the nominated rating in the ‘Residential timber-framed construction standard AS1684.41999’. It’s designed to ensure the house withstands the pressure of high wind velocities based on the area and future developments.

A Z-shaped steel capping to prevent external materials from getting damaged by the elements. You may have this installed on your external façade pillars or exposed brickwork.

Used to restrict airflow through the heating or cooling system to certain areas. Check carefully how your system is designed, as in most cases, the cooling system does not cool the whole house at the same time.