What to Ask Before You Build

Designer Thoughts: So, you’re building. You’ve got the Pinterest boards, the moodboards, the inspiration folders full of stone benchtops and wide hallways bathed in soft light. You’ve even got a builder your cousin’s friend swears by.

But before the demo begins and before you find yourself ankle-deep in invoices, there are a few crucial questions you really should ask, not just to avoid chaos, but to get the home you’ve actually dreamed of.

At Natalie Boyd Design House, we don’t just design homes - we guide you through them. Here are four key questions every savvy client asks before they build.

This is really important and I'm always reminding my clients of this.

If your builder’s price is higher than your neighbour’s cousin’s friend’s builder, remember: you're not buying a backyard barbecue. It doesn’t mean they’re overpriced. A builder with a sustainable profit margin is likely running a stable business, managing their team well, and less likely to go bankrupt halfway through your build. Quality and reliability often come at a fair (not cheap) cost.

Question 1. What exactly is included… and what isn’t?

This might sound basic, but trust us, assumptions are expensive.

Builders’ inclusions vary wildly. One may include ducted air conditioning and full-height tiling; another may not even include door handles or driveway concrete. This is where people get caught out, usually mid-build, when their budget has already stretched in five different directions.

What to ask:

• Can I see an inclusions list before signing?

• Are there “provisional sums” or allowances, and what do they actually cover?

• What happens if I want to upgrade finishes or fixtures?

Our tip: Don’t look at just the price per square metre, look at what that price actually gives you. A cheaper build can end up more expensive once you add back in all the things you assumed were standard (hello, cabinetry with actual drawers…).

Question 2. Do I need a designer if I already have a builder?

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Absolutely, yes.

Here’s why: A builder is there to construct. A designer is there to plan, visualise, problem-solve, and elevate every decision before it hits the site. Builders may have a “drafting service,” but that often means a basic floor plan, not necessarily a tailored layout, curated finishes, or a home that flows beautifully and functions properly.

What to ask:

• Have I considered how I actually want to live in this home?

• Will the plans from my builder reflect not just structure, but soul?

• Who’s helping me make selections, layouts, lighting decisions and furniture placement?

Our tip: Engaging a designer early often saves you money, because the big decisions are made on paper, not on-site, under pressure, with a tiler waiting and a builder on the clock.

Question 3. What’s my approval pathway, and how long will it take?

Here’s the part no one likes to talk about: approvals can take time. If you’re building in a tricky zone, on a sloped block, or if you’re pushing design boundaries (which we do support), you’ll need more than a rubber stamp.

What to ask:

• Will this design need a DA (Development Application)?

• Am I within height, setback and coverage limits?

• Do I need a town planner, surveyor, or any other consultants?

Our tip: We’ve seen beautifully designed homes stall for months because approval requirements weren’t flagged early. At Natalie Boyd Design House, we do all of this legwork upfront so you’re not blindsided - because nothing kills design joy like red tape halfway through.

Question 4. Have I left enough room in my budget for the things that actually make it feel like home?

Things like custom joinery, soft linen window furnishings, feature lighting, timeless finishes, the elements that give your home personality, comfort, and longevity. These are often left as an afterthought, when they should be part of the core budget from day one.

Building a home is a big investment - emotionally, financially, and creatively. The smartest clients aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets, but the ones who ask the right questions early.

We’re here to guide you from concept to completion with clarity, creativity, and care (and just the right amount of well-placed cautionary wisdom).

Thinking of building? Let’s talk about your vision, your timeline, and how to get it right from the very start.

Get in touch to discuss your upcoming project by filling out the Project Enquiry Form and I will get back to you shortly!

' Elevated Designs, Tailored Services, Bringing Your Dreams and Visions to Life '