Designed to deliver
↑ Ascot 39, Cloverton Estate, Kalkallo
Building a new home can be a complex journey, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
From your first consultation to key handover, this guide outlines every step of the Boutique Homes building process, so you know what to expect, when to expect it and who’s with you along the way.
Bankside Estate, Rowville
Meet your team of experts
When building your dream home, a lot happens along the journey, but you’ll get plenty of support from your own dedicated team of specialists.
↑ Oslo 29, Bluestone Estate, Tarneit
Pre-construction
New Homes Consultant
Your first point of contact, guiding you through floorplans, facades and personalisation. They can also help you find land and prepare a complete home and land package. Arriving with a clear vision of your ideas, preferences and priorities ensures every detail is captured, enhancing your experience and creating a seamless path.
Home Loan Specialist
Our in-house team at Resolve Finance will review options from a wide panel of lenders to help you find the right home loan.
Customer Experience Coordinator (Pre-Construction)
Your go-to person from contract signing through to site start. They coordinate planning, approvals and keep you updated every step of the way.
Interior Designer
Your Interior Designer will guide you through our showroom, helping you select internal and external colours and materials to bring your vision and personal style to life.
Joinery Designer
An optional appointment, your Joinery Designer can help you personalise cabinetry and storage throughout your home. Speak to your New Homes Consultant for more details.
Lifestyle Designer
Your Lifestyle Designer will help plan your home’s technology, covering lighting, automation, security, heating, cooling and more.
Construction Customer Experience Coordinator (Construction)
Your main contact throughout the build. They’ll keep you informed on progress and assist with any questions, all the way to key handover.
Site Manager
Manages all onsite activity, including the coordination and supervision of trades and suppliers. Site Managers are happy to provide their contact details – please reach out during business hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30am–4.30pm.
Regional Construction Manager
Ensures the highest standards are met across all builds within their region. They oversee quality assurance and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and timelines.
Warranties
Warranty Site Manager
Your Warranty Site Manager will inspect your home at the 12-month Warranty Service, if required and help identify any items needing attention.
Warranty Coordinator
Your primary point of contact during the warranty period is your Warranty Coordinator, who will manage communication and assist with any queries or service requests.
Your home buying checklist
Key steps to guide you through the important decisions during your sales stage with your New Homes Consultant.
One-on-One Consultation
Attend a personalised session with your New Homes Consultant to set your budget, locate suitable land and choose your home design.
Select Your Floorplan
Choose a floorplan and facade that best suits your block and lifestyle. Personalise it further with available design options before locking in your selections.
Display Walkthrough
Take a personalised tour of a display home with your New Homes Consultant to explore standard inclusions and optional upgrades. This walkthrough helps clarify design possibilities and associated costs.
Confirm Structural Changes
Finalise any structural modifications, such as ceiling heights, window placements or additional doors, before signing your Preliminary Works Contract (PWC), as no further changes can be made after this point.
Design Guidelines
Ensure your Preliminary Works Contract (PWC) includes all estate developer requirements, such as roof profiles, preferred colours and corner block treatments.
Preliminary Works Contract (PWC)
Review your fixed-price PWC, clearly outlining all costs, including site-specific details and developer guidelines, no surprises down the track.
Deposit
Secure your fixed pricing and contract initiation with your initial deposit of $2,500. Provide finance pre-approval or consult our in-house Resolve Finance team.
Feedback
Share your feedback on the sales process and experience via our brief customer satisfaction survey. Your comments help us continually enhance our service.
Portofino 31, Woodlea Estate, Aintree
Oslo 29, Bluestone Estate, Tarneit
Barcelona 32, Banksia Estate, Armstrong Creek
Preparing for construction
A seamless start to your home building journey.
↖ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Your team of dedicated experts will guide you through every step of the pre-construction process, from contract appointments to personalised design selections.
Appointment booking
Our Administration Team will contact you to book in your key appointments, including:
• Concept appointment
• Joinery Design appointment (if applicable) Interior Design appointment
• Lifestyle Design appointment
Refer to your signed What To Expect document for indicative timing. If your land is awaiting title, we’ll schedule your Interior Design Appointment within 3-4 months of the title release date to ensure your lender has enough time to arrange your finance approval.
My Building Hub
Access all documentation, plans, contracts, and specifications via our convenient online platform. Receive contact details for every important team member and stay updated throughout your build.
Contract preparation
Your Customer Experience Coordinator (PreConstruction) will stay in regular contact as your contract is prepared. You’ll receive copies of your HIA contract and plans in advance, allowing time for review or external advice before signing. Ensure you understand its contents clearly, seeking legal advice if needed.
HIA contract signing
Conducted virtually by your Customer Experience Coordinator (Pre-Construction), this appointment takes approximately 1.5 hours. All signatories must attend.
Pay 5% deposit
Within 7 days of your HIA contract signing, the balance of your 5% deposit is required (2.5% for Resolve Finance customers).
Obtain formal finance
Submit your signed HIA Contract, deposit receipts and any variations to your lender or broker to finalise your formal finance approval.
Pay
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
If applicable, pay the CIL directly to your local council and provide proof of payment to your Customer Experience Coordinator (Pre-Construction).
Your Showroom
journey
The Showroom is a unique selections experience, designed to guide you through the key design decisions that turn your house into a home. From interior finishes and joinery to smart home planning, our expert team will support you every step of the way.
Concept appointment
Your Interior Designer will begin with a virtual briefing session and provide access to the Showroom online portal, where you can explore colours, finishes and materials ahead of your in-studio or virtual design appointment.
Interior Design appointment
Held in our Showroom or virtually, your Interior Designer will guide you through finalising your colour selections and internal finishes. Once complete, your documentation will be prepared for sign-off.
Lifestyle Design appointment
Your Lifestyle Designer will help plan the integrated technology in your home, from lighting and automation to heating, cooling and security. A pre-appointment introduction will provide documents to help you prepare.
Obtaining approvals
Untitled land
Please note if your land is not yet titled after your HIA contract appointment, you’ll be introduced to your Customer Experience Coordinator, who will support you with any enquiries until your land is titled.
Titled
land
Once your land title has been issued, our team will be able to begin applying for and obtaining the relevant approvals outlined below.
• Order Property Service Information
• Order Soil and Survey Reports
• Notify you if a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is required
• Developer Approval
• Council-approved plans/town planning (if required)
Developer approval
Our Drafting team will submit your updated plans and colour selections to the developer for approval, managing any required changes along the way. As developers make the final decision, rejections can occur, but if they do, we’ll work quickly to find a resolution that meets their requirements and aligns with your vision.
Energy and engineering
We ensure your home meets a 7-star energy rating and all applicable engineering standards.
Review pre-final plans
Check the updated plans provided by our Drafting team to confirm they reflect all chosen inclusions and approvals. Please note this review is for verification purposes only; no further changes can be made at this stage.
Check boundary pegs
Visit your block prior to settlement to verify boundary pegs are visible and correctly placed, ensuring accurate construction positioning. If the boundary pegs are missing or not visible, you may be required to obtain a Re- establishment Survey before construction begins.
Confirm land settlement
Provide written confirmation of your land settlement from your solicitor or conveyancer as official proof of ownership. Confirm formal finance Submit signed mortgage documents or evidence of available funds if self-funded, confirming unconditional financial approval.
Final plan review
Your Customer Experience Coordinator (Pre-Construction) will send you your final plans for review and signing after checking thoroughly that they reflect your HIA contract and colour schedule. Review carefully, this marks your last review before site commencement.
Please note: this is not an opportunity to make further changes; rather, it is a chance to review all documentation prior to site start.
Building permit & scheduling
Our team arranges building permits and orders materials, preparing everything needed for construction to begin.
Clear block
Prepare your block to avoid construction delays by ensuring it is cleared of debris, vegetation is trimmed and fencing is removed where required.
Construction handover
Now that all of your pre-construction steps are complete, the exciting time has come where your build is handed over to our construction team to begin the build phase.
Construction taking shape
Now that you've made your selections, your dream home comes to life.
↑ Barcelona 32, Banksia Estate, Armstrong Creek
↑ Ascot 39, Cloverton Estate, Kalkallo
Site start
Your Customer Experience Coordinator (Construction) will contact you with the exciting news of your build commencement date and introduce your Site Manager, who will oversee all onsite activities, coordinate trades and ensure everything progresses smoothly.
Progress meetings
Your build is structured into four key stages: Frame, Lockup, Fixing and Completion. At each of these milestones, you'll have scheduled opportunities to meet your Site Manager onsite, inspect progress and discuss any questions.
Quality control inspections
An independent Building Surveyor and our quality control specialists will conduct regular inspections to ensure your home meets our exacting standards.
Stage 1 Site Manager
Because we pride ourselves on quality workmanship, we have Site Managers who specifically oversee the first vital stage of construction. A dedicated Site Manager will oversee the critical initial stage, coordinating all contractors until your slab is completed and approved.
Stage 2 Site Manager
Upon slab completion, you'll meet your dedicated Site Manager for Stage 2, who will manage the remainder of the construction process, ensuring smooth progression.
Site visits
You're welcome to visit your build during business hours by appointment with your Customer Experience Coordinator (Construction) or Site Manager, ensuring safety protocols are maintained.
Independent inspections
Should you choose to arrange an independent inspector, please advise your Customer Experience Coordinator (Pre-Construction) which stage of the build they will be attending. Notification must be provided at least 48 hours in advance to allow us to coordinate access with your Site Manager.
Progress payments
After each construction milestone, you will receive invoices according to your HIA Contract. Ensure these invoices are promptly sent to your lender to facilitate timely payment.
Managing delays
Occasionally, weather or other unforeseen circumstances can cause delays. We'll proactively communicate and manage these to keep your build on track, ensuring you're always updated on any changes to your timeline.
Completion
Upon finishing construction, your Customer Experience Coordinator (Construction) will schedule a meeting onsite with your Site Manager to present your completed home. This meeting allows you to address any final concerns before the key handover.
Key handover
The moment you've been waiting for – receiving your keys! Key handover appointments are organised Monday to Friday, between 8am and 3pm, either onsite at your home or at our Docklands office, depending on availability.
Please note: your lender might conduct a final inspection prior to releasing the final payment. We are only able to raise your final invoice after receiving your Occupancy Permit. Allow up to 10 working days for the final payment to clear and please be mindful of these timeframes when planning your move-in date.
Feedback
You'll receive an email inviting you to complete a short survey about your construction experience. Your valuable feedback helps us continually enhance our services and customer care
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
→ Montreal 40, Banksia Estate, Armstrong Creek
Boutique Homes referral program
Your home is now complete, why not share the joy with friends and family? Our referral program rewards you when someone you refer chooses to build their home with Boutique Homes.
Visit BoutiqueHomes.com.au/refer-friend to find out more and refer your friends and family directly online.
For your peace of mind
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your new home is supported by a dedicated, experienced Warranties team, ready to assist with any warranty-related questions or concerns during your 12-month Maintenance Warranty period.
Commencement of Your Warranty Period
Your 12-month Maintenance Warranty period officially begins at key handover. By this time, you will have completed your New Home Presentation with your Site Manager, during which you confirm that your home meets your expectations. We recommend preparing any questions prior to this meeting, so all queries are addressed before final sign-off.
Your Home Care Guide
Upon receiving the keys to your new home, you'll be provided with a comprehensive Welcome Home pack and a digital copy of your Home Care Guide. This guide details warranty periods specific to your home’s features and provides valuable tips on maintaining your property. Please read it thoroughly to understand your coverage and ensure the best care for your home.
Should you have questions or require assistance after handover, our Warranties team is readily available via email at warranty@abngroup.com.au
Moving Into Your New Home
We understand the excitement that comes with moving in, landscaping, furnishing and transforming your new house into a home. Please keep in mind that warranties do not cover general wear and tear, or accidental damage caused after handover. Take particular care when moving furniture and belongings, as any scratches, chips, or damage caused during this process will not be covered by your warranty.
12-Month Maintenance Warranty Guarantee
Our ongoing commitment is to uphold the highest industry standards, conducting regular inspections and adhering strictly to building codes and guidelines throughout your build. When it comes to your warranty period, we remain dedicated to ensuring your home continues to perform as intended.
If any item is identified as a builder’s defect according to industry guidelines, or any feature of your home does not function as intended during your warranty period, we guarantee to rectify the issue at no cost to you.
12-Month Inspection
All new homes experience a natural ‘settling-in’ period, during which minor adjustments might be required. As you approach your home’s first anniversary, our Warranty Site Manager will perform a thorough inspection to identify and address any areas needing attention. Simply contact your Warranty Administrator ahead of your 12-month anniversary to schedule this inspection and ensure your home remains at its best.
Share your feedback
After your 12-month inspection, you'll receive an email inviting you to complete a short feedback survey about your warranty experience. Your insights help us continually improve our service.
Important note: Only ABN Group Victoria-approved trades and suppliers are authorised to assess and carry out warranty-related repair works. Any external professional trade, supplier or manufacturer assessments or repairs on any part of the property, fixtures or fittings may void warranty claims. Any related charges will not be paid by ABN Group Victoria.
Glossary of terms
A glossary of key building terms to help you make informed choices with confidence.
↑ Ascot 39, Cloverton Estate, Kalkallo
Building permit
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) (newly added)
Developer guidelines
Final plans
Footings
HIA (Housing Industry Association)
House settlement
New home contract
Preliminary Works Contract (PWC)
Progress payments (newly added)
Re-establishment survey
Official approval granted by a registered Building Surveyor, confirming your construction drawings, specifications, and engineering meet all relevant building codes and regulations.
A fee sometimes required by local councils to fund community facilities and services in new developments. If applicable, this must be paid directly to your local council before construction begins.
Specific requirements set by land developers, which may include eave size, setbacks, or colour schemes. Your New Homes Consultant will ensure your home selections comply with these guidelines before obtaining developer approval.
The official set of construction drawings reflecting all agreed-upon changes and selections. Once signed by you, these become part of your New Home Contract.
Structural elements, typically made of concrete, that support your home. Note that footings differ from foundations, which refer to the underlying ground that supports your home’s footings.
Australia’s official industry body representing residential builders and professionals involved in home construction.
The stage when the final payment has been made to the builder. At settlement, keys, compliance certificates and warranty documentation are formally handed over to you.
The legally binding agreement between you (the owner) and Boutique Homes, outlining the terms, final plans, pricing and conditions relating to the construction of your home.
An initial agreement detailing items and options selected prior to preparing your New Home Contract. It ensures your chosen selections and site-specific costs are clearly defined upfront.
Scheduled payments due at specific stages throughout construction, as detailed in your HIA contract. These payments are typically required upon completion of major milestones, including slab, frame, lock-up, fixing, and final completion.
A survey conducted by a licensed surveyor to verify the correct position of boundary pegs on your land. Essential for accurate construction positioning, especially when building on boundaries.
Ready to Start (RTS)
Site manager
Warranty period
7-Star energy rating
The stage in your homebuilding process indicating that all pre-construction requirements have been completed and your project is ready to move into construction.
Your dedicated onsite supervisor responsible for overseeing trades, managing day-today construction activities, and ensuring quality and safety throughout the build.
The 12-month timeframe following key handover, during which Boutique Homes will rectify any builder’s defects or issues arising under your warranty agreement at no additional cost.
A mandatory rating reflecting the energy efficiency of your home design. Boutique Homes ensures all new homes meet a minimum 7-star rating for enhanced comfort and sustainability.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions answered, so you can feel informed and confident every step of the way.
↑ Portofino 31, Woodlea Estate, Aintree
What is a land title?
A land title is a legal certificate that confirms ownership of a specific parcel of land. In new estates, land often starts as a larger tract, typically farmland, which is subdivided by a developer.
To obtain individual titles, the developer must complete civil works, gain relevant authority approvals and obtain a Statement of Compliance from the council. Once issued, this is submitted to the Titles Office, where individual titles are formally created.
When can I make changes to my home?
You can personalise your home before signing your Preliminary Works Contract (PWC), including your choice of facade and floorplan design options.
After signing the PWC, no structural or layout changes can be made to ensure your pricing remains fixed. However, you’ll still personalise your interiors during your colour selection and electrical appointments.
What is considered a structural change?
A structural change includes any modification that impacts your home's core design, such as its layout, engineering, or energy rating. For this reason, structural changes are only allowed prior to signing your PWC.
How long does it take to build my home?
Pre-construction (Titled Land)
Deposit to Contract Signing: 6–8 weeks
• Contract Signing to Ready to Start (RTS): 12 weeks
Note: Untitled land may result in longer timelines, depending on title release dates and required approvals.
Construction
• Single-storey homes: 260 days
• Double-storey homes: 290 days
Timeframes may vary based on site conditions and weather.
When do my contract days begin?
Your construction timeframe, as outlined in your HIA contract, officially begins on the date of your site cut.
What payments are required?
Pre-construction payments
$2,500 at PWC signing
• 5% deposit at New Home Contract signing (less the $2,500 already paid)
• 2.5% deposit for Resolve Finance customers
Can I supply my own products or hire my own trades?
No. To maintain our quality standards, ensure warranty compliance, and uphold insurance and safety requirements, all products and trades must be sourced and coordinated by Boutique Homes. This guarantees a seamless experience and delivery within our agreed timeframes.
Will I receive a confirmed completion date?
We aim to keep your build on schedule, but factors like weather and material supply can cause delays. For this reason, your Site Manager will confirm your final completion date closer to the end of construction. You'll receive fortnightly updates from your Site Manager and weekly updates from your Customer Experience Coordinator (Construction).
Who pays for gas, electricity and water during construction?
As the landowner, you’re responsible for gas and water usage costs throughout the build. Boutique Homes cover the cost of electricity during construction.
↑ Portofino 31, Woodlea Estate, Aintree
