Guide to Buying your First Home

35 BUYING PROCESS approval before you proceed to your building contract. This protects you from any required changes later on. Your land agent will be able to give you a simplistic rundown of what would be expected from you if you chose to purchase, typically the following will be included: • Requirement for recycled water connection – usually council will mandate this or a water tank most important point to ensure new homes are water efficient • Requirement for 25% of the front façade to incorporate a different material – this is to ensure your streetscapes aren’t filled with plain brick houses. An example of a different material would usually be listed, typically cladding or render • Fence types – typically either timber or Colourbond, this is usually done to create consistency in the streets The above examples are just a few design principles that can make a great difference to a streetscape and the environment, these guidelines are enforced to protect your investment ultimately. Other guidelines, such as the Residential Design and Building Code (ResCode) are also beneficial in enforcing some of the more technical aspects of building. ResCode assists in setting rules to protect you from being overshadowed by your neighbours; or building on areas of land that they shouldn’t; or not allowing enough natural light into their home, and more. This code is also enforced to protect you from your builder in terms of what is deemed to be a ‘liveable standard’. “… it’s important that you ask your land estate agent or builder questions.” When you’re reviewing an estate’s design guidelines, it’s important that you also ask your land estate agent or builder questions. These documents can be quite complex and understanding them before proceeding with your land contract can save you from unexpected surprises later.