Building a new home? What homeowners wish they knew

15 October 2026

You might have the floor plan picked out and a good idea of where the sofa will go. But what happens between deciding to build choosing the finishes and getting the keys? That’s worth getting clear on, too.

Positive insights

There’s good news from people who’ve been through it. In Master Builders’ 2026 State of the Sector homeowner survey, 91% of respondents said they’d recommend building to friends or family, and 34% found the experience easier than expected. Their experiences also point to a few things worth asking before you get started.

State of the Sector

91% of homeowners would recommend building to friends or family, and 34% found the experience easier than expected.

—State of the Sector 2026

So, what happens next?

You don’t need to become a building expert. But you shouldn’t have to guess what’s coming next, either. In the survey, 27% of homeowners wanted more information about timelines, and 24% about consent and council approvals.

Before work begins, ask your builder to walk you through the main stages: what needs to happen first, where timings could shift, and when they’ll need decisions from you. That way, you know your part in the plan, too.

Starting your building project

Is that actually in the quote?

It’s a question worth asking, even when the answer seems obvious. Knowing what was and wasn’t included was another gap homeowners identified.

Walk through the quote with your builder. What’s covered? What will you need to pay for separately? Which amounts are still allowances rather than confirmed prices?

Talk through how changes will be priced and agreed, too. Get important decisions in writing, so you’ve both got the same record.

Keep talking, not guessing

Good communication isn’t just for when something goes wrong. In the survey, 95% of homeowners rated it very important or critical.

Agree how often you’ll catch up, who your main contact is and how you’ll hear about changes. Use those check-ins to ask questions, confirm decisions and raise anything you’re unsure about. You don’t need to wait until a small question becomes a big worry.

Working well with your builder

Good communication isn’t just for when something goes wrong. 95% of homeowners rated it very important or critical.

—State of the Sector 2026

Got the keys. What now?

Before handover, ask who to contact about maintenance or anything that needs attention once you’re living in the home. Move-in day is exciting; knowing what happens afterwards is useful, too.

A good building experience isn’t about having every answer on day one. It’s about having a builder you can talk to and getting clear on the things that matter. Ask early, keep talking and give yourself more room to enjoy seeing your home take shape.

Completing your building project

Ready to talk it through?

Find a Master Builder and bring your plans and questions.