Question 1

What goes into preparing a site to be built on?

Accepted Answer

Site survey and soil test
A Geo-technical engineer will conduct the testing and will deliver a report on your block of land. The site survey records key features on both your block and the area neighbouring your lot. The soil test will determine your slab classification, as well as indicate if any rock removal is expected.

Excavation works
Your new home needs to be built on level ground. The land is levelled by a combination of cutting soil away from the higher end of the block and/or adding new fill to the lower areas. The fill must be compacted properly to ensure your land is stable. If this can’t be achieved satisfactorily, concrete piers will be put in place to make it stronger. Where required by the council, crossover protection may also be used. If there are rocks underneath the surface, these will be removed and taken away where appropriate.

Retaining walls
These are used to retain the earth on your land if required. In the case where a block of land is too close to a boundary and we can’t fully cut or fill it, we will need to build a retaining wall that holds the soil and ensures a flat building platform can be achieved.

Concrete piering
Where soil conditions are not stable to a satisfactory level, or if your house is in close proximity to mature trees or easements, an engineer may specify the use of concrete piers in the ground to support the house foundations. To do this, holes are dug until they reach solid foundations and concrete is poured into them to achieve stability.

Slab pour
The engineering company determines your slab classification in accordance with the soil report. In some instances there may be a need to increase the stiffness of the slab, which can be achieved by increasing the steel mesh size, and the amount of concrete used.

Question 2

Do I get insurance during my build?

Accepted Answer

What is covered
During the period of construction, Porter Davis will put a public liability insurance policy in place for the construction site. This policy covers the Builder and Owner for liability for physical loss, destruction or damage to the building works we are undertaking, as well as the goods and building materials kept on your site as described in your Contract documents.

What is not covered
Whilst Porter Davis is in charge of the construction site during the period of construction, our policies do not cover the Owner for any loss of their own personal property kept on the construction site during the period of construction. Owners personal items should be removed from the site prior to commencement of construction as any personal items left on site during construction are left at the Owners risk.

This information is outlined in the H.I.A. Plain English Contract which is a document you will sign at your Contract Appointment.

Question 3

Can I access my home during construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes but only via a scheduled appointment with your Site Supervisor. Building sites can be potentially dangerous and this is covered in your HIA Contract and relevant OH&S regulations. Technically, you require a white card in order to enter a domestic building site but when accompanied by a qualified Porter Davis Site Supervisor this is acceptable and you are not putting yourself or family at risk.

Question 4

Can we use our own tradies?

Accepted Answer

Only contracted suppliers and subcontractors can work on our homes but once the home is considered complete then it’s all yours! The reason for this is that all builders aim to provide a complete design and build service for their clients so will have rules around using unlicensed contractors, relatives or other tradespeople. This is also because of their responsibility to maintain a certain quality of work and reputation and for liability reasons. (Current Statutory requirements hold builders responsible for all structural issues and therefore we can not partially complete a home).

Question 5

Is my new home under warranty?

Accepted Answer

The construction of your new home will adhere to the industry-wide 7 year structural warranty and the 2 year non-structural warranty. Should any structural or non-structural issues that are clearly the fault of the builder become apparent after your New Home Care Inspection, Porter Davis will do an assessment on these items and arrange for them to be fixed.

Question 6

Why doesn’t construction start as soon as my contract is signed?

Accepted Answer

There are still many administrative matters to cover off including variations, building permits, developer/Council approval, asset protection, PIC, soil reports, engineering, Formal and ACC (finance approval to commence) – just to name a few!

Question 7

What is a variation?

Accepted Answer

A variation refers to any changes to what has been previously agreed in a build contract, usually resulting in a price change.

Question 8

Can I extend my garage?

Accepted Answer

This is dependent upon block size and house type. Please speak to a Sales Consultant to determine if this is possible for your desired design and lot.

Question 9

What is a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)?

Accepted Answer

Government legislation ensures every block of land is classified for a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL). BAL is a means of measuring a building’s potential exposure in the event of a bushfire and includes 6 levels of severity, all with varying associated build costs. Your land agent will be able to confirm the applicable rating of a particular lot and your builder can advise any associated costs. These can relate to windows, flywire screens and more. BAL ratings and land identified as Bushfire Prone Areas are subject to change, but only at the discretion of the Government/CFA, and not the developer.

Question 10

What happens leading up to my handover appointment?

Accepted Answer

Once construction of your home is complete, we will organise the Building Surveyor to do a final inspection of the home and ensure it has been built to Australian standards, codes and regulations. The Building Surveyor will then provide Porter Davis with a Certificate of Occupancy which states that the home is legally allowed to be lived in and we will provide this document to you. You will need to provide this document to the lender you have gone through for your construction loan, if applicable.

During your Handover appointment, you will meet with your Construction Supervisor on site at your new home. They will walk you through and show you where everything is, including how to use items like security systems, garage roller doors, the thermostat for any heating/cooling, etc. They will also provide you with the original copies of your compliance certificates for items like electrical, plumbing and insulation as these works are required by law to have been done by a licensed trade. Your Construction Supervisor will also provide you with the keys to your entry door, any external doors and any windows across your home.

Question 11

Who are my key contacts in each stage of the building process?

Accepted Answer

Post sales stage and pre site start your point of contact will be your Building Coordinator. Once construction has commenced and up until Base Stage, you will be liaising with one of our Base Supervisors. Once the base has been poured you will be contacted by a Build Site Supervisor who manages the rest of the process, all the way through to completion. Post completion, we have a New Home Care (Maintenance) Team that will tend to your needs.

Question 12

What if I want to put in a swimming pool?

Accepted Answer

Swimming pools present a serious hazard on construction sites if adequate control measures are not in place. Should you have an existing pool or wish to install a pool before construction, you will need to notify your Sales Consultant or Building Coordinator before your tender appointment in order for us to assist you with the correct pool installation procedure. If you are planning on installing a pool post-construction, please ensure you have provided your Building Coordinator with your pool specifications including:

Length, width and depth of pool
Pool location and setback from house
Pool heater gas megajoule requirement
Pool heater location
Please note: Porter Davis does not factor pool installation before construction into your site start timeline and highly recommends installing your pool post-construction. For more information about how this will affect your build timeline please speak to your Sales Consultant or Building Coordinator.

Question 13

Why do I have to have privacy glass on some of my windows?

Accepted Answer

Windows within 9 metres cannot directly look into adjacent property windows that contain habitable rooms or onto private outdoor areas like an alfresco or backyard. To build within regulation, you may need to use frosted glass, install fixed screens or consider windows over 1.7 metres high in your design. If you’re building in a development, this cost may not be incurred upfront but later down the track if your neighbour beats you to site. As a legal requirement, this decision is not one that can be made by the client or Porter Davis.

Question 14

What is an underground power pit and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Porter Davis constructs all new dwellings with underground power. If you are undergoing a KDRB, your overhead power will need to be abolished and you will need to arrange the installation of an underground electricity pit through your provider. If you are undergoing a new build, an underground power pit should be allowed for by the developer but if not, you will need to speak to your utilities company to organise this. Porter Davis will arrange connection to the home from there.

Question 15

If I live on a busy road do I need traffic management?

Accepted Answer

Please be aware that restricted access blocks may incur additional charges due to the management of traffic if you are on a busy road, there are schools close by, or if your property is difficult to access.

Question 16

Is there ongoing support after my build is completed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. At the end of your build you will be provided with a New Home Information pack which details the services available to you, as well as manufacturer’s warranties. We provide a warranty inspection 3 months after settlement and your New Home Care Coordinator can be contacted at any time (7 days a week) to discuss any concerns you may have. We encourage any issues or disputes to be communicated to us via tellus@porterdavis.com.au or 1300 799 105.

Question 17

How do I organise my New Home Care Inspection?

Accepted Answer

New Home Care is a maintenance service that Porter Davis provides 3 months after handover of the home. This is designed to fix any minor defects which may become apparent after the house settles after handover. Approximately 10 weeks after Handover you will receive an SMS and email with login details for you to book your own New Home Care inspection.

Question 18

When should I contact EHA (Emergency Home Assist)?

Accepted Answer

For any emergency issues related to broken hot water units, taps, heating/cooling, doors or windows, or if you lock yourself out of the home, notice a blocked toilet, ceiling leak, gas leak, burst pipe or power loss to your home, Emergency Home Assist is your best point of call.

Your EHA package allows for eight call-outs per year and they can arrange an emergency plumber, locksmith, etc. with fast resolution times.

Question 19

Do I have to have downpipes to the front of my facade?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your house type and any modifications that you may make, this could be the case due to design regulations.

Question 20

Do I need a septic tank?

Accepted Answer

This is generally only necessary for rural builds where a sewer connection has not provided by the developer or Council.

Question 21

What is a 6 Star Energy Rating and why is it necessary?

Accepted Answer

A 6 Star Energy rating means that a building has achieved a higher rating of energy efficiency compared to a lower scored product. All new homes are required to comply with Energy Efficiency provisions in the National Construction Code – an option of which is the 6 Star Standard.

Why it’s required
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) provides new homes with a star rating based on the dwellings calculated energy use. NatHERS makes Australian homes more comfortable and helps residents save on energy bills through a reduction in the use of heating/cooling throughout the year. As outlined in the National Construction Code a 6 Star NatHERS energy rating must be achieved before a building permit can be issued.

How it works
Porter Davis’ house plans have all received a 6 Star Energy rating in standard form however many of your personal selections including can affect this energy rating.

Some examples of items you may change during the selection process which may affect your energy rating are:

Change in building materials (flooring type, external wall type, roof type etc.)
Windows/glazing (size/location/frames material/type of glass etc.)
Insulation (ceiling/roof/wall/floor)
Ceiling height
Roof and Wall Colours
Ceiling Fans
Recessed ceiling lighting
Alfresco’s and Eaves
Heating vents in bathrooms
…and much, much more!
Some items that are related to your land which may also affect your energy rating are:

Fencing location and height
Shading created from neighbouring houses
Site cut depth (Changes fence height calculations relative to house floor level)
After you have finalized your selections an independent consultant, Energy Lab will assess your Contract Drawings to determine your specific home’s energy rating. The final result of Energy Lab’s assessment is an overall star rating which determines the energy use required to heat and cool the building to a comfortable temperature year-round. The higher the star rating, the less energy is required by the building.

Clients will be charged for any additional items, such as upgraded insulation or double glazing, which may be required, based on your specific house and land, to reach a 6 Star Energy Rating. This cost will be available to the client at the contract appointment.

How it benefits you

Save money on energy bills –Victorians with 6 Star homes can potentially save an average of $100 off their energy bills each year.
Make your home more resilient to climate change – On average, 6 star homes are projected to use 24% less energy than a 5 star home.
Increase thermal comfort.

Question 22

Where are your build zones?

Accepted Answer

Most builders limit where they build and this is known as the ‘build zone’. To qualify for a KDRB, the first thing we would need to establish is if we are able to build in your region. Please note that surcharges do apply in some areas.

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