What we have learned so far:

Step 1. Decide on your budget and stick to it. The elusive turn the key price.

Step 2. Find out 'What size home can you build on your block of land?'

Step 3. Structurally decide what you
- Need
- Must Have
- Want

Step 4. Project builder or custom build?

Step 5. Research and read widely! Forums, blogs and reviews. Speak to people about their personal experiences.

Step 6. When speaking to sales people ask every question under the sun. You don't want to be hit with hidden costs. 

Step 7. Don't just look at base price or package prices. Make sure you factor in:
- site costs i.e. try to get fixed site costs in your tender
- basix
- compare all builder inclusions
- landscaping turf, gardens
- letterbox
- driveway and footpaths
- garage remotes
- recycled water and solar power (if required in your area)
- fences
- clothes line
- alfresco
- outdoor fans to alfresco, water and gas to alfresco
- flooring
- flyscreens
- locks on windows 
- security doors
- window coverings 
- extra fridge space
- sewage/storm water/water/electricity/gas connection fees
- telephone and NBN connection
- light fitting
- dishwasher and connection
- beams for installed ceiling fans
- council requirements (e.g. if you are in a high wind or bush fire area)

If you are happy with the standard fittings and finishes included in your package then you should be able to get an close estimate of cost from your building company. Otherwise be prepared to pay for upgrades!

Step 8. When you find a display home you love, have the sales person walk you through the home so you know what's included and what's an upgrade. Almost all display homes are full of upgrades!

The beginning

In late 2013, we were fortunate to secure a corner block of land in the Mirvac Estate.

Fortunately for us it wasn't until late September 2014 when the land was registered and we finalised our construction loan. At this point we started then stopped our search for our dream home and focused on wedding planning which occuppied all of our time.

It's now 2015 and we began our search again in February. Both having no experience with building a home and its process. In the meantime speaking to family and friends about the process, recommendations, along with research and wide reading.

Late February after a great weekend and seeing one display home after another. Finding it hard to differentiate between builders let alone homes. We finally get a feel of what we are looking for.

Destiny befalls us and we have another dream begin for us but a minor set back to finding our dream home. We hit pause for another 3 months. We begin our search again in June 2015. Hooray!