Downloads from the book
Sample specifications (Appendix D)
The full versions of the specifications in Appendix D, as PDF or editable Word files:
C1 Before Buying Land checklist
The first checklist in Appendix A, for checking a block before you commit to it (Chapters 4 and 5).
NCR Form (PDF and Word)
The non-conformance report from Chapter 24.7, for recording anything that doesn’t meet the plans, the specification or the Standards.
Build Planner (work breakdown structure)
Every step of the build in the book's order, with hold points, checklists and chapter numbers: an Excel tracker for dates, inspections, NCRs, variations and payment claims, plus a print-ready PDF. The planning version of Appendix C.
Cost-control register (Chapter 3)
Your forecast final cost at any time: cost plan, register, variations log, allowances, progress-claim checks and cash flow against your loan, with working formulas and warnings.
In your state: one-page summary
Every state and territory side by side: written contracts, deposit caps, cooling-off, home warranty insurance, mandatory inspections and dispute bodies (PDF, 2 pages).
Before you sign: checklist
The checks for your PSA and building contract, including the clauses to check or add (Chapters 11 and 21). Fillable PDF, 3 pages.
Your first-year maintenance plan
What to check monthly, every 3 months, at 6 months and at 12 months, plus your two key dates (Chapter 27). Fillable PDF, 2 pages.
CINS inspection tags
Printable numbered tags for marking anything that needs fixing at a stage inspection, so every item in your report matches a tag on site (Chapter 24).
The stage checklists
Every checklist in Appendix A, from site suitability to colour selections, plus the Field Manual, Site Diary and Home Maintenance Calendar.
Bought the printed book?
- Your free digital edition. Every printed copy comes with the digital edition free. Scan the QR code inside the cover to claim it. Claims open when the book is published on 30 November 2026.
- The reader offer. Readers get 25% off The Complete Set of checklists. Scan the QR code on the last page of the book. The offer opens when the book is published.
Reader discounts
- Home Maintenance Calendar: 20% off the digital calendar with code BWRCAL20. Get the calendar (the code is already filled in).
- Quality Forms Starter Pack: 20% off with code BWRFORMS20. 17 forms, including the progress claim check and variation check from Chapters 3 and 23. Get the forms (the code is already filled in).
Resources by chapter
| Chapter | Topic | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | The journey, budget, finance and cost control | Glossary |
| 7–8 | Choosing land, and what’s under and around it | C1 Before Buying Land (free) · Subsidence + drainage |
| 6 | Knockdown rebuilds, renovations and extensions | Specifications |
| 4–5 | The salesperson and choosing your builder | C4 Asking the Right Questions (Checklists) |
| 9–11 | Architects, tendering and the PSA | Contract documents · Specifications |
| 12–14 | Project builders | Contract documents · Standards + tolerances |
| 15–19 | Design decisions to make before you sign | C20 Design Your Home (Checklists) · Passive design · Insulation + wall wraps · Termites |
| 20 | Plans, specifications and selections | C22 Colour Selections (Checklists) · Trade specifications |
| 21 | The building contract and paying for your build | Contract documents · Defects, disputes + legal |
| 22 | Approvals and early works | C2 Before Site Start, C3 Sediment and Erosion Control, C4A Earthworks (Checklists) |
| 23 | Communication, records and variations | Site Diary (Checklists) · NCR Form (free) |
| 24 | Inspections explained | Field Manual (Checklists) · Standards + tolerances |
| 25 | Stage by stage: what to look for | C5–C15 stage checklists (Checklists) · Concrete · Timber · Roofing + flashing · Box gutters · Waterproofing · Brickwork · Paint + plasterboard |
| 26 | Defects and disputes | Defects, disputes + legal · NCR Form (free) |
| 27 | Handover and your first year | C16 PCI, C17 Handover, C18 6 Month Maintenance (Checklists) · Monthly maintenance guides |
| 28–31 | Owner-builders | C19 Periodic Safety Inspection (Checklists) |
Official sources: national
- National Construction Code (NCC): free to read online once you register
- Australian Building Codes Board: news on NCC changes and adoption dates
- Standards Australia: the Australian Standards the book refers to (sold, not free)
- YourHome: the government’s guide to passive design and sustainable homes
- Home energy ratings (NatHERS): star ratings and accredited assessors
- Before You Dig Australia: free plans of underground services, before any digging
- Housing Australia: the 5% Deposit Scheme and Help to Buy
- Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors: the Standard Method of Measurement (Appendix E)
- National Fire Ant Eradication Program: rules on moving soil in fire ant zones
Official sources: in your state
The book’s “In your state” boxes summarise the rules that differ. These are the official pages behind them.
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western Australia
South Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory
Words you’ll hear on site
The book’s glossary is also online: the Constructor glossary. More about the book, and its launch on 30 November 2026: Building Without Regret.
Rules and links change. These were checked in October 2026. If a link is broken or a rule has changed, please let us know.