Essential Pre-Build Checklist for Australian Homeowners

Introduction: Starting Your New Build the Right Way

This is the checklist I use before every site start. It catches the access, approval and site-condition problems that cost you time and money once the earthmover or slab crew turns up.

You don't need to be a builder to use it. A tape measure, a phone and a walk around the block before the first sod is turned will tell you a lot.

C2 at a glance

Before Site Start: what to sort out on your block before work begins

70checks

8sections

3result options

15pages

At the desk first (S1). The contract's site costs, the soil report, the survey and the approvals.

Walk the site (S2 to S6). Street, access, levels, trees, walls and services, with photos. Tick Fine, Later (not yet) or Issue.

Before the first sod (S7 and S8). Your list to the builder in writing. S8 lists what your builder should be doing: ask to see the records. Best used twice: once before you sign, to see what the site will cost, and again before site start. Short on time? Page 2 has the ten checks that matter most. This checklist is a primer to use alongside your builder and inspector. It doesn't replace them. S1 S2 S3 S4 Before you go The street and the Getting onto the block Survey neighbours platfo 7 checks 8 checks 10 checks 12 che S7 S8 Result Before the first sod What your builder Decide and follow up should be doing 5 checks 9 checks © ACCELX / Constructor. Writte

The 8 sections

S1Before you goSite costs in the contract, soil report and survey, approval conditions, consents, easements and sewer, flood and bushfire maps7
S2The street and the neighboursDated photos of kerb, footpath and verge, service points, neighbours' fences and houses, dilapidation reports, parking8
S3Getting onto the blockFirm 4 m access, distance and slope, wet weather access, crane needs, room for skip, toilet and storage, rubbish removal, fencing10
S4Survey, levels and the platformSurvey pegs, platform level and slab height, cut and fill, old fill, rock, spoil cartage, wet ground, edge beams, garage step-down12
S5Trees and retaining wallsTree removal permits, neighbours' trees, tree protection, stumps, retaining walls in the contract, engineering over 1 m9
S6Services and connectionsOverhead power lines, temporary power, water meter, sewer depth and fall, stormwater outlet, tank, gas, NBN pit, extra piering10
S7Before the first sodDated video walk of the site, start date in writing, warranty insurance and approval copies, your list and who pays5
S8What your builder should be doingUnderground services enquiry, sediment controls before clearing, signs and fencing, safety plan, set-out, insurance9

Short on time? The “Check these 10” card on page 2 has the checks that matter most, and the “Documents to collect” box lists what to ask for. Use it once the block is yours and before the builder starts on site. Educational guide only.

C2 - Before Site Start Checklist

$59.00 AUD

Last updated 28 Oct 2026 · Revision 3 · Free updates for life

Checklist Type: Minor

Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 22 pages)

When to use: Pre-construction (after contract, before the builder starts)

A 70-point site readiness checklist. Find access, approval, level, service, tree and retaining issues before work begins, so you can plan time and cost before the builder starts.

Preview C2

✓ Authorship verified on the blockchain · View certificate

See all our checklists

Buy C2 – $59

What the Checklist Is For

Before construction starts there's a lot that can go wrong: approvals that aren't actually sorted, a truck that can't get down the driveway, rock nobody knew about. Each one costs time, money or quality. The checklist helps you spot these early, budget for them, and ask your builder the right questions so you stay in control of the process.

How It Works

It's split into sections covering site access, approvals, services, site conditions and general observations. Think of it as your own stage gate: a chance to pause, check and make sure everything's on track before work starts.

💡

A clear path to your site means fewer delays. Don’t forget to account for oversized deliveries like trusses or water tanks and brick deliveries!

The Key Sections of the Checklist

Here's what each of the five sections covers.

Site Access

Materials, equipment and trades all need to get onto the site. Narrow access or a steep driveway causes more delays than you'd think.

Paths and Clearances: Is there room for delivery trucks and cranes? If access is less than 4 metres wide or steep, you may need a smaller truck, a crane or a concrete pump, and that cost needs to be in your contract.
Temporary Fencing: If the site is near schools or public pathways, it may need secure fencing for safety and to meet council requirements.
All-Weather Access: Will your driveway hold up in wet weather, or will you need temporary solutions for heavy equipment?

Why It Matters: Poor site access can mean delays, additional costs for crane hire or hand-carrying materials, and even damage to neighbouring properties.

Permissions, Approvals, and Identification

Building a home comes with plenty of red tape. This section makes sure the paperwork is in place before anyone starts digging.

Boundary Relaxations: Is your home or retaining wall close to the edge of the property? You might need special approval for reduced setbacks.
Neighbour Consents: Are there shared boundaries or structures like retaining walls that require cooperation from neighbours?
Survey and Pegging: Are the property boundaries clearly marked, or do you need a professional survey?
Building Approval and Home Warranty: Has the building approval been issued, and do you have the QBCC home warranty insurance certificate (Queensland)? Neither is optional, and work shouldn't start without them.

Why It Matters: Missing approvals can stop construction in its tracks, leading to costly delays and legal complications.

💡

Survey pegs might seem minor, but they’re your foundation’s GPS. Double-check their accuracy before the first dig.

Services and Site Conditions

Check the availability and condition of services like power, water, sewer and stormwater before construction begins.

Utility Connections: Are power, water and gas connections available and in good condition? If not, extra setup or repairs may be needed.
Underground Services: Lodge a free Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry before any digging or marking out, so you know where buried cables and pipes are.
Drainage and Compaction: Is the site level, and will stormwater drain correctly? Poor drainage can lead to water pooling and foundation issues.
Site Fill and Rock Removal: Does the site need additional fill, or will rock excavation be required? Both can add significant costs to your build.

Why It Matters: These checks prevent future headaches, like discovering halfway through that you need expensive excavation or drainage fixes.

💡

Rocks on-site? Factor in allowances (a provisional sum) for removal early to avoid excavation delays, additional float charges and more.

Trees, Retaining Walls, and Build-Ups

This covers landscaping and structural items that need sorting before construction begins.

Tree Removal: Do any trees need to be cleared from your property or neighbouring properties? Larger trees may require professional arborists and council approval.
Retaining Walls: Are retaining walls necessary due to the slope of your site? If so, ensure they’re properly designed and approved.
Slab Drops and Build-Ups: Does your design require specific slab levels, such as garage step-downs or raised platforms?

Why It Matters: Addressing these elements early avoids unexpected costs and ensures the design aligns with site conditions.

⚠️

Don’t ignore overhanging trees—they might seem harmless now, but they can wreak havoc on your build later. Remember to check the mature tree height before planting close to your foundations. Trees seek out moisture and cause soils to heave, shrink and swell.

General Observations

Finally, step back and look at the site as a whole.

Is there standing water or moss on the site that could indicate drainage issues?
Do you see any existing structures, concrete, or services that may need to be worked around?
Are there any visible safety hazards, such as loose soil or overhanging branches?

Why It Matters: Taking note of general observations helps identify any last-minute issues that might otherwise slip through the cracks.

How to Use the Checklist Effectively

You don't need to be a construction expert. A few basic tools and some attention to detail will get you most of the way.

Start with the Right Tools

Before heading to your site, gather these essentials:

Tape Measure: For checking clearances, distances, and dimensions. A long tape or rope is handy for larger sites.
Camera or Phone: Take photos of any potential issues for reference and discussion with your builder or engineer.
Fluorescent Marking Spray: Use this to highlight key points on the ground or in photos, like utility connection locations or tree roots.
Notebook and Pen: Jot down notes for each section as you go.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about something, snap a photo and ask your builder or a professional for advice.

💡

Good documentation is like an insurance policy for your build. Take photos, jot down notes, and keep everything organised.

Work Through the Checklist Step by Step

Work through it in order, from site access to general observations:

Tick Off Items as You Go: If everything looks good, tick it off and move on.
Mark Delays: If something can’t be assessed (e.g., due to weather), mark it as a delay and plan to revisit it later.
Flag Issues: If you spot something that needs follow-up, mark it clearly as an issue and take notes or photos.

Why It Matters: Staying organised ensures nothing is overlooked, and you’ll have a clear record to share with your builder.

Be Thorough but Realistic

You don’t need to have all the answers right away. The goal of the checklist isn’t to solve every problem on the spot but to highlight areas that need further investigation. For example:

If you notice potential drainage issues, you can flag this and consult with a professional for advice.
If approvals are missing, you’ll know to follow up with the relevant authority before proceeding.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush! Spending a little extra time on this stage can save you big headaches later.

Document Everything

Keep a record of what you’ve checked, including notes, photos, and any additional actions needed. This is especially useful if you’re working with multiple contractors or need to revisit the site at a later date.

Take before-and-after photos of flagged issues.
Use your notes to track follow-ups, like when you’ve scheduled a survey or arranged for tree removal.

Why It Matters: Good documentation keeps everyone accountable and ensures that nothing gets missed.

Collaborate with Your Builder

This checklist doesn't replace professional advice. It helps you work with your builder. Share what you find, ask questions and let them use their expertise to sort out any concerns.

Pro Tip: A good builder will appreciate your preparation and be more willing to collaborate on solving potential issues.

Start Your Build with Confidence

You don't need all the answers yourself. You just need to ask the right questions and flag what needs attention before you break ground. Walk your site with the checklist in hand, and your builder will have far fewer surprises to charge you for.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of a pre-build checklist?

A pre-build checklist helps identify and address potential issues on your site before construction starts. It’s designed to save time, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of your build.

2. Can I use this checklist for any type of home construction?

Yes, this checklist is suitable for most residential projects. Whether it’s a single-story home or a more complex design, it helps flag critical site-specific issues.

3. Do I need special tools to complete the checklist?

Not really. A tape measure, a camera or phone, and some marking spray will cover it.

4. How does the checklist save money?

By identifying issues early—like poor drainage, missing approvals, or tree removal needs—you can avoid costly delays and change orders once construction begins.

5. Can I complete the checklist on my own, or do I need professional help?

While you can complete most of the checklist on your own, consulting with your builder or a professional for technical items like survey results or engineering concerns is always a good idea.

6. What should I do if I find an issue during the checklist process?

Document the issue with notes and photos, then discuss it with your builder or the relevant authority. Together, you can plan the best way to address it before construction starts.

7. Is the checklist helpful for renovations or extensions?

Yes. Many of the sections, like site access, approvals and utility connections, apply to renovations and extensions too.

8. What happens if site conditions change after the initial review?

It’s not uncommon for conditions to change, like after heavy rain or further site clearing. Revisit the checklist to update your observations and flag any new issues.

9. Is this checklist suitable for high-risk areas, like bushfire zones?

Yes, but additional requirements may apply depending on local regulations. It’s always good to consult with a professional if your site falls into a special category.

10. How often should I use the checklist?

Use it before construction begins and revisit it whenever there’s a significant change to your site conditions. It’s a great way to stay on top of things as your project progresses.

C2: Your Pre-Site Start Checklist: A Guide to Starting Your Build The Right Way

Introduction: Starting Your New Build the Right Way