👋 Welcome to Constructor

Educate and Empower Yourself Before You Build:

1. 25 Years of Building Experience: Unlike other platforms run by developers and content writers (who SEO stuff articles), we have over 25 years of hands-on building experience in Queensland, Australia.
2. Exclusive, Time-Tested Resources: Access detailed resources about all aspects of construction in the one convenient location. We've collected these resources over years of industry work to save you having to find them.
3. Fresh, Tailored Content: Receive our email newsletter about residential construction content tailored.
4. Community of Like-Minded Individuals: Engage with other members who share your same construction journey.

Building a home is a major financial commitment. Gaining knowledge and preparing yourself beforehand can save you both money and time.

Learn about the things builders might not tell you so that, when your journey begins, you know where to focus your attention, what questions to ask, and how to spot misinformation.

You deserve the best-built, highest-quality home that your hard-earned money can buy. Make sure you get it. Get informed with Constructor and build a better home that lasts longer!

What Sets Our Content Apart:

• Detail-Oriented: We provide you with resources and information that most other sites don't even know exist let alone discuss. This is because we have both construction, project, quality and process delivery management expertise. We have built the back end systems for construction companies to ensure houses have the right checks and balances in place, now we are passing on this information to you.
• Experience: with over 27 years in residential construction and having developed all checklists from our needs and experiences we know they will help you in your quality management journey.
• Practical and Tested: All our content, including checklists, has been used in actual construction sites, ensuring their practicality and effectiveness.
• NO BS: We call it as we see it; we're not everyone's cup of tea and not here to make industry friends (our dog is our best friend - who need an association).
• We are licensed builders but do not align with builders, especially when they must and should strive for better building quality outcomes for clients.
• Checklist Based Quality Management Emphasis: Inspired by pilots and Atul Gawande's "The Checklist Manifesto," we believe that checklists are essential for managing the complexities of modern construction. If a checklist is good enough to ensure safety in aviation, it's certainly well-suited to guiding the construction of your new home.

How to Navigate Your Membership

To access our member resources you will need to [LOGIN] to do so:

1. Resource Library: Dive into our extensive archives including:
   1. Blog posts: view by category here
   2. [LOGIN REQUIRED] Member Resources: a link summary page to make finding resources easier, find it here
   3. [LOGIN REQUIRED] Member Downloads: Check them out here
2. [LOGIN REQUIRED] Glossary: Checkout our extensive construction terminology glossary here
3. Support: We are always ready to assist you with any questions or issues. The best way to ask questions is to signup to our private forum (see below).
4. [LOGIN REQUIRED] Private Forum: We've recently created a private forum where you can ask questions and get answers. You need to be logged in to view and request to join. Find the request to join page here or click the button below (make sure your logged in to view):
5. [LOGIN REQUIRED] Checklists: Access and download our quality management checklists to help you investigate, discover, and quality manage the entire building process of your new home, from before you purchase your land to 6 months maintenance. Access the Checklist page here.

Download The Asking The Right Questions Checklist Now

Use this checklist to evaluate potential builders with a standardised set of questions. You can choose to ask some or all of the questions and determine which ones are most crucial for you.

It's always best to ask as many questions as possible before entering a business relationship, as you’ll be bound by the contract terms and the company's general business practices once you sign.

Best to know who you are getting into bed with before you do!

Clicking the button opens Papermark, where we host the documents. You’ll need to enter your name and email before downloading the checklist. Don’t worry—your details are just so we know who we’ve issued a free license to and aren’t used or stored anywhere else.

We need your help!

At Constructor, our mission is simple: to help as many potential and new home owners as possible navigate the complex journey of building a new home. We provide clear, actionable insights so you can manage your build with confidence, ensuring better quality and a deeper understanding of the construction process.

We're passionate about what we do, and right now, we're completely focused on helping you without any monetisation. But to keep growing and reaching more people who could benefit from our content, we need your help.

If you find our blog helpful, could you please share it with three friends who might be about to build their first home?

Overview of The Residential Building Process

Lastly, we want to make sure you don’t miss this important resource. Below is a link to an overview of the residential building process. it is a breakdown of the common stages of building a house with a project builder in Australia. You can leave comments on this board and we will respond to you.

Note: You do not have to signup to view or comment on this Miro Board, you can do so anonymously.

🙏 Thank you

Thank you for joining us! Your support inspires us to keep delivering valuable content and resources for new home owners. We're excited to be a part of your home-building journey and to help you make informed decisions for the best possible outcomes.

But wait, there's more!

As a special thank you (for reading this far), we're excited to offer you a free download of our Trade Tool. Just click the button below to get started. This tool is designed as a paper-based project and task management resource, perfect for your needs.

To learn more about the Trade Tool, follow the link below. Please note, you'll need to be logged in to access the post, using the details provided during your signup process.

The Trade Tool: Efficient Paper Planner for Tradesmen

Learn about The Trade Tool, a paper-based planner crafted to streamline task management for tradesmen, enhancing efficiency and organisation.

ConstructorAnthony Painter

We Can't Help Ourselves! We Want You to Get The Best Outcome When Building Your New Home!

As a final gift for our new subscribers, we're excited to share one more valuable tool with you. Our "Checklist Before Buying Land - C1" is designed to set you up for success right from the start.

It's built on our extensive experience and insights gathered from conversations with building certifiers and engineers. This is the very first checklist we use to evaluate potential residential development sites, helping us assess site conditions and anticipate future cost implications.

👋 Recommended Reading List 👋

Lastly, we want to set you off in the right direction with some essential reading. Below, you'll find our recommended reading list, carefully curated to guide you step by step from pre-site to site commencement.

Save this email and refer back to it from time to time.

Remember, the easiest way to find content in our website is by clicking on the "CATEGORIES" link in the navigation menu, then selecting a topic to explore posts in more detail.

Step-by-Step Guide to Residential Building in Australia

This guide provides a detailed overview of the residential building process in Australia, highlighting key stages from the initial deposit to the final handover. It offers insights into contract stage claims and the elements within each stage.

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Master Building with the MoSCoW Method: A Complete Guide

Building your dream home can be overwhelming, but the MoSCoW method simplifies the process. It helps you prioritize Must-Haves, Should-Haves, Could-Haves, and Won’t-Haves for your project. Learn how to apply this project management technique to your first home build.

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Preparing for a Meeting with a Project Builder: Key Tips

Before meeting with a project builder, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Understand your budget, have a clear vision of your project, familiarize yourself with the building process, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Being informed can save you time, money, and stress.

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Glossary

On this page you will find a list of construction terms mentioned in our checklists and on the website as well as commonly used terms specifically in relation to Australian Standards and their application. Last Updated: 04-04-2024 A Abbreviations on building plans and drawings include: * GL – Ground level * CL – Ceiling

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Building Spec & Fittings Schedule Q&A

Building specs & fittings schedules have a big impact on quality & cost of a construction project. This article answers common questions & provides guidance on making the best choices.

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Demystifying Geotechnical Soil Tests for Homeowners

Confused by the technical jargon in geotechnical reports? This article demystifies soil tests, helping property owners make informed decisions for construction projects. Learn about soil density, strength, and permeability, and how these factors influence foundation stability.

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The Advantages of Defined Spaces in Residential Design

Discover why residential design is shifting towards defined spaces and away from open floor plans. Learn about the drawbacks of open floor plans and how broken plan design is emerging as a solution.

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Decode Residential Floor Plans Like a Pro

Confused by the floor plan symbols? This article deciphers reading residential floor plans, from layout to labels, helping you make informed decisions for your dream home.

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Effective Moisture Control During Construction

Controlling moisture during construction is crucial. By sealing plumbing fixtures, using moisture-resistant materials, and employing temporary ventilation, moisture retention can be effectively managed.

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Understanding Surveys & Contour Plans: A guide 4 homeowners

A contour survey maps land elevation,important for new homeowners in planning and construction. Understand RP and SP roles, contour lines, and reduced levels. This guide helps interpret survey plans for accurate design, drainage, and compliance.

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Wind Classification for Homes: Understand the 5 Key Factors

Explore the 5 key factors determining wind classification for new homes, including geographic wind region, terrain category, topography, shielding, and distance from coastlines or high wind regions. Understanding these factors is essential for building homes that can withstand specific wind forces.

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Understanding Structural Loads: Types & Effects on Buildings

This article provides an introduction to various types of structural loads, including dead, live, impact, wind, and seismic loads. It explains how these forces influence building design and the importance of accurate load analysis for safety and durability in construction.

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12 Key Benefits of Home Ventilation Systems Explained

Considering the air quality in your new home? Dive into the 12 compelling benefits of installing a ventilation system. From controlling impurities and reducing temperatures to alleviating asthma symptoms and mitigating VOC impacts, discover how ventilation can enhance your living environment.

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Optimizing the 4 Control Layers for High-Performance Homes

Building an energy-efficient home requires a deep understanding of the four control layers: water, air, vapour, and thermal. This guide delves into how project builders optimize these layers, ensuring homes are comfortable, sustainable, and cost-effective.

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Design Psychology: Creating Spaces for Wellbeing and Happiness

Discover the impact of psychology in home design. This article explores how layout, lighting, and colour influence mood and wellbeing, offering insights on creating spaces that not only look good but also positively affect your mental health and happiness, tailored to your lifestyle needs.

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Unlocking the Power of Colour Psychology in Interior Design

This guide explores how different hues can influence not just the look and feel of a room but also your mood and mindset. From calming blues to energizing reds, learn how to select a cohesive and impactful colour palette that turns your house into a harmonious habitat.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Window Performance

Do you fully understand the performance aspect of windows in your property? Understanding the efficiency & protection provided by your windows is important to ensure optimum living conditions. This guide discusses everything from thermal performance to solar protection, ventilation & sound.

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Who Owns the Copyright to Your Plans? Know Before You Build!

Curious about the copyright for your dream home’s plans? Discover the importance of knowing the copyright owner before signing a builder’s contract. Learn how to secure design rights for your home, ensuring the freedom to build it again.

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Understanding Reasonably Foreseeable Costs in Contracts

In construction contracts, the term “reasonably foreseeable” is often used to describe events or costs that could have been predicted by a reasonable person. This blog post explores what reasonably foreseeable means in terms of contract costings and how it can impact the construction process.

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The Unspoken Reality: Why Contractors Don’t Follow Standards

Ready to hire a contractor? Think again. Many contractors use methods that don’t align with regulations or Australian standards. This article reveals why you might hear, “We don’t do it that way here,” and how such shortcuts can risk your home’s quality and safety. Learn to protect your investment.

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The Importance of Contract Administration in Home Building

Building a dream home? An experienced contract administrator is your advocate, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision. From overseeing plans to resolving issues, discover how they can turn your construction journey into a smooth adventure.

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10 Cost-Reducing Techniques in Construction

Looking to maximise your budget on your next construction project? Discover ten tried and tested ways to reduce construction costs without skimping on quality. Read more to start saving without sacrificing your construction standards.

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Building Inspector for New Homes: Assurance Beyond Warranty

Building a new home? Understand the importance of engaging a building inspector. While your builder may assure quality, an unbiased inspection can reveal potential defects, ensuring your home meets all standards. Discover the difference.

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What is defective building work in residential house construction?

The QBCC Act describes defective building work to include work that is faulty or unsatisfactory.

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Building Your Dream Home: Balancing Time, Cost, and Quality

Building a new home can be both exciting and challenging. To ensure success, it’s important to balance the “holy trinity” of project management: time, cost, and quality. In this article, we’ll explore how you can achieve this balance and create your dream home

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Understanding ITPs, ITRs, ITCs in Construction Inspections

Learn the distinctions and roles of Inspection Test Plans (ITPs), Inspection Test Records (ITRs), and Inspection Test Checklists (ITCs) in construction. Read how ITPs provide a systematic plan for checks and tests, while ITRs and ITCs document the outcomes of these inspections.

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Enhancing Home Construction Quality with Stage Gates + ITPs

Discover how to elevate home construction quality using project management’s stage gates and Inspection Test Plans (ITP). We look into each stage gate, from land selection to builder’s warranty expiration, outlining how ITPs integrate into each phase for quality control & project success.

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Crafting a Quality Management Plan for Project Success

The Quality Management Plan (QMP) is not just a document but a roadmap to success. It meticulously outlines how to ensure the highest standards of deliverable quality and also dives into the management processes that underpin quality, including change, risk, and issue management.

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Managing Erosion and Sediment Control for Homeowners

Is your building site washing away down the street after a heavy rain? You might be facing an erosion problem. This introduction guide walks you through the steps to effectively manage erosion and control sediment.

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Protect Your Home: The Power of Site Photos

Uncover how taking site photos during construction can be a game-changer for homeowners. Learn about the subsidence policy and how documenting your build can save you from costly repairs and legal headaches.

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Risks of Kickbacks in Project Building: What to Know

Kickbacks in project building create conflicts of interest, compromise quality, and foster distrust. This article explores how these unethical practices impact building supervisors and clients, leading to substandard work and hidden costs.

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Timber vs Steel Framing: Choosing for Your Home

Explore the choice between timber and steel for lightweight framing in home construction. This guide compares their benefits, from environmental impact to cost and durability, helping you make an informed decision for your sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing home design.

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Efflorescence on Concrete & Brick: Prevention & Treatment

Efflorescence, the white powdery substance on concrete and brick surfaces, can be a homeowner’s nightmare. Caused by water seeping through and evaporating, it’s not just unsightly but can indicate deeper issues. Dive into understanding its causes, prevention, and effective treatments.

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Understanding Concrete Laitance: A Homeowner’s Guide

Laitance is the weak, milky or powdery layer of cement dust, lime and sand fines that appear on the surface of concrete. Read more about how & why this happens.

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Termite Barriers: Types, Pros & Applications

This comprehensive guide explores the different types of termite barrier systems, including physical and chemical options, their advantages, and where they are best applied. Learn how to choose the right system for your new home or renovation.

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Mastering Progress Claims: A Guide for Builders

Navigating progress claims in residential construction can be a daunting task for builders. This comprehensive guide demystifies the process, offering step-by-step instructions on how to prepare claims, resolve disputes, and ensure timely payments.

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