The 3 Reports You Need Before Building a Home in Sydney

Building a home has more paperwork than you may imagine. It helps to be prepare ahead of time so you’re not in shock when the emails and appointments start rolling in.

Every new home builder needs to complete certain forms before breaking ground, which will give an insight into the details of the block and help refine quotes to a fixed price. Hopefully, the local zoning requirements will be sorted long before you sign the title for the land, but regardless, there may still be some restrictions on how you use your land, which may ultimately impact your blueprint.

Completing all reports and inspections before your new house build will set you up for a better building journey and give your entire team, from the architect to the plumbing and electrical, free reign to do the work your house requires.

3 reports to get before building your Sydney house

If you’ve just purchased land or the perfect spot for a knockdown rebuild in one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs, you’re likely chomping at the bit to get started on your build. To set yourself up for a safe, efficient and above-board building journey, work with your builder to obtain the following reports…

1. Soil Reports

Why it’s important? The most significant unknown factor when building any kind of property is what lurks beneath the ground. Test your soil before locking anything in or signing any dotted lines. It could save you thousands in the long run.

What’s in the report? Soil reports or geotechnical reports will provide data on the ground’s bearing capacity and the soil’s reactiveness. From here, the builder and engineer can determine the foundation your home will need, whether there are any chemical abnormalities on site and the best method for filling the area.

Who to get it from? Your building certifier, structural engineer, and council will require the test to be completed by a geotechnical engineer. They will use specialised equipment to drill into the ground and collect varying samples for analysis.

2. Bushfire Report

Why it’s important? If your property is in an area prone to bushfires, you cannot submit your Development Application without a bushfire report.

What’s in the report? This document will report the bushfire hazards affecting the site, the slope and vegetation surrounding the area, the required bushfire protection measures, and emergency management arrangements.

Who to get it from? generally, a private Bushfire Consultant will be the best to perform the report, and many are located in and around Sydney. Your local builder will likely have recommendations and connections to a consultant they work with.

3. Site Survey & Levels

Why it’s important? A site survey will inform your team about the wind rating of the block. It also shows impact from existing retaining walls or slopes and what kind of levels and contours exist on the site. A site survey informs the best orientation for your home on the block. It qualifies proper loading levels and foundational strength prior to building.

What’s in the report? The report reveals whether there is gas, sewage, water mains and power connected. It also shows the impact from pre-existing factors such as a subdivision, fencing, site barriers, trees, footpaths retaining walls or impact from neighbouring properties.

Who to get it from? A Sydney land surveyor will conduct your report and submit it to the local governing bodies for approval. Then, your builder will use it to inform their building process, quote and trades.

After you file the reports

After each inspection, you will be a step closer to your dream home. While this part of the process may be less exciting than the framing or painting, ensuring your home is as safe, structurally sound, and well-built as possible is essential.

After completing your build, your builder may provide other reports, such as the building inspection report. You will receive a certificate of occupancy along with your shiny new keys.

Need help with your Sydney reports? Our team of home builders helps you during every step of your home building journey. We’ll help you find the best mortgage broker and get your forms filled out to construct the perfect home.
Get in touch with our builders to take the next big step in your project or to navigate your plans with the best in the business.