Building your own home is one of life’s biggest milestones — and in my experience, it’s equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re starting with a blank piece of land or adding to your current home, there’s a lot to think about before we even put pen to paper.

Over the years, I’ve been asked hundreds of questions by clients, but these 10 come up time and time again. If you’re planning to build in Tasmania, here’s what I think you should be asking.

1. How Much Will It Cost?

There’s no single number that fits every project. Costs vary depending on the site, size, design, materials, and finishes you choose.
A realistic budget should include:

• Design and permit fees
• Sub-consultant reports (engineering, bushfire, energy, etc.)
• Construction costs
• Landscaping, driveways, and utility connections
• A contingency buffer (I usually recommend 15–20%)

2. How Long Will It Take?

A typical new home build in Tasmania takes 6–12 months once construction begins. But add design time, approvals, and any consultant reports, and the overall timeline can stretch to 12–18 months. Good communication between you, me, and the builder will keep things moving.

3. What’s the Process?

Here’s the broad flow:

1. Site selection and feasibility checks
2. Concept design
3. Sub-consultant reports and planning application
4. Engineering and building permits
5. Construction
6. Final inspection and handover

I manage the design stages and coordinate with consultants so you have a single point of contact.

4. Which Home Design Is Right for Me?

We’ll work together to match your lifestyle and site. Think about:

• How you live now (and how you might live in 10 years)
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Work-from-home spaces
• Storage needs
• Energy efficiency and sustainability goals

5. What Hidden Costs Should I Expect?

Beyond the builder’s quote, you may need to budget for:

• Site preparation and soil testing
• Permit and application fees
• Interior finishes (flooring, joinery, window coverings)
• Landscaping and utility connections
• Wastewater systems (if not connected to TasWater)

I outline all likely consultant and permit costs in my fee proposal so you’re not caught off guard.

6. Do I Really Need a Building Designer?

In Tasmania, new homes, extensions, and many renovations require both planning and building permits.
Working with an accredited building designer ensures:

• Compliance with regulations
• A design tailored to your site and lifestyle
• Coordination of reports and approvals
• Better communication with your builder

7. What Materials Should I Choose?

Tasmania’s climate means we need durable, weather-resistant materials. Your options will depend on your style preferences, budget, and maintenance expectations. Common choices include:

• Timber for warmth and texture
• Steel for low-maintenance cladding
• Brick or stone for timeless durability

8. How Do I Choose the Right Builder?

I recommend:

• Checking their license status with CBOS
• Looking at past work and speaking with previous clients
• Ensuring they understand local council requirements
• Making sure communication feels natural — you’ll be working together for months

9. What Permits Will I Need?

Depending on your project, you might need:

• Planning permit
• Building permit
• Plumbing permit
• Bushfire, energy, and geotechnical reports
• Wastewater approval

I’ll let you know exactly what’s required for your site and manage the application process.

10. How Do I Make It Energy-Efficient?

Small design decisions can have big impacts on comfort and running costs:

• Orienting the home for passive solar gain
• High-quality insulation
• Double-glazing
• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
• Renewable energy systems

We can integrate these features from the outset so they’re part of the design, not an afterthought.

Final Thoughts

Building a new home is a big journey — but with the right planning, the right team, and a clear understanding of the process, it’s an incredibly rewarding one. My role is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.

Thinking about building in Tasmania?
Let’s chat about your vision and how we can make it happen.
📞 Contact Modulos Design today to get started.