When you step into the world of building, you're met with a whole new set of terms and concepts to wrap your head around. Don't worry, though! We're here to break it down for you. So, let's dive in and decode some of the jargon you might encounter during the building process:

Bal Rating

In Australia, BAL ratings are crucial, especially in bushfire-prone areas. These ratings assess the potential fire exposure of a building and determine the construction methods and materials used. Every block of land is classified with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) according to government legislation.

Facade

This is simply the front of your house, what you see from the street. If you're browsing display homes and love the layout inside but not the exterior look, don't worry! Facades are interchangeable, meaning you can keep the same interior design while changing the look outside.

Easement

An easement grants legal rights to use another's land for a specific purpose. It's important to know about easements because they can affect which designs will work on your block. You can find this information by contacting the owners of the easement (like the council or water authorities) or checking your Plan of Subdivision.

Customer Relationship Coordinator

This superhero ensures that your building process runs smoothly! Not all builders provide a Customer Relationship Coordinator, so it's wise to check what level of service you can expect.

Titled Land

If your land is titled, it means there's an official record of ownership, and you can start building right away. If it's untitled, you'll need to wait for the ownership certificate before construction begins. Read more about titled vs untitled land.

Double-Glazing

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass and offer energy efficiency and noise reduction benefits.

Orientation

This refers to how your building is positioned in relation to the sun and wind. Good orientation, based on your climate, can increase energy efficiency, making your home more comfortable and reducing heating and cooling costs.

Overlooking

Consideration of the location of windows and private open spaces in neighboring houses, especially for two-story homes, to ensure privacy.

Overshadowing

Regulations to prevent your home from casting shadows on your neighbors' yards all day long.

Setbacks

Controls that limit the footprint of your home and relate to all sides of your block. They also apply to building height.

Site Costs

Before construction begins, your builder will need to prepare the site, including leveling the land and addressing drainage and neighboring foundations. Site costs vary depending on factors like land slope and soil conditions.

Understanding these terms will help you navigate the building process with confidence. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember, we're here to support you every step of the way!