The pre-site stage is where your build is won or lost. From soil testing and permit applications to contractor selection and contract review, this stage lays the legal, financial and logistical groundwork for everything that follows.
Click any event to see what's covered and how it's delivered on the platform.
Major Stage. Pre-site Complete
01
Site Survey & Analysis
3 delivery methods
02
Soil Testing (Geotechnical)
3 delivery methods
03
Planning Permit Application
3 delivery methods
04
Building Permit Application
3 delivery methods
05
Contour & Boundary Survey
2 delivery methods
06
Heritage & Covenant Checks
2 delivery methods
07
Contractor Selection
3 delivery methods
08
Contract Review & Signing
3 delivery methods
09
Home Warranty Insurance
2 delivery methods
10
Energy Rating (NatHERS)
2 delivery methods
11
Engineering Drawings
3 delivery methods
12
Pre-Build Documentation
4 delivery methods
Event 01 of 12
SITE SURVEY & ANALYSIS
A licensed surveyor establishes boundaries, levels and contours of the site. Understanding your site's topography early helps avoid expensive surprises during excavation and drainage design.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module On-Site QR Guide
Event 02 of 12
SOIL TESTING (GEOTECHNICAL)
Core samples are taken across the site to classify soil reactivity (AS 2870). Soil class determines your slab and footing design; getting this right prevents costly structural movement after construction.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Live Webinar
Event 03 of 12
PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION
Depending on your site and local council, a planning permit may be required before a building permit. This covers zoning, overlays, heritage and neighbourhood character assessments.
Delivered through
Video Content On-Site QR Guide Mobile First
Event 04 of 12
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
A building permit is required by law. Your builder or a building surveyor lodges working drawings, engineering specifications, and energy reports (NatHERS) with the relevant permit authority.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Mobile First
Event 05 of 12
CONTOUR & BOUNDARY SURVEY
Establishes precise legal boundaries and existing ground levels. This document is referenced throughout the design and engineering process and is essential for calculating retaining wall requirements.
Delivered through
Video Content On-Site QR Guide
Event 06 of 12
HERITAGE & COVENANT CHECKS
Many sites are subject to title covenants, neighbourhood character overlays or heritage controls that restrict design elements like materials, heights and setbacks. These must be resolved before permits are issued.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module
Event 07 of 12
CONTRACTOR SELECTION
Selecting a registered builder involves comparing quotes, checking licence status via the VBA (or equivalent body), reviewing past projects, and understanding the contract terms being offered.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Live Webinar
Event 08 of 12
CONTRACT REVIEW & SIGNING
Your building contract (typically a HIA or Master Builders contract) defines the works, price, progress payment schedule, variations, defects liability and disputes processes. Never sign without independent review.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Live Webinar
Event 09 of 12
HOME WARRANTY INSURANCE
Builders must take out domestic building insurance (DBI) before receiving progress payments. This protects the owner if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent before completing the works.
Delivered through
Video Content Mobile First
Event 10 of 12
ENERGY RATING (NATHERS)
All new homes require a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy rating. The thermal performance of the design is modelled using software; insulation, glazing, orientation and shading all affect the score.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module
Event 11 of 12
ENGINEERING DRAWINGS
Structural engineers produce footing, slab, frame and wind-load specifications. These documents are lodged with the building permit and are referenced by trades throughout the build.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Team Dashboard
Event 12 of 12
PRE-BUILD DOCUMENTATION
Final checklist before the build commences: signed contract, approved permits, insurance certificates, drainage approvals, temporary power/water applications and site safety management plan.
Delivered through
Video Content On-Site QR Guide Mobile First Team Dashboard
