1. Define the brief
- Write down the intended use, rooms, area, quality level, accessibility and future needs.
- Separate must-haves from preferences that can change.
- Set a working budget range and identify items outside the building contract.
2. Understand the site
- Confirm title, easements, access, services, slope, drainage, trees, heritage and neighbouring conditions.
- Ask what geotechnical, survey, arboricultural, hydraulic or other consultant information is needed.
- Record site assumptions that may affect excavation, retaining, structure, stormwater or access.
3. Confirm the planning and approval pathway
Ask whether the project is expected to use a complying development certificate, development application or another pathway. A CDC is not suitable for every site or proposal. Confirm the pathway and requirements with the certifier, council or planning professional. The NSW Planning Portal CDC information explains the general process.
4. Coordinate the documents
Before pricing, establish the current drawing revision, specification, engineering inputs, energy requirements, finishes schedule and approval conditions. Make a document register so every party is working from the same information.
5. Define responsibilities
Write down who coordinates the architect, engineers, certifier, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors and approvals. Clarify which items are design responsibility, builder responsibility or owner-supplied.
6. Compare the quote and contract
Check inclusions, exclusions, provisional sums, allowances, time assumptions, variations, progress claims, delay provisions, defects and completion requirements. NSW Fair Trading provides a contract checklist; NSW Government also explains residential building contracts.
7. Plan procurement and long-lead items
Identify windows, stone, joinery, appliances, structural items and finishes that may affect the programme. Confirm who selects, purchases, checks, stores and warranties each item.
8. Set the start-on-site gate
Before work begins, confirm the signed contract, required approvals, insurance or compensation information where applicable, site access, service locations, construction programme, communication process and record-keeping method.
Checklist summary
| Area | Ready when... |
|---|---|
| Brief | Priorities, budget assumptions and exclusions are written down. |
| Site | Known constraints and consultant investigations are recorded. |
| Approvals | The proposed pathway and responsible parties are confirmed. |
| Documents | Current drawings and specifications are identified by revision. |
| Contract | Scope, price method, variations, payments and completion are understood. |
| Start | Approvals, access, programme and communication are ready. |
Sources reviewed for this guide: NSW Planning Portal CDC information, NSW Government residential contracts guidance and NSW Fair Trading contract checklist. Last reviewed 19 August 2026.
AUD Build is a business brand within the AUD Group. Confirm the current contracting entity, licence scope and project-specific terms before engagement.