Faq
The FAQ should answer common questions about choosing designs, customisation, single versus double storey homes, knockdown rebuilds, building on owned land, consultations, construction timeframes and contracts. Answers should remain general and encourage project-specific professional advice where appropriate.
Building a New Home in Melbourne
Choosing a builder is an important decision because your builder will be involved throughout the design, approvals and construction process. Consider their experience, building process, communication, inclusions, home designs, previous projects, contract terms and level of customer support.
Vastu Constructions works with clients to understand their block, lifestyle, design requirements and budget before progressing through the building process.
Vastu Constructions can provide building solutions for a range of residential projects, including first homes, custom homes, single storey homes, double storey homes and knockdown rebuild projects.
Home designs can be adapted to suit different block sizes, layouts, lifestyles and design preferences, subject to site and planning requirements.
Vastu Constructions services Melbourne and selected growth areas across metropolitan Melbourne. Depending on the project and site requirements, this may include areas across Melbourne’s western, northern and south-eastern suburbs.
Contact our team with your land address to discuss whether your property is within our current building service area.
Yes. If you already own land, you can discuss your block with Vastu Constructions and explore suitable home designs or a custom home.
Your block’s dimensions, orientation, slope, setbacks, easements, overlays and planning requirements can all influence the design and construction approach.
The cost of building a home in Melbourne depends on factors such as the size and design of the home, site conditions, structural requirements, materials, finishes, fixtures, landscaping and other inclusions.
Rather than relying on a generic price per square metre, it is important to assess your specific land and proposed home before establishing a realistic building budget.
Home Design & Custom Homes
Yes. Depending on the design, site and construction requirements, you may be able to customise elements such as room layouts, living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, storage, windows, facades, flooring, colours and other finishes.
The extent of customisation should be discussed during the design and planning stage.
A single storey home has all living areas on one level, while a double storey home distributes living and bedroom areas across two levels.
The right option depends on your block size, family requirements, budget, preferred layout, outdoor space and planning requirements.
The right design depends on more than the number of bedrooms. Factors such as block width, depth, orientation, slope, setbacks, easements, private open space and access can affect which design is suitable.
A site assessment and design discussion can help identify practical options for your land.
Yes. The facade is an important part of your home’s external appearance and can often be customised through different architectural styles, colours, materials, windows, doors and other design elements.
Available facade options depend on the selected design and site requirements.
Building Process & Construction
A typical new home building journey includes:
- Initial consultation
- Site and design assessment
- Home design and selections
- Preliminary costing
- Design development
- Contract and documentation
- Permits and approvals
- Site preparation
- Construction
- Quality checks and completion
- Handover
The exact process and timing can vary depending on the project.
Construction time varies depending on the size and complexity of the home, site conditions, approvals, materials, availability of trades and other project factors.
Your builder should provide a construction timeframe as part of the project planning and contract process.
Construction generally progresses through a number of stages, which can include site preparation, foundations, structural work, framing, roofing, external works, services, internal fit-out, cabinetry, fixtures, painting, flooring and final completion.
The construction team coordinates the required trades and works throughout the build.
Changes may be possible depending on the stage of construction and the type of change requested. However, changes after the contract or construction has progressed may affect cost, materials, approvals and the construction schedule.
It is generally better to finalise important design and selection decisions as early as practical.
Knockdown Rebuild
A knockdown rebuild involves demolishing an existing house and building a new home on the same block of land.
It can allow homeowners to remain in a location they already know while creating a new home designed around their current lifestyle and requirements.
It depends on the property and your objectives. Renovation may be suitable where the existing structure can accommodate the desired changes, while a knockdown rebuild may provide greater flexibility for creating a completely new layout.
Factors such as the existing home’s condition, renovation requirements, planning restrictions, budget and desired outcome should be considered.
Potentially, subject to planning, site conditions, setbacks, overlays, neighbourhood requirements and other applicable regulations.
A site assessment should be completed before confirming whether a particular double storey design is suitable.
House & Land Packages
A house and land package combines a block of land with a proposed home design and construction package.
These packages can simplify the process for buyers who have not yet purchased land and want to consider the land and home together.
Depending on the package, you may be able to customise aspects of the home design, facade, layout, fixtures and finishes.
The available options and any associated costs should be confirmed before proceeding.
Victorian Government Grants, Rebates & Concessions
Eligible first home buyers may be able to access the Victorian First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) when purchasing or building an eligible new home.
The current FHOG is $10,000 for eligible new homes valued at up to $750,000. The property must meet the relevant requirements, including being a new home and being used as the applicant’s principal place of residence. (State Revenue Office)
Yes. Eligible first home buyers can apply for the FHOG when building a new home in Victoria.
The grant applies to eligible new houses, townhouses, apartments and units, provided the relevant requirements are met. The current property value limit is $750,000. (State Revenue Office)
Potentially, yes. Eligible first home buyers may receive:
* No land transfer duty for a dutiable value up to $600,000.
* A reduced amount of duty for a dutiable value between $600,001 and $750,000.
The benefit can apply to a new or established home or vacant land intended for building a first home. (State Revenue Office)
Potentially, yes. These are separate Victorian government benefits with different eligibility requirements.
An eligible first home buyer purchasing or building a qualifying new home may potentially receive the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant while also qualifying for the applicable first home buyer duty exemption or concession. (State Revenue Office)
Eligible Victorian households may be able to access the Solar Homes solar panel rebate.
The current rebate is up to $1,400, and the program can apply to homes under construction as well as completed homes, subject to eligibility and program requirements. An equivalent interest-free loan may also be available. (Solar Victoria)
Yes. Eligible Victorian households may be able to access the Solar Homes hot water rebate.
Current assistance can be up to $1,400 for eligible locally manufactured hot water products or up to $1,000 for other eligible products, subject to the program’s requirements. From 1 July 2026, the combined household taxable income eligibility cap for the relevant solar PV and hot water rebates is $150,000 per year. (Solar Victoria)
Depending on your circumstances, it may be worth checking:
* First Home Owner Grant
* First home buyer stamp duty exemption or concession
* Solar Homes rebates
* Solar hot water rebates
* Pensioner or concession cardholder duty reductions
* Other Victorian or Australian Government home-buying programs that may be available at the time you purchase or build.
Government programs can have specific property, income, residency, ownership and application requirements. For example, eligible pensioners or concession cardholders may have access to duty reductions, while different rules apply to first home buyers. (State Revenue Office)
Vastu Constructions can discuss building-related inclusions and project requirements, but government grants, rebates and concessions are administered by the relevant government authorities. Buyers should confirm their eligibility before including any grant or rebate in their budget.
Government Grant & Rebate Disclaimer:
Government grants, rebates, concessions, eligibility requirements and funding amounts can change. The information provided on this website is general information only and should not be relied upon as financial, legal or government advice. Please check the latest requirements with the relevant Victorian or Australian Government authority before making financial or building decisions.