Building a new home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — financially and emotionally. At Sundancer Homes, we understand that the process can feel overwhelming at first. The key to feeling confident? Asking the right questions.

The more informed you are, the smoother and more enjoyable your building journey will be. Below is a practical guide to help you assess whether your chosen builder is the right fit for your home, your budget and your future.

1. What makes this building company different?

Every builder promises quality — but what truly sets them apart?

Take time to explore their website, display homes and completed projects. Read reviews and testimonials. Do their values align with yours? Are they known for transparency, quality inclusions, communication or flexibility?

A reputable builder should clearly outline:

• Their inclusions
• Their building process
• Their guarantees
• Their point of difference

Understanding what makes them unique helps you decide if their style, service and standards match your vision.

At Sundancer Homes we’re proudly Australian-owned and operated, dedicated to crafting high quality homes that perfectly embody our customers’ individual style and preference. We maximise your investment through better inclusions, more site allowances and the best possible home for your budget.

We firmly believe that the process of building a new home should be an enjoyable and stress-free adventure for eve customers we serve. Our aim is to transform this belief into reality:

• Lifetime structural guarantees
• Built by a reliable and reputable builder
• 7 Star Energy Efficiency included
• Onsite faster
• Fixed Price Quotations

2. How long have they been building homes?

Experience matters — but longevity alone isn’t enough.

An established builder often brings refined systems, trusted trades and proven processes. That usually means fewer mistakes, better cost control and smoother delivery.

Newer builders may offer attractive pricing, but it’s important to understand their track record. Ask:

• How many homes have they completed?
• Do they specialise in project homes or custom builds?
• Can they demonstrate consistent quality?

Research and transparency are key.

At Sundancer Homes, Our Managing Director & Owner has over 30 years of real & genuine building experience from city high rise towers & freeways to civil works, bridges & subdivisions. Plus thousands of homes built over many years via major national construction firms, Kaplan Homes & Sundancer Homes. We are not learner builders learning on customers’ homes or using other builder’s licences.

Our Managing Director also has a full un-restricted builder’s licence going on 30 years and is listed as the Licensee for Sundancer Homes. We do not use borrowed and pay-per-use licences from other builders or qualified supervisor certificates.

3. Can I see recent builds or visit a site?

Reputable builders should be proud to show their work.

Visiting a display home or (by appointment) a current build gives you insight into:

• Workmanship quality
• Site organisation
• Attention to detail
• Progress pace

It also helps you visualise what your own home could look like.

At Sundancer Homes we are built on referrals – Our homes are so outstanding that they are worth talking about. We have 4 Sydney display home locations, collectively with 7 homes on display, and 2 display home locations in the Murray region (NSW and VIC) collectively with 5 homes on display, plus a new Sales and Selection Centre located in Albury.

4. Who will supervise my build?

Your site supervisor plays a crucial role in delivering your home.

Ask:

• Who will be my main point of contact during construction?
• How often will I receive updates?
• How are issues handled?

A strong site supervisor coordinates trades, manages timelines, monitors quality and ensures compliance with safety and building standards. Building rapport with them builds confidence throughout your journey.

5. What sustainability and energy-efficiency standards are included?

With 7-star energy compliance now standard in many states, sustainability isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Ask your builder:

• What energy rating does the home achieve?
• Are solar or insulation upgrades available?
• What materials are used?
• Is there a possibility they will charge you more for energy efficiency compliance ? thousands more ?

Energy-efficient homes not only reduce environmental impact but also lower long-term running costs.

At Sundancer Homes 7 Star Energy Efficiency is already included- No extra cost!

• 6kw Solar panel package with inverter and corresponding solar panels included in the Smart and Signature packages with 8.4kw Solar panel package with inverter and corresponding solar panels included in the Platinum package.
• Upgraded insulation including R2.7 Glass wool batts to external perimeter walls with external wall wrap. R6 Glass wool batts to roof space of house. R2.0 Glass wool batts to internal garage walls.
• Roof insulation Anticon advanced acoustic & thermal roof insulation.
• 1x Electric Vehicle charging provision (EV charging station not included & must be purchased with the vehicle & installed separately). 

6. How flexible are the designs?

One size rarely fits all.

Find out:

• Can floorplans be modified?
• Can spaces be added or removed?
• Are upgrades optional or fixed?

Some builders allow meaningful customisation, while others offer limited flexibility. Understanding this upfront prevents disappointment later.

At Sundancer Homes choose from our wide range of flexible home designs or customise your own. For a predetermined custom fee, we have an internal design team that can tailor your home to suit your land, lifestyle and long-term goals.

7. Are eaves included?

This is a detail many buyers don’t realise to ask about — but it makes a big difference to street appeal and weather protection.

At Sundancer Homes, 450mm eaves are included to the whole house (design specific). Not all builders include full eaves as standard, so it’s important to confirm what is actually part of the base price.

8. Do you fix price your homes?

“Fixed price” can mean different things across the industry.

At Sundancer Homes, homes are fixed price. Our transparent pricing model ensures you’re always fully aware of what you’re paying for. This enables thorough planning, budgeting and purchasing at your own pace — without unexpected surprises along the way.

Always clarify:

• What is included in the fixed price?
• Are site costs covered?
• Are there provisional sums?
• Under what circumstances can the price change?

9. How soon can the build process start?

Timeframes vary significantly between builders.

At Sundancer Homes, we can start onsite in as little as 8 weeks (subject to approvals) — faster than many builders who may take 6 months or more.

Starting sooner can mean:

• Saving thousands in rent or additional repayments
• Locking in pricing earlier
• Moving into your new home faster

Ask your builder what their realistic pre-construction timeline looks like before signing.

10. What happens if there are delays or supply issues?

Weather, material shortages and unforeseen site conditions can affect timelines.

Ask:

• How are delays communicated?
• Are there cost implications?
• What contingency planning is in place?

An experienced builder should have structured processes to manage challenges without blowing out budgets.

11. Who are your suppliers and trade partners?

Quality homes rely on quality materials.

Check which brands are used for:

• Appliances
• Tapware
• Windows
• Flooring
• Cabinetry

Established builders work with trusted suppliers, ensuring durability and warranty protection long after handover day.

At Sundancer homes we only use quality reputable suppliers and trade partners. Brand names you can trust like Westinghouse, Wattyl, Colorbond, Bradford, Gainsborough, Polytec, Actron Air, Hume Doors & timbers just to name a few.

12. What structural guarantee do you provide?

The Australian Law makes it compulsory to cover a minimum of 6 years guarantee, as well as 60 days of service. Learn about your builders’ structural guarantees. Some companies may have up to a Lifetime Structural Guarantee, like us, while others may offer shorter periods of protection. Sundancer Homes Lifetime Structural Guarantee is not an empty promise made up as a marketing point, it is offered through our insurance partner based on our excellent track record of building issue-free homes over many, many years. Our Lifetime Structural Guarantee protects your new home for as long as you own it

Ask:

• How long is the structural warranty?
• What does it cover?
• Is it backed by insurance?

Understanding your protection gives peace of mind well beyond handover.

13. Is the quote truly all-inclusive?

This is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — questions in the industry.

Clarify whether the quote includes:

• Site costs
• Soil testing and geotechnical reports
• NaTHERS (VIC) / BASIX (NSW) compliance
• Council or certifier fees
• Engineering
• Excavation and spoil removal
• Piering (if required)
• Connections

Make sure you understand exactly what is included — and what isn’t — before signing.

The above items are where most builders will often charge their customers tens of thousands in what they call “variations” and they charge them after their customers have signed up to build.

14. What variations typically cost extra?

This is a common industry question many buyers forget to ask.

Even small changes after contract signing can trigger variation fees. Ask:

• What are typical variation costs?
• Is there a deadline for making changes?
• Are admin fees applied?

Knowing this early helps you avoid budget surprises.

Final Thoughts

Building your home should feel exciting — not uncertain.

Ask questions. Compare answers. Take your time. For most families, this is the biggest investment of their lives.

Choosing a builder who values transparency, efficiency and quality — like Sundancer Homes — means you can move forward with confidence and clarity from day one.