So far...

From the initial $1000 holding deposit until present, we have been busy completing all the administrative steps before actual construction. Below is the document we received from Firstyle Homes outline the steps needed to be taken before we could starting building.

Credit: Firstyle Home as current as of 1/7/15

After nominating a solicitor we soon received our Land Contract (14/7/15). Since our land registration is not due until December there was no real rush. We took our time going through the contract ourselves and with our solicitor to determine if there were any points in the contract that would negatively impact us.  

We were sent a Fixed Price Tender (29/7/15) which outlined all their basic inclusions. We had to sign off on the Fixed Price Tender first and also make a $15, 4000 non-refundable 'planning and administration' fee before we could move onto the next step. 

Once the Fixed Price Tender was signed we received a Firstyle Colour Selections Pack which included all the selections we had ranging from exteriors (e.g. bricks, roofing, garage etc.) as well as internal selections (e.g. taps, doors, kitchen, bathroom etc.). We were informed our Colour Selections appointment will take place later on once our land is registered and closer to construction. 

Following the Fixed Price Tender we had option to include any variations or upgrades to the design. 

A few of the variations we included:

• Higher ceilings (from standard 2.4m to 2.7m)
• Floor-to-ceiling tiling in bathroom/s (initially 1.8m)
• Sliding translucent wardrobes in lieu of swinging doors
• Gas point to alfresco (for BBQ and/or patio heater)
• Roof sarking

So now  we are just playing the waiting game..