How often should I visit site when building a new home?
When you're building a new home, it's natural to be excited and want to check on the progress regularly. However it’s really important to ensure you are considerate to the builder when it comes to site visits.
Why site visit rules matter
Construction sites are dangerous places, and builders maintain strict control over access for several reasons:
Safety and insurance requirements
Security of materials and work
Public & professional liability
As soon as construction starts, the site becomes the sole responsibility of the builder. This means they are liable if anyone gets injured or if materials are stolen. For example, if you stepped on a nail while visiting the site alone, it would put both your safety and your builder's professional liability at risk.
Although it may already feel like your home, remember that until construction is complete, the site remains under the builder's control. You must arrange site visits with your builder in line with the rules in the contract—don't just show up unannounced.
Entering the site without your builder's permission can lead to financial penalties or contract breaches. The consequences depend on your contract terms, but there are repercussions if you access the site without the builder's approval.
Best Practices for Site Visits
To maintain a positive relationship with your builder while staying informed about your project:
Schedule regular inspection times in advance
Wear enclosed shoes (steel cap preferably), long pants & long sleeves
Document your visits with photos
Keep communication channels open and professional
Avoid taking photos of workers on the site, especially without letting them know first. It may be exciting but remember people are in their workplace and their privacy is still need to be respected.
Remember: A good builder will welcome visiting the site while maintaining good communication and following the process outlined in the contract.
Know exactly what you’re signing — before you build.
Protect your dream build with a Building Contract Health Check:
Avoid budget blowouts before they happen
Lock in a quality control processes from the start
Save your future self a huge amount of stress
I support clients to learn about the details of their HIA and Master Builders Home Building contracts from all states in Australia, including Victoria, ACT, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, WA, and the Northern Territory.
My Building Contract reviews are designed for people who want to understand their contract better before they sign.
Happy building! 💚
Thanks for reading and catch you on my next post :)
Annelyse
