Building smart in a changing market

With the cost of living rising alongside higher interest rates and inflationary pressures, building a new home requires thoughtful planning more than ever. Even when you’re creating your dream home, it’s important to keep building costs under control and avoid over-capitalising along the way.

The good news? With the right advice and a considered approach, you can build a home you’re proud of while staying on budget.

At Homes by ZAC, we guide our customers through smart, cost-effective decisions that never compromise on quality, design or liveability.

Proven ways to save without compromising your home

There are many ways to manage costs during the building process, and working with an experienced builder makes all the difference. Some of the key strategies we regularly share with our customers include:

• Selecting a well-considered design from our Ready-to-Build Collection

• Creating a realistic budget and sticking to it

• Locking in your price early

• Understanding your inclusions and managing upgrades wisely

• Taking advantage of genuine promotions

Each of these steps plays a role in keeping your build on track.

Choose an efficient approach to building

At Homes by ZAC, we offer four tailored pathways to a new home to suit different lifestyles and budgets:

• Ready-to-Build Collection – thoughtfully designed off-the-plan homes, offering a streamlined and cost-effective build journey
• Packaged House & Land – carefully curated home and land packages with customised design options
• Customised New Homes – personalise an existing Homes by ZAC design, to suit your lifestyle and block
• Bespoke Custom Homes – complete tailored design solution with ultimate flexibility, built around the way you live

Our Ready-to-Build Collection offers a streamlined and cost-effective pathway, with off-the-plan designs and no structural changes. This approach allows for faster tender times and quicker approvals.

One of the biggest advantages is affordability. With standardised designs and consistent build volumes, Homes by ZAC can secure efficiencies through bulk purchasing of materials and labour savings that are passed on to our customers.

Visiting a Homes by ZAC display home, such as those located at HomeWorld Box Hill, also gives you confidence in your choice. You can experience the layout, scale and flow of each design, inspect the quality of workmanship, and see finishes firsthand.

While structural changes are minimised, you can still personalise your home through a curated selection of facades, fixtures and finishes — achieving a home that feels uniquely yours.

Create a budget and commit to it

One of the most effective ways to manage building costs is to set a clear, realistic budget from the outset and commit to it.

Your budget is typically based on your borrowing capacity, combined with any available savings. Once this figure is established, you can confidently explore designs and inclusions that align with your financial goals.

Making changes mid-build can quickly add unexpected costs, so finalising decisions early is key. Keeping records and tracking your expenditure throughout the process also helps ensure everything stays on course.

Lock in your price early

Pricing structures vary between builders, but if certainty matters to you, requesting a fixed-price tender is essential. This allows you to lock in your build cost before construction begins.

Before signing, ensure your contract clearly outlines everything included in the build, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Understanding the process upfront gives you peace of mind and eliminates surprises later on.

Understanding inclusions and budgeting for upgrades

At Homes by ZAC, every home comes complete with The ZAC Premium Standard, a set of inclusions designed to deliver a luxury finish and exceptional value from day one. This package includes:

• Luxury inclusions throughout, for a refined, high-end finish

• 7-star energy rating for smarter, more efficient living

• Move-in ready with a fully finished driveway

• Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning for year-round comfort

• LED downlights and premium finishes throughout

• Flooring throughout: choice of tiled or laminate timber to living areas, carpet to bedrooms

• Tiling to porch, alfresco and balcony (where applicable)

• Designer kitchen featuring 40mm Caesarstone benchtops and polytec cabinetry

• Premium Smeg kitchen appliances paired with an undermount sink

• PARISI designer tapware throughout for a luxury touch

• Hafele soft-close drawers and cupboards

• Alarm system and remote-control garage door

• All complemented by an extensive range of carefully curated premium inclusions

While The ZAC Premium Standard provide a high-quality base, customers can also choose upgrades to personalise their home further. Thoughtful upgrades might include higher-end benchtops, bathroom ware, lighting, flooring or bespoke finishes, allowing you to prioritise what matters most while keeping your build on budget.

Build with confidence, build with Homes by ZAC

At Homes by ZAC, we build with integrity, care and pride, delivering homes designed for the way you live today and into the future.

If you’re ready to start planning your new home, speak with our team today on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and help you build smart, and with confidence.