Everything you need to know about building with DBN, from choosing your home to contracts, costs and construction.
Look beyond the advertised house price. Consider the builder’s registration, experience, inclusions, contract terms, site costs, construction timeframe, communication process, warranty arrangements and independent customer reviews.
It’s also important to compare the actual specifications rather than two headline prices. A cheaper quote may include fewer features or leave allowances for items such as flooring, electrical work, landscaping or site costs that will need to be paid later.
At DBN Homes, we believe transparency from the outset makes for a better building experience. Take a look at Why DBN to learn more about our approach to building and supporting our clients.
Neither is automatically better – it comes down to finding the builder that’s right for your project.
Large volume builders may offer established processes, display homes, standardised designs and purchasing efficiencies, while smaller builders can often provide greater flexibility and more direct, personalised communication.
DBN Homes offers the best of both worlds: an established range of thoughtfully designed homes combined with a personal, hands-on approach throughout your building journey.
Explore our Home Designs to see whether there’s a DBN home that suits your block, lifestyle and budget.
A fixed-price building contract generally means the agreed contract price is established in the contract, subject to permitted variations and other contractual adjustments.
However, what’s included in a “fixed price” can vary considerably between builders, so it’s important to understand exactly what has – and hasn’t – been allowed for before comparing quotes.
DBN Homes provides upfront fixed pricing, including fixed site costs for eligible blocks with available engineering plans, giving you greater certainty before your build begins.*
Learn more about DBN fixed prices on our Turnkey Solutions page
*Conditions apply. Refer to DBN Homes’ current Fixed Price terms and contract documentation for full details.
Site costs are expenses associated with preparing your particular block of land for construction.
Depending on the property, these can include excavation, rock removal, soil conditions, retaining walls, difficult access, drainage, piering, levelling and other site-specific requirements.
These costs can make a significant difference to your overall building budget, so always ask what site costs are included and what assumptions have been made.
DBN Homes offers fixed site costs on eligible blocks where the required engineering information is available.
If you already own land, ask your builder to assess the block and clearly explain any potential site costs before you sign a contract. These may include excavation, rock removal, retaining walls, difficult access, drainage or other site-specific requirements.
If you don’t yet own land, choosing a home and block that work well together can help minimise unnecessary site costs. DBN Homes can help you identify options suited to your preferred design, budget and location.
Another option is a fixed-price turnkey home, where many of the finishing items that can otherwise become additional costs are already included. Depending on the package, this may include landscaping, fencing, flooring, blinds, driveway, clothesline and letterbox – leaving your new home ready to move into.
Explore DBN Turnkey Solutions or browse our current House & Land Packages.
Not necessarily.
Display homes often showcase optional upgrades, finishes and additional features that aren’t included in a home’s standard specification. When comparing homes, always ask which features are standard and which are upgrades.
DBN Homes offers a range of standard inclusions and optional Value Packs, so you can clearly see what’s included and where you may choose to add more.
Want to experience a DBN home for yourself? See our Display Homes!
For domestic building contracts in Victoria, the maximum deposit will depend on the value and type of contract and the applicable Victorian legislation, however typically a deposit is 5%.
If you’re starting to plan your build, Contact the DBN team and we can talk you through the next steps.
Progress payments are generally linked to completed stages of construction rather than simply being requested at arbitrary points throughout the build.
For a typical new-home contract, payments are made as specified construction milestones are reached, which may include stages such as base, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion. The exact stages and payment amounts should be clearly documented in your building contract.
Understanding what happens at each stage can make the entire experience much easier.
Explore the DBN Build Process to see how your new home progresses from planning through to handover.
Government grants, concessions and assistance programs may be available to eligible first home buyers, depending on your circumstances and the property you’re purchasing or building.
As eligibility requirements and available schemes can change, we recommend checking the latest Victorian and Australian Government information or speaking with your finance adviser before making any decisions.
Planning your first home? Explore our First Home Buyers page for more information on getting started with DBN Homes.
We’re with you every step of the way, from the first conversation to the moment you move in and beyond. Our team is here to make the journey exciting, enjoyable and stress-free.
No hidden costs or surprise variations. The price we quote is the price you pay.
We use trusted suppliers and quality materials to deliver exceptional homes.
Your home should reflect your lifestyle. We make it personal from start to finish.
Building shouldn’t leave you wondering what’s happening with your home.
We believe good communication is one of the most important parts of the building experience. You’ll have a team you can talk to, questions you can ask and support available throughout the process.
Because delivering a great home isn’t just about what we build. It’s about how we get you there.
Fixed price, full turnkey, held for 12 months. Tell us about your block and we’ll come back with real numbers.
