Things to Do Before Your Hobart Builder Breaks Ground

The lead-up to the first day of building can feel a bit like standing at the edge of a new chapter. There’s excitement, maybe a little bit of nervousness, and plenty of planning still in motion. It takes a while to get to this point, and when you do, you want to make sure you’re giving your builder the best conditions to work with right from the start.

If you’re working with a builder in Hobart, part of that preparation means understanding how the local climate and rules might affect the early stages of the build. Summer is on the horizon, which makes now a good time to double-check that everything’s lined up. A bit of effort before ground is broken can make a real difference in how things roll out once the tools come out and progress begins.

Finalise Design Details and Confirm Site Plans

By this point, the major decisions are probably made. Still, it’s worth going over your approved plans once more to make sure everything still fits with your vision. Even something small, like moving a window or tweaking exterior materials, is easier to update before construction starts.

You’ll also want to confirm the details of your site. Walk the block and think about how the orientation handles sun, breeze, and privacy. Mark out any boundaries or fence lines that need to be respected. If there’s a particular view you’re hoping to capture from the kitchen or living room, now is the time to double-check that it’s all in the right spot.

This is also when you want to lock in smaller details that might’ve been left open—such as garage placement, roof colours, or cladding options. These can look minor until it’s too late to change them without causing setbacks.

With Zanetto Builders, clients are guided through a documented pre-construction checklist that covers all final selections and opportunities for updates before ground is broken.

Get Your Paperwork in Order

No one likes digging through forms or waiting on approvals, but having your paperwork ready will help move things along smoothly. Start with the council approvals and building permits. These need to be in place before a builder can legally start construction, so check that every document has come back with a tick.

Make sure construction and homeowner’s insurance are sorted too. Depending on how your build is structured, your builder may need proof of these before they can begin work.

Create a spot to store all your documents. Keep hard copies if you like, but a folder on your computer is handy for quick access. Include every signed contract, final plan, and any reports or emails that could be needed along the way. When everyone’s referencing the same version of everything, it’s easier to stay aligned and avoid missteps.

Make the Site Ready

If the block needs clearing, now’s the moment to get it done. Old sheds, fences, unused trees, or leftover junk can all make it harder for machines and workers to get started. You want a clear block with space to move.

Think about access. If trucks or excavators can’t get in easily, it could slow the build or cause damage in places you weren’t expecting. Gates might need to be widened. Trees near the road might need pruning. We’ve seen small adjustments here make a big difference when the gear starts rolling in.

It’s also a good time to arrange utility work. Things like temporary power, water taps, and site loos are also part of the early job setup. If there are any pipes or drains being moved or added, make sure your provider is looped in so it all fits smoothly into the timeline.

Sort Out the Extras Early

Some of the biggest delays during a build don’t come from construction itself but from waiting on items that weren’t ordered early enough. That includes specialist items like tapware, custom windows, or switch plates you spotted online. If it’s something important to the look or function of your home, get it ordered sooner rather than later.

Now’s the time to bring future plans into focus too. If you’re thinking about solar panels, an EV charging point, or battery storage, it helps to plan those before trenches are dug or lines are laid. Even things like rainwater tanks or external lighting could shift how pipes and paths are set up during the first stage.

Landscaping can tie into that early planning as well. Details like driveway location, outdoor taps, or retaining walls might impact where ground gets moved or dug. It’s easier to align everything now than to realise later that something’s in the wrong spot.

Zanetto Builders encourage early decisions on feature upgrades, including solar and green options, to support smoother construction and easier scheduling of on-site works.

Communicate with Your Builder and Stay Involved

Starting strong includes being clear about how you want to stay updated. Decide with your builder what kind of contact works best—whether that’s weekly chats, emailed updates, or walk-throughs on site. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but having an agreed routine helps everyone stay on track.

This early stage is also the right time to talk about anything that feels especially important to you. Maybe there’s a part of the house you care about most, or a timeline you’re hoping to stick to. Letting your builder know where your priorities sit can help shape decisions down the track.

Keep conversations open. Questions will come up, and it’s normal to revisit a few things along the way as real movement starts. A bit of clarity early can save time, help with planning, and create a better working relationship through each part of the process.

Starting Strong Leads to a Better Build

There’s a rhythm to building a home, and the way you begin often shapes how it all plays out. Prepping the block, checking every detail, and staying up to speed with the paperwork might not feel as exciting as seeing walls go up, but they lay the groundwork for everything that follows.

Getting your head around materials, site access, solar compatibility, and approvals now means you’ll be better placed to enjoy the steps ahead. Whether it’s timber frames arriving or kitchen fit-outs getting installed, those later moments come together more easily when the start is smooth. And when the build is flowing well, you get more time to enjoy how your new home starts to take shape.

Starting a new build comes with plenty of moving parts, but getting the early stage right helps everything flow more smoothly. We take time to walk through those beginning steps with care, knowing it sets the tone for a better experience later. That’s how we work as a builder in Hobart. If you'd like to chat about timing, what to prep, or how the first few weeks usually play out, feel free to get in touch with Zanetto Builders.