Don’t Skip This Crucial Step: The Preliminary Building Agreement—Your Blueprint for a Successful Build
In the journey of building your dream home, the importance of detailed planning cannot be overstated. After finalising your concept plans with Lancaster Homes, the next critical step is into a Preliminary Building Agreement (PBA). This agreement lays the groundwork for the comprehensive planning and preparation needed to bring your vision to life. In this blog post, we will explore what a Preliminary Building Agreement entails, its benefits, and the potential risks of proceeding without one.
What is a Preliminary Building Agreement?
A Preliminary Building Agreement (PBA) is a formal agreement between you and Lancaster Homes that covers all the necessary steps to prepare your project for construction. This agreement ensures that every aspect of your build is meticulously planned, from soil testing to structural engineering, providing a clear and detailed path forward.


The PBA includes the following key components:
- Major Works Proposal: A final proposal based on construction and structural drawings, including all available selections and joinery designs. This proposal aims to fix the quote as much as possible, minimising provisional sums and prime cost items.
- Soil Test: Essential for determining the type and extent of foundations required for your site, ensuring the structural integrity of your home.
- Preliminary Plans: Detailed drawings prepared by our award-winning design partners, which serve as the basis for your fixed-price quote.
- BASIX Report: An energy assessment required for development applications in NSW, ensuring your home meets environmental sustainability standards.
- Engineering Report: Structural designs for slab footings and any required steel work, providing critical information for an accurate construction proposal.
- Site Survey (if necessary): Provides specific land-related information, particularly important for sloping sites or where a contour survey is not already available.
- Interior Design Consultation and Documentation: Assistance with selections and technical drawings, ensuring that your interior spaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Council Applications: Preparation and submission of development, plumbing, and construction certificate applications on your behalf.
Benefits of a Preliminary Building Agreement
- Comprehensive Planning: The PBA ensures that all aspects of your project are carefully considered and planned before construction begins. This reduces the likelihood of unexpected issues arising during the build.
- Accurate Costing: By completing essential preliminary work such as soil testing and engineering reports, the PBA allows us to provide you with a more accurate and fixed construction cost. This minimises the risk of budget overruns and ensures transparency.
- Streamlined Process: With all necessary approvals, designs, and reports in place, the construction phase can proceed smoothly and efficiently, reducing delays and ensuring that your project stays on schedule.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that every detail has been meticulously planned and accounted for allows you to move forward with confidence, reducing stress and uncertainty as your dream home takes shape.
Risks of Not Utilising a Preliminary Building Agreement
Skipping a Preliminary Building Agreement can lead to several complications:
- Inaccurate Budgeting: Without the detailed planning and assessments provided by a PBA, you may face unexpected costs during construction, which can strain your budget and lead to financial stress.
- Construction Delays: Lack of proper planning can result in delays as unforeseen issues arise that require additional work or approvals, prolonging the timeline of your project.
- Compromised Quality: Without the thorough assessments and detailed planning covered by a PBA, there’s a risk that critical aspects of your build, such as foundation work or structural integrity, may be compromised.
At Lancaster Homes, we believe that building your dream home should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The Preliminary Building Agreement is an essential step in ensuring that your project is set up for success, with every detail carefully planned and accounted for. By investing in a PBA, you not only protect your investment but also ensure that your home is built to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
By taking the time to complete both the Concept Agreement and the Preliminary Building Agreement, you lay the foundation for a seamless and stress-free building experience. We look forward to guiding you through each stage of this exciting journey.
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