Expert advice and support.

Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We work closely with our clients to make sure that their ideas come to life, and we keep communication lines open throughout the whole building process.

WHAT ABOUT FIRST STEP BUILDING GROUP

Who are First Step Building Group?

First Step Building Group was initiated to educate about and simplify the construction industries overbearing and complex nature for the everyday home builder. Here at First Step Building Group we have broken down the barrier, by consolidating all your needs under one roof from:
• Construction education, detailing the start to finish process on building a home;
• Contract review and consultation, to align your thoughts with the documents provided by developers and builders;
• Private Construction Stage inspections, to provide that added piece of mind that your home has been built correctly;
• Renovations and New Home builds.

Our team is here for you every step of the way.

WHAT ABOUT FIRST STEP BUILDING ACADEMY?

What is First Step Building Academy?

First Step Building Academy focus on educating first time and owner builders looking at a practical short course to understand the A-Z’s of building a home covering in detail:

Mortgage Broker and Finance basics including what the differences are between banks and brokers, LMI, LVR and other commonly misunderstood finance jargon.
How to purchase a block of land from a developer, what to be aware of in your contract and how settlement, surveying and financing all play a part.
What to look for when selecting a builder and what a standard builders contract looks like.
What documentation and insurances a Builder needs to provide before
What a Building Surveyor and Private Building Inspector are
What a building permit is, and the role an owner plays through the build process
Progress payment stages and when they are claimable by a builder
What to expect on completion of a build
What your rights are with regards to warranties and repairs
What your responsibilities are with respect to maintenance of your new home.

We also assist owner builders in understanding the basic safety requirements, documentation required to gain a building permit and how to apply for your certificate of consent to with the Victorian Building Authority.

What do First Step Buidling Academy aim to achieve?

Our aim at First Step Building Academy is to educate and properly equip our clients with the information required to enter a contract, engage a builder and move into their home with a solid level of confidence in the construction process.

Who would find your e-course useful?

First Step Building Academy aim to help first time home builders, owner builders and those generally interested in the construction process. We have developed this short course to help drive down the amount of time spent jumping between forums, websites and building practitioners that clients experience trying to get a clear picture of what they need to start and finish there home building journey.

WHAT ABOUT FIRST STEP BUILDING CONSULTANTS?

What is a Building or Construction Consultant?

Building consultants are a group of building industry participants who provide expert advice to people involved in building projects, construction or owner builder works. We offer knowledge and expertise in a range of technical building matters, and can assist when clients need third-party advice on an issue relating to a building project

What does First Step Building Consultants offer?

First Step Building Consultants offer a variety of speciality services including:

Land Contract Reviews – focusing on titled lot survey levels, engineering tolerances and ensuring the developer commits to the slope and levels of land specified in the contract preventing costly excavation and engineering costs;
Builders Contract Reviews – We ensure the builders contract, specifications, engineering drawings and architectural drawings are consistent with each other, in addition we identify any specific clauses out clients need to pay particular attention to;
Owner Builder Project Management, Supervision and technical advice – more specifically we provide a step by step guide to Owner Builders along with project management and supervision services to assist those going through a home build requiring that added help to get over each stage of the process; Enquire with us today to see if we can help you take your first steps in building your home.

What experience do the team at First Step Building Consultants have?

At First Step Building Consultants our expertise ranges from:

Engineering – Degree Qualified and Chartered in Structural and Electrical;
Licensed Domestic Builders – With sound material, technology and installation knowledge;
Construction Cost Estimation – providing high level cost estimates for multi dwelling developments, renovations and repairs;
Contract Administration – Adapting Master Builders and HIA contracts and administering execution on a number of projects;
We collectively demonstrate over 20 years of experience within the construction industry.

WHAT ABOUT FIRST STEP BUILDING INSPECTORS?

Why should I use First Step Building Inspectors?

First Step Building Inspectors provide a complete home and construction inspection service, offering the expertise of our highly skilled inspectors boasting qualifications and skills including: • Registered Domestic Builders Unlimited License • Diploma in Construction Management • Bachelors Degree in Engineering • Nationally Accredited Pest and Mould Inspection Qualifications • Certificate in Electrical Testing and Tagging Our team each have over 20 years experience in construction allowing us to provide you a full proof condition report, and peace of mind that your home will last your lifetime. First Step Building Inspectors go above and beyond, providing on call support and our dedicated 1-on-1 video consultations aimed at educating first home owners and builders making sense of an industry that is generally shrouded in mystery. Our clients and reviews speak for themselves, we ensure each individual is delivered a detailed report and left without doubt in their minds of the defects and steps needed to rectify each of the issues. We ensure our inspection reports meet and exceed the requirements stated in the Australian Standards for Building Inspections

What qualifications do First Step Building Inspectors hold?

First Step Building Inspectors provide expertise of our highly skilled inspectors boasting qualifications and skills including: • Registered Domestic Builders Unlimited License • Diploma in Construction Management • Bachelors Degree in Engineering • Nationally Accredited Pest and Mould Inspection Qualifications

What is the difference between a Building Surveyor, Building Inspector and Private Building Inspector?

There are some common misconceptions about Surveyors, Inspectors and Private Inspectors the primary differences include:

Building Surveyor – A registered building practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority, having the authority to inspect and sign of the various stages of a building permit and allowing a building to progress the construction of a home.
Building Inspector – Works under the authority of the Building Surveyor completing inspections on behalf of the building surveyor, for the various mandatory inspections.
Private Building Inspector – Is an individual with claimed construction experience undertaking construction stages inspections in addition to the mandated inspections completed by the Building Surveyor. A private building inspector provides a complete an unbiased view of the construction process.

Are all Private Building Inspectors the same?

Definitely not. Not all Private Building Inspectors are the same, even more so in the state of Victoria. Private Building Inspectors are an unregulated industry, with the minimum requirement to complete building inspections is having experience within the construction industry. At First Step Building Inspectors we ensure all our inspectors are Registered Domestic Builders with Unlimited license qualifications. By utilising qualified builders we ensure that we provide each of our clients with Professional Indemnity Insurance with each of our reports.

Are you insured?

Yes, we are fully insured providing Public Liability and Professional indemnity insurances to ensure your home build or construction stage reports are covered.

WHAT ABOUT FIRST STEP BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS?

Is First Step Building Group a licenced building company?

Yes, First Step Building Group are a registered building company in accordance with the Building Act. Our companies building registration number is CDB-U 73590.
You can search up our registration using the Victorian Building Authorities Building Practitioner lookup link:
https://consumer.etoolbox.buildingcommission.com.au/Pages/Search.aspx

Have more questions? Talk to an expert.