Building Terminology 101 for New Home Builders

If you’ve just started thinking about building a home, chances are you’ve already come across a bunch of terms that leave you scratching your head. Site costs? BAL ratings? Waffle slabs?

At Eden Brae Homes,  we get it — as a first home buyer you shouldn’t need a translator to build your house. That's why we've put together this easy guide to home financing and building construction terminology, so you'll feel at ease every step of the way.

Whether you're walking through a display home, reviewing your tender or having a discussion with your lender, here's the lowdown on the most common building and construction terms.

1. Tender

Let’s start with a big one. A tender is the formal document that outlines all the costs involved in building your home on your chosen block of land. It includes the base price of the home, site costs, upgrades and any council requirements.

Think of it like this: the tender is your detailed quote — it’s what you’ll review, tweak and eventually accept before things move forward.

2. Home Owners Warranty 

Not sure what a Home Owners Warranty is or when it kicks in? You’re not alone. It's one of those building terms that show up on your documents, but it's good to know because it protects you if issues arise after the build is complete.

It's also a handy reminder to double-check that you've got all the right insurances you need in place before work starts, like cover for your land and public liability if you're doing some of the work yourself. Peace of mind starts with being prepared.

3. Site Costs

Site costs are the expenses involved in preparing your block of land so a home can be safely built on it. This building terminology can include things like:

• Soil testing
• Slab preparation
• Excavation
• Retaining walls
• Connections to services like water and electricity

These costs can vary depending on the slope, soil type and location of your block. At Eden Brae, we’re upfront about site costs early on, so you know what to expect.

4. Inclusions

Inclusions are what you get with your new house. These could include flooring, kitchen appliances, tapware, lighting, etc. Eden Brae offers different inclusion levels depending on the home design. Our Lifestyle and Prestige inclusions, for example, give you premium features already built into the price.

Pro tip: Walk through a display home and ask what’s included vs what’s upgraded. It’ll help you plan your budget better.

5. Upgrades

These are the extras you can choose to differentiate your home — like stone benchtops, higher ceilings, freestanding baths or designer light fittings. Some are about aesthetics, while others focus on maximising functionality or future resale value.

6. Slab Types (Waffle, Raft, etc.)

Your slab is the concrete foundation your house sits on. The most common slab types are:

• Waffle slab: A grid of polystyrene pods and concrete beams — great for flat, compacted sites.
• Raft slab: Stronger and better for highly reactive soils (like clay-heavy areas).

Don’t worry, you won’t have to choose this yourself. Eden Brae uses soil testing to determine the right type for your block.

7. BAL Rating (Bushfire Attack Level)

If you’re building in or near bushland, your block may be given a BAL rating. This is building construction terminology that determines the level of bushfire risk and the extra building measures needed to reduce that risk, like fire-resistant windows or ember guards.

Example: A BAL-12.5 rating means low risk and minor upgrades.

8. DA vs CDC

These building terms refer to the approval processes that allow your home to be built.

• DA (Development Application): Goes through your local council. Can take longer, but allows for more design flexibility.
• CDC (Complying Development Certificate): A faster, more streamlined approval that skips the council if your build ticks all the planning boxes.

Eden Brae will help determine which approval path is best for your home and land.

9. Progress Payments

Instead of paying the full cost of your home upfront, your lender will release funds in stages as the build progresses. These usually include:

1. Slab stage
2. Frame stage
3. Enclosed stage (roof, windows, etc.)
4. Fixing stage (internal walls, cabinetry)
5. Completion/handover

Why it matters: Knowing when these payments happen can help you manage your cash flow while paying rent or your existing mortgage.

10. Fixed Price Contract

A fixed-price contract means the price won’t change unless you choose to change something. This is especially valuable in unpredictable markets or if you're building on a site with unusual conditions.

At Eden Brae, we’re known for our fixed-price house and land packages, which include clear allowances for site costs and council requirements. Less risk, more peace of mind.

11. Facade

This is the external front look of your home — the “face” that gives your home its style. Think Hamptons, Modern, Classic or Contemporary. Updating your facade is a great way to make your home stand out and improve its street appeal.

Example: You might use the same floorplan as your neighbour, yet your exterior facade introduces your house to the world with a whole new personality.

12. Turnkey vs Standard

A turnkey home is ready to move into the moment you get the keys. That means flooring, fencing, driveway, landscaping, clothesline — everything’s done.

A standard build may require you to organise those finishing touches separately. At Eden Brae, our Complete Homes range comes with many turnkey inclusions built in, so you can move in sooner and settle in faster.

13. Settlement

One of the most important building and construction terms, settlement is the final legal process when ownership of the land (and later, the completed house) is officially transferred to you. For house and land packages, settlement on the land usually happens before construction starts.

Tip: Make sure your finance is approved and paperwork sorted well before this date — delays can cost you.

14. Colour Selection Studio

This is where the fun happens! Eden Brae’s Colour Studio is where you choose your finishes — tiles, benchtops, cabinetry, paint colours, tapware and more. It’s like building your Pinterest board in real life, with expert help to guide you.

15. Practical Completion / Handover

This is the final inspection and the moment your new home is officially ready for you. You’ll walk through with your site supervisor, note any final touch-ups and then get your keys.

Big moment: This is when you take that photo on the front step with the keys in hand. It's real now!

No Jargon, Just Your New Home — Made Simple

Constructing your first home can feel like you’re entering a whole new world, but it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. 

Eden Brae Homes believes in eliminating technical jargon, using plain language and simplifying the process so you can truly enjoy building a beautiful new home.

We’ll provide clear explanations of each step, assist you in comprehending your options, and accompany you from the initial discussion until the day you finally turn the key.