The pre-start meeting usually happens after your contracts are signed, your finance is approved, and your building plans are ready. It’s your chance to choose everything from roof, render, window colours and pavers to flooring, paint colours, benchtops and data points.
At WOW Homes, we know this step can feel a little overwhelming at first but don’t worry. Our expert team will guide you through every detail of the construction process, making sure your new home reflects your lifestyle, taste, and budget.
What is a Pre-Start Meeting?
A pre-start meeting is a key stage in the building process where you make all the final decisions about the look and feel of your new home before construction begins. Think of it as the moment your home stops being a plan on paper and starts becoming your space—designed to suit your style, needs, and lifestyle.
During the meeting, you’ll sit down with a pre-start consultant to go through a wide range of selections. This includes things like paint colour, roofing materials, flooring, cabinetry finishes, electrical layouts, and optional upgrades. It’s also your opportunity to ask questions, clarify any changes, and ensure you’re happy with every detail before the build kicks off.
This meeting usually takes place after you’ve signed your building contract and secured finance approval. It’s also when any variation costs (if you’ve chosen upgrades) will be finalised.
When Does the Pre-Start Meeting Happen in the Build Timeline?
The pre-start meeting takes place after all the major paperwork is completed and just before construction begins. Once your finance is approved, your contracts are signed, and your building plans have been drawn up, you’ll be invited to attend this important appointment.
It’s one of the final administrative steps before your builder can order materials, schedule trades, and begin the actual build. From this point forward, everything you choose—from flooring to electrical points—will be locked in and used during construction.
Understanding where pre-start fits into the process can help ease any nerves. If you’re unsure about the build stages or how long things take, this guide on how long it really takes to build a new home is a great place to start. It gives a clear breakdown of what to expect at each stage—from slab down to handover.
What Do You Decide During the Pre-Start Meeting?
The pre-start meeting is where you bring your dream home to life by choosing all the finishes, fixtures, and features that will make it uniquely yours. It’s a detailed process, but also one of the most exciting parts of building a new home.
Here’s what you’ll typically decide on during your pre-start appointment:
Exterior Selections
You’ll choose the look of your home’s exterior, including window colours, render colours, roof sheeting, gutters, and external doors. These choices define your home’s street appeal, so take your time selecting a style that suits your taste and the neighbourhood.
Interior Finishes
Inside the home, you’ll select your tiles, flooring, benchtops, cabinetry colours, splashbacks, and more. This is your chance to personalise your rooms. If you’re unsure where to start, check out 3 Important Tips for Designing Your Dream Home to help clarify your vision and stay within budget.
Electrical Layout
You’ll review and customise your electrical plan, including the locations of light switches, power points, TV/data connections, and lighting fixtures. Want additional lighting in the kitchen? This is when you’ll lock that in.
To get inspired before your appointment, explore The Best WOW Homes Floor Plans and start imagining how your chosen floor plan can suit your lifestyle.
What Should You Bring to the Meeting?
Walking into your pre-start meeting prepared can make the experience smoother, quicker, and far more enjoyable. While your pre-start consultant will guide you through each step, having the right items with you ensures you’re ready to make confident decisions on the day.
Here’s what you should bring:
- Pre-start checklist – If WOW Homes has provided one, bring it along. It outlines what you’ll be deciding on and helps you stay organised.
- Inspiration images or mood boards – Browse social media, display homes, or showrooms in advance. Having visual references for your dream aesthetic makes decision-making easier.
- Your building contract and ID – You may need to confirm details or provide verification.
- List of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves – Know where you want to invest and where you’re happy to go with the standard inclusion.
- Any questions you have about upgrades, layout, or timelines – There are no silly questions at pre-start!
Before your meeting, it’s a great idea to read our article on How to Pick the Right Builder for Your First Home in Perth, which offers insight into how your builder should support you—not just during pre-start, but throughout the entire journey.
How Long Does a Pre-Start Meeting Take?
A pre-start meeting typically involves a full day appointment, but the duration can vary depending on how prepared you are and how many customisations you’d like to make. If you’ve already explored display homes or reviewed your options beforehand, things tend to move more smoothly.
The more confident you are in your choices—like colour schemes, flooring, or tapware—the faster the process will be. However, if you’re still deciding between options or making structural adjustments, you might need additional time or even a follow-up meeting.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Pre-Start Appointment
The pre-start meeting is where your vision for your first home becomes reality—so it pays to be prepared and confident. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your appointment:
1. Visit Display Homes for Inspiration
Walking through a display home can help you visualise different finishes, colour schemes, and layouts. It gives you a better sense of how your choices will look in real life.
2. Ask Questions—Big or Small
This is your home, so don’t hold back. Whether you’re unsure about tile durability or the placement of power points, your consultant is there to help.
3. Stick to Your Budget
Upgrades can add up quickly. Focus on what’s most important to you—whether it’s stone benchtops, feature lighting, or extra storage.
4. Think Long-Term
Consider features that might benefit you in the future—such as extra data points, energy-efficient lighting, or space for a growing family.
5. Have a Plan, but Stay Flexible
It’s great to come in with ideas, but also be open to your consultant’s suggestions. They know what works best in similar builds.
What Happens After the Pre-Start Meeting?
Once your pre-start meeting is complete and all your selections have been finalised, things start moving quickly behind the scenes. Your builder will begin ordering materials, updating your construction file, and locking in trades for the build.
You’ll also receive a final summary of your choices, including any variation costs if you’ve selected upgrades or made changes outside the standard inclusions. Once you approve this documentation, the next phase—construction scheduling—begins.
The exact start date can vary depending on your land title, approvals, and builder workload, but your consultant will give you a clear idea of what to expect.
If you’re wondering what comes next or how long it all takes, this guide on how long it really takes to build a new home offers a step-by-step breakdown of the full timeline—from slab down to handover—so you can feel confident about what lies ahead.
Be Confident, Excited and Prepared
The pre-start meeting is one of the most exciting steps in your home-building journey. It’s your opportunity to personalise your space, add your own style, and make decisions that turn your house into a home. While there are lots of choices to make, being prepared—and having the right support—makes all the difference.
At WOW Homes, we specialise in guiding first-time builders through every stage of the process, including pre-start. Our experienced consultants are here to answer questions, offer expert advice, and help you stay on budget while still getting the home you want.
Ready to bring your dream home to life? Get in touch with the team at WOW Homes and let’s start planning together.