New Homes
We build new Class 1 homes, including houses, townhouses and villa units, and Class 10a buildings such as garages, carports and sheds. You get one team managing every stage and real progress photos as your home goes up.
In short
Unitex Building & Construction Group builds new homes across Melbourne’s suburbs: Class 1 houses, townhouses and villa units, and Class 10a buildings such as garages, carports and sheds. We manage the whole build, from site preparation and the slab through frame, lock-up and fit-out to handover, and keep you updated with progress photos at each stage.
Services
A new house on your block, built to your approved plans and the National Construction Code (NCC).
Two or more attached homes on one lot, each separated by fire-resisting walls. A common way to make the most of a larger block.
Units on shared or subdivided land, planned around the site, the planning permit and how the homes will be used.
Class 10a buildings built with a new home or on their own, such as a double garage or a large shed.
The build journey
Nine steps, grouped under the stages your building contract uses. You get a photo update at the end of every stage. Tap a step to see what happens.
Step 1 · Before the build stage
Plans, engineering and your main selections are finalised, so the quote and the timeline are based on the real design.
Step 2 · Before the build stage
A planning permit from the council where one is needed, such as for most multi-unit sites, then a building permit from a building surveyor before any work starts.
Step 3 · Base stage
The site is set up, the block is cleared and levelled, and the home is set out and checked against the plans.
Step 4 · Base stage
Stormwater and sewer pipes go in under the slab, then the pods, reinforcement and edge beams are checked and the slab is poured. Your builder notifies the building surveyor, who (or an inspector acting for them) inspects before the pour.
Step 5 · Frame stage
Wall and roof frames go up, with bracing and tie-downs to the engineering. The frame is checked and inspected before the walls are closed in.
Step 6 · Lock-up stage
The roof, external walls, windows and external doors go on, so the home is weatherproof and can be locked.
Step 7 · Fixing stage
Plumbing, electrical and other services are roughed in and checked before insulation and plasterboard close up the walls.
Step 8 · Fixing stage
Plaster, waterproofing of wet areas, tiling, cabinetry, doors and fittings, then painting.
Step 9 · Completion stage
Final finishes and cleaning, the final inspection for the building surveyor and the occupancy permit, then a walk-through together and the keys.
Building classes
The National Construction Code (NCC) sorts buildings into classes. These are the two we build.
Class 1
Under the National Construction Code, Class 1a covers a single house and attached dwellings like townhouses and villa units, where each home is separated by a fire-resisting wall, and no home sits above or below another. Homes stacked on top of each other are usually Class 2.
Class 10a
Class 10a covers non-habitable buildings such as a private garage, carport or shed. They still need to meet the Code. Most need a building permit, though some small sheds under 10 m² can be exempt; your building surveyor can confirm.
Quotes and payments
Everything is set out in your contract before work starts, so there are no surprises.
A written, itemised scope: what’s included, what isn’t, and any allowances for items you haven’t chosen yet, so you can compare quotes properly.
If you want to change something during the build, the change and its price are agreed in writing before the work is done.
New homes are paid in stages as the work is completed: base, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion. Victorian law limits the deposit (5% for contracts of $20,000 or more) and the stage payments. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains your rights.
Real project
New townhouses built on a cleared suburban block in Lalor, in Melbourne’s north. The photos show the build stage by stage, from site preparation and drainage to the waffle pod slab and pour.
Cost factors
We don’t publish one-size-fits-all prices, because two jobs that sound the same can be very different. These are the things that move a quote up or down.
Soil type, slope, trees, easements and access all affect the slab design and the site works.
Floor area, number of storeys and how complex the design is, such as corners, voids and roof shape.
Kitchen, bathroom and flooring selections can change the price more than any other single decision.
Townhouses and units share some site costs, but add fire separation, extra services and more coordination.
Water, sewer, stormwater and power connections, and how far they are from the house. New homes whose planning permit application was lodged from 1 January 2024 can’t connect to mains gas, and from 1 January 2027 new homes must be built all-electric.
Planning conditions, engineering and energy-rating requirements that shape the design.
Every job is quoted in writing, so you know the scope and price before work starts.
Questions
Can’t see your question? Get in touch and we’ll answer it directly.
Under the National Construction Code, a Class 1a building is a single house, or attached homes such as townhouses or villa units, where each home is separated by a fire-resisting wall. It’s the classification for most new homes we build. See our projects for examples.
A Class 10a building is a non-habitable building such as a private garage, carport or shed. It still has to meet the building code. Most need a building permit, though some small garden sheds under 10 m² can be exempt. We build them with a new home or as a separate job.
Yes. We build townhouses and villa units as well as single homes. Side-by-side homes are Class 1a under the building code; homes stacked one above another are Class 2. Multi-dwelling projects usually need a planning permit from your council before the building permit. Our permits guide explains the difference.
It depends on the size of the home, the site, the weather and how quickly selections are made. After we’ve reviewed your plans we give you a realistic timeline for each stage: base, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion.
Every new home needs a building permit. Whether you also need a planning permit depends on your zone and any overlays. Building more than one home on a lot usually needs one. A building permit can’t be issued until any required planning permit is in place.
General information for Victorian homeowners, checked October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with your building surveyor, council or the Building and Plumbing Commission.
Tell us about your block, your home or your plans. We’ll talk it through and explain the next steps, with no obligation.
