Welcome to the Living Smart Program | Welcome to the Living Smart Program

Getting started

Before anyone picks up a tool, set yourself up for a smooth build. This stage is about clarity – what you’re building, how much it should cost, and what constraints apply to your site.

What you must have in place

A clear scope and rough budget range that reflects the look, size and performance you want from your home.
Early checks on planning and overlays that may affect design, materials or siting.
A simple decision log to record choices and keep track of changes.

Your role vs your contractor’s

At this point, you’re the decision‑maker. Designers, builders and certifiers can advise, but you set the brief, priorities and cost envelope. The earlier you define must‑haves and nice‑to‑haves, the easier it is for professionals to give accurate advice and pricing.

Key checks to schedule

Book a pre‑design chat with your designer or builder to review site constraints, energy‑smart ideas, materials availability and likely timelines. If you have a sloping or bush‑adjacent lot, ask about geotechnical input and bushfire performance requirements.

Keep it on track

Start a file system for all drawings, emails and decisions.
Use a simple cost tracker to tally allowances and early quotes.
Lock in lead‑time items early – windows, fixtures, custom joinery.

Sunshine Coast

Planning overlays such as bushfire, coastal hazard, flood or biodiversity can influence layout, setbacks and material choices. Understanding them early saves redesigns later.
Prioritise climate‑smart design – shade, breezes and durable coastal‑grade finishes reduce running costs and maintenance over time.

Red flags & where to get help

If a designer or contractor dismisses approvals, overlays or certification as “box‑ticking”, slow down and get a second opinion. It’s cheaper to fix plans than built work.