Building in WA while living on the East Coast

Lots of Hidden Valley buyers plan to build while they’re still living on the East Coast. It’s very doable. Thousands of Australians build homes they can’t visit every week. It just takes good planning, the right builder and clear communication. Here’s how to approach it.

Start with your timeline

There’s no time limit to build at Hidden Valley, so you can choose when to start. Settlement is expected in mid-2027. Common approaches:

• Design now, build soon after settlement: use the waiting period to finalise plans and approvals.
• Build in a few years: hold the land and build closer to a planned move or retirement.
• Stage it: build a shed first and the home later. Read the shed-first strategy.

Choose the right type of builder

Local Dongara builders

Local builders know the area, the conditions, the trades and the Shire. They’re on site regularly and can handle issues as they come up. See the local builders on our Builders page.

Modular builders

Modular homes are built largely in a factory, then transported and assembled on site. Advantages for remote owners include:

• Construction in a controlled environment, away from the weather
• Site works happening at the same time as construction
• Fewer stages that need on-site decisions

Read modular homes on acreage.

Builders from elsewhere in WA

Some Perth or Geraldton builders work in the Mid West. Ask about their experience in the area and how they manage regional projects.

Questions to ask any builder

• Are you registered to build in WA?
• Have you built in the Dongara area?
• How do you report progress to owners who live interstate?
• Will I have a single point of contact?
• How often will you send photos or videos?
• What decisions will I need to make, and when?
• How are variations handled?
• How are progress payments structured?
• What warranties and insurance do you provide?

Read 12 questions to ask a builder.

Getting the design right before you start

When you can’t pop out to site, it pays to make decisions early.

• Finalise the floor plan, elevations and site plan before construction.
• Choose finishes, fixtures and colours in advance where possible.
• Understand your BAL rating and its effect on materials. Read BAL ratings explained.
• Confirm where services connect and where the driveway goes.
• Use the contour survey plan to place the house well.

The fewer decisions left for during construction, the smoother a remote build is.

Approvals

Every home and shed needs building approval from the Shire of Irwin. Most builders lodge the application for you, including the bushfire assessment. Read getting building approval from the Shire of Irwin.

Staying in touch during the build

Agree on a communication plan

Ask your builder for regular updates: weekly photos, a short video at each stage and a monthly call. Agree on this in writing.

Use video calls

A walk-through on a video call lets you see progress and ask questions in real time.

Plan key visits

Most owners try to visit at a few key points:

1. Before construction, to confirm the house position on site
2. At frame stage, to check layout and room sizes
3. At lock-up or fit-out, to check finishes
4. At handover, for the final inspection

Consider an independent inspector

Some owners engage an independent building inspector to check work at key stages on their behalf.

Managing money from a distance

• Understand the payment schedule before you sign.
• Only pay progress claims when the stage is complete.
• Keep records of every invoice and payment.
• If you’re using a construction loan, your lender may inspect before releasing funds.

Thinking about time zones

WA is 2 hours behind the East Coast in winter and 3 hours behind in summer, except Queensland, which is always 2 hours ahead. Your builder’s day starts early, so mid-morning East Coast time is often a good time to call. Read doing business with WA from the East Coast.

Setting up utilities and services

Your builder will typically coordinate connections from the services at the boundary to the home: power, water and NBN. Confirm who’s responsible for what in your building contract.

Moving in

When the home is complete, plan the move: interstate removalists, transferring car registration and licence, and setting up local services. Read moving to WA from interstate.

Common pitfalls in remote builds

Learning from others’ experiences can save you time and money.

• Unclear communication: agree on how and when updates happen before construction starts.
• Late decisions: delays often come from waiting on owners’ choices. Decide early.
• Vague contracts: make sure inclusions, exclusions and allowances are clear.
• Paying ahead of progress: only pay for completed stages.
• No independent eyes: consider an independent inspector if you can’t visit.
• Unrealistic timelines: regional builds can take longer due to trades, materials and weather.

Building a relationship with your builder

A remote build relies on trust. Spend time getting to know your builder before signing. Visit their previous projects if you can, talk to past clients and make sure communication feels easy. If it’s hard to get answers before you sign, it’s unlikely to get easier during construction.

Using local knowledge

Local builders, suppliers and trades know things about building in Dongara that outsiders don’t: the coastal conditions, the soil, which materials perform best and how the Shire’s processes work. Tap into that knowledge, even if you choose a builder from elsewhere.

Planning for handover

Before handover, plan a visit to do a final inspection with your builder. Make a list of any defects to be fixed, understand your warranties and get copies of all certificates and manuals.

After the build

If you’re not moving in straight away, think about:

• Security for an empty home
• Insurance during and after construction
• Garden and land maintenance
• Someone local who can check on the property

A remote build timeline

1. Before settlement: choose a builder, design the home, prepare approvals.
2. Around settlement: lodge or finalise building approval.
3. Construction: regular updates, key-stage visits.
4. Handover: final inspection and keys.
5. Move in or hold until you’re ready.

A remote build checklist

• Builder chosen and registered in WA
• Communication plan agreed in writing
• Design finalised before construction
• Finishes chosen early
• BAL assessment complete
• Shire approval received
• Payment schedule understood
• Key-stage visits planned
• Independent inspector considered
• Local contact arranged for after handover

Common questions

Do I need to be in WA to build?

No, but plan a few visits at key stages.

Who handles the building approval?

Usually your builder, through the Shire of Irwin.

Is a modular home easier to manage remotely?

Many remote owners find it simpler, as much of the work happens off-site. Compare options with builders.

How do I check the quality of work?

Agree on regular updates, visit at key stages and consider an independent inspector.

When should I start talking to builders?

Well before settlement if you want to build soon after it.

Can my builder handle service connections?

Usually. Confirm responsibilities in your building contract.

Can I build a shed first?

Yes. There’s no time limit to build and no covenants. Plans need Shire approval.

How are payments made during a build?

Through progress payments at agreed stages. Understand the schedule before signing.

Can I use a builder from Perth?

Yes, if they’re registered in WA and willing to work in the Mid West.

What’s the most important thing for a remote build?

Clear communication and making decisions early.

Can someone local check on my home after it’s built?

Many owners arrange a local contact or property service. Ask locally when you visit.

Do regional builds take longer?

They can, depending on trades, materials and weather. Ask builders for realistic timeframes.

What should I agree with my builder before starting?

A communication plan, payment schedule, inclusions and key inspection points.