Imagine you’ve secured the perfect block of land and are finally ready to lock in your designs for your dream home — only to find out there’s a sewer pipe running right across the property.
Your builder’s response? “Yeah, you’ll have to make the house smaller now.”
This happens more than you’d think. In fact, about one in ten builds run into this exact problem.
What’s more, only about 5% of builders are willing to go the extra mile to relocate a sewer pipe. Most simply don’t want the hassle — so they’ll just tell you to downsize instead, leaving you to work with maybe 70% of your lot’s potential instead of getting the full space you’re paying for.
That’s Where a Quality Builder Makes All the Difference
They don’t see a single sewer pipe as a reason to abandon your design. Instead, they tackle these kinds of challenges head-on. Here’s how:
Detailed site analysis. Good builders don’t wait until the last minute to check for utilities. Once your lot is titled, they’ll request all the relevant information — like sewer maps and discharge points — before moving ahead with your final design. For example, if a sewer line sits three or four metres in from the fence, they’ll calculate how close they can bring the house while still following council rules.
Handling the relocation. Moving a sewer pipe isn’t a walk in the park. With all the back-and-forth, it usually takes about two to three weeks. But quality builders know how to get it done efficiently. They’ll tackle council approvals, line up licensed plumbers, and handle the entire process for you. They’ll also ensure a one-metre buffer is maintained throughout, so you don’t risk hitting the pipe if you do any excavation work in the future.
Straight talk on options and costs. Nobody likes surprises, especially when it comes to money. Good builders don’t keep you in the dark. If moving the sewer pipe is on the cards, they’ll walk you through the entire process, including what it’ll cost (the plumbing fee is usually about $1,200) so you know exactly what’s involved. Also, if the work could impact your timeline and move-in date, they’ll let you know upfront.
By Going the Extra Mile to Tackle the Sewer Pipe Issue
… quality builders give you much more than a layout workaround.
Benefit #1: Maximised living space. Builders who deal with sewer pipes head-on can open up your lot’s full footprint for building. For example, by shifting the sewer line one metre closer to the boundary, you could reclaim up to 30 square metres that would’ve been off-limits otherwise.
Benefit #2: Layout flexibility to match your vision. When a builder has the skill to manage a sewer line relocation, you don’t have to compromise on design. Rather than awkwardly squeezing rooms into the available space, you have the freedom to plan a cohesive layout with open-plan living, larger rooms, or dedicated spaces like a home gym or office.
Benefit #3: Cost-effective in the long run: Spending around $1,200 to relocate the sewer pipe is a small price to pay compared to the total cost of a home — and it lets you optimise the layout from the start. Without this, you might end up needing to remodel or expand later to get the space you need — albeit in a less-than-ideal way, leading to a cramped layout and even higher costs.
Benefit #4: A streamlined construction process: The right builder does more than just organise the technicalities; they make the entire process stress-free. You won’t have to worry about managing council requirements, finding plumbers, or timing everything right. They’ll take care of it all, ensuring everything’s done smoothly and without delay. That way, you can focus on the fun stuff, like choosing furniture.
The Bottom Line: A Quality Home Isn’t Built on Shortcuts
If a builder isn’t willing to take that extra step to relocate a sewer pipe, it’s a red flag, usually meaning they’re looking for shortcuts, not solutions. A quality builder, on the other hand, makes sure you’re getting the most out of every square metre — focusing on building a home that truly works for you.