Stick to a proven and already used house design, it will save around 25percent compared to a oneoff design you get drawn up.  

Yeah, but none of them include a 'Kick-ass games room' as standard  

Pete, read up on Homeone.com.au
I would suss out if the big franchise builders can service your area first  - can't imagine a subbie wanting to drive too Ballarat and head back too Melbourne each day.

I speak with a lot of tradies at work, I am amazed at how many live in Ballarat and comute to Melbourne for a job, and vice-vera

Stick with a local builder and like the guys said above - check out their work.

Yep, some of the companies mentioned do not build in Ballarat
I went to a display villiage near Deer Park a few months ago, most of the complaies there I had not heard of


Thanks all, you have given me good advice