FAQs

The cost of building a unique and custom home depends on a variety of factors, including the choice of finishes, materials, site access, and the technical complexity of the project. Each project is unique, so we provide individual quotes tailored to your specific requirements. Our detailed quote will cover all these elements, and we’re happy to discuss options that could benefit your project and budget.

To ensure we provide the most accurate quote, please offer as much detail as possible from the start. If you’re working with an architect or draftsperson, they will typically provide a ‘tender’ package with working drawings, engineering details, and specifications. If you choose to use our design team, we’ll prepare these documents for you.

We have found that sometimes the preconceived ideas and plans don’t quite meet the reality of the budget, and occasionally there might be construction issues that do not get thoroughly identified until later into the quoting or construction process leading to financial and time expenditure.

Therefore by involving your Builder from the very beginning and throughout the design process we have found that many of these issues can be easily resolved, discussed and planned for in the initial stages, leading to a smoother and shorter build process in the long run and a design specifically tailored to your budget requirements.

If you’re starting the process of a home build or renovation, you’ll be coming across some new terms you might not be familiar with, two of these being ‘Complying Developments’ and ‘Developmental Applications’. A DA (Developmental Application) involves submitting plans to council to gain approval for your project. After your DA is approved, you will need to obtain a construction certificate before work begins. Alternatively, complying development offers a shorter way of gaining approval for your project. This is done through a private certifier or council certifier and usually takes around 3-4 weeks. This process combines both the DA and the CC from council. To be eligible to gain approvals through a CDC, certain criteria is needed to be met, such as distance from the boundaries.

In most cases, you can live in your home while it’s being extended or renovated. Of course, this will depend on the scope and extent of your project and if it is safe and feasible, especially for very large renovations and extensions. We always aim to limit the disruption as much as possible and have weekly meeting to discuss your project, so you’ll always be kept in the loop and know what is happening. All of our employees and contractors have been with us for a long time, and we ensure that the utmost respect and care of your home is maintained throughout the construction process. Of course, there will always be some disruption to your lifestyle while renovating, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Plans are the first and most important step when beginning the renovation and extension process. Having good plans allows builder to quote accurately and you will be able to envisage what you have planned, as the scope of work is accounted for clearly. Detailed plans can also save money later and avoid expenses and costly changes during the build process.

If you want a personal design and unique home to express your style, we always recommend having customs plans drawn. Plus, after making the commitment to a renovation both mentally and financially, you don’t want to end up feeling as if your project hasn’t given you the home you dreamt of. Custom plans are the perfect way to ensure your lifestyle needs and personal taste are met, making sure the result will be exactly as you had in mind.

For a home renovation or extension, the builder will need plans to quote from. Without plans and detailed scope explaining exactly what you want to get done, you won’t be able to obtain an accurate quote from your project.

Of course! If you already have plans, we can meet with you to discuss the specifications and give you a detailed proposal for your project.

Everyone’s project is different, and this will greatly vary depending on the size and the design of the project. Most second story extensions will take from 16-24 weeks, while more extensive renovations and extensions can take up to 40 weeks. When you have plans drawn, we will be able to give you a more accurate idea of the time frames.

Every project varies greatly with cost depending on your plans and your design. It is extremely important to have a ballpark figure in mind when you begin the process and ensure that your designer is aware of this. In doing so, the home design can be created with your vision in mind and a specific budget to work with. Just remember, that any extension will not only add value to your home but will also improve your lifestyle and overall quality of life.

Of course! You can make changes during the construction project. Ideally it is best to make changes as early in the project as possible, to make adjustments easier to implement and less costly.

Home building compensation fund insurance is required to be obtained by the builder for any project over $20,000. It is a safety net for homeowners in the event of a builder’s or contractor’s insolvency, death, disappearance of licence suspension. It will assist homeowners with incomplete or defective residential building work where the build or contract is no longer able to meet their contractual obligations.

We offer a comprehensive service from plans, to council approvals, engineering right through to the completion of your project. If there is a particular home improvement service you’re after, that you aren’t sure about, just contact our team below and we will be in touch.

1. Compliance with Building Codes: The project must adhere to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards, ensuring safety, structural integrity, and accessibility throughout the building


2. Fire Safety Regulations: It’s critical to implement appropriate fire safety measures, such as fire-rated walls, emergency exits, and sprinkler systems, which are particularly important in multi-residential environments.


3. Acoustic Insulation: To enhance comfort for residents, builders should incorporate soundproofing materials and construction methods to reduce sound transmission between units.


4. Shared Amenities: Special consideration should be given to the design and maintenance of shared facilities, such as stairwells, lifts, and communal areas, ensuring they are safe, functional, and meet residents’ needs.


5. Site Management: Construction should be managed to minimise disruption, with careful attention to noise, dust, and access control, especially in occupied multi-residential settings.


6. Environmental Considerations: Builders should employ sustainable practices, including effective waste management and energy-efficient designs, to meet modern environmental standards and expectations.