Frequently Asked Questions
What services to do you offer?
We offer advice and assistance from planning stages right through to construction and occupancy. For more information, please see our Services page.
What are the initial steps I need to undertake if I am interested in getting something constructed?
Firstly, prioritise the reasons you would like construction done. Once you have an idea of what you would like to do (renovation, extension or new build), have a think about what your budget would be.
What steps are involved in the building process?
This depends on the type of project that you will be undertaking. Once we determine the scope of your project, we can give you a better indication of the exact stages that we will go through. In the meantime, take a look below at “The Building Process” for a general outline of the building process.
How many different stages of construction are there?
This depends on the type of construction you will be undertaking. Typically, a new build has the following five stages; Base, Frame, Lock-up, Fixing and Completion. Once the project is finalised, we can go through these stages one by one with you so you have a clear idea of what will take place.
Do I need permission from my neighbours to build?
If your project requires a planning permit from council, the council may review any objections from surrounding neighbours. In most cases you do not need permission from your neighbours. However, we would recommend keeping their privacy in mind when designing your home and talking with them about any potential concerns.
How long does it take to build?
This would depend on the size and scope of your project. For basic renovations, allow at least 3-6 months and for basic standard size new homes, allow at least 6-12 months. Some projects will require permits so you will need to factor in a few months to organise this into your timeline before the actual construction can begin.
What type of warranty is available?
When the cost of the building work under the contract is more than $16,000, builders must provide Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) also known as Home Owners Warranty or Builders Warranty. DBI provides cover to homeowners for incomplete or defective building works, and covers both non-structural and structural defects. For more information please visit the Victorian’s Building Authority website.
What type of permits and building approvals are required from the council?
This is dependant on the scope of building works. In general, if you are only renovating inside or restoring the outside, then you do not require a permit, however if you are adding on extra rooms or another storey, likely you will require a permit. Please enquire with your local council for more information.
If I decide to go ahead with my project, how long will it take before you can start construction?
We understand that most home owners are keen and excited to get started straight away. We often have several projects running at any given time, and often at different building stages, so we will do our best to schedule and start your project as soon as we can, which on average may take 1-6 months.
Who will be working on my project?
We are onsite Builders, so we are very hands on and in fact, we handle all the carpentry work in house. We work with specialised contractors to ensure all aspects of the building work meet industry standards and completed to a high quality level. We have long term working relationships with most of these contractors, all of whom are very well respected, trusted, and a pleasure to work with.
The Building Process
The building process can differ depending on the type of project that you will be undertaking. Once we determine the scope of your project, we can give you a better indication of the exact stages that we will go through, but in general our building process is:
- Project Brief & Budget
- Concept & Design
- Estimate & Quote
- Contract & Permits
- Build & Construct
- Enjoy & Relax