The more you’re prepared for your upcoming build or renovation, the better we can respond – ensuring a happier end result.
Grab our free design template!
Choosing your own materials, finishes and fittings? Then you’ll need someplace logical to organise everything. Our free schedule of design finishes and fittings will help.
Pre-build considerations
All building projects are a juggle of moving parts. That’s true whether you’re building with a CDC (complying development), DA (development approval), or approval-free, for example on small improvements such as pergolas, decks, kitchens and bathrooms. Below are some critical points to consider:
1 Budget
Know what you can spend and stick to it. If we think the budget won’t cover what you had in mind, we can propose alternatives or a staged build.
2 Design
The more design decisions you make up front, the more certain you’ll be of the final construction costs. Once the design is approved and certifications are complete, further changes may incur a builder’s variance fee, along with extra Council fees and associated delays.
3 Certifications
From engineering assessments to storm water surveys and hazardous materials reports, your project will need several external reports produced by other specialists. All have their own fee structures and terms. We will guide you accordingly and help you choose the best providers.
4 Neighbours
Some homeowners wait to submit their DA before learning that their neighbours oppose their proposed entertaining area, pool or extension. Talk to them early, to identify potential roadblocks that could later lead to costly re-submissions of plans.
5 Approvals
Factor in plenty of time to gain council approvals, especially in areas with multiple zoning, heritage and other characteristics. If Council says they need six weeks to approve, assume it’ll take them 12.
6 Finance
Depending on your class of building works, and whether you’ve already started demolition, you can choose from a number of different financing options – from a loan top-up to a construction loan or full refinance. We can refer you to a network of competent, trustworthy finance brokers if you’re still exploring options.
7 Emotion
Finally, don’t get more involved in your project than you need to. With a forever home, you may spend extra time (and budget) selecting windows, flooring, finishes and other features. But if it’s an investment, don’t over-capitalise – stick with what the market wants. We can help you manage these decisions.
What will my new build cost, and other questions
Costings and timeframe – these are the first questions our customers ask. And rightly so. Take our 1-minute quiz to learn about the factors that impact timelines and budgets.
FAQs
How long will my new build take?
If you didn’t take our quiz yet, the simple response is that there isn’t a simple response. No two jobs are the same and building is full of complexities. We’ll notice some important factors when we inspect your site, but sometimes we encounter others only after we’ve lifted off the site’s layers. However, we’ll always discuss any potential red flags early so you have a better idea of what to expect.
How much will it cost?
Just like the timeline, this varies enormously. The average cost in NSW of a ground-floor addition is $1,300 per square metre, but that figure can be higher if premium finishes and materials are used. For a first-floor addition, expect to pay more like $3,900 per square metre. Other factors impacting the cost include the type of construction (timber frame, brick veneer or double-skin brick), amount of custom features, and constraints of the site (such as access, sloping and drainage).
Also important is whether you intend to live in the home during the project. It might seem like a good idea, and for some it is the only option financially, but for a builder it adds a whole new layer of complexity. Extra time (and cost) will go into ensuring your home remains livable throughout.
Can you take care of smaller projects, like just a new kitchen or bathroom?
Absolutely. We’ll even make sure those works sit nicely within the overall context of your site. For example, will that new kitchen, bathroom or entertaining area need to integrate with the rest of the property? Will it need changes to the orientation, windows, shading or other elements? Ask us, and we’ll be honest in our recommendations.
Is it true that I have to book my builder a year in advance?
Rarely! However, as builders run their projects back-to-back, you’ll need to allow at least three or six months’ lead time to book in your builder before starting. On occasion, other jobs get delayed – so speak with your builder in case there is an opening sooner.
We don’t have architectural plans yet; is it too early to talk?
We encourage early-stage talks and can inspect your site before you’ve had plans drawn up. Often, we notice practical points that architects don’t deal with – and which greatly influence the final outcome. Once you’re ready, we can introduce you to architects who can bring those points to life.
I’m an architect or tradesperson; what’s the best way to collaborate?
Definitely. As our business grows and we take on more diverse projects, we welcome the chance to speak with architects, interior designers, landscape architects and tradespeople with all areas of expertise. Talk to us to find out how we can support you, and vice versa.
Download our pre-build checklist.
If you’d like to get started fast on the quoting process, download and fill out our pre-build checklist. This will help us understand where you are in the process, and what you need to do next.