Getting started
During the build
Finishing up
HOW WE WORK
Good questions, straight answers
These are the things people ask us most when they're thinking about a build. If yours isn't here, just ask.
GETTING STARTED
Do I need plans before I get in touch?
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No. Plenty of projects start with a chat and a few photos, or a site visit. If you need a designer or architect, we can point you in the right direction.
Fixed price, estimate or cost plus: what's the difference?
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A fixed price is an agreed price with a signed contract stating that we'll complete the scope for no more, or less, than the agreed contract value. This is how 90% of our contracts are structured. It gives you peace of mind and is often required by lenders. Our pricing is honest and fair, and we always recommend fixed price contracts to our clients.
Cost plus is an open-book system where the costs of the project accumulate and are invoiced weekly. Our preliminary and general costs (P&G) and margin percentage are agreed before work starts. It's great if you just want to get the show on the road, but it doesn't give you the same security as a fixed price. We'd usually only offer it when construction drawings haven't been completed yet, or when there are too many unknowns to give a price that's fair for both parties.
An estimate is offered when we don't have enough information to give you a fixed price yet. It's usually given during the early stages, and a fixed price can follow once the stamped drawings for the project are available. Occasionally, a fixed price contract will include a few line items that are estimates only, typically groundworks.
Do you charge for your quotes and estimates?
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Yes. Quoting and estimating is a service, and charging a small fee helps cover the running costs of the business and shows us you're genuinely interested. Our time is as valuable as yours, and a small fee means we can spend our time on what actually matters: creating beautiful spaces for our clients to enjoy.
When can you start?
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Our pipeline varies. We can often fit smaller jobs in quite quickly, but for bigger jobs we need to line up the right people for the project. Sometimes that means waiting, but we promise it's worth the wait.
We got another quote and it's cheaper than yours. Why?
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We work hard to capture your entire vision and detail it in our pricing. The first question we'd ask is: are you comparing apples with apples? Has the other company given you the same level of detail, so you can be confident everything is included? We won't always be the cheapest, and we make no apologies for that. The cheapest price is rarely the best price.
What happens before you start building?
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We sit down together for a pre-construction meeting. That's where we agree the start and finish dates, the key milestones, and the dates you'll need to choose your fixtures, finishes and appliances by, if they haven't already been selected. It's also a good chance for us to understand what's important to you during the build. If there's anything special we need to cater for, we're all ears. You'll then get access to the project schedule and a payment plan, so you know exactly what to expect for the duration of the project.
DURING THE BUILD
How often will I hear from you?
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We meet on site every fortnight to go over progress, selections and timeframes. In between, you've got a direct line to the people running your job.
What happens if something changes, or the builders find a problem?
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It happens, especially in older homes. Your contract sets out how we handle variations and our rates, and no work outside the scope of the contract will be done without your permission.
How does invoicing work?
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We invoice fortnightly for work completed. You'll get an invoice plan at the start, so you know roughly when payments will come up.
Can we stay living at home during a renovation?
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Often, yes. It just takes a bit of planning. We'll go through it with you at the pre-construction meeting, including:
Which rooms will be out of action, and for how long
Dust, noise and our working hours
When the water or power might be off
Keeping pets and kids safely away from the work area
Parking, skip bins and keeping the neighbours on side
FINISHING UP
Who looks after the Code Compliance Certificate?
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We do. We manage the council inspections and the Code Compliance Certificate process for you, and our LBPs provide their records of work. Before we hand over, we do a final clean and walk you through your finished space so you can ask us anything. Keep your Code Compliance Certificate somewhere safe, as you'll need it when you sell.
WHO LOOKS AFTER WHAT
A clear split, so nothing falls through the gaps
We look after
✓ All building work, to the consented plans and the Building Code
✓ Council inspections and the Code Compliance Certificate process
✓ Health and safety on site
✓ Our own insurances
✓ Letting you know early if anything needs to change
We'll need from you
✓ Power and water on site
✓ Access to the site during working hours
✓ Contract works insurance (we'll explain what's needed)
✓ Your selections, by the agreed dates
✓ A reply when we have a question, so the job keeps moving
OUR GUARANTEE
Three things you can count on
Clear communication
You'll never be left wondering where things stand.
Honest budgeting
No surprises on price. Any change is priced and approved by you first.
Quality workmanship
Trusted trades and a quality check at every stage.