Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the size of the project and household factors such as the number of people and their individual needs. Generally speaking, clients can remain in the home during the work for most smaller projects. 

Renovation work can be staged to allow clients to remain in the home (eg stage 1 kitchen and bathroom followed by stage 2, ensuite and laundry).

Larger projects will be assessed on an individual basis. Factors that are taken into  consideration are;  

• How much of the house is involved in the project. 

• How many people/pets reside in the home. 

• Individual needs of the household (eg age, students studying for exams, shift workers, general health (eg asthma, allergies)

• Will there be a working bathroom through the works? 

• Will there be any safety issues. 

Extensions are generally low impact on the clients. Usually the majority of work can be completed prior to joining the spaces. 

Typically a bathroom can be completed in 4 weeks. Usually this is easier to do when you are away on holidays. Some clients manage with access to showers at gyms or workplaces, in other cases we have supplied portable showers and toilets.  

We use generic HIA contracts, we have positive feedback from clients that these are transparent and easy to understand. The contract makes it easy to prepare and plan the project.

The contract documentation clearly describes;

• The scope of the project

• Inclusions and exclusions

• Time frames

• Variations

• Costs

• Payment schedules

Time frames differ depending on the scope of works associated with the project, and lead times of the desired materials, however as a guide;

• Bathroom, or Kitchen renovation 4-7 weeks. 

• Medium renovation or extension 12-24 weeks.

• Full house renovation or large extension 24+ weeks.

Any building work with a cost of $10k or more in Victoria requires a builder’s registration. This ensures that the work is guaranteed, and insured. This provides protection if something goes wrong and avoids any issues if you choose to sell the house in the future.

To get an accurate quote you will need detailed plans and a description of the scope of works. 

To be able to easily compare quotes you would list specifications for materials,  flooring finishes, wardrobe styles, lighting, tiles etc...  

Often, quoting is done before the clients have settled on these decisions, and builders will make assumptions, or allowances for many of these details. Different builders will have their own set of inclusions and exclusions.

Sometimes quotes can be misleading, with allowances for entry level products, or ambiguity around inclusions / exclusions. It is important to be clear on what is included in the quote, as any confusion at this point can lead to disappointment with the outcome, or unexpected costs incurred with many variations.  

Our quotes detail the allowances provided for, and the assumptions made. We list inclusions and exclusions, to provide as much information as possible for your consideration. After the clients have had time to digest the quote, we make ourselves available to provide further information and answer any questions that might arise. Our experience shows this investment early in the client relationship results in less variations and a better outcome for all. 

Building or renovating, is a significant investment in time and money. The builder should be someone you can work with. Some things to consider are; 

• Is the person you are dealing with in the early stages, going to be with you for the duration of the project? 

• Do you feel comfortable asking questions? 

• Are you clear on inclusions and exclusions of the contract?

• Have you spoken to their previous clients, or seen references? 

• Do they have experience in projects similar to what you have in mind? 

Be open with your builder. Often we can suggest alternative options that satisfy the brief and provide excellent value. Over the years we have helped clients reduce costs to stay within budget, but for other clients, the motivation has been to provide for a greater scope of works. 

Power usage- Before you select your appliances, seek some advice regarding the capabilities of your main switchboard. Heating, cooling and cooking appliances vary considerably in terms of power consumption. Upgrades to mains can be costly and may be avoided by careful selection of appliances. 

If you’re thinking of adding more space,  a large extension to 1 side of the existing house is much more cost effective than smaller extensions to 2 or 3 sides. 

If renovating your Kitchen / Bathroom / Laundry you can save money by keeping your plumbing in the same location. 

Be flexible with timing- planning a 2 stage renovation / extension may prolong the project, but may allow you to remain in your home. This avoids additional cost associated with relocating during the work. 

Variations to the contract can incur additional costs, ensure your builder provides a comprehensive document that clearly details what is included. Do your research early and be clear with your choices to avoid costs associated with variations.

This can differ depending on the detail of the project. Small internal projects may only require clear detail of the scope of works and a contract. 

Larger projects require;

• Plans 

• Ground test  

• Engineering

• Warranty insurance 

• Building permit 

• Copy of title

• Contract 

And depending on the specifics of the zoning or title requirements, may also require;

• Energy rating 

• BAL assessment 

• Planning approval

In some cases other documentation may be required. 

The engineer designs the structural elements of the build. This may include designing the concrete slab or footing system, bracing, steel or timber beams, connections of the beams. For other components we can use AS1684.  

BAL stand for Bushfire Attack Level. Properties in a rural setting or on the edge of town require a BAL rating. There are 5 categories depending on the fire intensity risk. Once we have the assessed rating we can recommend suitable and compliant materials for the project. The BAL rating affect external elements such as cladding, windows, decking and roofing materials. 

An energy rating is a measure of energy efficiency for the building design.  Aspects such as roofing systems, window orientation, cladding material, external colors and local climate are taken into account. The energy rating is calculated by an Energy Assessor. This assessment sets out the requirements for insulation and glazing. 

Warranty insurance, also known as Domestic Building Insurance, is a VIC Government insurance. These insure the client in the case of an incomplete project, or defective work. It can only be accessed if your builder has died, declared bankruptcy, or disappeared.  This insurance is compulsory for any building work in Victoria over the value of $16,000 

Any project with structural changes requires a building permit. An internal renovation without structural changes does not require a building permit. If you are looking to alter structural walls or change window sizes your project will require a permit.

An engineer conducts a ground test by boring a small hole into the ground. This measures the type of soil, its reactivity to moisture, and its ability to withstand pressure.  This information is used to determine the depth and structural requirements of the footing system. Based on the site classification / soil report, the engineer may determine deeper footing, heavier reinforcing steel mesh or other measures may be required. 

A knockdown rebuild is often a preferred option when the client loves the area they live in and is looking to extensively renovate their existing home.

Considerations include:
* Conditions of the existing home:  
       - The footings may be insufficient to add a second storey.
       - The existing foundations are generally shallower than a new build this can require frequent maintenance with seasonal movement.
* Cost: A knockdown rebuild can be cheaper than renovating an existing home, especially if the renovations needed are extensive. 
* Location: Knockdown rebuilds are a good option when the clients love the location they've built their lives around, but are looking for a significantly modified dwelling. It is also a good option if clients are looking to reside in sought-after areas with little vacant land, such as those near the beach or bay.